Are LED Signs Allowed in Glendale, Maricopa County, Arizona? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Glendale, Arizona, subject to specific zoning and design regulations. According to the Glendale Municipal Code, Article 7, Section 7.100, signs must comply with the city's sign ordinance and guidelines.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Glendale Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Glendale Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial, Industrial |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌No |
| Minimum setback required | 16 ft from curbside |
| Use restrictions | Must comply with sign ordinance and guidelines |
Zoning District Overview
Glendale's zoning framework includes various districts where signage is regulated. Specific regulations for signage can be found in the Glendale Municipal Code, Article 7.
4. Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Zoning Table
| Requirement | Commercial Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 25 sq. ft or 3 sq. ft/linear ft |
| Maximum height | 20 ft or roofline |
| Static illumination | ✅Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌No |
| Mechanical motion | Yes |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback required | 16 ft from curbside |
Industrial Zoning Table
| Requirement | Industrial Districts |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Monument, Freestanding |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per street frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 25 sq. ft or 3 sq. ft/linear ft |
| Maximum height | 20 ft or roofline |
| Static illumination | ✅Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌No |
| Mechanical motion | ✅Yes |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌No |
| Right-of-way projection | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback required | 16 ft from curbside |
Permit Filing Requirements
To apply for an EMC permit in Glendale:
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Required forms: Zoning Permit Application, Electrical Permit
-
Permit fee: Approximately $150 - $500, depending on size and district
Local Project Example
Arizona Custom Signworks installed a 4x8 EMC at a church on Broad Street under CMX-2 zoning. The sign met all setback and height regulations and was permitted within 14 business days.
Full Ordinance Text
This chapter outlines the regulations governing the erection, construction, display, and relocation of signs within the City of Glendale, Arizona. It includes provisions for various types of signs, including Electronic Message Centers (EMCs), and specifies requirements such as permit applications, design standards, and compliance with zoning regulations.
Please review the full ordinance to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements before proceeding with the installation or modification of an EMC sign in Glendale.
External Reference Links
🗺️ Glendale Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Glendale Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal