Sign Programs

As specified in the Oro Valley Zoning Code, all fees must be paid in full prior to approval of an application. 

The following fees are applicable to creating sign standards:

The actual processing time is dependent upon timely and complete applicant submittals.

The review process for a Sign Criteria typically takes between4-6 weeks and is dependent on the number of resubmittals required. 

The review process for Master Sign Programs or PAD Sign Exemptions typically takes between 12-16 weeks. 

A Sign Criteria is a set of standards for a multi-building development that defines the design, colors, materials and types of signs that can be installed on the site. Once a Sign Criteria is established for a multi-building development, future businesses may apply for individual sign permits as needed. 

The following items must be submitted in PDF format. Please name PDF files in a self-explanatory manner such as “Document Type – Date.”

Cover page:

1. Address of the development
2. Legal name of the development and the common name

Introduction:

1. Narrative describing how the proposed Sign Criteria meets the Design Principles and Design Standards in Addendum A of the Zoning Code.
2. Include any documents or references regarding pre-annexation agreements, ordinances or resolutions that are specific to the development’s signs.

Site plan:

1. Location map with a north arrow
2. Show the whole development
3. Provide street names
4. If the Sign Criteria refers to a specific group of buildings, make sure they are identified on the site plan.  For example, if the sign criteria says that specific pad buildings are limited to a certain sign regulation, then identify those pad buildings on the site plan. 
5. However, please evaluate if different sign standards are needed for different buildings or can the whole sign criteria apply to all the buildings.
6. Show location of proposed freestanding signs. 

Sign types and design:

1. Evaluate which of the permanent sign types will be placed in the development. Section 28.4 of the Zoning Code allows the following types of permanent signs:
   • Awning
   • Directional
   • Directory
   • Entryway
   • Menu Boards
   • Monument
   • Service Stations
   • Theaters
   • Time and Temperature
   • Wall
2. Include examples of the design for any type of permanent sign type that will be placed in the development.
3. Colors: Show a color palette for wall signs and monument sign.
4. Provide color photos or drawing of all buildings, and structures in the development.  This should help show how the signs fit with the overall façade and design elements.
5. Provide a color and materials palette for all elements of the proposed signs. (Photos or drawings only, not actual materials).  Identify the intention of the colors (i.e. Letters of wall signs, etc.)  

Design Principles and Standards:

The signs shown in the Sign Criteria must comply with the standards of Zoning Code, Chapter 28 and the Town’s Design Principles and Design Standards in Addendum “A” of the zoning code:

• Sign colors, design and placement which shall be complementary and integral to the project’s architectural and site design themes.
• Project identification and sign elements shall incorporate architectural treatment and project unifying elements which are integrated with the overall design of the project in terms of scale, style, materials, color and theme.  Signage shall reflect character of the primary building (s).
• Developments shall use architectural elements such as towers, obelisks, monuments, gateway arches to establish a unified project identity. These elements should be replicated in the overall design template for the development.
• Location and placement of building mounted signs shall be integrated into building architecture. Building signs shall be consistent in terms of materials and construction.
•  As feasible, sign colors shall utilize the project color palette approved as part of the Conceptual Design for the project.
• Colored sign banding and colored light elements utilizing corporate colors shall be permitted provided the colors are consistent with the overall approved color palette for the center or complex.

Tips:

• Window Signs: All window signs shall conform to the standards of the Oro Valley Zoning Code. Do not add window sign standards to the sign criteria.
• Temporary signs: Do not add temporary sign standards to the sign criteria. Temporary signs shall be per the standards of the Oro Valley Zoning Code
• Clarity: Do not refer to the same sign type on multiple pages. 
• Illumination: Turn off time and sign brightness should defer to the current Zoning Code.
• Construction details: A sign program is not a sign permit.  Do not include construction details such as electrical and structural details unless they are relevant to the sign program. 
• Other codes: Do not include references to Pima County, City of Tucson or other jurisdictions codes.

Master Sign Programs (MSP) propose alternatives to the provisions of Section 28.4. of the Zoning Code. They shall:

• Be based on the provisions of Chapter 28 and shall conform to the purpose and intent of the zoning code and Design Principles and Standards.
• Include only those sign types permitted in the zoning code and may allow adjustments to the standards of those types, provided they are justifiable.
• Not be used for single-occupancy developments.

Once a Master Sign Program is established for a multi-building development, future businesses may apply for individual sign permits as needed.

The following items must be submitted in PDF format. Please name PDF files in a self-explanatory manner such as “Document Type – Date.”

Cover page:

1. Address of the development
2. Legal name of the development and the common name
3. Do not include language that refers to private agreements between the tenants of the development and the landlords or owners. 

Introduction:

1. Narrative describing how the proposed Master Sign Program (MSP) meets the Design Principles and Design Standards in Addendum A of the Zoning Code. Also, explain the primary reason for proposing a sign program that expands the design of certain sign types.
2. Include any documents or references regarding pre-annexation agreements, ordinances or resolutions that are specific to the development’s signs.

Site plan:

1. Location map with a north arrow
2. Show whole development.
3. Provide street names.
4. If the proposal refers to a specific group of buildings, make sure they are identified on the site plan.  For example, if specific pad buildings are limited to a certain sign regulation, then identify those pad buildings on the site plan. 
5. Evaluate if different sign standards are needed for different buildings or specify if the entire Master Sign Program applies to all the buildings. 
6. Show location of proposed freestanding signs.

Sign types and design:

1. Evaluate which of the permanent sign types will be placed in the development. Section 28.4 of the Zoning Code allows the following signs:
   • Awning
   • Directional
   • Directory
   • Entryway
   • Menu Boards
   • Monument
   • Service Stations
   • Theaters
   • Time and Temperature
   • Wall
2. Provide specific details about sign types proposed for the development, including any alternatives to the code.
   • Include examples of the design for any type of permanent sign type that will be placed in the development. 
   • Colors: Show a color palette for wall signs and monument sign. 
   • Provide color photos or drawing of all buildings, and structures in the development. This should help show how the signs fit with the overall façade and design elements. 
   • Provide a color and materials palette for all elements of the proposed signs. (Photos or drawings only, not actual materials).  Identify the intention of the colors (i.e. Letters of wall signs, etc.)  

Design Principles and Standards:

The signs shown in the Master Sign Program must comply with the standards of Zoning Code, Chapter 28 and the Town’s Design Principles and Design Standards in Addendum “A” of the zoning code:

• Sign colors, design and placement which shall be complementary and integral to the project’s architectural and site design themes.
• Project identification and sign elements shall incorporate architectural treatment and project unifying elements which are integrated with the overall design of the project in terms of scale, style, materials, color and theme.  Signage shall reflect character of the primary building (s).
• Developments shall use architectural elements such as towers, obelisks, monuments, gateway arches to establish a unified project identity. These elements should be replicated in the overall design template for the development.
• Location and placement of building mounted signs shall be integrated into building architecture. Building signs shall be consistent in terms of materials and construction.
•  As feasible, sign colors shall utilize the project color palette approved as part of the Conceptual Design for the project.
• Colored sign banding and colored light elements utilizing corporate colors shall be permitted provided the colors are consistent with the overall approved color palette for the center or complex.

Tips:

• Window Signs: All window signs shall conform to the standards of the Oro Valley Zoning Code. Do not add window sign standards to the MSP.
• Temporary signs: Do not add temporary sign standards to the MSP. Temporary signs shall be per the standards of the Oro Valley Zoning Code
• Clarity: Do not refer to the same sign type on multiple pages. 
• Illumination: Turn off time and sign brightness should defer to the current Zoning Code.
• Construction details: A sign program is not a sign permit.  Do not include construction details such as electrical and structural details unless they are relevant to the sign program. 
• Other codes: Do not include references to Pima County, City of Tucson or other jurisdictions codes.

A Planned Area Development (PAD) may have its own unique sign standards. A PAD sign exemption is for the owners of land within the PAD to remove their property from the PAD sign requirements and operate under Chapter 28 of the Zoning Code.

After a PAD exemption is approved, a single occupancy development may apply for induvial sign permits as needed. A multi-building development must establish a sign criteria or master sign program. The sign criteria or master sign program can be processes currently with the PAD exemption.

The following items must be submitted in PDF format. Please name PDF files in a self-explanatory manner such as “Document Type – Date.”

1. A letter requesting exemption from the specific PAD sign regulations submitted by the property owner within the PAD. 
2. The letter should include specifics about the request describing how the proposed exemption will impact the property and surrounding area. 
3. Applicant should include graphics or photos that will further explain the proposal.
4. Include a site plan showing the whole development.
5. Explain which sign process the property owner will follow if the exemption is allowed. 

Staff Presentation

• Staff will provide a brief presentation to give an overview of the proposal and applicable code requirements.
• Staff presentations typically include the following:
  • Quick overview of the request 
  • Location of the project
  • Background or history of the site 
  • Key review items  
  • Summary and recommendation

Applicant Presentation 

• The applicant and/or property owner will be expected to provide a PowerPoint presentation about their proposal and answer questions or comments during the public hearings.
• Ultimately, it is the applicant’s responsibility to promote their proposal and show how it meets Town standards. At a minimum, presentations should include details about the request.  
• All presentations must be provided in “Widescreen” format in PPT and PDF.