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Planning commission approves text amendment tightening rules for temporary signs; commissioners stress public education
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on TXT23‑02, a text amendment to the zoning code’s temporary sign rules (Section 18.1.15.12). Staff recommended approval; the commission approved the amendment following public comment and discussion about content‑neutral enforcement and public education.
Wes Moss, presenting for City staff, described TXT23‑02 — a text amendment to Section 18.1.15.12 of the City of Maricopa zoning code that clarifies where temporary signs may be displayed, how long they may remain, and raises the number of allowed off‑site signs per event from six to ten.
Moss said the amendment defines restricted placement areas, establishes safety‑focused maintenance rules, and adjusts sign‑type wording. He told the commission staff conducted outreach including two council work sessions and public notices; staff received no written correspondence as of the hearing. The staff recommendation was that the Planning & Zoning Commission approve TXT23‑02 as written or as amended.
Commissioners debated wording and enforcement. One commissioner suggested replacing the term “unauthorized” with “noncompliant”; Moss said staff preferred “unauthorized” because it preserves flexibility for variances or exceptions. Commissioners also pressed staff about how the city can enforce time, place and manner restrictions without regulating content. Moss replied: “We don't regulate signage on the content, due to recent case law, specifically out of Gilbert. We regulate based on the areas placed, zoning district, time period, all across the board.”
Members of the public who spoke at the hearing generally supported the changes and urged robust public education. Tina Dugan, speaking for a local real‑estate group, thanked staff and asked for clearer graphics and outreach to help residents understand the new rules. Staff responded that a pamphlet, an illustrated webpage, and diagrams in the code are planned and that code enforcement prioritizes education before enforcement.
Vice Chair Robertson said staff had made reasonable revisions after multiple public iterations. The commission moved, seconded and voted to approve TXT23‑02; the motion carried with the chair calling the vote “Aye.” The record does not include a roll‑call vote tally in the transcript excerpt.
The amendment will change where and how temporary signage can be used in the city; staff said they will produce education materials to help residents and local businesses comply.
