Phoenix regulates political signs under Section 705 of the Zoning Ordinance, treating them as temporary signs. Arizona state law (A.R.S. §16-1019) preempts most local political-sign rules during a defined campaign window. Residential properties may display non-illuminated political signs up to 32 square feet aggregate. Signs in the public right-of-way are restricted but allowed in certain medians under state law.
Phoenix Zoning Ordinance §705 (Signs) governs signage in the city, but Arizona Revised Statutes §16-1019 preempts most local political-sign regulation during a defined campaign window. Under state law, political signs supporting candidates or ballot measures may be placed in the public right-of-way (excluding sidewalks, medians where they obstruct sight distance, and locations creating safety hazards) from 71 days before a primary election through 15 days after the general election. Each sign must identify the candidate or committee responsible.
Outside the state-law window, signs are subject to Phoenix's content-neutral temporary sign rules updated after Reed v Town of Gilbert (2015). Residential properties may display non-illuminated temporary signs up to 32 square feet aggregate without a permit. Signs may not be illuminated, animated, or include audio. The City Manager and Streets Transportation handle right-of-way enforcement; the Planning and Development Department handles private-property signs.
Violations are civil infractions with fines of $50 to $250 per sign, plus removal costs. Under A.R.S. §16-1019, the city must provide 24 hours' notice before removing political signs that comply with state law from the right-of-way during the campaign window.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle political signs.
See how Phoenix's political signs rules stack up against other locations.
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