GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Mesa City Code § 11-41-3
in effect11-41-3: - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
All signs shall conform to the following requirements:
A. Building Regulations. All signs, including portable signs and electric signs, shall conform to the requirements of the Mesa Building Code, Title 4 of the Mesa City Code.
B. Illumination.
1. The light source, direct or indirect, for a sign(s) is oriented or shielded so the light source is not directly visible from any adjacent residential use, or from a public thoroughfare.
2. Direct illumination by incandescent sources shall:
a. Incorporate a dimming and/or a screening device when using bulbs rated at greater than eleven (11) watts, or equivalent measurement; and
b. Not exceed a rating of forty (40) watts, or equivalent measurement, for any individual bulb.
3. No illuminated sign is placed or constructed on a vacant or undeveloped lot, or parcel.
4. The following types of illumination are prohibited:
a. Flashing, blinking or rotating lights;
b. Metal halide lighting;
c. High or low-pressure sodium light bulbs; and
d. Mercury vapor light sources.
5. Within the Desert Uplands Area (see Section 9-6-5 of the Mesa City Code for map), illuminated signs shall not exceed a 0.4-foot candle or equivalent light level.
6. The illumination of any sign shall conform to the requirements of the Mesa Lighting and Electrical Code, Title 4 of the Mesa City Code.
7. Outline illumination of buildings using a non-shielded or exposed illumination (neon, argon, LED or similar) source shall comply with Section 11-30-5-D of the Zoning Ordinance for Exposed Building Illumination.
C. Sound or Odor. No sign shall emit a sound or odor.
D. Prohibited Placement and Locations of Signs.
1. Within, on, or projecting over the right-of-way, unless it is in the Downtown Pedestrian Area defined in Chapter 50.
2. On public property.
3. Placed in a manner that interferes with pedestrian movement or obstructs ADA access.
4. Placed in a manner that obstruct the visibility of any authorized traffic sign, traffic signal, or another traffic control device.
5. Affixed to fuel tanks, storage containers, or solid waste receptacles; except signs related to the manufacturer's or installer's identification, warning signs, and placards, and information otherwise required by law.
6. Tacked, painted, burned, cut, pasted, or otherwise affixed to trees, shrubs, posts, fences, ladders, benches, or similar supports if visible from across the property boundary or from the right-of-way.
7. Placed in a manner that prevents ingress or egress from any window or door, or other exit-way required by the Mesa Building Code, and amendments, or by the Mesa Fire Code.
8. Covers the architectural features of a building, such as dormers, insignias, pilasters, soffits, transoms, trims, columns, or similar architectural elements or devices.
9. Placed on the roof of a building or extends higher than the highest point of the portion of the building to which the sign is attached.
10. Attached to a standpipe, gutter, drain, or fire escape, or placed in a manner that impairs roof access.
11. Located contrary to the standards of horizontal and vertical clearance from electrical wires and conductors found in the Mesa Lighting and Illumination Code, and the National Electrical Code Safety Standards.
E. Signs for Nonconforming Uses. New signs for a nonconforming use are permitted in accordance with permitted signage for the zoning district in which the nonconforming use is located. Existing signs must be maintained consistent with the requirements of Section 11-49-1.
Source: City of Mesa, Arizona, Mesa City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/az/mesa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT11ZOOR_ART5SIOR_CH41INGEPR_11-41-3GEREFetched: 11/1/2026