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Gila Bend council reviews sign-code overhaul to clarify rules for political, commercial and billboard signs
Summary
At a Feb. 24 work session the Town Council reviewed proposed changes to Article VIII of the 2007 zoning code to clarify sign types, visibility rules and temporary political-sign timing under state law; the update was discussed but not voted on.
The Gila Bend Town Council reviewed proposed updates to the town’s zoning code on Feb. 24 that would rewrite Article VIII (Signs) to clarify allowed sign types, visibility limits and compliance with state election-sign rules.
Community Planner Sandra Hoffman presented the draft changes, saying Article 8 "is the sign section for the town" and describing new purpose subsections intended to make regulations "clear, comprehensive, [and] enforceable." Hoffman told the council the draft aims to protect public-safety sight lines while also ensuring constitutionally guaranteed free-speech protections and alignment with applicable state statutes.
Hoffman said the draft references Arizona Revised Statute 16-1019 to govern the timing of political signage in public rights of way and adds language to address temporary signs for grand openings under a new J subsection. The proposal also adds a Letter Q to prohibit signage from blocking visibility triangles at driveways and intersections and sets height parameters so drivers have sight lines. Council members discussed expanding allowances now limited to B2 zoning (for higher signs near raised freeways) to industrial districts labeled L1–L3, and adding canopy, awning, projecting and window signs to commercial districts to give businesses more options. The draft separates billboards into subsection E and, as presented, forbids advertising on-site uses and limits where billboards may be placed.
Vice‑Mayor Chris Riggs asked specifically about the time limit for removing political signs; Hoffman reiterated the draft’s reliance on ARS 16-1019 and that local enforcement must respect that statute’s time windows. No public hearing or formal vote occurred during the work session; Council treated the item as a staff presentation and directed staff to continue refining the ordinance for future consideration.
The council did not take formal action on the zoning update during the meeting; staff will return with revised language at a subsequent meeting for further discussion or formal action.
