Tempe Sign ADA Requirements - City Sign Rules

Signs and Advertising Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe, Arizona requires that signs meet both local sign regulations and federal accessibility standards to ensure readability and access for people with disabilities. This guide explains what types of signs typically need permits, how ADA signage requirements intersect with Tempe's sign rules, who enforces compliance, and practical steps to apply, correct violations, or appeal. Where city code or department pages do not list specific fines or deadlines, this article notes that the figure is "not specified on the cited page" and directs you to the official sources for the latest forms and contacts.

Confirm permit and ADA requirements before ordering fabricated signs.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Tempe enforces sign rules through its Planning and Development and Building Safety functions; sign permits and enforcement information is published by the city. For the controlling sign regulations see the city sign information and code pages Tempe sign information[1] and consult Building Safety for permit and inspection requirements Tempe Building Safety[2]. Federal ADA design standards apply to accessible signage; see the ADA Standards for Accessible Design 2010 ADA Standards[3].

  • Fines: monetary amounts are not specified on the cited city pages and are "not specified on the cited page"; consult enforcement staff for current penalty schedules.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing-offence escalation details are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions may include orders to remove or alter signs, stop-work orders, and court actions; specific remedies are set out in enforcement notices or orders from city staff.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Planning & Development and Building Safety handle permitting and compliance; report violations via the city contact pages listed in Resources below.
  • Appeals/review: the city code or department pages do not specify appeal time limits on the cited pages and state "not specified on the cited page"; ask the enforcement office for filing deadlines and procedures.
If a fine or deadline is critical, request written confirmation from the enforcing office.

Applications & Forms

Most permanent and many temporary signs require a sign permit application submitted to Tempe Building Safety or Planning; the exact form name, number, fee, and submittal steps are provided on the city's permit pages. The city pages linked above list permit contacts but the specific form name and fee tables are "not specified on the cited page" if not shown there.

Some small temporary or exempt signs may not require a permit, but verify with Planning before installation.

How to Comply and Common Violations

Common issues found in inspections and complaints include incorrect ADA tactile/visual contrast, improperly mounted signs, illuminated signs without required shields, and signs installed without required permits. Typical administrative handling includes a notice to comply and deadlines to correct; exact penalty amounts and correction periods are not specified on the cited city pages.

  • Permit not obtained before installation.
  • Sign text or placement that fails ADA tactile or mounting requirements.
  • Improper electrical work on illuminated signage without a permit.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a sign in Tempe?
Yes. Most permanent signs and many temporary or changed signs require a sign permit; check the city sign information and apply through Building Safety or Planning.
What ADA requirements apply to signs?
Accessible signs must meet the 2010 ADA Standards for tactile characters, braille, mounting height, and contrast; use the ADA Standards as the baseline in addition to Tempe sign rules.
How do I report a non-compliant or dangerous sign?
Report unsafe or unpermitted signs to Tempe's Building Safety or Code Enforcement through the city contact pages listed in Resources.

How-To

  1. Review Tempe's sign information and local sign regulations to determine permit requirements.
  2. Confirm ADA sign specifications (tactile, braille, mounting height, finish) against the 2010 ADA Standards.
  3. Prepare and submit the sign permit application to Tempe Building Safety or Planning with required drawings and materials.
  4. Schedule required inspections and obtain final approval before installing the sign.
  5. If cited for noncompliance, follow the city's correction notice, submit proof of correction, or file an appeal per city procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check both Tempe sign rules and the ADA Standards before ordering signs.
  • Most permanent signs require a permit; get approvals first to avoid enforcement action.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Tempe sign information and guidance
  2. [2] Tempe Building Safety - permits and inspections
  3. [3] 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

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