Scottsdale sign permit fees, review times and how to apply
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. Many Scottsdale sites have a master sign program; the city says a master sign program is typically required for developments in the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Overlay (ESLO) District and developments with freestanding signs that include multiple tenant panels. [1] Questions: One Stop Shop, 7447 E. Indian School Road, 480-312-2500 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; no transactions after 4 p.m.; the page adds "Wednesday, Permit Services 1-5 p.m."). [2] If anything here disagrees with the code or city staff, the city is right.
Permit fee
Fees (effective July 1, 2026): [3][4]
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee | $237 base fee per application | Permit Fee Schedule [5] |
| Per sign | $26 / $168 / $268 / $363 per sign (0–10 / 11–20 / 21–30 / 31 sq ft and over) | Permit Fee Schedule [5] |
| Temporary banner | temporary banner $37 | Permit Fee Schedule [5] |
Plan review fee
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Per sign | $39 / $84 / $131 per sign (0–20 / 21–30 / 31 sq ft and over) | Plan Review Fee Schedule [4] |
| Revision | revision $121 per hour | Plan Review Fee Schedule [4] |
both schedules say they are not all-inclusive and other fees may apply. [5][4]
Review time
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Review time | Administrative review five (5) business days (One Stop Shop goal: one (1) business day for online submittals); substantive review five (5) business days per review cycle; no expedited plan review | City sign page [2] |
How to apply
- Complete the Sign Permit Application (rev. 12/4/2024) and list every sign, including signs less than 6 sq ft. [6]
- Attach the minimum submittal items listed on the application: site plan; color sign elevation plan/renderings; sign section and installation details for building signs; sign structural and footing details for freestanding signs; landlord/management company and HOA/POA approval when applicable; and the request for site visits and/or inspections (attached to the application). [6]
- Apply through Scottsdale SPUR, uploading the completed application; incomplete applications will not be processed. Signs on commercial properties must be installed by an Arizona-licensed general contractor or sign contractor. [2]
- Deadlines: the application expires 180 days after the last plan submittal. After the permit is issued, the first inspection must be obtained within 180 days, and each later inspection within 180 days of the last, or the permit expires; a fee is required to reinstate an expired permit. [6] [2]
Which signs need a permit
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Do signs need a permit? | A sign permit is required before erecting, altering or installing signs regulated by the ordinance, except the no-permit list in section 7 | ZO §8.303 (Ord. 4300) [7][8] |
The city documents conflict on which signs need a permit. Both are shown; ask the One Stop Shop which applies.
| Document | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| City Code Enforcement page | The city's Code Enforcement page says "All permanent signs are required to have permits prior to installation and display." | [7][9][10] |
| ZO §8.303 (Ord. 4300) | ZO §8.303 as amended by Ord. 4300 lists signs that do not require a permit, including any sign authorized by the code that is six (6) square feet or less, unless Chapters 31 and 36 of the Scottsdale Revised Code require one. | [7][9][10] |
Unless a permit is required by Chapters 31 and 36 of the Scottsdale Revised Code: [8][10]
- signs not visible from a separate lot or street; [8][10]
- temporary window signs affixed to the window pane; [8][10]
- any sign authorized by the code that is six (6) square feet or less; [8][10]
- address and building identification signs required by Chapters 31 and 36, up to twelve (12) inches high; [8][10]
- maintenance without changing wording, composition or colors; [8][10]
- relocation of a sign required by a City construction project. [8][10]
- Signs for an approved special event are permitted under Chapter 22 of the Scottsdale Revised Code. [10]
Again: confirm with the City of Scottsdale One Stop Shop (480-312-2500) before you fabricate or submit. [2] Codes and fees change. Last checked October 2026.
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.