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Don't get fined. Don't post signs!
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You've seen the signs ...
Signs mounted on a utility pole announcing weight loss services
or legal aid ... signs on sidewalks advertising easy credit card memberships ... signs on
the shoulder of the road or bike paths announcing a new business around the corner ... signs advertising a garage sale ... signs giving directions to an apartment complex or new housing development.
All these signs are illegal.
The city's ordinance governing signs in right-of-way areas includes severe penalties for
anyone violating the ordinance.
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Why does Phoenix have an ordinance prohibiting signs in rights-of-way?
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The purpose of the ordinance is to provide for safe and well-maintained
environments in communities. Illegal signs can be a hazard if they become loose and fall into the street or hit a pedestrian. Signs are a hazard if
they block the view of motorists or pedestrians. Signs can damage
the structural integrity of poles and create a hazard for utility workers. Signs on sidewalks or bike paths may force pedestrians into traffic. Signs are also an eyesore: they are visual litter, adding to the appearance of blight
in a neighborhood.
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What is a right-of-way?
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Right-of-way areas vary throughout the city, but as a rule of thumb they include streets, curbs, medians, traffic lights, utility poles, and unimproved shoulders of
streets up to private property lines and generally two and a-half feet beyond sidewalks. Placing any type of sign in these areas is illegal, including A-frame signs on sidewalks and on private property.
Business owners do have the right to attract customers and advertise by posting signs
on their property as long as they have received the necessary sign permit from the
Development Services Department. Permit applications are available by calling (602) 495-0301.
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What are the penalties for posting signs in a right-of-way?
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The fines for placing signs in a right-of-way range from $250 to $2,500. These fines are imposed for each violation
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Who will be cited for violations?
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The sign ordinance allows police officers to cite businesses or individuals who may benefit from the illegally posted signs, even though the business or person may not have actually placed the signs themselves. As always, individuals caught placing the signs in the right-of-way will be cited.
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How can private citizens advertise in their neighborhoods?
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The safest and best way to spread the word about your garage sale, lost dog or other personal message is to advertise in one of the many newspapers and community publications in the Valley. You may also ask permission to advertise on bulletin boards at neighborhood grocery stores or coin-operated laundries.
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What about signs I see right now?
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The city encourages individuals who have placed signs in rights-of-way to remove them before citations are issued. Individuals or groups should not remove other peoples' signs, though, because there are legal ramifications if you damage someone else's sign or any property to which the sign is attached.
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Whom do I call for more information?
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For more information about illegal signs or to report a violation, call (602) 534-7100 or e-mail illegal.signs.rightofway.nsd@phoenix.gov.
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