Planning commission backs changes to sign code for council review, strips overnight A‑frames and railing signs

The Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 11 voted to send a set of proposed sign-code amendments to town council with several substantive changes: the commission removed a recent staff proposal that would have allowed A‑frame signs to remain overnight in the public right-of-way, limited temporary banner sign permits to 30 days, and struck a new allowance for permanent signs mounted on pedestrian railings.

Planning staff briefly reviewed the draft ordinance, which had been prepared after town council requested a review of several sign provisions earlier this year. Staff noted that council had suggested adjustments including larger allowable A‑frame sizes in some locations and extended banner periods. After discussion the commission kept the larger A‑frame size allowance in the draft (8 square feet per sign, 11 square feet total for two signs at a corner) but rejected the overnight right-of-way provision. The commission also removed provisions that would allow permanent railing-mounted signs for storefront alcoves and left in a provision allowing either monument or wall signs for smaller residential complexes (8–20 units).

Commissioners who opposed leaving A‑frames overnight cited local practice among neighboring municipalities and concerns about deterioration and clutter. Commissioner Gray said that all neighboring jurisdictions the commission reviewed prohibit A‑frames in the right-of-way overnight and urged Fountain Hills to retain a takedown requirement. Commissioner Proctor and others noted the existing option for an administrative temporary-use permit when a business needs a longer display period; staff confirmed that provision remains in the code.

The commission also discussed enforcement. Commissioner Steele and others observed enforcement resources are limited; planning staff said the department uses permit reminders and an electronic system to track expiration dates but acknowledged enforcement is challenging. The commission ultimately approved the ordinance package to forward to council by a 6–1 vote. Town council will consider the recommended ordinance changes at a future meeting.

Specific changes recommended to council (as forwarded by the commission): keep an increased maximum A‑frame size but require takedown at the close of business; limit banner permits to 30 days (with existing administrative options still available for new businesses or special approvals); allow either wall or monument signs for small multifamily complexes (8–20 units) but retain limitations otherwise; remove the proposed railing-mounted sign allowance; and require temporary directional/estate-sale signs to be removed after the event rather than left overnight.

The commission’s action sends the draft ordinance and the commission’s recommended deletions to town council for formal ordinance adoption. If council adopts changes, staff said it will publish the revised regulations and continue to work on enforcement procedures and any necessary administrative forms.