Tempe Campaign Sign Rules - Arizona Ordinance

Signs and Advertising Arizona 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe, Arizona regulates campaign and political signs through its municipal code and sign rules. This guide explains where signs may be placed, limits that typically apply to private and public property, how enforcement works, and practical steps to stay compliant in Tempe. Where the municipal code or official pages do not state a specific fee or deadline, the guide notes that the figure is "not specified on the cited page" and points to the official Tempe sources for verification.[1]

Where campaign signs are allowed

In Tempe, placing campaign signs on private property is generally governed by the city's sign regulations and any applicable homeowners association or lease rules. Signs on public property, including street medians, sidewalks, traffic signs, and public parks, are commonly restricted or prohibited and may require prior authorization from City of Tempe departments. For the controlling text and definitions see the municipal code and the city's planning/sign permit pages.[1]

  • Signs on private residential property: often allowed with size and setback limits; check property rules and the municipal code.
  • Signs on commercial private property: regulated by sign code for size, illumination, and duration.
  • Signs on public property or within public right-of-way: typically restricted; removal or permit required for any placement on City property.
Always confirm sign placement with the City of Tempe before installing on public land.

Time, size and placement rules

Tempe's sign regulations set dimensional standards, setback requirements, and sometimes time-limited display rules for temporary signs. The municipal code and planning pages referenced below contain the controlling language; where a numerical limit or precise days-before/after an election is not listed on the cited pages, the text below notes "not specified on the cited page." Consult the official code for exact measurements and exceptions.[1]

  • Display period near elections: not specified on the cited page.
  • Maximum sign height and setback: see municipal code for dimensional standards.[1]
  • No obstruction of traffic sight lines, sidewalks, or bus stops; placement that creates a hazard is prohibited.

Permits, variances and exemptions

Some temporary signs may be allowed without a permit if they meet the code's requirements; other signs or exceptions may require a permit or variance from Planning and Zoning. Election-related or political sign exemptions that the city recognizes are described in the municipal code and sign policy pages; if a specific permit form or fee is required it will be listed on the City's Planning pages or in the code. If no form is published, the municipal materials say "not specified on the cited page."[1]

When in doubt, submit a quick inquiry to Tempe Planning to avoid removal or fines.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of campaign sign rules in Tempe is carried out by the City's Code Compliance/Planning divisions or other designated enforcement officers. The municipal code or the City's enforcement pages should be consulted for the exact enforcing office and contact method.[1]

  • Fines: specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offence penalties is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, seizure of signs placed on public property, abatement procedures, and possible court action are enforcement options noted in municipal enforcement practice.
  • To report unlawful signs or request an inspection, contact City of Tempe Code Compliance or Planning (see Help and Support / Resources below).[2]
  • Appeals and review: if the municipal code provides appeal routes, those are handled through the City's administrative review or the hearings board; specific time limits for filing an appeal are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: conforming permits, zoning variances, and emergency-necessity defenses may be available; officials exercise discretion in enforcement according to code provisions.

Applications & Forms

The official Tempe planning and municipal code pages are the primary sources for any required sign permit or variance form. As of the cited pages, a dedicated political-sign permit form is not published on the municipal sign pages; where a general temporary sign permit or sign variance is required the form will be listed on the Planning/Development pages.[1]

If your campaign plan includes signs on City property, get written authorization before installation.

Action steps - how to comply

  • Check municipal code definitions and sign standards on the official city code page.[1]
  • Contact Tempe Planning or Code Compliance for guidance before installing signs, especially on public property.[2]
  • If a permit or variance is required, submit the appropriate Planning application and pay any listed fees (see Planning pages).
  • Document placement with photos and property-owner permission to respond quickly to complaints.

FAQ

Can I place campaign signs on a sidewalk in Tempe?
No. Signs on sidewalks or within the public right-of-way are typically prohibited; contact City of Tempe Code Compliance for location-specific guidance.[2]
Do I need a permit for temporary political signs on private property?
If the sign meets the city's temporary sign standards it may not need a special permit, but specific permit forms or fees are listed on the Planning pages if required; see the municipal code for exact standards.[1]
How long can campaign signs stay up after an election?
The cited municipal pages do not specify a required removal period on their sign overview; consult the city code or Planning staff for any election-specific deadlines.[1]

How-To

  1. Review the Tempe municipal code sign sections to confirm size, setback, and location rules.[1]
  2. Call or email Tempe Planning/Code Compliance to ask whether your planned locations need permits.[2]
  3. If required, submit any temporary sign permit or variance application listed by Planning and pay the fee.
  4. Place signs only on permitted private property, respecting setbacks and sight-line rules; avoid public rights-of-way.
  5. Remove signs promptly after the election or when a property owner withdraws permission; document removals.

Key Takeaways

  • Private property placement is the most straightforward option but follow size and setback rules.
  • Avoid placing signs on public property without written authorization from the City.
  • Contact Tempe Planning/Code Compliance early to prevent removal or fines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe Municipal Code (Municode)
  2. [2] Tempe Planning & Zoning - Community Development

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