The City of Chandler’s sign regulations are designed to balance the need to protect the public safety and welfare, the need for a well-maintained and attractive community, the need for adequate identification for land uses, and preservation of expression protected under the First Amendment.
Political signs are included in a category of “Temporary Signs." During an election, the enforcement period commences 71 days before the election and ends 15 days after the election.
Political signs are regulated through Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 16. Regulations are outlined in A.R.S. §16-1019 regarding political sign placement and signage criteria. Political signs may also be subject to placement requirements found in Chandler’s Sign Code. Ordinance No. 5133, amended the City Code regarding temporary signs placed in the public right-of-way. The ordinance updates requirements for posting signs and includes a new identification provision in addition to existing state disclosure requirements.
This City of Chandler identification requirement is in addition to the disclosure requirements under A.R.S. §16-925, which mandate that political advertising disclose the sponsoring political action committee (PAC) and, if applicable, the authorizing candidate.
- Name and telephone number of the person responsible for erecting and maintaining the sign
- E-mail address of responsible person (optional)
If paid for and authorized by a PAC:
- Paid for by [Name of PAC]
- With __% from out-of-state contributors
- Not Authorized by a Candidate
If paid for by a PAC and authorized by a candidate:
- Paid for by [Name of PAC]
- Authorized by [Name of Candidate Committee]
In addition to the public right-of-way, political signs may be placed on private property with the owner’s permission.
Election signs can’t be placed in any location where they can be a hazard to public safety, obstruct vision, or interfere with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
Chandler and other local jurisdictions may only enforce temporary sign ordinances based on the placement (location, manner, or size) of a temporary sign. Enforcement cannot be based on the content of the sign. This stems from a 2015 United States Supreme Court ruling (Reed vs. Town of Gilbert). As a result, Code Enforcement staff is unable to remove any temporary signs (regardless of content) during the 71 days before an election and 15 days after with the exception of any sign that is presenting a clear and imminent hazard to public safety.
Residents may contact Code Enforcement to determine whether or not the placement of a political sign constitutes an emergency warranting the sign's immediate removal or otherwise placed in a location that is hazardous to public safety. In these instances, Code Enforcement staff will notify the candidate or campaign that placed the sign of the violation. If the sign remains in violation at least 24 hours after a candidate or campaign was notified, Code Enforcement may remove the sign.
Be sure to clearly identify where the sign in question is located, including a specific corner. An inspector will remove the sign and reach out to the candidate for pickup.
It is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office. Residents are encouraged to not attempt to remove political signs themselves.
For questions related to the placement of political signs along state highways, which is not allowed, please contact ADOT at 602-712-6664.
Contact Us
Inquiries or complaints related to sign regulations and sign placement found in the Sign Code should be directed to Code Enforcement at 480-782-4320 or File a Complaint.
Inquiries or complaints related to sign disclosure and campaign finance requirements contained in Title 16 should be directed to the City Clerk at 480-782-2182 or File a Campaign Finance Complaint.