Planning Commission approves 'SURPRISE' letter display and monument sign for Elm Street development

The Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission approved an amendment Oct. 16 to the Surprise City Center comprehensive sign program to add two new sign types: an area-identification monument and an illuminated letter display that will spell the word “SURPRISE.”

Tanner, a staff member, told the commission the monument sign (sign type I) would be "proposed to be 9 feet 6 inches tall and 16 feet 10 inches wide" and would be constructed of aluminum, acrylic panels and polished concrete. He said the illuminated letter display (sign type J) would consist of eight individual letters, each of aluminum and acrylic and "internally illuminated with color changing LEDs that have the capability to be reprogrammed for special events and holidays." Tanner said the display was created in coordination with the Elm Street developer and the city and was intended as a photo opportunity for residents and visitors.

Director Lloyd Abrams said the developer will own the sign while the city and developer coordinate placement. Abrams said the sign is currently being manufactured and will initially be located at Surprise Lake before being moved to its eventual location at the southeast corner of Elm Street and Fourth Avenue in the Elm Street development. He told the commission that any future, permanent or interim relocations on private property would require a separate amendment to the comprehensive sign program so the commission would be notified and the location could be reviewed.

Staff reported that a public outreach meeting for the sign was held Aug. 27, 2025, at the Surprise Regional Library with four attendees; staff said it had received no formal support or opposition through the review process. The staff recommendation was approval subject to stipulations A and B in the staff report.

After questions from commissioners about how the large concrete-based display would be moved, where it could be displayed on city property and who would be responsible for relocation, a motion to approve the amendment was moved and seconded. The commission recorded the motion as passing with five votes in favor.

The approval authorizes the two sign types as described in the staff report and reflects the commission’s action to require future location changes to return as amendments to the comprehensive sign program.