Sign Permits

Overview

The Sign Code Section reviews and issues permits for permanent building and freestanding signs, and conducts inspections for sign permits.

Sign Contractors must submit all permanent sign permit applications and plans on Tucson Development Center Online

Temporary banners signs and portable A-frame signs no longer require a permit. Apply for a compliance certificate on Tucson Development Center Online.

Sign information, email DSD_Signs@tucsonaz.gov

Contractors email: PDSD_signpermitsubmittals@tucsonaz.gov

Permits

Sign Permit Application(PDF, 924KB) - Permanent signs and change of copy (licensed sign contractor required)

Sign Types and Abbreviations(PDF, 24KB) (information for contractors)

Sign Construction & Illumination Abbreviations - for Permit Application(PDF, 132KB) (information for contractors)

Sign Permit Fees

Self Certification Inspection for Non-Illuminated Signs

PDSD has adopted a new policy to streamline simple sign inspections. The policy is for non-illuminated signs that are not subject to special inspection and allows sign contractors to self-certify their installations.

 Self Certification Policy(PDF, 428KB)

Unified Development Code Section 7A Sign Standards

Unified Development Code Sign Standards(PDF, 702KB)

On December 5, 2017, the City of Tucson Mayor and Council voted to adopt the proposed extensive revisions to the City Sign Code. Those revisions adopted helped to achieve the following goals:

  1. Comply with the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert (Reed)
  2. Simplify the Sign Code by integrating it into the Unified Development Code (UDC)
  3. Make practical changes that modernize the Code; Improve the quality of design and flexibility of the overall code, and ground it in technical standards.

 Reference documents for the adopted sign ordinance with new Sign Standards are located below

Sign Standards - Ordinance #11508(PDF, 428KB)

Summary of Code Changes from the Sign Code to the Sign Standards (7a of the UDC)(PDF, 164KB)

Previous Sign Code Chapter 3 of the Tucson Code - repealed as of February 1, 2018(PDF, 702KB)

2007 Sign Code(PDF, 2MB) is provided for reference only

 

Historic Landmark Sign Ordinance

The Historic Landmark Sign (HLS) ordinance, approved by Mayor and Council in 2011, was established to encourage the maintenance, restoration and reuse of historic signs that reflect Tucson's unique character.

HLS Treatment Plan(PDF, 148KB)

HLS 207 WAIVER Form(PDF, 525KB)