Sign Permit (Building / Wall-Mounted, Monument, Banner) in Tempe, Arizona
Sign permits in Tempe are required for building/wall-mounted signs, monument signs, and banners. Sign permit applications (SGN) are submitted through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal under 'Planning/Signs' > 'Planning' > 'Sign Permit [SGN]'. A Sign Development Plan Review (DPR) is required for all developments in mixed-use (MU-X) zoning districts, commercial centers with more than one tenant, and for single-tenant buildings altering space for additional tenants. Banner permits (Sign Type 'K') are approved administratively by the Permit Center within 24–48 business hours. A Planning Plan Review Fee of $143 applies (Table 2-A flat fee).
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Apply through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal: 'New' > 'Planning/Signs' > 'Planning' > 'Sign Permit [SGN]'
- All items on the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist must be provided for the application to be accepted as Administratively Complete
- Signs must comply with Tempe Zoning and Development Code (ZDC) Chapter 9 — Signs, Section 4-902 — General Sign Standards
- Sign Development Plan Review (DPR) required for mixed-use (MU-X) districts, commercial centers with more than one tenant, and single-tenant buildings altered for additional tenants
- Banner permits (Type 'K'): Grand Opening — 30-day permit (once per business); Significant Event — 21-day permit (twice per year, may be non-consecutive)
Required documents
- Req
Sign Permit Submittal Checklist
All items on the checklist must be provided for the application to be Administratively Complete; available through the Citizen Access Portal sign permit process
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Planning Plan Review Fee — flat fee (Table 2-A, effective July 1, 2025) | $143 | Table 2-A — Building Permit Flat Fees: 'PLANNING PLAN REVIEW FEE — $143.' Effective July 1, 2025. This fee applies to planning reviews including sign permits. Source: Table 2-A (library.municode.com/az/tempe/codes/city_code?nodeId=APXASCFECH_TA2UIPEFLFE). |
Review timeline
~1–15 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Tempe building department
Inspection process
- 1
Sign installation inspection
Inspection of sign installation per approved permit and Tempe ZDC Chapter 9 standards; scheduled through Citizen Access Portal.
Tips
- Use the Tempe Sign Package Criteria Map to verify approved sign criteria for commercial centers and multi-tenant buildings before applying.
- Banner permits are processed within 24–48 business hours by the Permit Center.
- Incomplete applications — missing any item on the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist — will delay processing.
- The Sign Package Criteria Map shows approved sign criteria for various commercial zones.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get a sign permit in Tempe?
- Apply through the Tempe Citizen Access Portal: 'New' > 'Planning/Signs' > 'Planning' > 'Sign Permit [SGN]'. All items on the Sign Permit Submittal Checklist must be provided. Signs must comply with Tempe ZDC Chapter 9 — Signs. Source: Tempe Building Safety Signs page (tempe.gov/businesses/signage).
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Tempe Community Development Department — Building Safety Division / Permit Center — official building department
- Signs | City of Tempe Building Safety
- Table 2-A Building Permit Flat Fees — Planning Plan Review Fee $143 | Tempe City Code Appendix (Municode)
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Tempe building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
Other permits in Tempe
Get the AI compliance checklist
Upload your project scope, get a jurisdiction-specific checklist of everything you need. Coming soon.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.