ELECTRONIC MESSAGE PANELS
Mesa City Code § 11-43-5
in effect11-43-5: - ELECTRONIC MESSAGE PANELS
Permanent signs may use electronic message panels, when the panel is not considered animated, and in compliance with the following requirements, as may be applicable:
A. Standards for Message Display. Each message is displayed for a minimum period of eight (8) seconds with no movement or motion. As defined below, message change is permitted through fade, dissolve, travel, or scrolling modes not to exceed two (2) seconds in transition.
1. Fade: A sign where static messages are changed by means of varying light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point of legibility.
2. Dissolve: A sign where static messages are changed by means of varying light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneous to the gradual appearance and legibility of the subsequent message.
3. Travel: A sign where the message is changed by the apparent horizontal movement of the letters or graphic elements of the message.
4. Scrolling: A sign where the message is changed by the apparent vertical movement of the letters or graphic elements of the message.
B. Lighting Controls Required. The electronic message panel shall include automatic lighting control technology, such as the use of photocells, to control and vary the intensity of lighting depending on the amount of ambient light present (e.g. daytime, nighttime, partial shade or cloudy conditions).
1. Nighttime Illumination Limit. The intensity of the lighting from dusk until dawn shall not exceed a 0.3 foot-candle difference between the off and solid message measurements using the illumination measure provided in Section 11-41-7-C.
2. The electronic message panel shall not be illuminated between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise if the following conditions exist:
a. The sign is located in or within one-hundred fifty (150) feet of Single Residence (RS), Downtown Residential 1 and 2 (DR-1 and DR-2), Multiple Residence (RM), or Small Lot Residence (RSL) zoning districts, or in a T3 Neighborhood (T3N); and
b. There is no intervening building or other permanent structure that completely screens the electronic message panel from the residential site.
3. Certification. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit for an electronic message panel, the applicant shall provide a written certification from the owner of the sign attesting that said owner has read and understands the provisions of this Section, Section 11-41-3-B, and 11-41-7-C, and agrees to abide by said Section, and agrees to cooperate with City of Mesa staff with regards to any nighttime testing that may be necessary should the 0.3 foot-candle limitation be at question.
C. Wall Signs. An electronic message panel may be used as a wall sign.
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_CH43PESI_11-43-5ELMEPAFetched: 11/1/2026