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Council narrows political sign‑free zones around town center and Shea; resolution passes 6‑1
Summary
After public comment and deliberation, the council adopted an amended sign‑free zone map that preserves a contiguous downtown protection area and a separate contiguous stretch along Shea Boulevard while excluding some peripheral fingers; the measure passed 6‑1 with one councilmember opposed.
The Town Council adopted a revised political sign‑free zone map by resolution, approving a version that retains a contiguous downtown zone around the lake and a contiguous area along Shea Boulevard while removing several peripheral arterial 'fingers.' The measure passed 6‑1.
Director John Wesley reviewed state law governing temporary signs and the town’s options. He told council that Arizona Revised Statutes allow political signs in public rights of way 72 days before a primary election through 15 days after, with square‑foot limits (up to 16 square feet in residential areas and 32 square feet in other areas). He said the statute allows municipalities to designate sign‑free areas but requires each designated zone be contiguous and that a municipality may designate up to two such zones with a total area not exceeding three square miles.
Several residents weighed in. Crystal Kavanaugh urged protecting downtown Lake Palisades and Fountain Park, saying: "Just make it easy. That's all I request." Councilmember Skillicorn moved to adopt the map favored by Councilwoman Earl (referred to as 'map 1' in staff materials), with an amendment to exclude certain fingers off arterial streets (Eagle Mountain, Summerhill and Fountain Hills Boulevard). The motion was seconded and, after discussion, carried 6‑1; Councilmember McMahon recorded the lone vote against the amended map.
Why it matters: the resolution determines where political signs may be placed in the public right of way during election periods and gives town staff authority to remove signs placed inside the designated sign‑free zones. The change aims to make enforcement simpler and to protect high‑use downtown and park areas.
Process and next steps: staff said the revised map will be attached to the adopting resolution; the town will implement removal authority within those areas during regulated election windows. Councilmembers asked staff to ensure the map meets the statute’s contiguity requirement and confirmed the map as adopted reflects two contiguous zones.
Ending: The council adopted the revised sign‑free zone map by a 6‑1 vote with staff directed to implement the map in coordination with the town’s sign‑code enforcement during election periods.
