GENERALLY PERMITTED SIGNS
Tucson Unified Development Code § 7A.10.1
in effect7A.10.1. GENERALLY PERMITTED SIGNS
The signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
contained in this section are permitted throughout the city
City
Same as City of Tucson.
, regardless of zone
Zone
A specifically designated area within which uniform regulations govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Examples include R-1 residential zone and overlay zones such as the Historic Preservation Zone. It is also referred to as a zoning district.
and sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
district
District
A zone that has zoning options to encourage transit-oriented development or has specific urban design standards within the City. Examples include the Rio Nuevo District, the Downtown Area Infill Incentive District. A “district” is also referred to as a zoning district.
, unless otherwise designated.
A. Emergency, warning, and governmental
Governmental
Any agency or department of the federal, state, county, or City government.
signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
necessary for public safety or civil defense or other governmental
Governmental
Any agency or department of the federal, state, county, or City government.
use. Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
shall be easily readable and if necessary illuminated.
B. Interior Signs
Interior Sign (7A)
An on-site sign, emblem, or decal that is ground or wall-mounted providing information to the public such as wayfinding, facilities, services or prohibitions relating to the premises and which is inside a building, in a courtyard or hallway, or is within a premise's boundaries but is either not facing or is not readable from the right of way or is not designed nor intended to be readable from the right-of-way, does not require zoning review but may require building code review.
1. An Interior Sign
Interior Sign (7A)
An on-site sign, emblem, or decal that is ground or wall-mounted providing information to the public such as wayfinding, facilities, services or prohibitions relating to the premises and which is inside a building, in a courtyard or hallway, or is within a premise's boundaries but is either not facing or is not readable from the right of way or is not designed nor intended to be readable from the right-of-way, does not require zoning review but may require building code review.
is an on-site sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
, emblem, or decal that is ground or wall
Wall (7A)
An exterior building surface 30 degrees or less from vertical including, signs affixed to the interior and the exterior of window and door surfaces.
-mounted providing information to the public such as wayfinding, facilities, services or prohibitions relating to the premises and which is inside a building
Building
A structure having a roof supported by columns, posts, or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any person, entity, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind or nature.
, in a courtyard or hallway, or is within a premise's boundaries but is either not facing or is not readable from the public right-of-way
Right-of-Way
An area reserved for a public or private use, such as, but not limited to, street or alley rights-of-way and utility easements.
, does not require zoning review but may require building
Building
A structure having a roof supported by columns, posts, or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any person, entity, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind or nature.
code review.
2. Signs attached to the interior wall
Wall (7A)
An exterior building surface 30 degrees or less from vertical including, signs affixed to the interior and the exterior of window and door surfaces.
of a shopping mall for identification, advertisement or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service are required to obtain a sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
permit to ensure compliance with applicable building
Building
A structure having a roof supported by columns, posts, or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any person, entity, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind or nature.
, fire, electrical, and technical codes but are not otherwise subject to the sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
standards. For purposes of the sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
standards these signs are considered interior signs.
3. Interior Sign
Interior Sign (7A)
An on-site sign, emblem, or decal that is ground or wall-mounted providing information to the public such as wayfinding, facilities, services or prohibitions relating to the premises and which is inside a building, in a courtyard or hallway, or is within a premise's boundaries but is either not facing or is not readable from the right of way or is not designed nor intended to be readable from the right-of-way, does not require zoning review but may require building code review.
Exception: A wall-mounted permanent or portable sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
, or ground-mounted permanent or portable sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
, that is within a premise's boundaries, outside a building
Building
A structure having a roof supported by columns, posts, or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any person, entity, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind or nature.
or enclosed area, viewable from the public right-of-way
Right-of-Way
An area reserved for a public or private use, such as, but not limited to, street or alley rights-of-way and utility easements.
, and has a sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
area greater than twelve square feet, is counted as part of the applicable sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
type's maximum sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
area. All signs intended to be readable from the public right-of-way
Right-of-Way
An area reserved for a public or private use, such as, but not limited to, street or alley rights-of-way and utility easements.
are counted as part of the applicable sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
type's maximum sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
area.
C. Vehicle Signs
Vehicle Signs (7A)
Signs mounted upon, painted upon or otherwise erected on or affixed to trucks, cars, boats, trailers and other motorized vehicles or equipment.
Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
mounted upon, painted upon, or otherwise erected on trucks, cars, boats, trailers, or other motorized vehicles or equipment are prohibited, except as specifically provided below. Vehicle signs
Vehicle Signs (7A)
Signs mounted upon, painted upon or otherwise erected on or affixed to trucks, cars, boats, trailers and other motorized vehicles or equipment.
are allowed only where all of the following conditions are met:
1. The primary purpose of such vehicle or equipment is not the display of signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
;
2. Signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
are painted upon or applied directly to an integral part of the vehicle or equipment, do not extend beyond the horizontal or vertical profile of the vehicle, and are not mounted on the truck bed;
3. Vehicle/equipment is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets
Street
Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place.
when applicable, and actively used in the daily function of the business to which such signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
relate;
4. Vehicles and equipment are not used primarily as static displays advertising a product or service, nor utilized as storage, shelter or distribution points for commercial products or services for the public; and,
5. During periods of inactivity exceeding five days
Days
Days of the week, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. To apply days to a review schedule, the day of the event or act from which the designated period of time begins shall not be included. The last day of the designated period shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, in which event the period runs to the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. When a designated period of time is less than ten days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall not be included. Holidays are those recognized by the City of Tucson.
, such vehicle/equipment are not so parked or placed that the signs
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
thereon are displayed to the public. Vehicles and equipment engaged in active construction projects and on-premises
Premise (7A)
A premise is all contiguous land used and occupied by a use or business. All buildings, parking, storage and service areas, and private roads or driveways that are an integral part of the use or business are considered part of the premise. Commercial shopping centers, office complexes, commercial or industrial subdivisions, or similar developments are a premise to the extent such lands are identified as a single site that may contain one or multiple development plans or packages.
storage of equipment and vehicles leased or rented to the general public by a business engaged in vehicle leasing shall not be subject to this condition.
D. Wall Signs
Wall Sign (7A)
Sign that is placed upon a building, its structure, parapet, or architectural feature, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the affected wall, parapet, or architectural feature.
, Multipurpose Facility
1. Notwithstanding any other limitations and restrictions set forth elsewhere in the sign
Sign (7A)
Every advertising message, announcement, declaration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space erected or maintained in a location outside any building and visible to the public for identification, advertising or promotion of the interest of any person, entity, product or service.
standards
Standards
Design principles, criteria, and specifications that describe the manner in which development and related improvements are accomplished in order to obtain development approval.
, a multipurpose facility is permitted to include as part of its wall
Wall (7A)
An exterior building surface 30 degrees or less from vertical including, signs affixed to the interior and the exterior of window and door surfaces.
signage one (1) or more light emitting diode (LED) or other electronic banners
Banners (7A)
A type of portable sign that is constructed of a piece of fabric or similar material attached to the ground or to a wall by one or more edges to a pole, rod or cord.
and/or video displays that may include continuously moving words and images. These components shall be used in ticketing areas and other pedestrian gatherings where, in the opinion of the City
City
Same as City of Tucson.
engineer, such signage will not create a traffic hazard and will not be visible or will be only incidentally visible from public rights-of-way or adjacent
Adjacent
Two or more parcels
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
or lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
sharing a common boundary or separated by an alley
Alley
Alleys are public ways used for the placement of utilities, refuse collection, or similar public services, and under certain circumstances as provided in the UDC, access to individual properties.
or other right-of-way
Right-of-Way
An area reserved for a public or private use, such as, but not limited to, street or alley rights-of-way and utility easements.
20 feet or less in width. Parcels
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
or lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
having only a common corner are considered adjacent. Within the Infill Incentive District
District
A zone that has zoning options to encourage transit-oriented development or has specific urban design standards within the City. Examples include the Rio Nuevo District, the Downtown Area Infill Incentive District. A “district” is also referred to as a zoning district.
, Optional Zoning Sub-Districts, Areas and Sub-Areas, the term "adjacent" or "adjacency" means:
A. Two or more parcels
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
or lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
sharing a common boundary or separated by an ally
Alley
Alleys are public ways used for the placement of utilities, refuse collection, or similar public services, and under certain circumstances as provided in the UDC, access to individual properties.
or a local
Local Street
A street that primarily serves as access to a residence or other abutting property.
or arterial street
Arterial Street
A street identified as an arterial or Interstate Route on the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan.
30 feet or less in width. Parcels
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
or lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
having only a common corner are also considered adjacent.
B. Where the development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
parcel is an interior parcel
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
, adjacent lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
includes all residential lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
or development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
on either side of the development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
parcel
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
, those lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
fronting on the same street
Street
Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place.
in the same block
Block
A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public lands, railroad rights-of-way, watercourses, or other barriers to the continuity of the unit of land. A block may be comprised of one or more lots. A block made up of one lot may also be referred to as a lot or parcel.
as the development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
parcel
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
, and all those lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
on the opposite side of that street
Street
Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place.
(See Figure, "Interior Lot
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
");
C. Where the development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
parcel
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
is a corner lot
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
, the term "adjacent" includes all the residential corner lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
or developments
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
diagonally opposite the development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
parcel
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
, fronting on the same two streets
Street
Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place.
in the same block
Block
A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public lands, railroad rights-of-way, watercourses, or other barriers to the continuity of the unit of land. A block may be comprised of one or more lots. A block made up of one lot may also be referred to as a lot or parcel.
, and on the opposite sides of those streets
Street
Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place.
as shown in the diagram below (See Figure, "Corner Lot
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
");
D. Where the development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
parcel
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
is adjacent to an HPZ, the term "adjacent" includes all lots
Lot
A tract of land bounded on all sides by property lines, of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning standards, with legal access to a public street.
across the street
Street
Any permanent public or private right-of-way, other than an alley, access lane, or parking area access lane, set aside to accommodate vehicular travel lanes, parking lanes, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities, utility areas, and other such design features, whether designated as a street, drive, highway, thoroughfare, road, boulevard, avenue, lane, or place.
and diagonally across from the development
Development
Any human alteration to the state of land, including its vegetation, soil, geology, or hydrology, for any residential, commercial, industrial, utility, or other use, such as, but not limited to, clearing, grubbing, or grading of land, and structural improvements, e.g., buildings, walls, fences, signs, and vehicular use areas.
parcel
Parcel
The same as “lot.” The term “parcel” is generally listed to describe a piece of property recorded as a division of land by a metes and bounds description and may or may not be a part of a subdivision plat. In a project where a division of land is proposed, each proposed division is considered a lot for the purpose of applying the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
.
properties.
2. For purposes of this section, the term "multipurpose facility" has the meaning set forth in the definition found at A.R.S. § 48-4201.
E. Window signs
Window Sign (7A)
A sign affixed to the interior or exterior of window surface.
are permitted in all zones where wall signs
Wall Sign (7A)
Sign that is placed upon a building, its structure, parapet, or architectural feature, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the affected wall, parapet, or architectural feature.
are permitted. No more than thirty percent of the total window surface may be covered. No permit is required. Window coverage is also regulated by Section 7-411of the Tucson City Code.
(Am. Ord. 11803, 12/8/2020)
Source: City of Tucson, Tucson Code (Charter and General Ordinances) and Unified Development Code (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/tucson/latest/tucson_az_udc/0-0-0-26863Fetched: 10/28/2026