Pima County, AZ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ARS 16-1019
- Max Size (Residential)
- 32 sq ft per sign
- Display Period
- 71 days before primary
- Removal Deadline
- 15 days after election
- Permit Required
- No
Summary
Arizona law (ARS 16-1019) broadly protects political sign display. Pima County allows political signs in residential areas without permits during election seasons. Signs must be removed within 15 days after the election. Maximum size in residential zones is 32 square feet per state statute.
C. Notwithstanding any other statute, ordinance or regulation, a city, town or county of this state shall not remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign if the following conditions are met:
1. The sign is placed in a public right-of-way that is owned or controlled by that jurisdiction.
2. The sign supports or opposes a candidate for public office or it supports or opposes a ballot measure, question or issue.
3. The sign is not placed in a location that is hazardous to public safety, obstructs clear vision in the area or interferes with the requirements of the Americans with disabilities act (42 United States Code sections 12101 through 12213 and 47 United States Code sections 225 and 611).
4. The sign has a maximum area of sixteen square feet, if the sign is located in an area zoned for residential use, or a maximum area of thirty-two square feet if the sign is located in any other area.
5. The sign contains the name and telephone number or website address of the candidate or campaign committee contact person.
D. If the city, town or county deems that the placement of a political sign constitutes an emergency, the jurisdiction may immediately relocate the sign. The jurisdiction shall notify the candidate or campaign committee that placed the sign within twenty-four hours after the relocation.
Full Breakdown
ARS 16-1019 preempts local regulation of political signs and establishes a statewide framework. Political signs may be placed on private property with the owners consent beginning 71 days before a primary election and must be removed within 15 days after the general election (or the primary if the candidate did not advance). In residential areas, signs are limited to a total of 32 square feet per sign. In non-residential areas, political signs may be up to 32 square feet each. Signs may not be placed in public rights-of-way, on utility poles, or in locations that obstruct traffic visibility. Pima County enforces sign removal deadlines in unincorporated areas through code enforcement. The county does not require permits for political signs that comply with ARS 16-1019. Signs promoting ballot measures follow the same rules as candidate signs. Property owners are responsible for removing signs after elections regardless of who placed them.
Violations & Fines
Failure to remove political signs within 15 days after the election may result in code enforcement notices and fines. Signs placed in public rights-of-way may be removed by the county without notice. Tampering with or removing another persons political sign is a Class 2 misdemeanor under ARS 16-1019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a political sign in Pima County?
How big can a political sign be in a residential area in Pima County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona sign regulations overview
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