Mesa illuminated and electronic message sign rules
Confirm with the city before you build or bid. This page is a plain-English summary for planning only. It is not legal advice and not the official code. Later amendments we did not read may have changed some of these rules. Questions: Mesa Development Services, 480-644-4273, permitservices@mesaaz.gov, Monday–Thursday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, 55 N. Center St. [1]
Electronic message panels
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Messages and transitions | each message at least 8 seconds with no movement; fade, dissolve, travel or scroll transitions not over 2 seconds; | §11-43-5 [2][3] |
| Automatic lighting control | automatic lighting control such as photocells; dusk to dawn, no more than a 0.3 foot-candle difference between off and solid message; | §11-43-5 [2][3] |
| Not lit 11:00 p.m. to sunrise | not lit between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise within 150 ft of RS, DR-1, DR-2, RM, RSL or T3N unless fully screened; | §11-43-5 [2][3] |
| Owner certification | written owner certification before the sign permit is issued; may be used as a wall sign. | §11-43-5 [2][3] |
Lighting
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Lighting (§11-41-3(B)): light source not directly visible from adjacent residential use or a public thoroughfare; incandescent bulbs over 11 watts need a dimming or screening device, and no bulb over 40 watts; no illuminated sign on a vacant or undeveloped lot; no flashing, blinking or rotating lights, metal halide, sodium or mercury vapor. | [4] |
| Opaque backgrounds | Opaque backgrounds on internally illuminated signs so only the copy is lit. | [5] |
| Translucent backgrounds | Internally illuminated: opaque background, or translucent background of no more than 50% opacity. | [6] |
| Table B | Table B: 2 signs per street front; 1 sq ft per 5 lineal ft of street frontage up to 32 sq ft; 8 ft detached; illumination allowed only next to an arterial or collector street. | [7] |
Electrical permit and fee
Fees (DS Fee Schedule, "Updated for July 2026"): [8][9]
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical for signs | $18.25 each (printed page 30) | [8] |
| Electric permit | The code adds: "An electric permit is still required for any exterior electric signs." | [10] |
Again: confirm with Mesa Development Services (480-644-4273, permitservices@mesaaz.gov) before you fabricate or submit. [1]
Section numbers (§) refer to the city's zoning ordinance unless noted. Each statement on this page is checked against a saved copy of an official city source, and where official sources disagree we show both. Spotted an error or an outdated fee? Report an error.