Kingman launches 45‑day temporary‑sign education, cites safety and code limits; organizers urge exceptions for events

Kingman City officials on May 25 unveiled a 45‑day education and enforcement campaign for temporary signs aimed at improving public safety and compliance with the city’s zoning code.

The campaign will begin June 2 with mailed notices and flyers, in‑person outreach by Neighborhood Services and targeted proactive enforcement in commercial corridors the city says have a “proliferation of signage.” Staff emphasized safety limits in the code, such as restrictions on mounting signs on utility poles, placing material in the right of way, obstructing traffic control devices, or installing exposed lighting or animation.

Neighborhood Services supervisor Jason Mookie presented the report and told the council that the city’s sign rules — carried over in the 2021 zoning code from the 2010 ordinance — treat temporary signs as material “intended for a finite period of time” and subject many forms (wall banners, feather banners, framed signs, window signs) to size and location limits. He said the planned outreach will include letters, flyers, social media posts and in‑person contact and that enforcement will prioritize voluntary compliance.

The presentation prompted several public comments from event organizers and nonprofits who said banners are essential to publicizing free community programs. Robin Gordon, chair of the nonprofit Sounds of Kingman, said her group has hosted free Metcalfe Park concerts for 15 years and “we always get the property owner’s permission before putting up our banners and remove them promptly after the event is over.” Roseanne Rosenberg, organizer of a local crafts market, said digital billboards are “financially not feasible for the smaller special events” and proposed a simple permit with organizer details, start and end dates and size standards.

Members of the Mohave County Gemstoners, who run a large annual fairground show, urged the council to include event operators in drafting any ordinance changes and proposed a two‑week permitted display window with owner authorization and a short removal deadline. A market operator asked why community electronic billboards are limited to nonprofits and asked to be allowed to advertise free nonprofit participants.

Council members said they want options that protect public safety while being fair to community groups. Vice Mayor Samuley asked staff to schedule a public workshop to work through timeframes, permitting and owner‑consent provisions. Jason Mookie told the council the city is preparing a political‑sign amendment separately to align with Arizona law and that no immediate ordinance change was being proposed with the education campaign.

The council did not take formal action on the sign code at the meeting; staff said the 45‑day campaign is intended to be primarily educational, with proactive enforcement concentrated on commercial corridors and a continued willingness to respond to complaints outside those areas.

City staff and several community groups agreed to participate in future conversations and to help draft any proposed changes so that nonprofit and small special events can continue public outreach while complying with safety and right‑of‑way rules.