Planning commission backs clearer rules for temporary and political signs, pairs change with council resolution

The City of Kingman Planning and Zoning Commission on May 14, 2025 recommended approval of zoning case ZO25-0003, a text amendment to section 4-90-070 of the city zoning code that adds guidance for political signage and clarifies standards for temporary signs. The recommendation was unanimous; the item now proceeds to the city council for final adoption.

City planning staff presented the amendment as an effort to expand the limited cross-reference to Arizona Revised Statutes regarding political signage in the current code and to offer clearer, local rules on placement, safety and enforcement. Staff described proposed additions that define traffic hazards, expand the city’s sign-free zone (a corridor adopted in 2011), add a site-visibility triangle diagram, and clarify that temporary signs may not be affixed to fencing or railings.

Jason (planning staff) told commissioners the proposed amendment “would update the city's zoning code, provide additional guidance to candidates” and that staff recommends forwarding the amendment to council. Jason also explained enforcement and outreach plans: the neighborhood services division will pursue an education campaign for candidates and businesses and deploy proactive enforcement in mapped corridors while handling other locations by complaint. He said the city will soon present a companion resolution to council that would extend the sign-free zone on Andy Devine from Michael Street to the city limit to protect Route 66 corridors; that resolution is scheduled for city council consideration on June 3.

Commissioners asked how the amendment affects common election-cycle practices. A staff member confirmed that temporary signs “are not allowed to be affixed to fencing or things like that” and emphasized that the city will enforce those rules. Staff also cited state statute time limits for political signs: “Political signage may only be placed 71 days prior to the election, and it must be removed 15 days following the election.”

Commissioners discussed enforcement capacity and whether the rules could unintentionally favor paid billboard advertising. Staff replied that the state statute allows campaigns to purchase billboards and that the city’s code governs temporary signage within the public right of way; enforcement will be a mix of proactive patrols in high-visibility corridors and complaint-driven responses elsewhere. Staff said the proactive enforcement area will include tourism and major corridors and that neighborhood services currently has two officers available to perform enforcement and education.

The commission voted to recommend ZO25-0003 to city council. Staff will follow up with an education and enforcement plan and present the proposed paired resolution on the sign-free zone to council on June 3.