PROHIBITED SIGNS
Tucson Unified Development Code § 7A.8.2
in effect7A.8.2. PROHIBITED SIGNS
A. No person
Person
Any individual as well as any firm, corporation, partnership, company, or any other form of multiple organization for the carrying on of business.
shall erect, alter
Alter (7A)
To change, modify or vary an existing sign structure without constructing a totally new sign structure.
, or relocate any 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.
of the type specified in this section, unless it is regulated elsewhere such as, 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.
in the 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.
or heritage landmark 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.
.
B. Animated and intensely lighted 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.
: No 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.
shall be permitted that is animated by any means, including flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights, or any other means not providing constant illumination, except as allowed as a heritage landmark 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.
(HLS).
C. No 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.
shall be permitted that because of its intensity of light constitutes a nuisance
Nuisance
A condition or use on the property that endangers life or health, gives offense to the senses, or obstructs the reasonable and comfortable use of other property, or any combination of these effects.
or hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians 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.
D. Miscellaneous - Commercial
Miscellaneous 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.
, posters and satellite disks: The tacking, painting, pasting or otherwise affixing 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.
or posters of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, on the walls of 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.
, barns or sheds, or on trees, poles, posts, fences or other structures
Structure
A physical element constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to another physical element having a fixed location at, below, or above grade. Structures include such elements as, but are not limited to, buildings, paved areas, walls, fences, posts, and patios.
, is prohibited. No signage of any type is permitted on satellite dishes or disks.
E. Moving 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.
No 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 any portion thereof shall be permitted that moves or assumes any other motion constituting a non-stationary or non-fixed condition, except as allowed as a heritage landmark 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.
(HLS).
F. Roof Signs
Roof Signs (7A)
Signs that are erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top of or directly above the parapet of a building.
1. A Roof Sign
Roof Signs (7A)
Signs that are erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top of or directly above the parapet of a building.
is 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.
that is erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top of or directly above the parapet of 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.
.
2. Roof Sign
Roof Signs (7A)
Signs that are erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top of or directly above the parapet of a building.
Exceptions
a. Canopy sign
Canopy Sign (7A)
A permanent sign on or affixed to the top or front of an attached canopy.
is not considered a roof sign
Roof Signs (7A)
Signs that are erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top of or directly above the parapet of a building.
.
b. Signs placed upon the face of a parapet or architectural feature are considered a wall 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.
.
c. Heritage landmark 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.
(HLS) in accordance with Section 7A.10.4.
d. On a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listed or eligible to be listed 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.
where the applicant can demonstrate both:
(1) That the only 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.
or 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.
-mounted options available would damage the building's historic fabric or would have an adverse effect on qualities that make 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.
eligible for listing in the NRHP, and
(2) That use of a roof sign
Roof Signs (7A)
Signs that are erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top of or directly above the parapet of a building.
would result in minimal damage to historic fabric and avoid adverse effects on qualities that make 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.
eligible for listing in the NRHP.
d. Review of roof signs
Roof Signs (7A)
Signs that are erected upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on top of or directly above the parapet of a building.
on a NRHP listed or eligible to be listed 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.
and recommendation to the PDSD Director
Director
The chief executive officer of a City department.
shall be provided by the Tucson-Pima County Historic Commission Plans Review Subcommittee
Plans Review Subcommittee
The same as the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission Plans Review Subcommittee.
(T-PCHC-PRS).
G. Sound, Odor or Visible Matter
Any 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 device that emits audible sound, odor or visible matter.
(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/0-0-0-26297Fetched: 10/28/2026
