Frequently Asked Questions

Where can new signs be placed?

New signs must be placed in business areas or commercial/industrial areas. Exceptions are made for signs advertising the same property for sale or lease, signs advertising activities conducted at the site of the sign (on-premise signs), rest area coffee breaks authorized by the department, directional signs, and official signs as defined in state law and regulation. Property owner permission is required for any sign placed under permit.

There are a few prohibited locations along the interstate highway systems near rest areas, scenic areas and near traffic interchanges. Additionally, signs may not be placed within the highway right of way. Off-premise signs that are visible to, directed at, and intended to be read from a highway, must be placed within 660’ of the edge of the right of way.

Does my sign need a state permit?

New signs advertising products, services, or activities taking place at a site other than where the sign is located, or of a general advertising nature, require a permit from the Arizona Department of Transportation before the sign is erected. The permit requirement applies to those who place signs on their own land unless the sign meets an on-premise sign exception.

What about old signs?

Certain signs erected on or before 1970 are considered non-conforming if they do not meet current permit criteria. Permitted signs erected after 1970 that no longer meet statutory criteria due to changed conditions may become non-conforming as well. Since non-conforming signs are not illegal they may remain in place. Non-conforming signs must adhere strictly to maintenance and replacement regulations. Otherwise, they lose their non-conforming rights.

Which state laws apply to my sign?

The table below summarizes the statutory requirements for placement of new signs along the interstate and state highway system.

Requirements for a Sign Permit
Zoned County	Unzoned County	Zoned Municipality	Unzoned Municipality
ZONING
Commercial or industrial zoning	N/A	Commercial or industrial zoning	N/A
COMMERICAL ACTIVITY
Must be within 1000 ft of a commercial or industrial activity on the same side of the highway OR within 3000 ft of an interstate highway interchange where a commercial activity is within 1000’ of the interchange on the same side of the highway	Land use must have characteristics of commercial or industrial zones, AND have commercial or industrial activity within 1000 feet on the same side of the highway	N/A	Land use must have characteristics of commercial or industrial zones, AND have commercial or industrial activity within 1000 feet on the same side of the highway
LOCATION
Cannot be located in the area between the crossroad and a point that is 500 ft beyond the pavement widening at the on/off ramps at traffic interchanges on an interstate highway or freeway	Cannot be located in the area between the interchange and a point that is 500 ft beyond the pavement widening at the on/off ramps at traffic interchanges on an interstate highway or freeway	N/A	N/A
Cannot be closer than 500 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a freeway	Cannot be closer than 500 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a freeway	Cannot be closer than 500 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a freeway	Cannot be closer than 500 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a freeway
Cannot be closer than 300 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a non-freeway or non-interstate highway	Cannot be closer than 300 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a non-freeway or non-interstate highway	Cannot be closer than 100 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a non-freeway or non-interstate highway	Cannot be closer than 100 ft of another outdoor advertising sign on the same side of a non-freeway or non-interstate highway
Cannot be within 500 ft of exit or entrance to scenic overlook or rest area	Cannot be within 500 ft of exit or entrance to scenic overlook or rest area	N/A	N/A
SIZE
Area		1,200 square ft
Vertical Face		25 ft maximum
Horizontal Face		60 ft maximum
Two Displays/One Face		350 square ft each

Who can I talk to about sign permits?

Signs placed along certain state highways may also require a permit from a city or county government agency. Contact the city or county where the sign will be placed to find out more about their sign permit regulations.

You can obtain information about Arizona sign laws and regulations from Arizona Department of Transportation Maintenance Permits Services in Phoenix. You can contact Maintenance Permits at:

Mailing address: 206 South 17th Avenue, Mail Drop 004R
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 712-7386     Fax: (602) 712-3484

Maintenance Permits is located at ADOT East: 2739 East Washington, Phoenix, AZ