Fountain Hills Commission reviews proposed changes to sign regulations for local businesses

During the May 12, 2025 Planning and Zoning Meeting in Fountain Hills, a significant discussion emerged regarding proposed amendments to the town's sign regulations, particularly focusing on A-frame signs. The meeting highlighted the need for updated guidelines to better support local businesses while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the downtown area.

The conversation began with a presentation from the Avenue Merchants Association, which submitted a letter of support advocating for changes to the current sign regulations. The association emphasized that 37 local businesses had signed the letter, indicating strong community backing for the proposed adjustments.

Currently, the zoning ordinance permits each commercial business to display one A-frame sign, with a maximum size of six square feet. However, a council member suggested increasing the allowance to four A-frame signs per business, with a size limit of eight square feet each and no restrictions on display times. This proposal sparked a lively debate among commissioners, with some expressing concerns about potential clutter and the visual impact on the downtown area.

Commissioner Corrigan supported the idea of increasing the number of signs, arguing it would help businesses attract customers. Conversely, other commissioners raised concerns about the risk of overwhelming the streets with signage, potentially diminishing their effectiveness. Commissioner Proctor questioned the necessity of revising the ordinance, noting that there had been no significant complaints from merchants regarding the current regulations.

The discussion also touched on other sign types, including banner signs and yard signs. A proposal to extend the duration for which businesses could display banner signs from 30 to 90 days was met with mixed reactions. Some commissioners felt the current ordinance was sufficient, while others saw merit in providing businesses with more flexibility.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners agreed to review the feedback gathered during the discussion and consider whether to propose formal text amendments to the Town Council in the future. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact how businesses in Fountain Hills promote themselves, balancing the need for visibility with the community's aesthetic values.