Maricopa, AZ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Political signs get the lightest touch of any sign category in Maricopa's code. Section 18.115.120(E) is two sentences: '1. Political signs are permitted in all districts. 2. All other requirements shall adhere to A.R.S. § 16-1019, as may be amended from time to time.' That means the city doesn't set its own size, quantity, setback or timing rules for campaign signs in its zoning code; those specifics come from state election law, which the local code cross-references rather than restates. Because political signs sit on the exempt-sign list at § 18.115.040(A), no zoning permit is required for them in the first place: 'Permits Not Required.

Permits are not required for the following signs; provided, that such signs are subject to all other provisions of this chapter... 3. Political signs.' They remain subject to the code's general standards, though, including the maintenance requirement at § 18.115.070(C) that 'all signs and sign structures, conforming and nonconforming, shall be maintained in good order, repair, and appearance at all times so as not to constitute a danger or hazard to the public safety,' and the visibility rule at § 18.115.070(D) barring placement within a sight visibility triangle.

An illegal or hazardously placed political sign can still be ordered removed by the zoning administrator under § 18.115.190(A)(1), which reaches 'legal signs placed in prohibited locations' as well as illegal ones.