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Commission approves comprehensive sign program for Surprise Community and Resource Center
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 5-0, of a comprehensive sign program for the Surprise Community and Resource Center (Case FS25-0853), including a larger digital monument sign; commissioners discussed compatibility with the original town-site sign and potential impacts on nearby housing.
The Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 at its February 2026 meeting to recommend approval of a comprehensive sign program (Case FS25-0853) for the Surprise Community and Resource Center, allowing deviations for a primary monument sign’s class, height and area.
Staff described the project as a CIP facility at the northwest corner of Santa Fe Drive and Hollyhock Street in the Surprise Heritage District with three proposed signs: a primary monument sign along Santa Fe (digital), a secondary monument sign on Hollyhock Street and a tertiary ground sign in front of the facility. The primary sign seeks a class 6 designation (typically permitted only on arterials) and deviations for height (14 feet, 8 inches requested vs. 8 feet allowed) and area (45.96 sq. ft. requested vs. 32 sq. ft. allowed). The other proposed signs meet LDO limits.
The project presenter, identifying the organization as the owner/operator, said the digital sign was proposed to improve communication of programs and events at the center and that the placement was chosen to avoid obscuring the city’s original town-site monument sign. “The digital sign was what, we as the owner and operator were pushing hard, so that's why the, that's why we're here tonight,” the presenter said, adding that they coordinated placement with city staff and designers to minimize visual clutter.
Commissioner Perry asked about aesthetic compatibility with the original town-site sign and whether the digital sign’s orientation could impact nearby housing. The presenter said the 99-unit heritage senior apartments do not have windows facing the sign and that trees and spacing should reduce impacts. Commissioners discussed the benefits of a larger sign for visibility, particularly for older residents who may have difficulty seeing smaller signage.
Staff noted there was one outreach meeting on Nov. 12, 2025 (at Villanueva Recreation Center) with one attendee and no concerns recorded. Following discussion, Commissioner Perry moved to recommend approval subject to stipulations A and B; Commissioner Bash seconded and the motion passed 5-0.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the mayor and city council for final action; staff said the project continues through the council review process and site permitting.
