The Sign Code Section reviews and issues permits for permanent building and freestanding signs, and conducts inspections for sign permits.
Sign Contractors must submit all permanent sign permit applications and plans on Tucson Development Center Online.
Temporary banners signs and portable A-frame signs no longer require a permit. Apply for a compliance certificate on Tucson Development Center Online.
Sign information, email DSD_Signs@tucsonaz.gov
Contractors email: PDSD_signpermitsubmittals@tucsonaz.gov
PDSD has adopted a new policy to streamline simple sign inspections. The policy is for non-illuminated signs that are not subject to special inspection and allows sign contractors to self-certify their installations.
Self Certification Policy(PDF, 428KB)
Unified Development Code Sign Standards(PDF, 702KB)
On December 5, 2017, the City of Tucson Mayor and Council voted to adopt the proposed extensive revisions to the City Sign Code. Those revisions adopted helped to achieve the following goals:
- Comply with the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert (Reed)
- Simplify the Sign Code by integrating it into the Unified Development Code (UDC)
- Make practical changes that modernize the Code; Improve the quality of design and flexibility of the overall code, and ground it in technical standards.
Reference documents for the adopted sign ordinance with new Sign Standards are located below
Sign Standards - Ordinance #11508(PDF, 428KB)
Summary of Code Changes from the Sign Code to the Sign Standards (7a of the UDC)(PDF, 164KB)
Previous Sign Code Chapter 3 of the Tucson Code - repealed as of February 1, 2018(PDF, 702KB)
2007 Sign Code(PDF, 2MB) is provided for reference only
The Historic Landmark Sign (HLS) ordinance, approved by Mayor and Council in 2011, was established to encourage the maintenance, restoration and reuse of historic signs that reflect Tucson's unique character.
HLS Treatment Plan(PDF, 148KB)
HLS 207 WAIVER Form(PDF, 525KB)