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Tucson, AZ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Law
ARS 16-1019: political sign protections
Display Period
60 days before to 15 days after election
Permit Required
No: exempt on private property
Right-of-Way
Prohibited in public ROW
HOA Protection
ARS 33-1808 within 71 days of election

Summary

Arizona state law (ARS 16-1019) broadly protects the display of political signs on private property and preempts local restrictions. Tucson cannot prohibit political signs on residential property. Signs may be displayed up to 60 days before an election and must be removed within 15 days after the election. Political signs on private property do not require permits.

16-1019. Political signs; printed materials; tampering; violation; classification; definitions. A. It is a class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue or knowingly remove, alter or deface any political mailers, handouts, flyers or other printed materials of a candidate or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue that are delivered by hand to a residence for the period commencing seventy-one days before an election and ending fifteen days after the election, except that for a sign for a candidate in a primary election who advances to the general election, the period ends fifteen days after the general election. [...] 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.

Source: ARS 16-1019 — Political SignsView official code

Full Breakdown

Under state law, cities cannot prohibit political signs on private property in residential zones. Temporary political signs must comply with general sign size limits in the UDC but are otherwise broadly protected. Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal. HOAs may not prohibit political signs within 71 days of an election under ARS 33-1808.

Violations & Fines

Signs placed in the public right-of-way can be removed by the city without notice. Failure to remove signs within 15 days after an election may result in fines charged to the campaign or property owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put political signs in my Tucson yard?
Yes. Arizona law broadly protects political signs on private residential property. No permit is required. Signs may be displayed starting 60 days before an election and must be removed within 15 days after.
Can my HOA restrict political signs?
HOAs cannot prohibit political signs within 71 days of an election under ARS 33-1808. Outside that window, HOAs may have some authority to regulate signs per their CC&Rs, but enforcement is limited.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tucson

All Tucson rules

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