HomeMy WebLinkAbout120911WSPZ:\Council Packets\2012\WS9-11-12\120911WSA.doc Page 1 of 1
NOTICE OF THEWORK STUDY SESSION OF
THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
TIME: 5:30 P.M.
WHEN: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
WHERE: FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call ; a quorum of the
Town’s various Commissions or Boards may be in attendance at the Work-Study Session.
ALL WORK-STUDY ITEMS LISTED ARE FOR DISCUSSION ONLY. NO ACTION CAN OR WILL BE TAKEN.
The primary purpose of work session meetings is to provide the Town Council with the opportunity for in -depth discussion
and study of specific subjects. Public comment is not provided for on the Agenda and may be made only as approved by
consensus of the Council. In appropriate circumstances, a brief presentation may be permitted by a member of the public or
another interested party on an Agenda item if invited by the Mayor or the Town Manager to do so. The Presiding Offi cer may
limit or end the time for such presentations.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
1. DISCUSSION of the Avenue of the Fountains MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
2. DISCUSSION of proposed Town ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS regarding:
(i) Chapter 1, Definitions; (ii) Chapter 6, Signs; (iii) Section 19.05, Public Art
Requirements, revising options for developer donations to the Public Art Fund; (iv)
Chapters: 12, 16, and 18, revising the permitted use sections to allow restaurants to have
outdoor seating areas in commercial or lodging zoning districts and eliminating the
requirement that outdoor seating areas be fenced if no alcohol is served or safety issues
exist; and (v) Chapters: 2, 5 9, 10, 11, 15 and 18, revising regulations to streamline the
temporary use permit process and eliminate unnecessary or duplicative permits.
3. ADJOURNMENT.
DATED this 6th day of September 2012.
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5100 (voice) or 1-800-367-8939
(TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting or to obtain agenda information in large print format.
Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the council with this agenda are available for review in the Clerk’s off ice.
Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
Councilmember Dennis Brown Vice Mayor Henry Leger
Councilmember Ginny Dickey Councilmember Tait D. Elkie
Councilmember Cassie Hansen Councilmember Cecil A. Yates
Z:\Council Packets\2012\WS9-11-12\120911WSA.doc Page 1 of 1
NOTICE OF THE WORK STUDY SESSION OF
THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
TIME: 5:30 P.M.
WHEN: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012
WHERE: FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s various Commissions or Boards may be in attendance at the Work-Study Session.
ALL WORK-STUDY ITEMS LISTED ARE FOR DISCUSSION ONLY. NO ACTION CAN OR WILL BE TAKEN.
The primary purpose of work session meetings is to provide the Town Council with the opportunity for in-depth discussion
and study of specific subjects. Public comment is not provided for on the Agenda and may be made only as approved by
consensus of the Council. In appropriate circumstances, a brief presentation may be permitted by a member of the public or
another interested party on an Agenda item if invited by the Mayor or the Town Manager to do so. The Presiding Officer may
limit or end the time for such presentations.
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL – Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
1. DISCUSSION of the Avenue of the Fountains MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.
2. DISCUSSION of proposed Town ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS regarding:
(i) Chapter 1, Definitions; (ii) Chapter 6, Signs; (iii) Section 19.05, Public Art
Requirements, revising options for developer donations to the Public Art Fund; (iv)
Chapters: 12, 16, and 18, revising the permitted use sections to allow restaurants to have
outdoor seating areas in commercial or lodging zoning districts and eliminating the
requirement that outdoor seating areas be fenced if no alcohol is served or safety issues
exist; and (v) Chapters: 2, 5 9, 10, 11, 15 and 18, revising regulations to streamline the
temporary use permit process and eliminate unnecessary or duplicative permits.
3. ADJOURNMENT.
DATED this 6th day of September 2012.
Bevelyn J. Bender, Town Clerk
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5100 (voice) or 1-800-367-8939
(TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to attend this meeting or to obtain agenda information in large print format.
Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the council with this agenda are available for review in the Clerk’s office.
Mayor Linda M. Kavanagh
Councilmember Dennis Brown Vice Mayor Henry Leger
Councilmember Ginny Dickey Councilmember Tait D. Elkie
Councilmember Cassie Hansen Councilmember Cecil A. Yates
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SITE AMENITIESConcrete Pathway Plexus Bench (Matches Existing Street Furnishings)Landscape FormsStamped Asphalt Crosswalk Mutt Mitt Dog Waste Station Mutt Mitt New Plaza Areas Integral Colored Concrete Ribbed Trash Receptacle (Matches Existing Street Furnishings)KornegaySURFACE MATERIALS Decomposed Granite ‘ Express Brown ‘ - Remediation upgrades include; - New Irrigation System - New Electrical System - Reconstruction of Existing Water Features which includes New Mechanical and Piping. - Bring all Plaza and Ramps within ADA Compliance - Replace Existing Decomposed Granite Pathway with Concrete Sidewalk - Remove Trees per Arborist Recommendations - Replace Removed Trees (One for One) - New Shrub Plantings in Remediation Areas - New Site Furnishings (Benches, Trash Receptacles, Mutt Mitts) - Design and construction is estimated to be $1.2 million
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Event Space Along 10’ Concrete Walkway (Ability to Add Festival Booths)6New Water Feature and Plaza space with Cafe Tables and Umbrellas 7
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- Revitalization Concept ‘B’ upgrades include; - New Irrigation & New Electrical System - 4 New Interactive Water Features 1 @ Center of Each Median 1 @ Either Side of Verde River Drive - 10’ Wide Concrete Pathway - New ADA compliant Crosswalk with Graphics - Vine Screen Entry Features - Art Viewing Seating Nodes - New Site Furnishings (Cafe Tables, Trash Receptacles, Mutt Mitts, Drinking Fountains.) - Conduit for Future Lighting. - Centralized Mechanical Enclosure for Water Features - New Plaza Spaces - Design and construction is estimated to be $1.95 million
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- Revitalization Concept ‘C’ upgrades include; - New Irrigation & New Electrical System - 4 New Interactive Water Features 1 @ Center of Each Median 1 @ Either Side of Verde River Drive - 10’ Wide Concrete Pathway - New On Street Parking (52 Spaces) with Additional Planting Islands - New ADA compliant Crosswalk with Intersection Graphics - Vine Screen Entry Features - Art Viewing Seating Nodes - New Site Furnishings (Cafe Tables, Trash Receptacles, Mutt Mitts, Drinking Fountains.) - Centralized Mechanical Enclosure for Water Features - New Shade Canopies - New Plaza Spaces - New Area Lighting - Design and Construction is Estimated to be Between $2.45 Million to $2.66 Million (Dependent Upon Various Lighting Options)
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Event Space Along 10’ Concrete Walkway (Ability to Add Festival Booths)6New Water Feature and Plaza space with Cafe Tables, Umbrellas, and Shade Canopies 7 Festival Booth
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Avenue of the Fountains
Medians
Site Inventory and Analysis-FINAL
Prepared by: J2 Design | Prepared for: Town of Fountain Hills | June 28, 2012
Table of Contents
Section Page Number
1. Introduction 1
Project Description 1Project Location 1
2. Hardscape 2-3
Existing Hardscape Conditions 2
Proposed Hardscape Improvements 2Hardscape Conclusion 2Hardscape Site Photos 3
3. Trees/ Landscaping 4-13
Existing Trees/Landscaping Conditions 4 Existing Trees Site Photos 5-10
Existing Tree Assessment Data 11-12
Removal Recommendation Map 13
4. Water Features 14-16
Existing Water Features Conditions 14Proposed Water Features Improvements 14Water Features Conclusion 14Existing Water Features Site Photos 15
Water Feature Site Location Map 16
5. Irrigation 17-18
Existing Irrigation Conditions 17Proposed Irrigation Improvements 17Irrigation Conclusion 18Existing Irrigation Site Photos 18
6. Electrical 19-22
Existing Electrical Conditions 19
Proposed Electrical Improvements 19
Electrical Conclusion 20Existing Electrical Site Photos 20Existing Electrical Site Plan 21-22
7. Public Input 23-54
Priorities Ranking Questionnaire Sent to Public 24-25Avenue of the Fountains Questionnaire Summary 26
Comments Received from Fountain Hills Residents 27-54
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Project Description:
The Town of Fountain Hills is known for and identified by
their majestic water fountain located in the center of the
Town's Fountain Lake. The community’s foun ding birthday
is con sidered Dec. 15, 1970, when the famous “World’s
Tallest Fountain” was turned on for the first time at
Fountain Park. Work started on the first residences in the
fall of 1971, and by February 1972, the first homeowners
were moving in. The Town has grown considerably since
the founding and now has over 22,000 residents. The Lake
and the world famous fountain are a primary focal point
for both visitors and local residents. Many of the Town's
premier events and festivals are centered around the Lake
and fountain with vendor booths aligned with the lake
edge and along Saguaro Boulevard and continuing west
along the Avenue of the Fountains to La Montana Drive,
where the Town Hall complex is located. There are also
numerous and popular local business shops adjacent to
Avenue of the Fountains within this area that draw many
visitors and patrons to this key commercial area and
renowned Town feature.
The existing medians within the Avenue of the Fountains
that were constructed over 40 years ago between Saguaro
Blvd. and La Montana Dr. and are extremely wide and help
to create an inviting environment in the heart of
downtown. This median is composed of several patches of
open turf areas, many large mature trees, walking paths,
six small water features with incorporated public art
installed within or around the water features. These
amenities create a gathering place within the center of
the roadway used by many for walking, exercising their
dogs, and for vendor booths during the annual Town
events such as the Great Fair, Homecoming Parade,
Halloween in the Hills, Art on the Avenue, Farmer's
Market, and many more events throughout the year.
The Avenue of the Fountains infrastructure is approximately
40 years old and is reaching the end of it's expected and
anticipated life cycle, this has resulted in increased
maintenance, repairs, and an overall increase in operations
costs. The Town wants to investigate infrastructure needs
of the existing median systems and provide a master plan
of improvements to the Avenue of the Fountains that will
carry it through the next 40 years. Known issues with the
current system that need to be addressed are the
following:
• Leaking water features/fountains,
• Antiquated and out of code electrical system,
• Leaking and inefficient irrigation system,
• Pedestrian accessibility
• Landscape health of the turf, plants, and trees
This report will detail the investigation findings of the
current system and propose recommended improvements
for consideration to be included in the new master plan.
Project Location:
The Avenue of the Fountains is located just west of the
Town's Fountain Lake Park. The extents of this report deal
with the Avenue from Saguaro Boulevard to La Montana
Dr. The total length of the inspected corridor is
approximately .36 miles
1. Introduction
North
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Avenue of the Fountains
Avenue of the Fountains
Approx. 922' (.17 Miles)
Approx. 922' (.17 Miles)
Fountain Hills
Administration
Building
Project Limits
Project Limits
Fountain Shall Be
Repaired During Saguaro
Blvd. Improvements
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Existing Hardscape Conditions:
• Currently the median pedestrian pathways do not meet
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) federal and state
guidelines.
• At numerous locations throughout the Avenue the
longitudinal slopes and cross slopes of accessible ramps
are in excess of allowable maximum conditions. The
maximum longitudinal slope is 8.3% and maximum
cross slope is 2%; we noted some location that were
above 13% or more. (See Photo HS-1 & HS-2)
• Currently there is limited safe continuous pedestrian
access from the south side to the north side of Avenue of
the Fountains. Crosswalks are currently only identified at
La Montana Drive, the mid block between La Montana
Drive and Verde River Drive, the east side of Verde River
Drive, and Saguaro Boulevard.
• The curbing that surrounds the perimeter of the Avenue
of the fountains is in decent shape and of a consistent
slope, however several sections have either heaved or
settled within the corridor. (See photo HS-3)
• Near the center of the eastern leg of the Avenue of the
Fountains there is a hardscape node area where wood
was used as an expansion material, the majority of
these expansion pieces have deteriorated and cause an
unsafe tripping hazard.(See Photo HS-4)
• Concrete cracking within the interior concrete plaza
areas is prevalent at numerous locations throughout the
corridor. One notable example is at the fountain along
Saguaro Boulevard which has cracking as well as dis-
colored and spalling concrete. (See Photo HS-5)
• Currently there are numerous locations where
plastic landscape edging is used to separate turf from
decomposed granite planting areas. This material is
not rated for high traffic areas and has been damaged
beyond repair. (See Photo HS-6)
• The Decomposed Granite pathway that runs through
the eastern portion of the Avenue is not an acceptable
material to meet current federal and state ADA
guidelines nor does the asphalt patch leading to the
pathway. ( See Photo HS-7)
• The brick header that contains the decomposed
granite pathway is in serious deterioration. In several
locations the header has heaved from nearby tree roots,
replacement sections have been installed but do not
match existing color, and texture and creates an uneven
nature and loose areas. (See Photos HS-8 & HS-9)
• An existing memorial to Keith McMahan (Former
Council Member) which currently sits near the concrete
plaza will need to be reincorporated into the new design
of the median (See photo HS-10)
Proposed Hardscape Improvements:
• Remove, redesign and replace all non-conforming
Accessible Ramps and walkways.
• Replace the existing Decomposed Granite pathway
and brick paving border with a hardscape that is both
aesthetically pleasing while meeting new ADA guidelines
• Remove all plastic landscape edging and replace
with a more substantial material that can withstand
maintenance impacts (mowers, weed whips, irrigation
spray) as well as the occasional but heavy festival traffic
and provide the necessary separation between turf and
existing hardscape or landscape areas
• The new design should include site amenities that are
currently under served within the medians including;
new benches, trash cans, "dog mitt" pet waste stations,
drinking fountains.
Hardscape Conclusion:
The majority of the hardscape features and elements within
the corridor are in serious need of replacement. These
features represent several non-compliance issues relative to
ADA, potential as a pedestrian tripping and falling hazard,
and the overall poor appearance that these deteriorating
features project to the citizens and visitors to the Town.
Replacement of these elements with maintenance friendly
and durable materials will ensure that the median can be
aesthetically pleasing, safe, functional, and provide access
for people of all ages and abilities for years to come.
2. Hardscape
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2. Hardscape Site Photos
Photo HS-1
Photo HS-4
Photo HS-7
Photo HS-10
Photo HS-2
Photo HS-5
Photo HS-8
Photo HS-3
Photo HS-6
Photo HS-9
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Existing Trees/ Landscaping
Conditions:
• Many existing trees within the median are reaching the
end of their life cycle and are causing issues with water
features, walkways, brick headers, electrical systems,
and irrigation systems due to invasive roots.
• Several of the existing trees because of their age and
health condition may pose a threat to the public and
private property from falling branches or tree failure in
a storm event.
• A review of historical and current aerial photographs
show that a significant number of trees within the
median have been lost due to storm damage.
• Some of the current plants within the median are not in
accordance with the Town's development ordinance for
low-water use plants.
• A registered consulting arborist, Tim Johnson of Artistic
Arborists was included on the project team to investigate
and analyze the existing trees. Tim has provided his
recommendations on treatment and survivability of the
trees located within the median. His report and results
of his findings are included below.
Scope:
Inventory and assess the health of all trees within median
strip from La Montana Drive to Saguaro Boulevard.
Reason:
A proposed landscape rehabilitation of this area to be
more user friendly for residents and community events
while maintaining an emphasis on shade and potentially
increasing site lines within the median and potentially to the
Town's famous fountain.
Purpose:
The median at one time was completely shaded by a tree
canopy that covered the entire median from east to west
and north to south. Over the past 40 plus years many of
these trees have been lost or damaged by storms or health
issues and many were never replaced. The remaining tree
population at this time is forty-five (45) trees. The existing
trees that remain are very spread out, many do not match
the original planting design for species selection and on
average are in a poor or declining health condition.
Maintenance of the trees has been reactive based only and
focused on removal of any dead or storm damaged materials.
Views of fountain is blocked due to size and location of trees.
Retaining of many of these trees while desirable may not be
feasible or cost effective.
Therefore, a visual assessment of each tree in the median
related to current: condition, risk, effect on site line,
survivability through construction phase, ability to salvage
and transplant, and required management pre and post
construction was undertaken.
Purpose:
Forty-five (45) trees were visually assessed on March 29
and April 17, 2012, on an individual tree by tree basis by a
certified arborist.
There are five trees (numbers 4, 6, 16, 17, and 20) that are
recommended to be removed due to their unacceptable risk
potential.
Eleven trees (numbers 5, 18, 29 thru 36, and 40) should be
removed prior to construction due to health and structure
issues that cannot be turned around feasibly or economically.
Nineteen trees impede the view of the fountain from any
location within the median, with the only strategy for
improvement of this view being removal of these trees or
acceptance that views will be blocked.
All trees will require pre-rehabilitation maintenance
especially irrigation to maximize hydration prior to
construction as well as pruning and fertilizing to adjust
and strengthen each tree to withstand the construction
procedures and increase their individual longevity.
Overall, the trees within the median appear to be in
fair condition considering their history with credit for
their current condition given to the Town's maintenance
personnel and their practices. None of the existing trees
could be considered specimen trees at this time or even in
the future after targeted irrigation, pruning, and fertilizing.
The shade factor of any tree in the desert southwest makes
them assets to the current landscape. Unfortunately some
of the existing trees may be liabilities to the Town due to
their failure potential.
The development of any master plan concepts should
include new trees to replace any existing trees that might
necessitate removal. Currently new trees are not being
planted to replace the existing trees that have been
lost over the years. Planting of new trees will ensure the
landscape has a plan of succession to ensure a mature tree
canopy coverage in the future.
3. Trees/Landscaping
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3. Existing Trees Site Photos
Trees 1,2,3
Tree 4
Tree 6
Tree 4
Tree 5
Tree 6
Tree 4
Tree 6
Tree 7
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Tree 7
Tree 8
Tree 10
Tree 8
Tree 9
Tree 11
Tree 8
Tree 9
Tree 12
3. Existing Trees Site Photos
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Tree 12
Tree 17
Tree 19
Trees 13, 14, 15
Tree 17
Tree 20
Tree 16
Tree 18
Tree 20
3. Existing Trees Site Photos
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Tree 21
Tree 25
Tree 28
Trees 22, 23, 24
Tree 26
Trees 29 - 35
Trees 22, 23
Tree 27
Trees 29 - 35
3. Existing Trees Site Photos
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Trees 29 - 35
Tree 37
Tree 40
Trees 29 - 35
Tree 38
Trees 41
Tree 36
Tree 39
Trees 42
3. Existing Trees Site Photos
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Trees 43
Tree 45
Trees 44
Tree 45
Tree 45
3. Existing Trees Site Photos
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3. Trees Assessment Data
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3. Trees Assessment Data
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Existing Water Features
Conditions:
• Several of the water features have significant leaks
thus consuming large amounts of water. Each feature
within the project was tested to ascertain what amount
of water was being lost. The results of this evaluation
take into account evaporation rates and indicated the
following losses:
- Fountain #1 (Avenue of the Fountains & Saguaro
Boulevard) : 66,100 gallons per year water loss
- Fountain #2 (Eagle Waterfall) : 100,500 gallons per
year water loss
- Fountain #3 (PVC Pipe) : 42,000 gallons per year
water loss
- Fountain #4 (Waterfall) : 35,500 gallons per year
water loss
- Fountain #5 (Boy & Girl) : NA- fountain has
automatic float system for refilling
- Fountain #6 (Circle Feature) : 15,100 gallons per
year water loss
• Existing public art pieces such as the rotary plaques,
bronze eagle and bronze children shall be salvaged and
reincorporated into any median renovation. (See Photos
WF-1 & WF-2)
• Three pump stations are currently located underground
within vaults thus making maintenance very difficult as
the spaces are small and sometimes will flood during
storm events as some vaults do not have submersible
pumps. (See Photos WF-3 & WF-4)
• There is no cohesive design to the construction/
layout of the 6 pump stations which operate the water
features. Each pump station has a different motor,
filtering system, and piping layout making maintenance
a difficult and costly on-going task.
• All of the below grade pump stations are not secured
with locks, and the above grade pump station are
completely open to the public making vandalism or
theft a concern. (See Photo WF-5)
• Several of the water features do not have automatic fill
mechanisms, requiring maintenance staff to manually
refill water features. (See Photo WF-6)
• None of the water features have a wind sensor
(anemometer) to alert the pump to shut off during high
wind conditions. During the site visits several fountains
continued to run during high winds covering large areas
of the surrounding hardscape with water, creating
unsafe conditions and wasting additional water. (See
Photo WF-7 & WF-8)
• The concrete coping on several water features have
numerous large non-repairable cracks which effect the
overall aesthetic of the feature. (See Photo WF-9)
• 4 of the 6 water features do not have expansion joints
installed between the wall of the fountain and the
surrounding concrete, which has caused cracking to
both surfaces. (See Photo WF-10 & WF-11)
• The plaza spaces around each of these fountains does
not currently meet federal and state ADA guidelines and
is recommended to be replaced. (See Photos WF-12)
• Public seating (benches) around the fountains to enjoy
them is minimal and should be increased or incorporated
into any improvements
Proposed Water Features
Improvements:
• Consider consolidating all water features pump systems
to one central pump enclosure which would house all
the motors and filtering equipment required to run
the all of the water features, thus making maintenance
more practical and easier to troubleshoot problems.
• Standardize equipment between all water features.
• Remove and replace water features so appropriate liners
can be installed and current leakage can be eliminated.
• Remove and replace surrounding pedestrian plaza areas
around each fountain bringing them into compliance
with current ADA standards.
• Salvage protect and replace any public art features
associated with these water features (Boy & Girl drinking
from hose, Eagle's Nest, Rotary Club Plaques).
Water Features Conclusion:
After evaluation of the current 6 water features within the
corridor and the associated annual water leakage, disjointed
and costly water feature pump stations, and water feature
piping these features need to be addressed and their
inadequacies corrected. Corrective measures may include
complete removal of specific water features, renovation and
reconstruction of existing water features, or the addition of
new water features. The results will be a savings in water
costs through elimination of the current leakage, better
filtration equipment, reduced maintenance cost by
consolidating pumps, piping, and fixtures that are uniform,
creation of accessible water features with public art.
4. Water Features
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4. Existing Water Features Site Photos
Photo WF-1
Photo WF-4
Photo WF-7
Photo WF-2
Photo WF-5
Photo WF-8
Photo WF-3
Photo WF-6
Photo WF-9
Photo WF-10 Photo WF-11 Photo WF-12
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North
S
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Avenue of the Fountains
Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills
Administration
Building
Water Feature #6
(Circle Feature)
Water Feature #1
(Tiered Fountain)
Water Feature #2
(Eagle Sculpture)
Water Feature #3
(PVC Pipe Fountain)
Water Feature #4
(Waterfall)
Water Feature #5
(Boy & Girl Statue)
4. Water Features Location Map
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Existing Irrigation Conditions:
• The current irrigation system repeatedly experiences
line breaks and is under constant repair causing
distress to the landscape.
• Currently there are four separate controllers used to
operate all existing turf zones. (See Photo IR-1)
• Drip control valves are not linked to turf controllers
and are currently operated by stand alone battery
controllers located in valve boxes. (See Photo IR-2)
• Backflow at southern median is not installed properly
as it should be 12" min. above ground in order for it to
be maintained and does not have an enclosure. (See
Photo IR-3)
• Existing backflow enclosure to northern median does
not have concrete pad to be able to lock enclosure
down. This is a concern due to many backflow thefts
are being reported throughout the region due to the
increasing value of copper.
• No master valves or flow sensors exist on the current
systems which are utilized to monitor and shut down
a system in case of line breaks or major leaks. Note
mainline breaks due to age of system have been a
reoccurring issue for maintenance.
• Few existing quick couplers were found along median
edges but are not located within valve boxes and
some are broken. (See Photo IR-4)
• Existing irrigation system is not set up per proper
conventional methods. Currently a single control valve
operates only one or two turf rotors while several
control valves are wired together at the controller to
force multiple rotors to operate simultaneously like a
'normal' station would.
• Several turf zones have limited pressure due to too
many heads installed on a single irrigation zone
resulting in poor water distribution (See Photo IR-5).
• Several turf zones have a mix of both rotors with
pop up turf spray nozzles which is not proper design
method due to the large variance of precipitation
rates between rotors and sprays. One zone was even
noticed to contain rotors, sprays, bubbler, and emitters
all on same zone which is never recommended.
• All turf rotor and spray zones have mixtures of
different manufacturers and nozzle types which alters
the precipitation rate of each head thus aiding in the
inefficiency of the system and is costly to maintain.
• Spacings between rotors or spray heads are
inconsistent and many times too extreme where
proper head-to-head water coverage is unattainable.
(See Photo IR-6)
• Drip control valves currently do not have filters or
pressure regulators which are common practice to
use with drip valves. The lack of these devices results
in higher maintenance costs and inefficient watering
(See Photo IR-7).
• Many valves within valve boxes are encased with soil.
This results in higher maintenance cost when repairs
are required. (See Photo IR-8)
• Several control wire connectors are standard wire
nuts. These connectors should always be waterproof
style connectors. (See Photo IR-9)
Proposed Irrigation
Improvements:
• Remove/abandon all existing irrigation systems.
Replace entire irrigation system with new system that
is designed to be efficient, consistent, and reduce
overall maintenance.
• Install new reduced pressure backflow prevention
units with secure locking enclosures.
• Controllers should be replaced with new "Smart
Controllers" utilizing water saving technologies
such as flow sensing and ET weather sensor based
programming. Flow sensing can detect if any major
leaks occur and signal the controller to shut down
the system in such an event while ET weather based
controllers utilize weather data to provide automated
controller programming ideal to the current weather
& site conditions resulting in water savings and a very
efficient irrigation system.
• Number of controllers can be reduced to only two
or possibly even one controller and include remote
capability which is an invaluable tool to maintenance
personnel.
• One master valve and flow sensor should be installed
per each water point-of-connection to monitor and
shut down the system if excessive water use from a
line break is detected.
• All PVC piping should be replaced using schedule 40
or class 200 PVC pipes properly sized per the expected
flows through the pipes to minimize pressure loss due
to friction while maintaining recommended velocity
levels.
• New quick couplers should be strategically placed
within valve boxes at areas where necessary for
maintenance personnel to access and utilize for
cleaning high traffic hardscape areas.
• New remote control valves should be installed
to operate separate zones of rotors/sprays/ or
emitters.
• All turf rotor/spray heads should be replaced with
like manufacturer heads using matched or similar
precipitation rate nozzles properly spaced to provide
head-to-head water coverage within newly designed
turf areas.
• All drip emitters should be replaced with like
manufacturer emitters utilizing multi-port emitters
5. Irrigation
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for all trees and single-port emitters for all shrubs.
• Drip control zones should be installed using filter and
pressure regulators.
• New pipe sleeves should be installed under permanent
hardscape elements to facilitate any potential future
maintenance issues so hardscape elements do not
require removal or disruption.
• All valve boxes should be installed new with locking
covers and rock aggregate sumps over filter fabric to
minimize long term maintenance.
Irrigation Conclusion:
J2's irrigation design staff has evaluated the existing irrigation
system along Avenue of the Fountains and concurs the best
strategy is for the Town to consider a complete renovation
of the existing system. Due to issues noted previously under
'Existing Irrigation Conditions', it is our opinion that all
irrigation components should be replaced with exception of
the water meters in order to have a dependable and efficient
irrigation system that will aid in minimizing the amount of
water usage and required maintenance.
Many times one or more of the main irrigation components
may be salvaged and reused in effort to reduce construction
costs, however none of the existing irrigation components
appear to in any condition to warrant consideration of
salvaging and reuse. The controllers are still operational and
should be returned to the Town for potential reuse on
another project where more suited to fit as they do not have
enough available stations or necessary features for this
project. The backflow units that are removed and replaced
should be returned to the Town as they may be rebuilt and
reused with other Town projects that have the flow rates
and sizes that are in keeping with the proposed improvements
for their use.
5. Irrigation Cont.
Photo IR-1
Photo IR-4
Photo IR-2
Photo IR-5
Photo IR-3
Photo IR-6
Photo IR-7 Photo IR-8 Photo IR-9
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Existing Electrical Conditions:
• SRP provides electrical service to two Service Entrance
Sections (SES) along Avenue of the Fountains: one SES
for west median located just west of N. Verde River Dr.
intersection (See Photo EL-1) and second SES for east
median located in shopping center parking lot. (See
Photo EL-2)
• Western SES is rated 400 amp, 120/208 volt, three-
phase system with electric meter #2318260.
• Next to the west SES are three heavy duty 200 amp, 250
volt disconnects each feeding a sub-panel: A, B, & C.
Panel A feeds power to receptacles on west half of the
western median (See Photo EL-3); Panel B feeds power
to the pump for Fountain #6 and receptacles on east
half of the western median (See Photo EL-1); & Panel C
feeds power to Fountain #5 and receptacles west of the
panel. (See Photo EL-4)
• Eastern median SES is rated 200 amp, 120/240 volt,
single-phase system with electric meter #1225849. (See
Photo EL-2)
• Eastern SES supplies power to Panel F (See Photo EL-
7) located in the median which then provides power to
two sub-panels D & E as well as power to pumps for
Fountains #2 & 3 and a receptacle on the panel; Panel
D is a 18-space panel (See Photo EL-5) feeding power
to the waterfall timer at Fountain #4 and a receptacle
on the panel. Panel D also supplies power to a small
6-space sub-panel which feeds a few receptacles in the
area and is limited to 20 amps; Panel E is a 12-space
panel (See Photo EL-6) supplying power to another small
6-space sub-panel which feeds the pump for Fountain
#1 and a few receptacles on the panel and is limited to
30 amps. It is unknown what each of the twelve (12) 20
amp breakers from Panel E are powering as they are all
unlabeled.
• Throughout both medians there are currently fifty-four
(54) 20 amp receptacles mounted on conduit, posts, or
on the sides of panels. Many receptacles show signs of
water damage with broken or missing plastic covers and
no way to lock the receptacle to prevent unwanted use
by general public. (See Photos EL-8 & EL-9)
• Receptacles are protected against electrical ground-
faults through a combination of Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles or GFCI
breakers. This mixture of protective devices adds a level
of complexity during maintenance and troubleshooting
of problems making it difficult to test and ensure
reliability of the GFCI device.
• Throughout both medians there are currently eight (8)
electrical panels with overlapping service areas making
it difficult to easily identify what panels are powering
different devices in the area and makes it very difficult
to maintain and trouble shoot.
• Panels D, E, & F are either installed too low to the
ground, or installed at the curb in the median facing
outward to the street thus making maintenance difficult
and sometimes dangerous.
• Both the western & eastern smaller sub-panels are
undersized and installed too close to the ground that
they are very difficult to maintain.
• Many panels are missing labels thus making it very
difficult to identify where they are being powered from
and what they are powering.
• Throughout the site, the receptacles are unexpectedly
turning off as a result of moisture in the receptacle
boxes and aging GFCI’s.
Proposed Electrical Improvements:
• Reduce the two Electrical Service Entrance Sections
to one central location. This will help to reduce the
complexity of the electrical system which will reduce
maintenance costs and utility company long term costs.
• Replace existing undersized sub-panels with new
adequately sized sub-panels as needed in strategically
placed areas. All panels will be sized to accommodate
future growth so that smaller panels will not have to be
added later.
• New electrical equipment and sub-panels to be moved
to locations where maintenance can more safely be
performed.
• Screen all electrical equipment so that it is not as
obvious or intrusive to the landscape.
• All receptacles should be replaced with new event style
receptacles with metal lockable covers.
• Provide ground fault circuit interrupting breakers in
panels for each receptacle to help minimize maintenance
and troubleshooting.
• New electrical disconnects should be installed at each
fountain or water feature to provide added safety for
maintenance of the equipment.
• New electrical pipe sleeves should be installed under
permanent hardscape elements to facilitate any
potential future maintenance issues so hardscape
elements do not require removal or disruption.
• New area lights should be added to central plazas or
gathering locations to provide a sense of comfort and
security
• New accent lighting should be added to fountains
near central plazas or gathering locations to enhance
the night time aesthetic of the fountains.
• New walkway pedestrian style lights may be considered
to be added to the project to provide a safe and
comfortably way finding route through the site.
6. Electrical
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6. Electrical Cont.
Photo EL-1
Photo EL-4
Photo EL-2
Photo EL-5
Photo EL-3
Photo EL-6
Photo EL-7 Photo EL-8 Photo EL-9
Electrical Conclusions:
Wright Engineering Corp. has evaluated the existing
electrical system along Avenue of the Fountains and
concludes that the best strategy is for the Town to consider
a complete renovation of the existing electrical system. Due
to issues noted previously under 'Existing Electrical
Conditions', it is our opinion that all electrical components
should be replaced in order to have a dependable and
efficient electrical system. A new electrical system will aid in
minimizing the required maintenance and troubleshooting
efforts as well as increase the safety of the maintenance
personnel while working on the system. Many of the existing
electrical panels are in locations where traffic needs to be
interrupted to provide the necessary maintenance. One or
more of the existing electrical sub-panels or disconnects
may be salvaged and reused in an effort to reduce
construction costs, however many of these items do not
appear to be in good enough condition to warrant
consideration of salvaging and reuse. None of the receptacles
throughout the site are in good enough condition to salvage
and reuse, therefore all should be replaced with new
weather-resistant receptacles with metal lockable covers.
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Appendix
Public Input
Questionnaire
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7. Public Input Priorities Ranking
Public Questionnaire (Page 1)
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7. Public Input Cont.Priorities Ranking
Public Questionnaire (Page 2)
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7. Public Input Cont.
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Page 1 of 28
AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS MEDIAN PROJECT
QUESTIONNAIRE COMMENTS
June 4, 2012
FORM # COMMENTS
124
I suggest using low water use trees as a shade option vs. building shade structures. Locate
permanent infrastructure for events (art fairs) to allow more median access during the
events. A more modern and efficient public address/sound system should be included of
the event and stage areas.
125 More benches
126 This project should be undertaken in stages. The first stage should be foundation for all
work to follow as in building a house. The completion could be planned and executed as
funding becomes available. Obviously grading, plumbing and electrical would constitutes
the first stage. Through the whole process in allowing for maintenance.
130 I have proposed this before and still believe this is the most beneficial upgrade to achieve:
add partial shade structures with water misters over the existing sidewalks on the north
and south sides of the Avenue of the Fountains. On the south side, the structure could be
an extension of the existing structure. This would encourage more foot traffic; any also
encourage the establishment of new businesses.
I believe a central, unifying theme should be established. “Upgrade the Avenue of the
Fountains” is not a theme. I have proposed the following before as well: Turn Fountain
Hills into Arizona’s only Blue zone! The first question I usually hear is, “what is a blue
zone”? http://www.bluezones.com/ . blue zones help people live healthier, longer and
better. The partially shaded, misted sidewalks could be the first step (pun intended) in a
Blue Zone themed focus for Fountain Hills. The medical facility on Palisades could
easily be tied into the Blue Zone theme. The lake and the lake trail fit right in.
137 The area should be configured to leave and add to the trees in the median. We need grass
and trees not concrete and bandstands. The water features should stay. The open areas
should be filled in. Our town center should look like Prescott town center.
Town of FOUNTAIN HILLS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT
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2012 Avenue of the Fountains
Capital Improvement Project
Town Feedback – June 4, 2012
Page 2 of 28
139 I think the grassy area must stay. More shade is good. More little shops added in spare
lots would be good. Trees must stay, or more added. Water features need to stay. This is
what people want.
140 Research the history of Leavenworth, WA. It is truly a success story. Fountain Hills has
the potential to be that and more.
141 F.H. town roads should come before this project. For 20 years the roads are the last item
fixed.
142 Improvements are good as long as you don’t have to dig them up again when there is new
development.
143 I have lived in Fountain Hills for over 25 years and don’t want any BIG changes to the
“Avenue”. Fix what is broken but don’t change the feel of it. I love those big trees – I’ve
watch them grown with the Town, don’t get rid of them. The median is nice to look at
from the store side and should stay the way it is. We are a unique Town with few street
lights we need to keep our unique charm. If people don’t like it let them move
somewhere else. I moved here because of no street lights and open space. We need to
repair items but not change our Town’s look.
144 Streets should be the priority.
145 Stop with the public sculptures. The town has enough. Please keep in mind that this town
is a desert when adding plant material!
146 Consider the views and events. Night lighting, electric for vendors and replace fountains.
This is the center of town where everyone meets.
147 Let’s clean up the avenue and aim at regaining our role as a first class city.
148 Before the town spends too much money the council should coordinate with any proposal
for the building of a Town Center or Cinema along the Avenue of the Fountains so we
won’t have to redo the work.
149 Crossing the street safely is a problem from current parking! Cars do not respect the stop
signs and U-turn with little regard to pedestrians (Verde River Drive). Water usage has to
be a priority in this project along with safety of people!
150 I don’t know how the town could support 12 movie theatres; 6 would be sufficient. What
we need are more outdoor restaurants and shops that don’t close up at 6:00 p.m. and some
entertainment.
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151 I am an artist who has been involved in the weekly art fairs for the past two years. Since
you have a west end of the avenue and a east end before the Fountains I would suggest a
restroom on both ends to accommodate those artists and farmer’s market vendors.
Smaller fountains would be nice. Too big, too much space used for current fountains.
152 Part of the issue is the traffic on Saguaro. Fast and heavy at times. Suggest you consider
putting in 3 roundabouts. One at the end of Ave of the Fountains with a fountain as its
center piece. One at the intersection of Saguaro and El Lago Boulevard – remove light
and the other at the intersection of Saguaro and E. Palisades Blvd also removing the light.
They should be surrounded by paver/cobblestone to form the circle. These improvements
would serve several purposes. 1) create a safe environment in downtown – slower traffic
and perhaps less with people avoiding the road because it is slow progress 2) Reduced
noise because of slower traffic and removal of lights. No more peeling out after lights
change 3) Improved image-the center of the roundabout could incorporate artwork and
water features. I would also consider installing 45 degree angles parking on Saguaro for
improved lake access and a concrete pad lakeside parallel to Saguaro so vendors can set
up on along the edge on weekends without blocking the street. I have a lot more
suggestion/vision on what you should have there. It may cost a few dollars to put this in
place but it could provide significant tax revenue if it draws more visitors to town.
153 Fix/replace FH roads as a higher priority than any of these items.
154 Road first, then median.
155 Natural trees are needed for shade in the median. The view will be blocked by the
“Greening” of the park so don’t bother chopping trees.
If you wanted ADA sidewalks why!!!, did you allow the restaurant to encroach on the
sidewalk.
Allowing the theater to be taller than the “standard” height will probably block views
from the Ave of the Fountains.
A public restroom should be available in the business area Not the median. There seems
to be plenty of space in the retail area for this.
156 I don’t believe the existing fountains in the median should be repaired, but rather the
fountains should be relocated to Fountain Park. The median should be opened up for
events and kiosks (see Downtown Vision Plan and then rename the “Avenue of the
Fountains” to Fountain Avenue”). As for public access from one side of the Avenue to
the other, I am not aware of any incidents; however if there are, then address them. If not,
then forgo the expense.
The visual connection along the Avenue of the Fountain should be from the sidewalks
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adjacent to businesses, not from the median. The goal should be to get more pedestrians
strolling the business sidewalks, not the median. Sun-sail shades in the median should be
considered in lieu of more expensive hard-roofed shade armadas. A public restroom is
needed in Fountain Park before it is needed in the median (consider ROI based on
frequency of use and number of pedestrians).
I’m guessing that spending $2 M on the median will be a hard sell after the Town recently
told the community it has no money to replace existing streets. I believe median
‘improvements’ should be scaled back to take into consideration community priorities and
ROI’s.
157 1. No restroom facilities on the Avenue, please! Tacky and inappropriate.
2. No expenditures on art or sculpture, etc… We have mountains and a fountain.
Please do not spend our taxes on funding some artist’s rendition of beauty. We
have it already.
3. No receptacles, electrical equipment expenditures for artists to sell their wares on
the Avenue. Most of the “art” we get at our fairs is substandard and of the church
bazaar craft sort.
4. No awnings.
5. Yes, the Christmas lighting is awesome. Please keep.
At this stage in our economy, to incur additional expense to improve the ave. of the
Fountains median seems inappropriate. A better expenditure of time and money might
be:
1. Remove the tacky sports bar with TVs glaring over the Ave of the Fountains and
the lake.
2. Remove the neon sign in front of the church on Saguaro, the sign that advertises
what the church is offering that week. Absolutely unbelievable that got through.
3. Upscale the entrance to our town. Newcomers to Fountain Hills first view of our
town is a line of fast food restaurants….Taco Bell, Arby’s etc. Upscale the vacant
buildings along that corridor entrance. Rent or sell those buildings to healthy
lifestyle companies (i.e. NOT BARS) that will improve visitor’s impression.
4. Police the speeders who crank through our town on their way to Scottsdale &/or
Mesa before and after work.
159 Indigenous shade trees are absolutely essential, rather than small desert shrubs. Fountain
views are available from so many locations already. It is imperative if you want
pedestrians, shoppers, and activities that you provide numerous shaded areas, especially
with water features/fountains for a relaxing ambiance. No palm trees, please. We already
have enough of them.
160 The bricks should be removed-some cement benches and trash cans along the Ave. need
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repair-for site and safety. Keep it simple-enough fountains. The Greening Group has
done a good job! My husband and I pick up trash along the Ave. several times a year-
good exercise and it looks neater. Maintain what we have rather than adding a lot!
Thanks.
161 We have enough fountains and statues. Fix what we have and not add a lot-some cement
benches and trash cans need repair. Bricks could be removed.
162 The land on the south side of the Avenue HAS to be developed to increase the beauty of
the town. We desperately need a theater & attractive shopping area where residence and
visitors can shop and spend time & money IN town. Make the Ave the Beauty of FH and
the focal point where visitors WANT to participate in town activities. The population of
FH has grown, it’s time for the town to grow also, How sad it is, most of us run to
Scottsdale to spend our money & time. If the land is developed/sold the town can collect
revenue from the investors for taxes etc…. What good is it to fix “the island” when it
borders an empty lot that is nothing but an eye sore. Let’s get going and make a deal with
a developer who will beautify the center of town and make us proud. Thank you.
163 Still waiting for the movie theater area to be developed. It’s a beautiful city. I am a
visitor and love to walk around everywhere. Thx
164 Thanks for the opportunity to opine: I feel that a bathroom is overkill in that area. I think
charging a fee for private events would help with the costs. I love the Xmas lights and
would miss them greatly if they were removed. We frequent the median with our pets and
I think removing the trees to better see Fountain Park is a mistake…It will take away quite
a bit of shade. If people want to see fountain park, go to Fountain park….Some nice
ramadas would be a real delight. Good luck with the project!!
165 Some questions seem opposite. If you take down the trees, how do you hang Christmas
lights on them? Not sure what non-compliant plants are so cannot agree to take them out.
If you are taking the trees down as they obstruct the fountain, how does the ramada, stage
or bathrooms not interfere with the view? Not sure what the north-south pedestrian
question actually means. Most importantly, why wasn’t there a question about who
would like to see the vacant side of the avenue developed? It’s sad that the MAIN tourist
street in our town only have ONE side. Thanks for asking!
166 I have an idea for the main entrance to the Ave of the Fountains, Saguaro Blvd side.
Hence the name Ave of the Fountains let’s make it about the fountains. Start with a
design like the picture I have sent. My thought is to get most of this paid for by
business/residents that want to donate their time and products for a plaque on the back
side of the fountain. Design the fountain in stone; add a design of the four peaks
mountain range & red rock, with the water as a sheer decent falling over into the base.
Then as you go up the Ave. enhance the area with covered seating, more fountains, maybe
even a baby fountain like our world famous one across the street. Have it shoot up about
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12’ into the air every hour. Add pavers (again residents purchase payers with names &
sayings on them) adding a wandering path along the Ave. We are greening the fountain
park, why not green the Ave?? Change the plants with donations of residents, business
that what their names on plaques. We need to bring people into the Ave and keep them
there for awhile, make it inviting so they will stay. Also design it so that different day &
night events can happen.
I also suggest going to our local college and see what design engineering students there
come up with. Then offer the winner some type of scholarship money. Just some
thoughts!
167 There are far more pressing issues than the median. Street paving should be #1 priority.
Water fountains on the median are unnecessary and a waste of natural resources. The
median is a perfect segway to our town mascot, the fountain.
168 Unable to answer the early questions without replacement and maintenance costs and
timing. Road maintenance seems a more important project than any of these points.
169 I love our Avenue of the Fountains and agree that it does need to be remolded as our town
has grown with more public events. I’d love to see the median have more of a downtown
feel so that the community comes down in the evenings and weekends.
In regards to the fountains on the median. I would love to have some fountains. That is
what makes the avenue unique, Avenue of the Fountains. I do agree that they need to be
water and energy efficient.
If we are going to have events on the median, then yes we do need some sort of shading,
however not necessarily hard roofed. The style of shading will depend on the overall look
we are trying to create. Public restrooms should be added in the areas, but not in the
median.
170 I think the most important consideration is for existing and future landscaping to require
as little upkeep and use as little water as possible. Any new trees should provide shade
without drinking up a lot of water, which means mostly trees that are native to the desert
or have adapted. Other plants should also be desert friendly. There are lots of bushes and
flowering plants that can survive the desert heat and still provide a pleasing view.
I’d like to see the Avenue as a respite, not only for people but for birds and maybe some
smaller desert critters. A few benches instead of ramadas would be nice. Sculptures are
great, but I think there is enough of it now. The pieces that can’t be repaired might be
something private donors can offer to replace.
Am a bit leery of a public restroom, as they can get messy. If that makes it into the plan,
there should be something in place to encourage people to help keep it clean.
No stage or plaza, please!! Those are already in place at the Fountain and would detract
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from the natural and (hopefully) relaxing nature of the Avenue.
Love the Christmas lights, since that’s about the only holiday draw the town has (besides
the luminaries).
171 I don’t like the idea of a public restroom on the median, but one ought to be available
within convenient walking distance of Ave of the Fountains.
172 I offer the following opinion: the existing fountains should be removed to save electric,
water & maintenance. We already have a wonderful water feature directly in sight, the
town fountain. We should not take away from that or try to compete with it. It is our
town landmark. Also, we do not need another public stage since there is one just across
the street in the park. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to comment.
173 I think you should leave all the existing vegetation and minimize the changes to the
median. I can see repairing the fountains, as they are part of the community identity. The
median should be used as a park (during the day, not at night) and as such, should be
focused on staying green. There is no reason to cut down the large beautiful trees that
have grown there for so many years unless they are died or dying and pose a safety
hazard.
Building a restroom in the median would be costly and foolish, as the need to use one is a
good way of getting visitors to go to the shops on the North side of the Avenue. And why
build costly ramadas when you have all the beautiful trees to provide shade. Also, stop
wasting money wrapping the trees in lights every holiday season. Use the lights on the
shops on the North side instead. Finally, the irrigation system would require a lot less
maintenance if we didn’t have the farmers market and other events taking place in the
median, which is generally what causes the damage to begin with. Minimize the
costs….keep the median green and take any money for median maintenance out of the
funds the Town provides to the Chamber of Commerce.
174 This money would be better spent on roads if the roads are so poor no one will come to
the median anyhow. This is a good example of doing what is easy and avoiding real
needs.
175 Some of the questions are too vague without knowing what will replace, costs, from
where the monies to do the project will come. Is this project really a priority during this
time when money could be well spent somewhere else or not spent at all.
The median is just that….why do you want to clutter it up with a public restroom and
shade ramadas? Parking for the existing stores is already a problem when the median is
being used for things. You believe the trees are blocking the fountain…. I certainly don’t
want to be looking at public restrooms and the building and upkeep costs would be
outrageous!
If you are talking about new public art….I disagree unless it is donated. The artwork in
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Fountain Hills is unique and fun but to be consideration more at the expense of taxpayers
or taking from the town budget is poor judgment in my opinion.
Do what HAS to be done to maintain/fix what is broken and stop spending money and
then down the line complain that you need more money….which means more taxes.
Fountain Hills taxes are too high now.
176 I am not in favor of any of these development plans. If we do not have funds for streets
(Saguaro, in particular), we should not be looking to spend funds on development! Let’s
first put “food on the table and a roof over our heads before we go to “Disneyland”!
The way the second part of the survey is worded, it assumes median renovation. That is a
really railroading technique. Again, let’s concern ourselves with things that are necessary
rather than frivolous. Tighten our budget belt. Don’t pay for a design service! Do you
honestly think we can afford that?
177 Before the Town decides to spend perhaps millions of dollars dressing up the Avenue you
should get the streets fixed. The money you intend to spend here should go toward the
repaving of Saguaro Blvd.
178 Not until Saguaro Boulevard is put on #1 priority. It is a disgrace and any other funds
spent on the median should be used for it.
179 There is currently no real “residential purpose” to the Avenue area and therefore we
haven’t been compelled to spend much time on the corridor. Farmers Market is a great
example of a perfect use….however, it is traditionally held on a Thursday during work
hours. Need more activities on this corridor during the weekend to draw us over there. It
doesn’t have to be on the caliber of the two Art Fair events…but more along the line of
the weekly Farmer’s Market approach.
180 Replacing any ill working water features and plants is imperative. Save water! Views
along the Avenue are already there and having anchor trees at the entrance of the Avenue
is visually appealing especially at the holidays. Isn’t there some kind of flashing signal
that can be triggered by pedestrians to alert traffic for crossing into the park from the
Avenue? Solar lighting fixtures to marry existing street lighting would be a plus even for
night time strolling. Shade structures should also mirror existing styles on the Avenue.
We must be ADA compliant. As a resident of the Avenue, street fairs is a whole separate
issue that needs more space than I have here to discuss. I’m sure public restrooms would
be appreciated by all who need to go to the bathroom! Public art should be displayed as
part of a whole picture. Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts
and look forward to possibly working with you in the future to make this project
awesome!
181 As a 31 year resident I have an appreciation for the town history as well as the need for
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improvements in the interest of future development. I like what I see happening at the
Fountain Park. As far as I am concerned, the Avenue of the Fountains median is just that.
A median. So while I agree with the need for improvements to aging systems, unhealthy
or high-water use plants…I do not wish to see the space turned into a meeting and
gathering space. I like the fountains. I love the trees. And I love the holiday decorations.
Add a path if need be but keep the concrete to a minimum.
182 Please fix the roads before spending money on the Avenue of the Fountains.
183 Public restrooms, while needed, should be unobtrusive.
184 I understand the appeal to hold events like farmer’s market on the avenue. However,
these day-only events (unlike Art Fair) create dangerous conditions for pedestrians and
motorists. People drive by the “window shop” from their car, delivery vehicles block
traffic, and often cars stop to off-load in the street rather than pull into a parking space. I
would oppose further development of these types of events….should be held on Fountain
park property.
185 Please stop trying to get rid of all the trees, even palm trees and other plants that may not
be on the Town’s list have value. We should be planting more trees.
186 Streets should be repaired before they get any worse. The next thing you know, we will
have pot holes all over the city. This is keeping property values down!
187 While I agree that leaking fountains should be replaced with those that use water more
efficiently, I am accustomed to the current visual style & would hope the replacements are
similar or even better enhancement of the avenue. I think is important to any community,
but we don’t have to have numerous stand alone bronze statues. The art can be subtle and
free flowing. We are surrounded by communities that have done this. Making the
median safe, appealing, and environmentally responsible should be the top priorities.
More areas of seating to enjoy the beauty also, public restrooms a must.
188 How about up lighted palms down the median to provide atmosphere, lights and
minimally obscure the view of the fountain. Would not like a public stage as we have the
amphitheater area in the park. Perhaps an event plaza, where a temporary stage could be
erected?
189 The village needs to take care of existing facilities FIRST. Condition of parks, streets, etc.
has been ignored as they have been allowed to fall apart. The off lease facility is a total
mess; maintenance of park grass areas is horrible. Let’s get our house in order prior to
spending funds on “improvements”.
190 We have enough fountains and statues. Fix what we have and not add a lot—some
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cement benches and trash cans need repair. Bricks could be removed.
191 No median renovation until Saguaro Blvd is upgraded. – Please! Please put first things
first. There is too much emphasis on things that are not essential! When plants die or are
destroyed, then replace with compliant plants. First do the streets. Why do we pay for a
Town Manager? Shouldn’t the Council and Mayor manage it? Why are we paying J2
Design if we cannot afford streets?
192 If it’s not broken, leave it alone! Please do not remove trees! People love the shade! I
work on Avenue of the Fountains and I look at the median everyday! The green is restful
and the tourists (I see people and they come in our office everyday) comment on how
inviting the median is----- (add benches but not shade ramadas– ugly! Talk about blocking
the view!!!!!) People take “all their pictures” by the entrance to the Avenue by the
beautiful tall pine”
193 With regards to putting in improvements such as electrical i.e.…for the different fairs we
have. I say no, because we tax payers should not have to pay for the Chamber to close
our streets down for over 6 days a year for their benefit. All they do is have parties for
themselves, give awards to each other on our dime. I work on the avenue of the fountains
and very much dislike the fact that I cannot conduct business during these Chamber
function…..They do nothing to insure that myself and my clients can find a parking space.
Thus I have to close my doors during all these functions. Thank you for your time.
194 Any rework of the median area should include a proper and safe cross walk across
Saguaro to Fountain Park. I would also suggest a roundabout rather than another traffic
signal other than perhaps a caution flasher. Any event lighting should be used only for
events not ordinary street lighting. An events stage is redundant, use the amphitheater
stage in the park or use temporary reusable staging.
195 There should be an effort to bridge the gap between Fountain Hills and Scottsdale –
Tempe – Phoenix. Adding a light rail system for access as well as visitors from around
the area. This would be a cost and energy efficient pull to bring people into Fountain
Hills for activities as well as living. Access to college, games, art, events, work, airport
etc……
196 I agree that the trees are old and should be replaced…but with Palm tree, not the type of
trees that do not lend to the landscape as I see they have already placed several of these
types of trees at the fountain and they look so out of place!!!
197 Get rid of the idea of a 12 screen movie theater and put in an old fashioned theater with 4-
5 screens, old time candy & popcorn and put in a venue for the town theater and other
performing arts projects. Symphonies, ballets, etc that will enhance the avenue also no
big box buildings or parking structures. Keep it in the small town feel and appeal.
198 I applaud efforts to improve the median of the avenue, but I also think it’s very important
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to keep large trees shading the avenue and proving an ambience that beckons to people.
A two block strip of fountains, desert plants, and pathways without large shade trees
would be very unappealing and probably very hot. Improving the median to
accommodate art shows, farmers markets, concerts, and other events is very desirable. I
hope the town, if this is done, really gets behind USING the space to get visitors to
Fountain Hills, i.e., sponsoring more concerts and events, advertising these events, etc.
the Chamber seems only interested in November and February art fairs. They set the tents
up so that the median of the avenue and sidewalks in front of the businesses are “storage
areas” for the tents. That doesn’t help the local businesses. It seems that a beautiful new
median, with shade trees, fountains, pathways, public art etc as well as the sidewalk in
front of the businesses should be open to visitors. Surely the south side of the avenue,
Saguaro and perhaps other nearby streets (La Montana and Verde River) can
accommodate the tents and visitors can enjoy the ambience of our “downtown” street.
199 Remove and not replace the fountains. On the subject of “integrated public art”, I’m OK
with that so long as the walkways, walls, site furnishings, etc are NOT provided for the
sole purpose of presenting more art. While I support art for public display, I don’t believe
we should be spending money on additional art at this time when more serious
infrastructure issues (repairing roadways comes to mind) need our attention and financial
resources.
200 Instead of repairing or replacing the fountains, convert them into something that does not
require any water or maintenance such as art sculptures. Your question was skewed to
assume only replacing the fountains, and does not allow for other options such as
removing the fountains. The avenue of the fountains has a name referring to water
fountains but the name can stay and still refer to the main fountain park as well as the
history of the blvd.
201 This strip of land definitely needs development and improvements made. We are in full
support of such improvements, so long as improvements do not interfere with mountain
view, nature, etc and are not distracting in any way.
202 The goal for the median strip should be a place of small plazas where locals and visitors
can gather in the seating provided and under the shade of low growing, shady trees with
ample seating and safe passage from one side of the boulevard to the other due to the
parking available there. In the long run, this will be less expensive than maintaining
ramadas or other unsightly structures for shade purposes. It should be beautiful in and of
itself, as it now is, and any large construction should be confined to the larger park around
the lake, not in the middle of the boulevard. While it is nice to consider the various events
held there, spending enormous amounts of money to provide additional lighting, electrical
hook-ups, large permanent bathrooms, etc is not economically feasible. The return on the
investment is just not there. Therefore although I realize that perhaps the Chamber of
Commerce would like to see all these things happen, it would be unfair to the residents
who have to support the costs.
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203 A number of these are good ideas but I tried to prioritize because of cost. What I would
really like to see is development of the vacant space on the south side. A movie theater or
other entertainment venues.
204 The Avenue of the Fountains should provide an attractive option to explore Fountain Hills
as a pedestrian. An excellent project to bring visitors to Fountain Hills with the art, the
fountains and the views. A good investment for the Town and the surrounding
businesses.
205 The water leaks NEED to be addressed, in the fountains and the watering system. Trees
that are in danger of falling or wind damage NEED to be addressed.
Public stage should NOT be considered, not enough space. Hard roofed shade ramadas
should NOT be considered, too much chance of high wind damage. A public restroom
would be an eyesore; one can be built on vacant lots on the north side of the Avenue.
People are going to cross the Avenue where ever they want. Cross walks will not help.
No night lights down the Avenue. We don’t have street lights in neighborhoods and don’t
need to waste the electricity downtown.
Where is the power for the art fairs coming from now? If the main power supply NEEDS
to be updated, then it should be. Booth space is not a need, it’s a want.
The present pieces of art NEED to be kept and included in any remodeling. New pieces
of art are ‘WANTS’ and should not be included.
206 Creating a comfortable and inviting exterior space with shade structures and furnishings
would be high on my list – along with refurbishment or replacement of the fountains and
irrigation system and brining the landscaping into compliance with low water use
principles. It’s time to say goodbye to the grassy median. Also, aesthetics, function, and
ease of set-up for the fair booths should b a top priority (including appropriate electrical
receptacles) since the fairs are a major source of income for the town. In my mind there is
no feasible way to improve the physical link between Fountain Park and Avenue of the
Fountains. If there was money to bring the Avenue up to speed that wouldn’t be an issue
as people would be naturally drawn to this extension of the park. Although we love
Christmas, we think that the large amount of money spent putting up those tired old
Christmas decoration could be much better spent. Thanks for sending the survey.
207 I strongly believe that commercial development, particularity a movie theater, is not
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economically viable or sustainable. The town will be left with a vacant eyesore. We have
enough commercial vacancies in this town not to even mention vacant homes. Some
people in our town government have a vision of Fountain Hills competing with
Scottsdale. Use common sense in planning and think like a business person.
208 During the renovation everything should be done to ensure easy access to existing
businesses. It is important to keep these shops and restaurants thriving.
209 Who pays for the electricity for all the events using the median and possible lights/power
receptacles? The holiday lights should be sponsored by different clubs and organizations
that help fund the cost of the electricity and keeping the lights on during the season. The
median should retain grass.
210 Dog walking should be eliminated from the grass median. We have and pay for a dog
park.
211 We don’t agree with the restaurant infringing on the sidewalk. They are using “public”
property to enhance their seating.
We understand the restaurant needing more seating but it shouldn’t take away the “4 lane”
sidewalk forcing pedestrians to detour around their fencing.
212 How can we be sure of your statements about trees or irrigation systems? How are we to
answer questions if we do not have all the information you currently have? Why are you
looking to spend money we do not have and make major changes to an area that doesn’t
need most of the things you seem to want done.
It seems, like the roads, you have this wish list and what you really want is to spend
money when we do not have it.
First and foremost, getting away from Fountain Hills and driving around this country,
you’d realize there are terrible roads, far worse than our own, and some are even toll
roads.
We need to repair or replace the irrigation system, repair or replace pavers and walkways
to make them ADA and customer friendly. We need to do only what will save money,
not enhance for the sake of some expensive concept created by those who might profit
from work given to make new and “Better” (maybe not better) looks along the Avenue.
We do Art on the Avenue and the 2 Fountain Hills C of C shows so we are very familiar
with the area on a weekly basis. We need more info to voice on these issues.
213 Do not add stuff to the median under any circumstances. Just fix stuff that is already
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there.
214 We feel that natural shade proved by trees is important to preserve and takes priority over
a “view” of the fountain. The fountain is visible for miles when it is on, otherwise there is
not a lot to see. By contrast, the trees are visible and provide shade and clean air at all
times. Public performance stage is better in the park – make improvements including
shade for existing area. Public restroom is better placed in park and/or along the south
side of the Avenue.
215 I would like to see our major streets leading into our beautiful town fixed and maintained
before we spend more money to do other projects like replacing trees or creating an event
plaza.
216 Road maintenance should take precedence over any improvements except those that save
water. Sponsors of events should raise money to pay for improvements related to their
events, i.e. art fairs, farmers markets. The developer for new construction projects on the
south side should provide for pedestrian crossing to benefit his development. Donations
should pay for holiday displays!
217 We feel that the city needs a lighted area that people can go and walk safety at night. It is
too dark around the lake so Avenue of the Fountains would be a great alternative.
218 Avenue of the Fountains should have fountains on it. Switch to desert landscaping (no
grass). Trees improve air quality, shade and add beauty. Their benefits outweigh the
issues. People should walk five feet to the right or left if they want to see the fountain.
Do not cut down trees to accommodate human laziness. There is a stage and event plaza
in the park two blocks away. Other than art fair vendors (who have tents) no one stands in
the sun on the avenue long enough to merit the expense. Hats are sufficient. Restroom is
needed during events, use porta-potties so everyone doesn’t have to look at a bathroom
every time they walk or drive down the avenue, during the 98% of the time that there is
no event and no one in need of a toilet.
219 We are residents of Fountain Hills for over 30 years. We would love to see Avenue of the
Fountains in a way that attracts people even for just a stroll. It needs to be a walk-through
for pedestrians with lush surroundings (lush doesn’t have to mean non-eco friendly
plants/trees) that provide a peaceful atmosphere and also an escape from the heat. A
public stage or event plaza not in the median, but maybe on the south side of the street.
We like the idea of ramadas. Somewhere with trees, fountains and a pretty walkway
throughout. Please don’t strip it of its trees, and please keep the holiday lights! They
really are an attraction!
220 The avenue does need an updated look, but as most of us has come to realize in this
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economy, our wants vs. needs have to be carefully scrutinized. There are more pressing
issues in the town, i.e. how to attract and retain businesses, road upkeep, etc. Remove the
fountains, cut down old trees, reduce water consumption and renovate on a “best bang for
the buck” budget to make the avenue “spiffier”. Please learn how to be fiscally
conservative and create a master piece – then feel good about your conservation efforts.
221 Please don’t cut down trees – or even trim them. We need all the green we can get. No
need of performance area on Avenue of the Fountains. There is one in the park. Same for
restrooms as they are available across the street I the park. Please keep park open and
green and same for the Avenue of the Fountains.
222 We need more downtown events, thus we should focus on redeveloping around what fits
into the redesign to accommodate more fairs, farmers markets, theme seasonal events and
tie them into utilizing the park. Public art is extremely important, however we need to
expand what is public art…it is not only sculptures, a beautiful covered ramada that
would provide a venue, shade or a visual space is ART. The needs of the many outweigh
the needs of the few and that is what the redevelopment should be concerned with.
Also, a new ordinance that mandates that the vacant downtown lot owners must bring
their bare land into an approved landscape ‘greening’ compliance that reflects the
updating of downtown Fountain Hills and that all future studies for the improvement of
the downtown area must pay a % of those studies if it directly affects their properties.
223 Let’s keep Fountains Hills beautiful! Public stage or event plaza; I don’t know if this is
the best place for it.
224 No stupid roundabouts entering the avenue form either end.
225 Median lights should be upscale (street lights) on both sides of the avenue to create
ambience for events and gatherings.
226 Overall comments: Big picture – What’s the primary purpose of the median? We need to
know that before we talk about enhancements, improvements or anything else. First we
need to know how the median is intended to be used. Outdoor art is mentioned…isn’t
that an obstruction to our two fair set-ups each year; isn’t it vulnerable to damage? I don’t
mean to be negative about our beautiful art – I’m just being realistic.
227 This is the main street of Fountain Hills and should showcase our town. I think a desert
landscape similar to Desert Botanical Garden with a path way and natural desert plants
would be a great change. Water features and statues could be added with shaded seating
areas and gathering people points for the conversations. Small performance areas could
be available for concerts and music events. Public restrooms would be needed for events.
Maintenance would be an added cost, but the Scottsdale Mall seems to be able to cover
their public restroom expenses. Also consider a traffic circle at the Avenue and La
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Montana. Past and current designs are dangerous and accident causers.
228
Temporary staging will suffice. Ramadas around lake would be better. Public restrooms;
better location would be building on south side east of Town Hall.
229 Fix the streets that are falling apart! Priorities! Maintain existing facilities…. The off
leash facility is a disaster, has been for a long time.
230 Public art: If affordable. New plant material: Not necessary. Public stage or event plaza:
Use Fountain Park Performance Pad. Hard roofed shade ramadas: WHY??? Public
restrooms: Not necessary.
231 There was a lot of money spent on the north side of the avenue. It did little to enhance the
looks and did nothing to improve business on the avenue. I hope in these hard economic
times and tight budgets, that the spending would be kept to a minimum. Maybe this
money would be better spent on street repairs. I would like to know if the Chamber of
Commerce is contributing anything to the improvements; it will benefit them more than
anyone else. Also, as a property owner on Parkview Avenue, I think it is grossly unfair to
spend millions on one street and totally ignore other streets.
238 I would like to see the whole median blocked off. Since the movie theatre will be going
in there, will be parking spaces. There are also spaces behind most businesses that are
underutilized now. It would be so nice to have an area that is only pedestrian friendly. I
was on the City Council back in Illinois and the response was terrific. Lighting at night
could come from street lights with baskets of flowers handing off them. Increase the
amount of benches. It gives such a welcoming, homey feel and somewhere to relax. I
think a limited amount of large shade trees could be incorporated. Smaller trees such as
the orange would not work. I believe the business owners along the median would
actually increase their sales. This would be a destination, not a drive by. As far as the
event stage, that’s a great idea, both for the art fairs and to get people to come downtown.
As far as the connection to the fountain, there should be a push walk button, well marked
on the pavement, so that you can proceed safely. That would simplify everything. Do not
put a roundabout in. The cost is prohibitive and no one cares for them. Good luck, I am
excited to see the improvements.
240 Lighting of paths, walkways and highlighting of landscaping rather than high street/flood
lighting preferred – would also contribute to pedestrian safety – ease of use.
241 Depends on who does it.
242 I am one of the Thursday “Art on the Avenue” artist. The gravel walkway is dangerous
and the bricks that line it, too. I have had several people trip and fall by my display.
Looks like a law suit waiting t to happen. We have a stage in the park and the circle by
the Community Center, library, museum, why do we need another one?
243 No! No! No! Leave the big trees. Please keep large trees as part of the median. They
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offer shade and enhance our town. Many of the trees live to be hundreds of years old. If
a tree does have to be removed and another tree should replace it. Our avenue is part of
the beauty and buildings obstruct the views, not trees, they only add to the ambiance.
244 I feel the most immediate priority ABOVE ALL ELSE, is the repair of Saguaro and Shea.
It is the first thing people see when they come to Fountain Hills and Saguaro especially is
in horrible shape!!
248 The project should contain a cost time line that is tied to Fountain Hills Financial abilities
of the project. This also should incorporate the projects as they relate to a ranking of most
beneficial to meet a short and long-term objective.
Fountains reduced in size and or number and add xeriscape landscaping throughout.
Pedestrian access – consider speed bumps and crosswalks with solar flashing signs. Also
add solar signs NOW at the crossing to the fountains.
Minimal additions for lighting and power for now. The Great Fair works now. Farmers
market is a daytime event.
A 40-year plan should be very flexible.
A restroom attached and designed to fit in with new construction on the south side.
249 The lush, green atmosphere and tree canopy of the existing median are an important
aspect of the area. Some people like the solid infrastructure of buildings and sidewalks
like Kierland Commons; however, I believe the citizens of the Town would prefer a more
rural feel with the natural landscaping of grass and trees. There is no need to remove trees
to open up a view to the fountain; there are plenty of other areas from which one can view
the fountain. I believe it is important to retain the welcoming feel of the existing median
with the grass, trees and fountains. While this is a major use of water, it is an important
use of water for the Town.
Repair/replace the fountains and irrigation systems to the extent possible. Add a
meandering sidewalk so all may access it. Add a crosswalk for north/south pedestrian
street crossing in a logical location. Add permanent power outlets for booths to be set up
at fairs; but do not put in permanent booths or booth space. The less concrete, the better.
Temporary booths with white canopies add to the hometown feel of the fairs. But allow
access to the center median during these fairs rather than shutting it off by the placement
of the temporary booths. The addition of one small pavilion for live entertainment and
gatherings is a great idea. Add reliable, safe and sturdy string lighting in the median, with
light poles on the north and south sides of the streets. If cost is an issue, keep holiday
decorations to a minimum, but keep the string lights year-round. Retain as much of the
existing public art as possible. Add public restrooms to appropriate locations on the north
and south sides of the street – not the median. Stripe the streets to make them two lanes
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rather than the existing extra-wide single lanes where vehicles wander. And avoid
permanent ramadas (other than one pavilion) in the median to keep the rural, welcoming
feel. Thank you for your service to the Town!
250 Thank you for all your efforts to improve this area!
252 The median on the Avenue is an inviting green area with a peaceful park-like setting.
Adding amenities like public restrooms and ramadas, although convenient, changes the
overall character. Thank you for the opportunity to offer my input.
253 We need to be very careful not to create a heat island. Several of the trees provide shade
and should be preserved. We really enjoy the grass and the cooling effect. Also, there are
too few fountains. I think we should create a rock stream from the west end to the east
end and build around it.
257 Fix the roads before starting any median work!!!!
259 Please, please keep the grass on the median north of Verde River Dr. The dark green lush
lawn is an oasis in the middle of the Avenue and is actually cooler than the areas without
grass.
Add trash receptacles on the median north of Verde River.
Please do not convert the median into a desert landscape with hot gravel and low growth
plants that do not provide shade.
Keep/upgrade the two waterfall/pond features.
My wife and I walk our dog up and down the median every evening and would hate to see
the variety (i.e. grass, fountains, ponds, trees) that it provides, be replaced with xeriscape
and rocks just because it is so much easier to maintain. Thank you.
260 Along with Avenue of the Fountains renovations, your should look into a performance
pad east of Avenue of the Fountains near the lake about 30 yards west of the lake. Also
someday a tunnel should be built under Saguaro Blvd to connect the lake with the Avenue
of the Fountains. I know these are major improvements but they are necessary to
complete this package.
262 Median path should extend to La Montana and be on both sides of the avenue. New
theatre should incorporate stage for shows, maybe include Fountain Hills Theater.
Do not remove trees! Add more tall ones. Restrooms can be put next to commercial
spots…not on median.
Re-examine stop signs at Saguaro – a waste of time and gas. Just put in pedestrian cross-
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walk buttons and stop lights.
265 The west end should have a couple more Fountains. It is called the Avenue of the
Fountains.
Bathroom and water on the west end; fountains “Yes”; Lights – “Yes” walkway on the
west end – “Yes” and a couple of benches and tables for “checkers”, etc – “Yes”
266 Why doesn’t the Town use the money to increase the appeal of Fountain Hills Boulevard?
It is in dire need of help especially if you are comparing it to Palisades or Saguaro.
282 It Is my opinion that the town management needs to concentrate on what is absolutely
needed, unless of course there is lots of extra money. The kind of mind-set is why most
people did not vote in favor of the road bond. People in town do not have extra money
lying around, with layoffs, pay cuts, 401k going to the tank. It is kind of hypocritical that
just a few months ago the town was talking about budget cutting, and now there is
consideration of trees and replacing pools. When the town is prospering, and we have
extra money, let’s do these nice extra things.
283 Although I agree with many of the items listed, I would want the opportunity to prioritize
them to meet the budget. Regarding a public stage or event plaza, the stage in Fountain
Park can serve that need. Regarding hard roofed shade ramadas, I prefer desert shade
trees to go along with the Greening of Downtown. Regarding a public restroom on the
median, I would prefer one but not on the median. Can a vacant business area be
converted to a restroom? I am thinking of the building on the northwest corner along the
driveway across from the Sunset Gallery at 16846 E. Ave of the Fountains. It is the
building north to where Coldwell Banker was.
284 Don’t cut down any trees – design around them. They are the view and add character.
The median is not a permanent retail space. Don’t commercialize it with event spaces.
Electric is ok. Unobtrusive night lights. Public restroom should be off median and
integrated into other buildings on the north or south sides of the street. No buildings in
the median. Landscape doesn’t look distressed. The loose stone pathways are messy and
many border repairs needed. Consider pavers and not concrete.
285 Do not cut one tree or change the grass. The median is a green oasis in a sea of brown
sameness. I often drive the Avenue of the Fountains just to enjoy the big trees and green
grass. If you must spend money repave Saguaro Boulevard.
286 If it costs extra money to incorporate then “no”. Leave as stand alone in regards to public
art. $2 M seems a lot of money given current budget restraints. Have we looked at what
we can do or get done with 750 K.? We need to stop this all or nothing attitude and look
at lower cost options to still take care of our town but without the large price tags. I
would challenge the bidders with providing lower cost options.
287 New plants in median should fit in the landscape theme that will allow those healthy trees
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to remain. It might look odd to incorporate cactus i.e. saguaro with those types of trees.
Trees are wonderful at Christmas time when decorated.
288 Walkways on median need to be paved. Area very important to businesses and
exhibitors.
289 Never cut down trees. Use deep irrigation to make root go down not sideways. Repair,
do not replace irrigation.
290 Be creative! Make it remarkable (something worthy of being remarked about)! Make it
something that people will come to Fountain Hills just to see. Instead of adding art, or
incorporating art into the design, make the design itself a piece of art!
291 Functional public art is okay, but will cost more. It should not be a replacement for stand-
alone pieces. What is meant by “interaction with fountains”? Beautiful fountains can also
be considered public art. A public stage or event plaza will not be needed if the Town
purchases a mobile stage.
292 The median is a mature focus and as such, should have minimum changes. Trees should
remain and grass. It is only due to the ugly empty space on east side that the features are
“Lost” if there were attractive structures the median would have a better visual impact.
We do not need to spend large sums to redue the median, just maintain what is there cost
effectively. May risk a modern eyesore?
293 Remove trees at end of life cycle – do not replace. Like idea of incorporating existing
public art * No additional art needed*. Let’s keep additional water features out! The
main “fountain” should be the focal point. We don’t need additional water features!
294 Development of the south side of the avenue is the most crucial need to improve the area.
The addition of a movie house would be the best development to our Town since we
moved here 15 years ago. We feel a focus to that end is primary – other improvements
are actually like painting half the house.
295 Seems strange to concentrate on beautifying the Avenue of Fountains without repairing
Saguaro Blvd., the main arterial into downtown. With a 12-plex movie theatre proposed
to block a view of the Fountain from the Community Center east facing ballrooms, it
seems senseless to be concerned with views from the Avenue. Thought there was no
money to do ANYTHING in Fountain Hills. Where is the money coming from? It is
silly to fix the Avenue for those who spend only a few months here, not spending money
to support the town. A survey to find out what businesses would keep residents here in
town spending money HERE instead of traveling to nearby towns to buy things would
make more sense. Let’s get real! This is a stupid survey and one wonders why we are
begin asked these questions rather than questions as to help to get our town healthy
financially. How much money did we waste on this dumb survey? Will you report that in
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the local newspaper?
296 I think the Avenue of the Fountain should remain a quaint place. I would really like to see
public transportation provided on the Avenue and perhaps to other key places in the
community. I picture an open vehicle that resembles a trolley to “shuttle” people around
the area for shopping and town services, such as the library and Senior center. Of course,
an air conditioned vehicle would make a longer shopping season possible. This could be
a great business opportunity for someone. It would not necessarily need to be a service
provided by the town, but instead in cooperation with the town. I know the town has
received funding for public transportation and that options are still being considered. I
understand there is a need for transportation to Mayo clinic and other doctor’s offices as
well, but I think having constantly running vehicles in the downtown area would be very
inviting to people.
297 Existing trees are beautiful and mature. They absorb light and heat instead of throwing it
off. Keep it classy, not commercial. Public stage? Far too small an area for that. No
ramadas again, throwing off light and heat. Visual mess. Benches are perfect. No
restrooms. We don’t want bums and homeless hangouts or the maintenance.
298 Public art is a joke. No logic or theme what so ever. A real miss-mash. Whoever
approves these should be shot. If we are going to have “public art”, there should be an
overall plan with some logic and agreed to be the community. By the way, who pays for
al l of these eyesores?
299 The trees in the median should remain. The shade and greenery provided by the large
mature trees is so critical to the character of the avenue. This survey is extremely biased.
The small fountains should be replaced with trees and large scale art. No new costly,
water wasting fountains are needed. Of course we should provide access for everyone but
at what cost? The pedestrians should be directed along the sides of the avenue in front of
the businesses, not into the median to bypass the businesses. There are far greater needs
in town that would provide far greater benefit. Let’s use this money to improve the
pedestrian connectivity throughout downtown. Better pedestrian connections to the park
and a rebuild of Saguaro that does not require costly, ugly traffic signals would able a far
better use of these funds. Event space throughout the park and or near the library would
be much better. Stop looking for projects when you still have not addressed the needs on
Saguaro. Again, do not remove these huge old trees. Maybe we should get rid of the
senior center and senior living since maybe those they serve have gone beyond their
expected lifespan too. Ridiculous!
300 Adding electrical facilities is a good idea to the median; however the event users ought to
be responsible for some portion of the cost of the infrastructure as well as the energy
usage.
302 During a Farmer’s Market this past April, I was not able to push my husband in a
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wheelchair because access to the central median was not consistent. We had to walk in
the street during heavy traffic, which was not safe. Please improve access to meet (ADA)
guidelines.
303 Spending 2 M on this proposed project is a waste of scarce funds. Making the statement
that repairing the existing fountains is not an option; defies logic. They could also be
repaired and maintained as required. It appears that the Town Staff (Council?) has
decided to proceed with this project without considering what the citizens want!
304 Streets need repair not fountain median.
305 No one comes out at night. – ADA guidelines are ******. There should be minimum
renovation. The ****** are trying to justify their fees by satisfying their ideas. Do they
live here? Trees need to remain. The greening of the avenue is proceeding—why remove
mature trees. They can’t see the forest for the trees. Traffic & parking is a problem now.
Jay-walkers pay no attention to moving vehicles. The stage is someone’s ******* - a
waste of money just to satisfy a few. A plus would be to lose the grass to save water and
deter dog walking. I’m on the avenue for 27 years. No one hangs out here. I know these
people and they won’t. Less than ½ of the town use this downtown. Most go to
Scottsdale.
306 Christmas displays set at an angle vs. east/west. Give a better visual walking or driving
the avenue. How about marking the avenue for 2-lanes of traffic, each way. Cars often
drive it in two lanes even when cars pre-parked! Would like to see the tall healthy trees
remain. Indicates some maturity to the Town.
307 The addition of beautiful fountains will be public art that is both functional and stand
alone. Ask the Public Art committee to help in the selection of them. There is talk of the
Town purchasing a portable (mobile) stage. This would eliminate the need for an event
plaza.
308 What good does this form do??????You do as you wish anyway.
I would like to see the designs of these ideas. Could be good; could be bad. Do not
remove trees. The Holiday Inn is an extremely ugly view. Remove the Holiday Inn
before you put more junk in there. Public restroom -- ugly not attractive.
309 Public Stage in the park not the median. Trees for shade. Will the Town provide the high
maintenance [public restroom] they require? If so, then “YES”.
310 DO Not Cut The Trees Down!!!! They are important for the ecology and wildlife such as
hawks, owls and other birds that nest in them!!! They offer shad to a very hot summer
months. Please don’t cut them down – it will be such a loss to the Town if old trees are
removed. Thank you! Create Balance!!!!!
311 Fountain Hills needs to continue to show a progressive, entertaining, and inviting image.
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We really enjoy being a condo owner and winter resident in Fountain Hills. All of the
items in this survey are important to maintaining the integrity of Fountain Hills. In
addition, we sure hope the theatre plan comes to fruition and should be considered to be
incorporated into the median plan for landscaping to make for a complimentary
environment for all of downtown.
312 The roads in this town are pathetic. I no longer drive on Saguaro. For 40 years no one
thought to budget to replace the roads. This town seems to ignore the basics and
continues to build monuments to themselves. The only part that seems to get taken care
of is around the town palace. I see the strategy, spend every penny you get on other
things and then tell the people their taxes need to be raised because the roads are falling
apart. Total fiscal irresponsibility on the part of the towns leaders.
321 Dogs should not be able to go to the bathroom anytime in the median.
Public restrooms should be added but not in the median.
322 Native; low H2O. Tress will not block views; plant many. Place seating under trees.
Enjoy all the fountains.
323 No funds should be used for the avenue other than safety issues. Any available funds for
the avenue should be redirected to repairing Saguaro Boulevard.
324 Smaller sized restroom. Widen the boulevard will make it easier for people to cross the
street.
325 Vegetation should be natural desert landscaping that requires a minimum of water and
energy. Decorative water fountains are unnecessary and unnecessarily consume water
and energy. They should not be included.
326 Take out the median fountains and build one beautiful water feature that is modern
looking and also incorporates a large fire place for the cooler weather. Take out all those
old, huge trees and all of the grass. Redo the median with xeriscape. Beauty, safety and
accessibility should be the focus. Don’t spend much money on the art. Let the landscape
be the focus and let the landscape frame the beautiful lake and fountain. The owners of
the buildings need some kind of break from the town to improve their façade as Sofritas
has; this is the way the downtown should look. The sports bar/Anderson façade is a little
to “Scottsdale” looking but can stay because it is beautiful. Design with an upscale new-
adobe theme which would set the downtown apart from any other downtown area in the
Phoenix Metro valley. Also, make comfortable areas to lounge and drink coffee, read,
have a pet (like little covered living rooms outdoors.) Install the dog refuse and water
stations as well as drinking fountains. Again, get rid of all those fountains, grass, and
large trees. Now is the time to shine and redesign!! Then have a “grand opening” to the
new and reborn downtown area. Thank you!!!!!!!
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Email received June 5, 2012, requested a correction to this comment regarding the All
American Sports Grill. Message stated that the responder meant the Terra Nostra
building was too Scottsdale. Stated that the All American building was just right of the
décor as well as the Plaza Fountainside and the Strata townhouse complex.
327 While many trees are not low water desert plants, the fact that they are large and provide
shade makes them a feature that is hard to replace. Short desert trees with low
maintenance, are typically thorny and provide low or little natural shade. The avenue
should be reviewed as a true avenue like Mill Avenue in Tempe or some aspects of Old
Town Scottsdale. The median is not a true park in nature and should not server the same
functions as Fountain Park such as a performance pad. The Fountain Park does not have
permanent lighting and if the median on the one sided avenue is expected to get lighting I
would think limited low wattage lighting would work or I would not vote for lighting that
is always on. Most of these improvements would be acceptable if the avenue was a true
avenue and had development on both sides. Lighting up the empty dirt lots wouldn’t
make sense, and I look forward to the year we can actually have a full avenue
328 Unless the Avenue does not meet standard codes, there are cross walks at every
intersection. Why would you add anything additional like the u-turn which is unnecessary
based on the volume of traffic and the fact that there have been no injuries or traffic
related fatalities that keep prompting the “safety” issue? Build out the other side of the
Avenue and then maybe you may have a case for additional north to south needs. As for
the lighting, what are you planning to do at night that would impact the dark skies policy
or be safe considering you are asking about the south to north side access.
329 I would like to keep the median as it is. I love the big trees and green grass. I think the
condition of the Avenue is in good repair and feel it would be better use of town funds to
repair Saguaro Boulevard. I also think restrooms and a stage would detract from the park-
like setting.
330 This is disgraceful to consider spending this money on median improvements when
Saguaro Blvd needs its improvements. When we voted down the road bond, our town
government chastised its citizenry in the newspaper and strategic plan for not investing in
the roads. Now we evidently have $2 M available and you, our government, want to
allocate it to some other project. You told us that roads were a priority. You are not
placing them as a priority. I am extremely disappointed in this misappropriation of funds.
Stay focused on our priorities. Put this toward the road fund in order to reduce the
amount that is needed through bonds.
331 All trees should stay; beneficial to all of us. Replace non-desert vegetation as it reaches
end of life. We do not need more ramadas and stages in downtown.
332 Oleander in median should be removed. Other than the Great Fairs, the Farmer’s Market
and a few other median events, the remaining type of events should be held at the
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Fountain Lake.
333 1. This poll is an excellent tool; the town needs to develop multiple means of
communication to reach all resident demographics. I hope you will publish the
completed data from it.
2. Practical PM Methodology teaches repair is always an option. This should apply
to the fountains and irrigation. Think like a homeowner is an appropriate
guideline.
3. This median is the best grassy pedestrian location in town and that should remain
the vision. As such, the trees must be maintained and other work goes around
rather that at their expense. Grandfather existing plants through their life cycle
then replace with desert appropriate.
4. Incorporate restrooms on the south side of the avenue, not the median. Work with
the theater developer for lower cost than stand alone and more practical access.
334 This is a VERY low priority project. The Council felt the ROADS were such an
important concern they proposed a BOND issue to address. Well, spending the estimate 2
million dollars on this project is a BAD choice. 2 million dollars would certainly go a
long way to address some of the areas on Saguaro Blvd. Please don’t spend money on
projects that are NICE and explain that WE DON’T have the money for projects later and
YOU need to raise revenue. Focus on the Priorities the NEED funding and not things that
a politician can be touted as a something they GOT for us. MAKE decisions like it WAS
YOUR money, I would hope at home, you’d decide to repair the driveway before adding
a pool in the backyard.
339 The town is reckless in their spending. The roads are atrocious and the Mayor and Town
Council need to stop pondering artwork and clean-up the place. You built a palace
[needlessly] to pay homage to your egos – the roads look like a third world – stop
donating monies to the theatre [B.S.] green projects, etc. This town does not have a tax
base [one-yr Scottsdale]. The town needs to save money and stop frivolous spending.
My relatives laughed as we drove through the town when they visited on vacation B/C at
the road conditions.
345 Don’t trust you not to throw out if you knew who sent this!!!!!!
346 With the tight budget we currently have, many of these expenses seem to be unnecessary.
I think some of these funds would be better served to help repair roads.
347 1. Do not remove the trees I the median unless ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. If
removed, replace with other large mature trees.
2. Do not place lights on the median to make it a facility for night activities. We are
a dark sky town. Keep us that way.
3. We do not need an events stage in the median.
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4. An improved walkway in the median would be good, but it does not need to have
a great design built into it. Simple pavers or concrete is good. The fancy design
and extra money for the sidewalks on the north side of the Avenue of the
Fountains was a waste of time and money. And then shortly after building, we let
a private restaurant build a fence into and place tables over this sidewalk which
cost a lot of money and replaced a functional sidewalk. Don’t waste more money
on anything but the minimum sidewalk needed to carry the pedestrian traffic
during the art mart and farmers’ markets.
348 Streets need to be given priority to anything else.
349 Money should be spent on Saguaro – not the median.
350 Monies being allocated for venue spending should be refocused to put towards repaving
and rebuilding of Saguaro Boulevard!!
351 I believe street repair and upgrade should be our primary goal.
352 The project should be tabled and other “Maintenance” items reassessed for a better use of
the funds.
353 None of the repairs seem needed. The avenue looks good. The money would be better
spent on road replacement.
Give the 1.8 million to the tax payer. Lower real estate tax by 1.8 million.
354 Spending money that the Town does not have is poor management. Fix the roads first.
Balance the budget and use surplus, if any for these projects.
355 Fix the roads!
356 Public Art in the median: Keep them where they are.
Plants low-water use: To be determined by cost and health of current plants.
Public stage: We have space provided in the park.
Public restroom: Maybe off on center of [n-side] – cost and maintenance should
be main decision.
357 Safe Pedestrian Access: people will always cross where they are.
I prefer shade trees to hardscape (ramadas). I know that the fountains are harder
to maintain but the water is a great asset. It is the Avenue of the “Fountains”. A
restroom facility with drinking water is a must! Maybe in the second block?
A signage kiosk would be nice. Save trees for holiday lights and save room for
the poinsettia tree.
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Construction timing is critical for existing businesses. We can’t afford to be
shutdown during our short “selling” season.
358 1. Please do not turn the median into a commercial venue. Keep it “park-like”. No
permanent facilities or stages!
2. Remember – trees have trunks you can see around (unlike bushes).
3. Would it be possible to put the restrooms next to Town Hall?
359 Get rid of the palm trees. Cross walks for pedestrians – nothing more elaborate.
360 The median is not a place for a stage event plaza, a public restrooms or hard roofed shade
ramadas. These structures would cause problems with the set-up of the art fairs and the
holiday lights. These structures should be incorporated in the development of the south
side of the Avenue of the Fountains.
361 1. FOUNTAINS: The existing fountains should be removed. Some new more
appropriate fountains that work into a comprehensive plan should be considered
but need not be mandatory. The focus fountain is in the lake axial to the design
space being considered. That’s what gives its name.
2. IRRIGATION: A new irrigation system needs to be appropriate for the new
landscape plan and not just replacing the existing as the questionnaire seemed to
imply.
3. PROGRAM: I would recommend a written design program be developed for the
space and that program also be presented to the public. What is the space to be
used for? What activities will be accommodated? What are the design goals and
objectives? What is the project budget?
362 1. Construct fountains that resemble fountains in the area of our sister cities,
fountains of our southwest heritage with or without public art.
2. Create a tunnel from ave to park; eliminate a need for pedestrian crossing
intersection.
3. Shade structures as we have now and a town gazebo.
4. Landscape, low water, natural desert trees, plants & cacti (some official town
trees).
5. Scrape the idea of the 12-screen movie theater and high-rise building. It will not
fly. Thanks.
364
It seems you want the trees gone. I agree with having healthy trees, but don’t take them
out! 40 year old trees are quite rare and one of the best parts of the avenue.
Lights and events held at night: Is this really needed?
ADA guidelines: ADA is important but doesn’t seem to be an issue here.
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These questions seem to be very biased and leading to the outcome wanted by the
person or committee writing the questions.
I understand needing to improve or update infrastructure and I am for that. However,
not at the expense of the big, beautiful trees. Having trees like these are a true blessing
in Arizona. They provide shade, oxygen, and are visually stunning. Please take this into
account. Sincerely!
367 There already is a public stage at the northwest corner of the Fountain Park. That’s
where the public restroom should be located.
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1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
ZONING DEFINITIONS
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 1
Abutting: The condition of two (2) adjoining properties having a common property line or
boundary, including cases where two (2) or more lots adjoin only a corner or corners.
Access or Access Way: The place, means, or way by which pedestrians and vehicles shall have
safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property or use as required by this ordinance.
Acre: An area of land containing forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet.
Adjacent: Nearby, not distant or having a common endpoint or border.
Adjoining: Touching or bounding at a point or line.
Adult Oriented Facilities: Which shall include the following:
A. Adult Bookstore:
1. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, videos, film,
books, magazines and other periodicals depicting, describing, or relating to
"specified sexual activities" or which are characterized by their emphasis on
matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified anatomical areas", or
2. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, books,
magazines and other periodicals, and which excludes all minors from the
premises or a section thereof.
B. Adult Live Entertainment Establishment: An establishment, which
features topless female or bottomless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers,
strippers or similar entertainers.
C. Adult Theater: An enclosed building or open-air drive-in theater:
1. Regularly used for presenting any film or plate negative, film or
plate positive, film or tape designed to be projected on a screen for
exhibition or films, glass slides or transparencies, either in negative or
positive form, designed for exhibition by projection on a screen depicting,
describing or relating to "specified sexual activities" or characterized by an
emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified
anatomical areas"; or
2. Used for presenting any film or plate negative, film, or plate
positive, film or tape designed to be projected on a screen for exhibition, or
films, glass slides or transparencies, either in negative or positive form,
designed for exhibition by projection on a screen and which regularly
excludes minors.
D. Specified Sexual Activities:
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 2
1. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
2. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy.
3. Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or
breasts.
E. Specified Anatomical Areas:
1. Less than completely and opaquely covered: (a) human genitals, pubic region; (b)
buttock; and, (c) breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and,
2. Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely and opaquely
covered
Advertising Copy: Copy that includes, but is not limited to information such as phone numbers,
prices, announcement of sales, business hours, meeting times, individual or specific product or
merchandise information, and directional information.
Agriculture: The tilling of the soil, raising of crops, horticulture, viticulture, sulviculture,
including all uses customarily incidental thereto but not including slaughterhouses, fertilizer yards,
or plants for the reduction of animal matter, or any other industrial use which is similarly
objectionable because of noise, odor, smoke, dust or fumes.
Airport: Any area which is used or is intended to be used primarily for the taking off and landing
of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used or intended to be used for airport buildings or
facilities including open spaces, taxiways and tie-down areas, hangars, transition and clear zones,
and other accessory buildings.
Alley: A right-of-way, dedicated to public use, affording a secondary means of access to abutting
property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
Ambulatory Person: Any individual including one who uses a cane or other ambulatory support,
who is physically and mentally capable, under emergency conditions, of finding a way to safety
without assistance.
Amendment: In reference to this ordinance, a change in the wording or substance of this
ordinance, or an addition or deletion or a change in the zone district boundaries or classifications of
the zoning map.
Animal Hospital: Facilities for the care, treatment, and boarding of animals including facilities
within the term "veterinary clinic."
Antique: A product that is old or exchanged because of value derived, because of oldness as
respects the present age, and not simply because same is not a new product.
Appeal: An action which permits anyone to arrange for a hearing before an individual or a group
other than the individual or group from whose decision the appellant seeks redress, or a first
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 3
request for action, depending on context; Chapter 2 addresses the appeal procedures available to
aggrieved parties.
Area of Jurisdiction: The Town of Fountain Hills as it exists now and as it is lawfully changed;
plus any area allowed by Arizona Revised Statute outside of the corporate limits which permits
review by the Town of Fountain Hills.
Automotive Junk: Any vehicle missing one or more body parts; or is incapable of operating
under its own power; or is missing any wheels; or has missing or severely shattered glass which
prohibits safe operation; or has one or more flat tires for a period of seventy-two (72) or more
hours.
Automobile Repair: All aspects of the repair of motor vehicles including, but not limited to,
lubrication, tune-up and preventive maintenance.
Automobile Sales: An agency selling motor vehicles and providing services commonly
associated with motor vehicle sales.
Awning: An architectural projection or shelter projecting from, or supported by, the exterior wall
of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non-rigid materials and/or fabric on a
supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures which
are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
Ballast: The portion of a sign required to operate a fluorescent lamp.
Banner: A temporary sign composed of fabric, plastic, or other pliable material on which
advertising copy or graphics may be displayed.
Bar or Cocktail Lounge: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of alcoholic
beverages to the public for consumption on the premises.
Basketball Court: A basketball court as defined by the National Federation State High School
Association regulations.
Basement: A space in a structure that is partly or wholly below grade.
Bed and Breakfast Establishment: A dwelling in which the occupants of the dwelling provide,
for compensation, the short term lodging and meals for guests, occupying not more than two (2)
guest rooms, located within the same dwelling.
Billboard: A permanent off-premise outdoor advertising sign erected, maintained or used for the
purpose of commercial or non-commercial messages.
Board of Adjustment: (See Section 1.07).
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 4
Building: Any structure used for the support, shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals,
chattels or property of any kind, with the exception of doghouses, playhouses and similar
structures.
Building, Accessory: A building or structure that does not share a livable, enclosed connection to
the main building, and that is subordinate to, and the use of which is customarily incidental to, that
of the main building, structure, or use on the same lot or parcel.
Building Area: The total areas, taken on a horizontal plane at the mean grade level, of the
principal buildings and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces and steps.
Building, Attached: A building which has at least part of a wall in common with another
building, or which is connected to another building by a roof.
Building, Detached: A building, which is separated from another building or buildings on the
same lot.
Building, Footprint: The area of the primary structure measured from the outside walls
(excluding any overhanging portions) which includes indoor uses such as attached garage,
carports, utility room, laundry, etc. (including covered patios and breezeways which are an integral
part of the roof structure of the structure.
Building, Height Of: The vertical distance measured at any point from the natural, pre-existing
grade level or proposed grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the
structure is located in a platted subdivision where grading was done as a part of the subdivision’s
improvements, the building height shall be the vertical distance measured at any point from the
finished grade as shown on the subdivision grading plans or the natural, pre-subdivision grade,
whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the structure has a basement, where the
basement floor pad grade is lower than the preexisting grade and where all exterior walls to the
basement are completely back-filled to the pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is proposed
directly from the basement to the exterior of the building, building height shall be measured at any
point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of the structure above that point. If the
structure is proposed as a walk-out, where the walk-out or lower floor pad grade is lower than the
pre-existing grade and where ingress and egress is proposed on only one side of the walk-out floor
and where the other non-walk-out sides of the walk-out floor are completely back-filled to the
pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is proposed directly from the non-walk-out sides of the
walk-out floor to the exterior of the building, building height above the walk-out level shall be
measured at any point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of the structure above that
point. In the event that terrain problems prevent an accurate determination of height, the Zoning
Administrator shall rule as to height and appeal from that decision shall be to the Board of
Adjustment.
Building, Principal: A building, or buildings, in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on
which it is situated. In any residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed to be the main
building of the lot on which the same is situated.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 5
Building Footprint: The area of the primary structure measured from the outside walls
(excluding any overhanging portions) which includes indoor uses such as attached garage,
carports, utility room, laundry, etc. (including covered patios and breezeways which are an integral
part of the roof structure of the structure.
Building Frontage: The linear measurement of an exterior building wall or structure that faces
the public roadway.
Building Permit: A permit required for erection, construction, modification, addition to or
moving of any building, structure or use in the incorporated area of the Town of Fountain Hills as
more fully defined in Section 417 of the Uniform Building Code adopted by the Town Council.
Building Setback: The minimum distance as prescribed by this ordinance between any property
line and the closest point of the foundation or any supporting post or pillar of any building or
structure related thereto. (See: Yard, front, side and rear).
Business Area: An area designated by the Zoning Administrator as containing a concentrated
group of businesses.
Business Block: A portion of a business area consisting of at least three lots, bounded on all sides
by a public right-of-way, alleyway or an adjacent property line.
Campground: Any lot, parcel, or tract of land used, designed, maintained, and intended for rent
of plots or sites to accommodate temporary camping by the traveling public with or without
sanitary facilities and water, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the park and its
facilities.
Carport: A roof supported by pillars or cantilevers, which shelters a car or other vehicle. May
either extend from a structure (usually a house) or be constructed separately (often to
accommodate several cars).
Cemetery: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for such
purposes, including columbaria, crematoriums, mausoleums and mortuaries when operated in
conjunction with and within the boundaries of such premises.
Channel Letter: Individual letters constructed to be applied singly in the formation of a Building
Mounted Sign or a Freestanding Sign. Channel letters may be illuminated or non-illuminated.
Church: A permanently located building commonly used for religious worship fully enclosed
with walls, but including windows and doors, and having a structurally solid and sound roof.
Clearing: The removal and disposal of all obstructions such as fences, walls, foundations,
buildings and existing structures, and accumulations of rubbish of whatever nature. Also, the
substantial removal of trees, also the substantial removal of trees, shrubs, cacti, and other
indigenous vegetation, but not including grass and weeds considered to be a potential fire hazard.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 6
Clinic: A place for the provision of group medical services, not involving overnight housing of
patients.
Clubhouse: A building, located on a golf course with nine (9) or more holes, that contains one or
more of the following facilities: pro shop for the retailing of clothing and golf accessories; the golf
course's own cart rental and maintenance facility (does not include the golf cart sales and the
maintenance of golf carts not owned by the golf course); restaurant with or without alcoholic
beverage service; and the golf course's administrative office.
Cluster Housing: Houses built close together with little yard space and a large common area,
rather than each house having a large separate yard.
Commission: The Town of Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission. (See Section 1.06).
Common Open Space: Open space usable by all the people within a certain development and
such area is owned by all the property owners in that development.
Community Corrections Facility: A facility, which provides lodging and meals and, primarily,
counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation to adjudicated delinquents, parolees, and individuals in
pre-release (transitional) or diversionary programs from correction institutions.
Community Development Director: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the
Community Development Director. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager,
the Town Manager is the Community Development Director (Same as Development Services
Director).
Comprehensive Sign Plan: Comprehensive Sign Plans are required in all commercial zoning
districts for multi-tenanted buildings or shopping centers. The Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be
reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator or designee and conform to the sign
regulations contained in Chapter 6 of this Ordinance. A “multi-tenanted building” is a building
complex or center that contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the same
site, use common points of ingress, and egress to and from the site.
Condominium: Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the
remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of the separate
portions. Real estate is not a condominium unless the undivided interests in the common elements
are vested in the unit owners.
Contiguous: In actual contact.
Convalescent Home: (Same as nursing home).
Copy: The text, graphics or message of a sign.
Corral: A pen or enclosure for confining animals.
Council: Town Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 7
County: Maricopa County, Arizona.
Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for periods of
less than twenty-four hours per day, for more than five (5) people.
Density: The average number of families, persons or housing units per unit of land; usually
density is expressed "per acre." Thus, the density of a development of 300 units occupying 4 0
acres is 7.5 units per acre. The control of density is one of the basic purposes of zoning.
Development Services Director: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the chief
land-use official for the Town. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager, the
Town Manager is the Development Services Director.
Direct Illumination: An externally mounted light source that is used for illuminating a sign; also
referred to as “exterior illumination.”
Disturbance: Clearing, grubbing, excavation and/or filling.
Drive-in Restaurant: Any establishment where food or beverages are dispensed and may be
consumed on the premises, but outside a closed building.
Drive-in Theater: An open-air theater where the performance is viewed by all, or part, of the
audience from motor vehicles.
Dwelling: A building or portion thereof, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
residential purposes, including single-family and multiple-family dwellings; but not including
hotels, motels, boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and nursing
homes, or child care nurseries.
Dwelling, Multiple-Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) or more families living independently of each other. Such
building(s) shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof
structure of not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
Dwelling, Single-Family: A detached building, built in accordance to the building code adopted
in the Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively
for occupancy by or occupied by one (1) family for residential purposes.
Dwelling, Two-Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the Town
or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) families living independently of each other. Such building(s)
shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof structure of
not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 8
Dwelling Unit: A building or portion thereof having restricted access to one kitchen or area
convertible to kitchen activities, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the Town, or if
built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for residential
purposes, including single-family and multi-family dwellings; but not including hotels, motels,
boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and nursing homes, or
child care nurseries.
Easement: A specified area on a lot or parcel of land reserved or used for the location of and/or
access to, utilities, drainage or other physical access purposes, or for preservation of undisturbed
terrain for the benefit of the general public.
Elderly: A person who is sixty-five- (65) years of age or older.
Erect: The word "erect" includes build, build upon, add to, alter, construct, reconstruct, move
upon, or any physical operations on the land, required for a building.
Excavation: The removal of earthen material, resulting in a lowering of the grade at the location.
Family: An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage, or a group of
persons not related by blood or marriage, living together as a single housekeeping group in a
dwelling unit.
Farm: An area of not less than two (2) contiguous acres which is used for the commercial
production of farm crops such as vegetables, fruit trees, cotton, grain and other crops, and their
storage on the area, as well as the raising thereon of farm poultry and farm animals, such as horses,
cattle, and sheep for commercial purposes. The term "farm" includes the operating of such an area
for one (1) or more of the above uses, including dairy farms, with the necessary accessory uses for
treating or storing the produce, provided that the operation of any such accessory use is secondary
to that of the farm activities, and provided further that the farm activities do not include
commercial feeding or offal to swine or other animals.
Fence: Any device built to enclose a parcel of land, to separate two (2) parcels of land, or to
separate a parcel of land into different use areas.
Filling: The dumping or depositing of earthen material resulting in the raising of the grade at that
location.
Flag: A fabric sheet of square or rectangular or triangular shape which is mounted on a pole. This
includes the United States, State, flags for registered corporations and other registered entities,
flags or foreign nations, decorative flags, and flags supporting activities of the Fountain Hills
Unified School District.
Floor Area: The gross square footage of a building. When considering minimum off-street
parking area, floor area may also include the open land needed for service to the public as
customers, patrons, clients, or patients, including area occupied by fixtures and equipment used for
display or sale of merchandise.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 9
Fractional Ownership Interest: A contractual right of occupancy in a Fractional Ownership
Project, whether by membership, agreement, share, tenancy in common, sale, deed, license,
right-to-use agreement or otherwise, where such right is divided into eleven (11) or more
undivided interests, whether or not such interest is coupled with an estate in real property, where a
purchaser, in exchange for consideration, receives a right to use a portion of a Fractional
ownership Project for a period of time less than six months during any given year.
Fractional Ownership Interest shall include interests otherwise known as “Interval Ownership” or
“Time Share Ownership.”
Fractional Ownership Project: A project consisting of any dwelling unit, hotel, lot or parcel in
which a purchaser receives a Fractional Ownership Interest.
Front Lit Letter: An internally illuminated individual letter or graphic component of a sign that
has a translucent face.
Garage, Private: A building or portion thereof, used for the shelter or storage of self-propelled
vehicles, or owned or operated by the occupants of a main building where there is no service or
storage for compensation.
Garage, Public: Any building, except one herein defined as a "private garage" used for the
storage of self-propelled vehicles or where any such vehicles are equipped for operation or kept for
hire.
Grade: The elevation of the land.
Grade, Finished: Final elevation of the ground surface conforming to the approved grading
plans.
Grade, Natural: Elevation of the natural or undisturbed ground surface prior to any grading
operation. If "natural grade" can no longer be determined, then the grade elevation existing on
September 20, 1991, as shown on the Town's topographical maps of that date, shall be used in lieu
thereof. If a parcel of land is not shown on the September 20, 1991 topographical maps, "natural
grade" shall be as shown on a topographical map that has been both prepared after September 20,
1991 and that is acceptable to the Town Engineer.
Grading: The process of changing gradients of land by contouring, smoothing or otherwise
shaping land areas, by excavating, filling, or combination thereof.
Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care: A dwelling shared by handicapped and/or
elderly people as their primary residence and their resident staff, who live together as a single
housekeeping unit, sharing responsibilities, meals, and recreation. The staff provides care for the
residents. A Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care does not include nursing homes,
alcohol or other drug treatment centers, community correction facilities, shelter care facilities, or
homes for the developmentally disabled as regulated by the Arizona Revised Statutes Section
36-582.
Grubbing: The elimination of roots from the ground by digging or pulling.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 10
Guest: Any transient person who rents or occupies a room or structure for sleeping purposes.
Guest House: Living or sleeping quarters within an accessory building for the sole use of
occupants of the premises, guests of such occupants or persons employed on the premises. The
accessory building may be attached to or detached from the main building. Such quarters shall not
be rented, and/or otherwise used for income producing purposes.
Guest Ranch: A building or group of buildings containing two (2) or more guest rooms, other
than a boarding house, hotel, or motel, and including outdoor recreational facilities such as, but not
limited to, horseback riding, swimming, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, barbecue and picnic
facilities, and dining facilities intended for the use primarily by guests of the guest ranch, but not
including bars and restaurants which cater primarily to other than guests of the guest ranch.
Guest Room: A room designed for occupancy by one (1) or more guests for sleeping purposes,
but having no cooking facilities and not including dormitories.
Halo Illumination: Sign lighting constructed for wall or freestanding signs that is designed so
that the light for the entire sign, or the light for each individual component of the sign, is directed
against the surface behind the sign or sign component, producing a halo effect.
Handicapped: A person who: (aA) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially
limits one or more of such person's major life's activities so that such person is incapable of living
independently; (bB) has a record of having such an impairment; or (cC) is regarded as having such
an impairment. However, "handicapped" does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a
controlled substance as defined in the Controlled Substance Act (21 United States Code 802).
Hazardous Materials: Any substance characterized as flammable solids, corrosive liquids,
radioactive materials, oxidizing materials, highly toxic materials, poisonous gases, reactive
materials, unstable materials, hypergolic materials and pyrophoric materials and any substance or
mixture of substances which is an irritant, a strong sensitizer or which generates pressure through
exposure to heat, decomposition or other means.
Holiday Window Decorations: The decorative display of holiday themed decorations or window
painting.
Home Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for
periods of less than twenty-four hours per day, for five or less people.
Home Occupation: Any occupation or profession which is incidental and subordinate to the use
of the dwelling unit for dwelling purposes and which: (A) does not change the character thereof,
and in connection with which there are no employees other than members of the immediate family
residing in the dwelling unit. A home occupation may; (B) does not generate traffic as a result of
patronage and/or shipping and receiving of materials beyond five (5) trips aper day. Shipping; and
(C) has shipping and receiving shallto and from such occupation only be by a vehicle customarily
used for residential delivery purposes.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 11
Hospital: A place for the treatment or care of human ailments, where overnight lodging for
patients is provided, other than nursing homes.
Hotel: A building or group of buildings, other than a motel, boarding house or lodging house,
containing individual guest rooms, suites of guest rooms, and dwelling units, and which furnishes
services customarily provided by hotels.
Individual: Any private individual, tenant, lessee, owner or any commercial entity including, but
not limited to, companies, partnerships, joint ventures or corporations.
Junk: Any old or scrap metal, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, wood, glass, plastic and/or rubber
debris, waste, or junked dismantled, or wrecked automobiles, or parts thereof, iron, steel, and other
old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous material.
Junkyard: Any land or building used for the abandonment, storage, keeping, collecting, or baling
of paper, rags, scrap metals, other scrap or discarded materials, or for the abandonment,
demolition, dismantling, storage, or salvaging of automobiles or other vehicles not in running
condition, or machinery, or parts thereof.
Kennel: Any premises where more than four (4) dogs or cats are bred, boarded, and/or trained.
Having one litter up to six (6) weeks of age is not considered to be a kennel.
Kitchen: Any room in a building or dwelling unit, which that is used or intended to be used for
cooking or the preparation of food.
Landscaping: An area which has been improved through the harmonious combination and
introduction of trees, shrubs, and ground cover, and which may contain natural topping material
such as boulders, rock, stone, granite or other approved material. The area shall be voiddevoid of
any asphaltic or concrete pavement except for pedestrian walkways.
A. "Fully-abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one or both sides of a revegetated area.
B. "Partially-abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one side of a revegetated area.
C. "Non-abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas that are not
intended to fully resemble the preexisting natural undisturbed landscaping of the
site.
Laundry, Self Service: A building within which clothes washing and drying machines, and
clothes dry-cleaning machines, either coin operated or attendant operated, are provided on a rental
basis for use by individuals for doing their own laundry or dry cleaning. Self-service laundry does
not include outdoor drying facilities.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 12
Letter Face: The exterior side of an individual letter or individual graphic element.
Logo: A graphic design representing a product, identity or service.
Lot: A single piece of property located in a recorded subdivision, having frontage on publicly
dedicated and accepted street or an approved private road, which is described and denoted as such.
Lot Area: The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.
Lot, Corner: A lot, which has an interior angle of one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less at
the intersection of two (2) street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved street is considered a corner lot
if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines intersect at an interior
angle of one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less.
Lot, Interior: A lot other than a corner lot.
Lot, Key: A lot adjacent to a corner lot having its side lot line in common the rear lot line of the
corner lot and fronting on the street which forms the side boundary of the corner lot.
Lot, Through: A lot, which has street right-of-way frontage on two non-adjoining sides.
Lot Area: The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.
Lot Coverage: That portion of a lot or building site, which is occupied by any building or other
covered structure, excepting paved areas, walks and swimming pools.
Lot Depth: The horizontal length of a straight line connecting the midpoints of the front and rear
lot lines.
Lot Frontage: The horizontal length of the front lot line.
Lot, Interior: A lot other than a corner lot.
Lot, Key: A lot adjacent to a corner lot having its side lot line in common the rear lot line of the
corner lot and fronting on the street which forms the side boundary of the corner lot.
Lot Line: The line bounding a lot.
Lot Line, Front: In the case of an interior lot, a line separating the lot from the street
right-of-way. In the case of a corner lot, the narrower of the two lot lines adjoining a street
right-of-way.
Lot Line, Rear: A lot line, which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case
of a lot having five (5) or more sides, the rear lot line shall be any lot line, other than the front lot
line, which intersects a side or a street side lot line at any angle less than one hundred thirty-five
(135) degrees.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 13
Lot Line, Side: Those lot lines other than a street side lot line that connects the front and rear lot
lines.
Lot Line, Street Side: That lot line or lines on a corner lot adjoining a street right-of-way that
connects the front lot line to a rear lot line.
Lot, Through: A lot, which has street right-of-way frontage on two non-adjoining sides.
Lot Width: For rectangular lots, lots having side lot lines not parallel, and lots on the outside of
the curve of a street, the distance between side lot lines measured at the required minimum front
yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord; and for lots on the inside of the cu rve of a
street, the distance between side lot lines measured thirty (30) feet behind the required minimum
front yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord.
Mansard Roof: A roof style composed of a combination of a steep semi-vertical plane connected
to a flatter plane.
Manufacturing: The fabricating or assembling of materials into finished or partially finished
products by hand or by the use of machinery.
Massage Establishment: Any establishment having its place of business where any person, firm,
association or corporation engages in or carries on or permits to be engaged in or carried on any
massage activities defined as any method of pressure on, friction against, or stroking, kneading,
rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating of external soft parts of the body with the
hands or with the aid of any mechanical apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance.
Master-Planned Village Sales and Information Center: A facility that meets the adopted
version of the Uniform Building Code of the Town of Fountain Hills, that is used as an
information/sales facility by the developer of a master-planned village.
Master-Planned Village: A development containing over 200 contiguous acres contained in a
master subdivision plat by a single developer.
Mobile Home: A structure transportable in one or more sections, including the plumbing,
heating, air conditioning and electrical systems contained in such structure which meets the
standards specified in the National Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act of 1976, as
amended, which erected on site meets all of the following criteria: (aA) eight (8) body feet or more
in width; (bB) Thirty-two (32) body feet or more in length; (cC) built on a permanent chassis; and
(dD) designated to be used as a portable home with or without a permanent foundation, and shall
be classified as a mobile home whether or not its wheels, rollers, skids or other rolling equipment
have been removed. For purposes of these regulations, mobile homes are a special form of
single-family detached dwellings and are subject to such special regulations as are set forth herein
and shall not be considered a modular or factory built building as defined in this section.
Mobile Home Park: Any lot, parcel or tract of land, designed, maintained, used and intended for
rent or lease of individual lots or sites to accommodate one or more mobile homes, including all
buildings, structures, vehicles, accessory buildings, and appurtenances to be used or intended as
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 14
equipment as a trailer court park, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the site or the use
of its facilities. A mobile home park does not include lots upon which unoccupied mobile homes
or unoccupied travel or commercial trailers are parked for display, inspection, and sale.
Mobile Home Subdivision: A subdivision designed for residential use where the residences are
mobile homes and structures conforming to the adopted building codes of the Town.
Mobile Structure: A movable or portable structure thirty-two (32) feet or more in length and
eight (8) feet or more in width, constructed to be towed on its own chassis and designed so as to be
installed with or without a permanent foundation for occupancy classification as an office, retail
store, airport hangar, classroom, or any other occupancy classification. It may include one or more
components that can be retracted for towing purposes and subsequently expanded for additional
capacity, or two (2) or more units separately towable, which can be joined to form a single unit.
The removal of the wheels and running gear shall not change the meaning of this term.
Mobile Home Subdivision: A subdivision designed for residential use where the residences are
mobile homes and structures conforming to the adopted building codes of the Town.
Modular or Factory -Built Buildings: A building complying with the adopted building codes of
the Town which is manufactured, constructed, or fabricated off-site and capable of being towed to
a permanent site to be installed on a permanent foundation. Does not include a mobile home. Such
a structure must be certified by the Office of Manufactured Housing of the State of Arizona.
Motel: A building or group of buildings containing guest rooms or apartments each of which
maintains a separate entrance, used primarily for the accommodation of motorists, and providing
automobile parking space on the premises.
Native Vegetation: Indigenous plant materials of the Sonoran Desert.
Natural: The condition of the land, vegetation, rocks, and other surface features, which have not
been, physically disturbed, changed or added to by any action of man or machine.
Nonconforming Structure: A structure which was lawfully erected prior to the adoption of this
ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not conform with the standards of coverage, yard
spaces, height of structures or distance between structures prescribed in the regulations for the
district in which the structure is located.
Nonconforming Use: The use of a structure or land which was lawfully established and
maintained prior to the adoption of this ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not
conform to the use regulations for the district in which it is located.
Nuisance: Anything, condition or use of property, which endangers life or health, gives offense to
the senses, and/or obstructs the reasonable and comfortable use of other property.
Nursing Home: A structure operated as a lodging house in which nursing, dietary and other
personal services are rendered to convalescents, not including persons suffering from contagious
diseases, and in which surgery is not performed and primary treatment, such as customarily is
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 15
given in hospitals and sanitariums, is not provided. A convalescent home shall be deemed a
nursing home.
Nursery: A commercial operation for the growth and sale of plants, storage of equipment for
landscaping and the wholesale or retail sale of commercial gardening supplies.
Office: A room or rooms and accessory facilities for the managing or conducting of a business.
Off-Street Loading and Unloading Space: A designated off-street space located on the same
site as the site for which berths are required for temporary parking of motor vehicles for active
loading and unloading of merchandise or materials.
Open Space: Any parcel or area of land or water unimproved or improved and set aside,
dedicated, designated, or reserved for the public or private use and enjoyment of owners and
occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.
Overhead Transmission Line: An electrical power line that is capable of conveying sixty-nine
(69) thousand or more volts of power.
Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed so that the sides and back of the
letter are one unit.
Parapet: An extension of a vertical building wall above the line of a structural roof.
Park: A public or private parcel of land developed and used for passive or active recreation.
Parking Area: An area designed and constructed, and used exclusively for the parking, storage
and maneuvering of vehicles.
Parking Shade Structures: A roofed, detached, accessory structure, which may be lighted, with
four (4) open sides, designated or used exclusivel y for the parking and sheltering of operable
motor vehicles.
Parking Space: A permanently surfaced area, enclosed or unenclosed, of not less than nine (9)
feet in width, and nineteen (19) feet in depth, together with a driveway connecting the parking
space with a street and permitting ingress and egress of the automobile, (See Chapter 7).
Pennant: Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of
any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in a series and designed to move in the
wind. Pennants must not exceed 12 inches in any direction.
Planned Unit Development: A development of five (5) or more acres in size, in which flexibility
can be permitted in lot size, lot width, lot coverage, and setbacks, in order to encourage more
creative and imaginary design, thereby preserving natural features, protecting
environmentally-sensitive areas and/or providing usable open spaces within the development.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 16
Planning and Zoning Commission: The Town of Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Professional Office: Any building, structure, or portion thereof, used or intended to be used as an
office for a lawyer, architect, engineer, surveyor, planner, optometrist, accountant, doctor, dentist,
or other similar professions.
Public Building: Facilities for conducting public business occupied by various public agencies.
This includes all federal, state, county, and town offices and buildings.
Public Hearing: A hearing held to receive public testimony as required by law.
Public Meeting: A meeting held in conformance to the Arizona Open Meeting Law as contained
in A.R.S. § 38-431 et. seq.
Public Utility: Private or public facilities for distribution of various services, such as water,
power, gas, communication, etc., to the public.
Recreation Facilities: Includes buildings, structures or areas built or developed for purposes of
entertaining, exercising or observing various activities participated in either actively or passively
by individuals or organized groups.
Recreational Vehicle: A vehicular type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for
recreational, camping or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or
drawn by another vehicle. This includes motor homes, self-contained travel trailers, and campers.
Recreational Vehicle Park: Facilities for the temporary storage, parking and maneuvering of
recreational vehicles (motor homes, travel trailers, campers, etc.) with adequate roads and stall
sites, including sanitary and water facilities. Site locations are provided on a day-to-day basis.
Does not constitute a mobile home park and may not allow mobile homes.
Restaurant: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of food to the public.
Retail Store: A commercial business for selling goods, services, wares or merchandise directly to
the customer, but not including a professional office.
Retaining Wall: A wall or terraced combination of walls used to retain earth, but not directly
supporting the wall of a building, including stacked rock and imbedded boulder walls.
Revegetation: The replacement of indigenous living plant materials on areas where the natural
vegetation has been removed. The areas include disturbed natural areas and man-made cut and fill
slopes.
Reverse Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed of an opaque material so
that the sides and front of the letter are one unit.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 17
Riprap Material: Material that is a loosely composed layer of rocks and stones used to hinder the
flow of water, thereby preventing erosion.
Right-of-Way (ROW): Includes any public or private right-of-way and includes any area
required for public use pursuant to any official plan.
Satellite Dish Antenna: A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or
bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such device shall
be used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or
orbitally based stations. This definition is meant to include but not be limited to what are
commonly referred to as satellite earth stations, television reception-only (TVRO's), and satellite
microwave antennas.
School, Elementary, Junior High, High School, College, or Junior College: Public and other
non-profit institutions conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary,
secondary, and tertiary levels. Such institutions shall offer general academic instructions
equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education or the State Board of
Regents.
School, Nursery: A school or the use of a site or a portion of a site for an organized program
devoted to the education or day care of five (5) or more children of elementary s chool age or
younger, other than those residents on the site. This includes day care centers.
School, Private or Parochial: An institution conducting regular academic instruction at
kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels operated by a nongovernmental
organization.
School, Trade: Schools offering instruction in the technical, commercial or trade skills, such as
real estate schools, business colleges, electronic schools, automotive and aircraft technician
schools and similar commercial establishments operated by a nongovernmental organization.
Service Station: An occupancy engaged in the retail sales of gasoline, oil, tires, batteries, and new
accessories and which provides for the servicing of motor vehicles and operations incidental
thereto, including: automobile washing, waxing and polishing, tire changing and repairing, but not
including recapping. May also include battery service, radiator cleaning, flushing and repair,
installation of minor accessories, lubrication of motor vehicles, rental of utility trailers, testing,
adjustment and replacement of motor parts and accessories.
Shelter Care: Short term residential care facilities providing lodging on a temporary basis, meals
and counseling to individuals and groups such as, but not limited to, the homeless, pregnant
teenagers, victims of domestic violence, neglected children, and runaways.
Shopping Center: A group of retail stores or professional offices planned and designed for the
site on which it is built, functioning as a unit, with off-street parking, landscaped areas and
pedestrian malls or plazas provided on the property as an integral part of the unit.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 18
Sign: Any Any visual element, or combination of elements, including words or symbols, designed
or placed to attract attention or convey information, including any device providing identification,
advertising or directional information for a specific business, service, product, person,
organization, place, or building. Included in this definition, as signs are graphic devices such as
logos and attention-attracting items such as banners or logo sculpturesGraphic devices such as
logos, obtrusive colored facia or architectural elements, banners, balloons, streamers, inflatable
structures, exterior merchandise displays, projected picture signs, holographic projection signs and
other attention attracting media and devices.
Sign, Abandoned: A sign that is no longer associated with the location, product or activity
conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
Sign, Advertising: A sign which includes any copy and/or graphics relating to any business,
service, product, person, organization, place, or building in addition to simple identification,
excluding directional information.
Sign, A-Frame: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that usually
forms an “A” when in use; also referred to as a “sandwich” or “tent” sign.
Sign, Animated: A sign with actual motion, including light changes or color changes, or the
illusion of motion.
Sign, Awning: A sign displayed on, or attached flat against, the surface or surfaces of an awning
or any other surface attached to a building that provides shelter.
Sign, Bench: A sign painted on or affixed to a bench.
Sign, Building Mounted: Any sign mounted onto the vertical surface of a building; see also Wall
Sign.
Sign, Cabinet: A frame constructed to hold internal components and covered by a face to hold the
advertising sign.
Sign, Canopy: See definition of Awning Sign.
Sign, Changeable Copy: A sign constructed to hold individual letters or individual text sections
that are mounted in or on a track system. Changeable Copy Signs are usually used as Directory
Signs.
Sign, Directional: A sign that does not contain either identification or advertising copy, but does
contain other helpful information, including assisting in, supplying pertinent directional
information for the purpose of promoting safety and the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic. See
Chapter 6 for an example. *8
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 19
Sign, Directory: A sign listing the names and/or uses, and/or locations of the various tenants or
activities within a building, or in a multi-tenant development, but not for the purpose of advertising
products, goods, or servicesor group of buildings. Directory Signs may be constructed as
Changeable Copy Signs.
Sign, Fascia: A sign, which that is permanently affixed to the horizontal member or surface at the
edge of a projecting roof. See chapter 6 for an example.
Example Fascia Sign
Sign, Flashing: A sign with an intermittent, repetitive or flashing light source.
Sign, Freestanding: A sign, which that has its own supporting structure independent of the
building or business it identifies, or any product or service provided.
Sign, Fuel Price: A sign displaying the price(s) of fuel at a service station.
Sign, Ground Mounted: A Freestanding Sign with no visible base.
Sign, Identification: A sign, which that contains only the name of the business, person,
organization, place, service, product, or building at that location.
Sign, Ideological: A sign, which that expresses, conveys, or advocates a non-commercial
message.
Sign, Illuminated: A sign, whichthat is lighted, either externally or internally.
Sign, Internally Illuminated: A sign constructed with a light source behind the face of the sign.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 20
Sign, Mansard & Parapet: A sign permanently affixed to a wall or surface not more than 20
degrees from vertical at the upper edge of a building and running parallel with the mansard roof
line or parapet upon which the sign is attached. For an example, see Chapter 6.Any sign proposed
for a building with a Mansard Roof shall have the top of the sign mounted no higher than the
lowest point of any portion of the roofline.
Sign, Menu Board: A changeable sign displayingorientated to the bill of fare of a drive-in
ordrive-through lane for a business that advertises the menu items or services available from the
drive-through restaurant. window.
Sign, Mobile: See Portable Sign.
Sign, Monument: A Ground Mounted Freestanding Sign identifying a subdivision or
multiple-occupancy development such as a shopping center, officer building or planned industrial
park, which has multiple suites, offices or tenants. A Monument Sign shall be a part of the signage
regulated by a Comprehensive Sign Plan.
Example Monument Sign
Sign, Multi-Tenant Building Identification: A sign for a building complex or center that
contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the same site and use common
points of ingress and egress to and from the site.
Mansard Roof
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 21
Sign, Neon: Any sign that uses neon, argon or any similar gas to illuminate transparent or
translucent tubing or other materials, or any use of neon, argon or any similar gas lighting on or
near the exterior of a building or window.
Sign, Off-Premise Directional: A portable sign containing directional information to a
destination within the Towns'Town’s municipal boundary, which may only be located in specified
areas of Town road rights-of-way during specified times.
Sign, Open House Directional: A temporary sign with directional arrow, directing pedestrian or
vehicular travel to the property or premise for sale, lease or rent.
Sign, Parapet: A sign mounted to the face of a building parapet.
Sign, Pole Mounted: A Freestanding Sign constructed with a support structure that is more than
10% of the height of the total sign and less than 90% of the width of the sign. The sign support
structure shall be included in the sign area computation.
Sign, Political: A sign whichthat identifies a person, expresses a position;, conveys a message
concerning, or advocates a position on, the candidacy of a person, party, or issue on an upcoming
ballot.
Sign, Portable: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or
a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by
means of persons or wheels; signs converted to A-frames; menu and sandwich board signs;
balloons used as signs; umbrellas for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles.
Example of Portable Sign
Sign, Projecting: A sign that extends from a building wall over a property line or right-of-way
line.
Sign, Pylon: See Pole Sign.
Sign, Real Estate: A sign, attached to the site, advertising the sale, lease or rental of the property
or premises on which it is located.
Sign, Roof: A sign affixed on, above, or over the roof of a building so that it projects above the
roofline. The top of a parapet wall shall be considered the roofline. The highest point of a
mansardvertical portion of a Mansard Roof shall be considered the roofline. The top of the facia of
a hipped roof shall be considered the roofline. Where a parapet wall is combined with a mansard
roof, the roofline shall be the top of the parapet.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 22
Sign, Sandwich: A portable sign; one, which is not permanently affixed to a structure or
permanently ground-mounted. For an example, see Chapter 6.
Sign, Shared Monument: A monument sign displaying (A) the names of participating business
within a sign district or (B) the names of businesses on property owned by the holder(s) of a shared
monument sign permit.
Sign, Temporary: A sign intended to display either commercial or non-commercial messages of
a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs, any sign not permanently embedded in the
ground, or signs affixed to a building, wall, fence, or sign structure for a non -permanent time
period, are considered temporary signs. A banner, pennant, poster, balloon, construction sign,
political sign or an A-frame sign shall be considered a temporary sign.
Sign, Tent: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that usually forms
an “A” when in use; also referred to as a “sandwich” or “A-frame” sign.
Sign, Under-Canopy: A sign attached to the underside of a canopy, marquee, cantilevered roof or
eave or any other surface having an angle plus or minus fifteen (15) degrees from perpendicular to
a horizontal overhead structure.
Sign, Wall: A sign which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building; see also Building
Mounted Sign.
Sign, Wall-Mounted: A sign, which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building.
Sign, Window: Any poster, cut-out letters, painted text or graphics, or other text or visual
presentation affixed to, or placedsign, pictures, symbols or combination thereof, designed to
communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service that is
affixed to, or located within any area six (6) feet behind a window pane, and is placedpositioned to
be read from the exterior of a building.
Sign District: A group of businesses within a business block, organized for the purpose of
designing and installing no more than two shared monument signs to be located within the
business block.
Sign District Agreement: An agreement between prospective sign district members and the
business block property owner(s) in which the shared monument sign will be erected, containing
the name of each business and its owner(s) and the business address and telephone number, and
evidencing that the sign district members have agreed to the following:
A. The placement of the shared monument sign within the business block;
B. A shared monument sign meeting the requirements of subsection 6.08(BB);
C. The individual business owners’ and property owner’s respective responsibilities
for maintenance, removal and alteration of the shared monument sign; and
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 23
D. The individual business owners’ and property owner’s responsibilities in the event
that the sign district is dissolved.
Sign District Members: Business owners within a sign district.
Sign Face: The area enclosing the copy and graphic components of a sign.
Sign Walker: A person, who wears, holds or balances a sign.
Significantly Altered Lot: A residential lot, upon which new construction is occurring on the lot
resulting in:
A. A. Greater than 50% of the lot’s yard area being disturbed; or
B. B. Greater than 1,000 square feet of the lot’s yard area being disturbed.
Specified Anatomical Areas: Either of the following:
A. Less than completely and opaquely covered: (1) human genitals, pubic region; (2)
buttock; and (3) breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
B. Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely and opaquely
covered.
Specified Sexual Activities:
A. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
B. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy.
C. Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or
breasts.
Stable: A detached accessory structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the
keeping of one or more horses owned by the occupants of the premises and which are not kept for
remuneration, hire or sale.
Stable, Commercial: A structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the keeping
of horses for remuneration, hire or sale.
Store: A building where manufactured or ready-made items can be purchased.
Story: That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the finished
ceiling next above it or the finished undersurface of the roof directly over the particular floor.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 24
Street: A right-of-way dedicated and accepted by the Town of Fountain Hills, for public uses,
whichthat provides the principal vehicular and pedestrian access to adjacent properties.
Street, Private: A street held or controlled by an entity other than the Town of Fountain Hills.
Street, Public: A street dedicated and accepted by the Town of Fountain Hills for public use.
Street Line: The boundary line between street right-of-way and abutting property.
Street, Public: A right-of-way, dedicated to and accepted by the Town of Fountain Hills, for
public uses, which provides the principal vehicular and pedestrian access to adjacent properties.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected which requires a fixed location on the ground,
including a building or mobile home, but not including a fence or wall used as a fence.
Structural Alteration: Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing
walls or partitions, columns, beams, or girders, or any complete rebuilding of the roof or exterior
walls.
Subdivision: Improved or unimproved land or lands divided for the purpose of financing, sale or
lease, whether immediate or future, into four (4) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land, or, if a new
street is involved, any such property which is divided into two (2) or more lots, tracts or parcels of
land, or, any such property, the boundaries of which have been fixed by a recorded plat, which is
divided into more than two (2) parts. "Subdivision" also includes any condominium, cooperative,
community apartment, townhouse or similar project containing four (4) or more parcels, in which
an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any unit
located thereon, but plats of such projects need not show the buildings or the manner in which the
buildings or airspace above the property shown on the plat are to be divided. "Subdivision" does
not include the following:
A. The sale or exchange of parcels of land to or between adjoining property owners if
such sale or exchange does not create additional lots.
B. The partitioning of land in accordance with other statutes regulating the
partitioning of land held in common ownership.
C. The leasing of apartments, offices, stores or similar space within a building or
trailer park, nor to mineral, oil or gas leases.
Supervisory Care Home: A residential care institution, which provides only supervisory care
services to no more than four (4) ambulatory persons unrelated to the owner of such a home.
Swale: A low flat depression to drain off excess water.
Swimming Pool: Any permanent structure, containing or intended to contain water eighteen (18)
inches or more in depth and/or eight (8) feet or more in width at any point.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 25
Temporary Vehicle Storage Facility: Any land or building used for the temporary storage of
abandoned, wrecked or legally impounded automobiles, boats, or other vehicles regardless of
running condition. Such a facility is not a facility where dismantling of any vehicle, the storage of
any vehicle parts, the retailing or wholesaling of any vehicle or vehicle parts may take place.
Town Council: The Mayor and Common Council of the Town of Fountain Hills.
Transmission Line, Overhead: An electrical power line, which is capable of conveying
sixty-nine (69) thousand or more volts of power.
Travel Trailer: A portable structure without motive power, with wheels built on a chassis,
designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreation, and vacation purposes, having a body
width not exceeding eight (8) feet and a body length not exceeding thirty-two (32) feet.
Treatment Center: Facilities providing lodging and meals and, primarily, treatment, training or
education as a part of an alcoholism or drug addiction program.
Use: The purpose for which a site or structure is arranged, designed, intended, constructed,
moved, erected, altered or enlarged or for which either a site or structure is or may be occupied and
maintained.
Use, Accessory: A use which is incidental, related, appropriate, and clearly subordinate to the lot
or building, and which does not alter the principal use of the lot or building.
Use, Permitted: A use which is listed as a "permitted use" in any given zone district. Such use
shall be allowed to be established within that zone district, subject to the specific requirements of
this ordinance.
Use, Prohibited: Any use not specifically permitted or permitted by a special use permit is
prohibited.
Use, Special: A use, which is listed as a "special use" in any given zoning district. Such use shall
require a "special use permit" in order to be established within that zoning district, and shall be
subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the Town Council in connection with the
special use permit.
Use, Temporary: A use, which is listed as a "temporary use" in any given zoning district. Such
use shall require a "temporary use permit" in order to be established within that zoning district and
shall be subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the staff or Town Council,
whichever issues the permit.
Usable Open Space: Space, which can be enjoyed by people. This could include landscaped
plazas, grass and trees, fountains, sitting areas, etc., and is meant to provide an open garden
atmosphere. Meaningful open space does not include parking areas, vacant or undeveloped lots or
any other space, which does not contribute to the quality of the environment.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 26
Utility Services: Service to the public of water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone and cable
television. The foregoing shall be deemed to include attendant facilities and appurtenances to the
above uses, including, without limitation, stations along pipelines, and substations along electric
transmission lines; but not including public utility treatment and generating plants or offices.
Variance: See Chapter 2, Section 2.06(B) herein.
Wall: Any device forming a physical barrier which is so constructed that fifty (50) percent (50%)
or more of the vertical surface is closed preventing the passage of light, air and vision through said
surface.
Warehouse: A building or buildings used for the storage of goods.
Wholesale: The sale of goods or materials for the purposes of resale.
Yard: A minimum required open area adjacent to a lot line that shall be free from any structure
except as specified in the Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance.
Yard, Front: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the
front line and the front yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot. For a
corner lot, the front yard is the narrower of the two street side frontages.
Yard, Rear: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the
rear lot line and rear-yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot, not
including any portion of a required street side yard.
Yard, Required: The minimum open space as specified by the regulations of this Ordinance for
front, rear, side, and street side, as distinguished from any yard area in excess of the minimum
required. See "Building Area".
Yard, Side: A yard, the width of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the
side lot and the side-yard setback line, not including any portion of the required front yard or
required rear yard.
Yard, Street Side: Any yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance
between the street side lot line and the street side-yard setback line, not including any portion of
the required front yard.
Zone: A district classification established by this ordinance, which limits or permits various and
specific uses.
Zoning Administrator: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the Zoning
Administrator. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager, the Town Manager is
the Zoning Administrator.
Zoning Clearance: The approval by the Community Development Director of a plan that is in
conformance with The Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Fountain Hills.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 27
Zoning District: A zone area in which the same zoning regulations apply throughout the district.
Document comparison by Workshare Compare on Wednesday, September 05,
2012 2:52:55 PM
Input:
Document 1 ID interwovenSite://GRPHX_SQL/Phoenix/1756760/1
Description #1756760v1<Phoenix> - CODE - ZO CH 1 - Definitions
Document 2 ID interwovenSite://GRPHX_SQL/Phoenix/1756760/3
Description #1756760v3<Phoenix> - CODE - ZO CH 1 - Definitions v3
(AJM 9.3.12)
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Deletions 73
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Style change 0
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Total changes 261
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
ZONING DEFINITIONS
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 1
Abutting: The condition of two (2) adjoining properties having a common property line or
boundary, including cases where two (2) or more lots adjoin only a corner or corners.
Access or Access Way: The place, means, or way by which pedestrians and vehicles shall have
safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property or use as required by this ordinance.
Acre: An area of land containing forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet.
Adjacent: Nearby, not distant or having a common endpoint or border.
Adjoining: Touching or bounding at a point or line.
Adult Oriented Facilities: Which shall include the following:
A. Adult Bookstore:
1. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, videos, film, books,
magazines and other periodicals depicting, describing, or relating to
"specified sexual activities" or which are characterized by their emphasis
on matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified anatomical areas",
or
2. Having as a substantial portion of its stock in trade, books, magazines and
other periodicals, and which excludes all minors from the premises or a
section thereof.
B. Adult Live Entertainment Establishment: An establishment, which features
topless female or bottomless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers or
similar entertainers.
C. Adult Theater: An enclosed building or open-air drive-in theater:
1. Regularly used for presenting any film or plate negative, film or plate
positive, film or tape designed to be projected on a screen for exhibition or
films, glass slides or transparencies, either in negative or positive form,
designed for exhibition by projection on a screen depicting, describing or
relating to "specified sexual activities" or characterized by an emphasis on
matter depicting, describing or relating to "specified anatomical areas"; or
2. Used for presenting any film or plate negative, film, or plate positive, film
or tape designed to be projected on a screen for exhibition, or films, glass
slides or transparencies, either in negative or positive form, designed for
exhibition by projection on a screen and which regularly excludes minors.
Advertising Copy: Copy that includes, but is not limited to information such as phone numbers,
prices, announcement of sales, business hours, meeting times, individual or specific product or
merchandise information, and directional information.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 2
Agriculture: The tilling of the soil, raising of crops, horticulture, viticulture, sulviculture,
including all uses customarily incidental thereto but not including slaughterhouses, fertilizer
yards, or plants for the reduction of animal matter, or any other industrial use which is similarly
objectionable because of noise, odor, smoke, dust or fumes.
Airport: Any area which is used or is intended to be used primarily for the taking off and
landing of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used or intended to be used for airport
buildings or facilities including open spaces, taxiways and tie-down areas, hangars, transition
and clear zones, and other accessory buildings.
Alley: A right-of-way, dedicated to public use, affording a secondary means of access to
abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
Ambulatory Person: Any individual including one who uses a cane or other ambulatory
support, who is physically and mentally capable, under emergency conditions, of finding a way
to safety without assistance.
Amendment: In reference to this ordinance, a change in the wording or substance of this
ordinance, or an addition or deletion or a change in the zone district boundaries or classifications
of the zoning map.
Animal Hospital: Facilities for the care, treatment, and boarding of animals including facilities
within the term "veterinary clinic."
Antique: A product that is old or exchanged because of value derived, because of oldness as
respects the present age, and not simply because same is not a new product.
Appeal: An action which permits anyone to arrange for a hearing before an individual or a
group other than the individual or group from whose decision the appellant seeks redress, or a
first request for action, depending on context; Chapter 2 addresses the appeal procedures
available to aggrieved parties.
Area of Jurisdiction: The Town of Fountain Hills as it exists now and as it is lawfully changed;
plus any area allowed by Arizona Revised Statute outside of the corporate limits which permits
review by the Town of Fountain Hills.
Automotive Junk: Any vehicle missing one or more body parts; or is incapable of operating
under its own power; or is missing any wheels; or has missing or severely shattered glass which
prohibits safe operation; or has one or more flat tires for a period of seventy-two (72) or more
hours.
Automobile Repair: All aspects of the repair of motor vehicles including, but not limited to,
lubrication, tune-up and preventive maintenance.
Automobile Sales: An agency selling motor vehicles and providing services commonly
associated with motor vehicle sales.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 3
Awning: An architectural projection or shelter projecting from, or supported by, the exterior
wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non -rigid materials and/or fabric on a
supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, including such structures
which are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources.
Ballast: The portion of a sign required to operate a fluorescent lamp.
Banner: A temporary sign composed of fabric, plastic, or other pliable material on which
advertising copy or graphics may be displayed.
Bar or Cocktail Lounge: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of alcoholic
beverages to the public for consumption on the premises.
Basketball Court: A basketball court as defined by the National Federation State High School
Association regulations.
Basement: A space in a structure that is partly or wholly below grade.
Bed and Breakfast Establishment: A dwelling in which the occupants of the dwelling provide,
for compensation, the short term lodging and meals for guests, occupying not more than two (2)
guest rooms, located within the same dwelling.
Billboard: A permanent off-premise outdoor advertising sign erected, maintained or used for
the purpose of commercial or non-commercial messages.
Board of Adjustment: (See Section 1.07).
Building: Any structure used for the support, shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals,
chattels or property of any kind, with the exception of doghouses, playhouses and similar
structures.
Building, Accessory: A building or structure that does not share a livable, enclosed connection
to the main building, and that is subordinate to, and the use of which is cus tomarily incidental to,
that of the main building, structure, or use on the same lot or parcel.
Building Area: The total areas, taken on a horizontal plane at the mean grade level, of the
principal buildings and all accessory buildings, exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces and
steps.
Building, Attached: A building which has at least part of a wall in common with another
building, or which is connected to another building by a roof.
Building, Detached: A building, which is separated from another building or buildings on the
same lot.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 4
Building, Height Of: The vertical distance measured at any point from the natural, pre-existing
grade level or proposed grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the
structure is located in a platted subdivision where grading was done as a part of the subdivision’s
improvements, the building height shall be the vertical distance measured at any point from the
finished grade as shown on the subdivision grading plans or the natural, pre-subdivision grade,
whichever is lower, to the highest point of the structure. If the structure has a basement, where
the basement floor pad grade is lower than the preexisting grade and where all exterior walls to
the basement are completely back-filled to the pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is
proposed directly from the basement to the exterior of the building, building height shall be
measured at any point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of the structure above that
point. If the structure is proposed as a walk-out, where the walk-out or lower floor pad grade is
lower than the pre-existing grade and where ingress and egress is proposed on only one side of
the walk-out floor and where the other non-walk-out sides of the walk-out floor are completely
back-filled to the pre-existing grade and no ingress or egress is proposed directly from the non-
walk-out sides of the walk-out floor to the exterior of the building, building height above the
walk-out level shall be measured at any point along the pre-existing grade to the highest point of
the structure above that point. In the event that terrain problems prevent an accurate
determination of height, the Zoning Administrator shall rule as to height and appeal from that
decision shall be to the Board of Adjustment.
Building, Principal: A building, or buildings, in which is conducted the principal use of the lot
on which it is situated. In any residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed to be the main
building of the lot on which the same is situated.
Building Footprint: The area of the primary structure measured from the outside walls
(excluding any overhanging portions) which includes indoor uses such as attached garage,
carports, utility room, laundry, etc. (including covered patios and breezeways which are an
integral part of the roof structure of the structure.
Building Frontage: The linear measurement of an exterior building wall or structure that faces
the public roadway.
Building Permit: A permit required for erection, construction, modification, addition to or
moving of any building, structure or use in the incorporated area of the Town of Fountain Hills
as more fully defined in Section 417 of the Uniform Building Code adopted by the Town
Council.
Building Setback: The minimum distance as prescribed by this ordinance between any property
line and the closest point of the foundation or any supporting post or pillar of any building or
structure related thereto. (See: Yard, front, side and rear).
Business Area: An area designated by the Zoning Administrator as containing a concentrated
group of businesses.
Business Block: A portion of a business area consisting of at least three lots, bounded on all
sides by a public right-of-way, alleyway or an adjacent property line.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 5
Campground: Any lot, parcel, or tract of land used, designed, maintained, and intended for rent
of plots or sites to accommodate temporary camping by the traveling public with or without
sanitary facilities and water, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the park and its
facilities.
Carport: A roof supported by pillars or cantilevers, which shelters a car or other vehicle. May
either extend from a structure (usually a house) or be constructed separately (often to
accommodate several cars).
Cemetery: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for such
purposes, including columbaria, crematoriums, mausoleums and mortuaries when operated in
conjunction with and within the boundaries of such premises.
Channel Letter: Individual letters constructed to be applied singly in the formation of a
Building Mounted Sign or a Freestanding Sign. Channel letters may be illuminated or non-
illuminated.
Church: A permanently located building commonly used for religious worship fully enclosed
with walls, but including windows and doors, and having a structurally solid and sound roof.
Clearing: The removal and disposal of all obstructions such as fences, walls, foundations,
buildings and existing structures, and accumulations of rubbish of whatever nature. Also, the
substantial removal of trees, also the substantial removal of trees, shrubs, cacti, and other
indigenous vegetation, but not including grass and weeds considered to be a potential fire hazard.
Clinic: A place for the provision of group medical services, not involving overnight housing of
patients.
Clubhouse: A building, located on a golf course with nine (9) or more holes, that contains one
or more of the following facilities: pro shop for the retailing of clothing and golf accessories; the
golf course's own cart rental and maintenance facility (does not include the golf cart sales and the
maintenance of golf carts not owned by the golf course); restaurant with or without alcoholic
beverage service; and the golf course's administrative office.
Cluster Housing: Houses built close together with little yard space and a large common area,
rather than each house having a large separate yard.
Commission: The Town of Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission. (See Section
1.06).
Common Open Space: Open space usable by all the people within a certain development and
such area is owned by all the property owners in that development.
Community Corrections Facility: A facility, which provides lodging and meals and, primarily,
counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation to adjudicated delinquents, parolees, and individuals in
pre-release (transitional) or diversionary programs from correction institutions.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 6
Community Development Director: (Same as Development Services Director).
Comprehensive Sign Plan: Comprehensive Sign Plans are required in all commercial zoning
districts for multi-tenanted buildings or shopping centers. The Comprehensive Sign Plan shall be
reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator or designee and conform to the sign
regulations contained in Chapter 6 of this Ordinance. A “multi-tenanted building” is a building
complex or center that contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the same
site, use common points of ingress, and egress to and from the site.
Condominium: Real estate, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the
remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of the separate
portions. Real estate is not a condominium unless the undivided interests in the common
elements are vested in the unit owners.
Contiguous: In actual contact.
Convalescent Home: (Same as nursing home).
Copy: The text, graphics or message of a sign.
Corral: A pen or enclosure for confining animals.
Council: Town Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona.
County: Maricopa County, Arizona.
Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for periods
of less than twenty-four hours per day, for more than five (5) people.
Density: The average number of families, persons or housing units per unit of land; usually
density is expressed "per acre." Thus, the density of a development of 300 units occupying 4 0
acres is 7.5 units per acre.
Development Services Director: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the chief
land-use official for the Town. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager, the
Town Manager is the Development Services Director.
Direct Illumination: An externally mounted light source that is used for illuminating a sign;
also referred to as “exterior illumination.”
Disturbance: Clearing, grubbing, excavation and/or filling.
Drive-in Restaurant: Any establishment where food or beverages are dispensed and may be
consumed on the premises, but outside a closed building.
Drive-in Theater: An open-air theater where the performance is viewed by all, or part, of the
audience from motor vehicles.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 7
Dwelling: A building or portion thereof, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
residential purposes, including single-family and multiple-family dwellings; but not including
hotels, motels, boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and
nursing homes, or child care nurseries.
Dwelling, Multiple-Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) or more families living independently of each other. Such
building(s) shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof
structure of not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
Dwelling, Single-Family: A detached building, built in accordance to the building code adopted
in the Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed
exclusively for occupancy by or occupied by one (1) family for residential purposes.
Dwelling, Two-Family: A building, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the
Town or, if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, d esigned exclusively for
occupancy by or occupied by two (2) families living independently of each other. Such
building(s) shall have a connection, which is comprised, of a full ground to roof wall and a roof
structure of not less than eight (8) feet in depth.
Dwelling Unit: A building or portion thereof having restricted access to one kitchen or area
convertible to kitchen activities, built in accordance to the building code adopted in the Town, or
if built prior to incorporation, adopted by Maricopa County, designed exclusively for residential
purposes, including single-family and multi-family dwellings; but not including hotels, motels,
boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and nursing homes, or
child care nurseries.
Easement: A specified area on a lot or parcel of land reserved or used for the location of and/or
access to, utilities, drainage or other physical access purposes, or for preservation of undisturbed
terrain for the benefit of the general public.
Elderly: A person who is sixty-five (65) years of age or older.
Erect: The word "erect" includes build, build upon, add to, alter, construct, reconstruct, move
upon, or any physical operations on the land, required for a building.
Excavation: The removal of earthen material, resulting in a lowering of the grade at the
location.
Family: An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood or marriage, or a group of
persons not related by blood or marriage, living together as a single housekeeping group in a
dwelling unit.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 8
Farm: An area of not less than two (2) contiguous acres which is used for the commercial
production of farm crops such as vegetables, fruit trees, cotton, grain and other crops, and their
storage on the area, as well as the raising thereon of farm poultry and farm animals, such as
horses, cattle, and sheep for commercial purposes. The term "farm" includes the operating of
such an area for one (1) or more of the above uses, including dairy farms, with the necessary
accessory uses for treating or storing the produce, provided that the operation of any such
accessory use is secondary to that of the farm activities, and provided further that the farm
activities do not include commercial feeding or offal to swine or other animals.
Fence: Any device built to enclose a parcel of land, to separate two (2) parcels of land, or to
separate a parcel of land into different use areas.
Filling: The dumping or depositing of earthen material resulting in the raising of the grade at
that location.
Flag: A fabric sheet of square or rectangular or triangular shape which is mounted on a pole.
This includes the United States, State, flags for registered corporations and other registered
entities, flags or foreign nations, decorative flags, and flags supporting activities of the Fountain
Hills Unified School District.
Floor Area: The gross square footage of a building. When considering minimum off-street
parking area, floor area may also include the open land needed for service to the public as
customers, patrons, clients, or patients, including area occupied by fixtures and equipment used
for display or sale of merchandise.
Fractional Ownership Interest: A contractual right of occupancy in a Fractional Ownership
Project, whether by membership, agreement, share, tenancy in common, sale, deed, license,
right-to-use agreement or otherwise, where such right is divided into eleven (11) or more
undivided interests, whether or not such interest is coupled with an estate in real property, where
a purchaser, in exchange for consideration, receives a right to use a portion of a Fractional
ownership Project for a period of time less than six months during any given year.
Fractional Ownership Interest shall include interests otherwise known as “Interval Ownership”
or “Time Share Ownership.”
Fractional Ownership Project: A project consisting of any dwelling unit, hotel, lot or parcel in
which a purchaser receives a Fractional Ownership Interest.
Front Lit Letter: An internally illuminated individual letter or graphic component of a sign that
has a translucent face.
Garage, Private: A building or portion thereof, used for the shelter or storage of self-propelled
vehicles, or owned or operated by the occupants of a main building where there is no service or
storage for compensation.
Garage, Public: Any building, except one herein defined as a "private garage" used for the
storage of self-propelled vehicles or where any such vehicles are equipped for operation or kept
for hire.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 9
Grade: The elevation of the land.
Grade, Finished: Final elevation of the ground surface conforming to the approved grading
plans.
Grade, Natural: Elevation of the natural or undisturbed ground surface prior to any grading
operation. If "natural grade" can no longer be determined, then the grade elevation existing on
September 20, 1991, as shown on the Town's topographical maps of that date, shall be used in
lieu thereof. If a parcel of land is not shown on the September 20, 1991 topographical maps,
"natural grade" shall be as shown on a topographical map that has been both prepared after
September 20, 1991 and that is acceptable to the Town Engineer.
Grading: The process of changing gradients of land by contouring, smoothing or otherwise
shaping land areas, by excavating, filling, or combination thereof.
Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care: A dwelling shared by handicapped
and/or elderly people as their primary residence and their resident staff, who live together as a
single housekeeping unit, sharing responsibilities, meals, and recreation. The staff provides care
for the residents. A Group Home for the Handicapped and Adult Care does not include nursing
homes, alcohol or other drug treatment centers, community correction facilities, shelter care
facilities, or homes for the developmentally disabled as regulated by the Arizona Revised
Statutes Section 36-582.
Grubbing: The elimination of roots from the ground by digging or pulling.
Guest: Any transient person who rents or occupies a room or structure for sleeping purposes.
Guest House: Living or sleeping quarters within an accessory building for the sole use of
occupants of the premises, guests of such occupants or persons employed on the premises. The
accessory building may be attached to or detached from the main building. Such quarters shall
not be rented, and/or otherwise used for income producing purposes.
Guest Ranch: A building or group of buildings containing two (2) or more guest rooms, other
than a boarding house, hotel, or motel, and including outdoor recreational facilities such as, but
not limited to, horseback riding, swimming, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, barbecue and
picnic facilities, and dining facilities intended for the use primarily by guests of the guest ranch,
but not including bars and restaurants which cater primarily to other than guests of the guest
ranch.
Guest Room: A room designed for occupancy by one (1) or more guests for sleeping purposes,
but having no cooking facilities and not including dormitories.
Halo Illumination: Sign lighting constructed for wall or freestanding signs that is designed so
that the light for the entire sign, or the light for each individual component of the sign, is directed
against the surface behind the sign or sign component, producing a halo effect.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 10
Handicapped: A person who: (A) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially
limits one or more of such person's major life's activities so that such person is incapable of
living independently; (B) has a record of having such an impairment; or (C) is regarded as
having such an impairment. However, "handicapped" does not include current, illegal use of or
addiction to a controlled substance as defined in the Controlled Substance Act (21 United States
Code 802).
Hazardous Materials: Any substance characterized as flammable solids, corrosive liquids,
radioactive materials, oxidizing materials, highly toxic materials, poisonous gases, reactive
materials, unstable materials, hypergolic materials and pyrophoric materials and any substance or
mixture of substances which is an irritant, a strong sensitizer or which generates pressure through
exposure to heat, decomposition or other means.
Holiday Window Decorations: The decorative display of holiday themed decorations or
window painting.
Home Day Care Center: A residential facility in which care for non-residents is provided for
periods of less than twenty-four hours per day, for five or less people.
Home Occupation: Any occupation or profession which is incidental and subordinate to the use
of the dwelling unit for dwelling purposes and which: (A) does not change the character thereof,
and in connection with which there are no employees other than members of the immediate
family residing in the dwelling unit; (B) does not generate traffic as a result of patronage and/or
shipping and receiving of materials beyond five (5) trips per day; and (C) has shipping and
receiving to and from such occupation only by a vehicle customarily used for residential delivery
purposes.
Hospital: A place for the treatment or care of human ailments, where overnight lodging for
patients is provided, other than nursing homes.
Hotel: A building or group of buildings, other than a motel, boarding house or lodging house,
containing individual guest rooms, suites of guest rooms, and dwelling units, and which
furnishes services customarily provided by hotels.
Individual: Any private individual, tenant, lessee, owner or any commercial entity including,
but not limited to, companies, partnerships, joint ventures or corporations.
Junk: Any old or scrap metal, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, wood, glass, plastic and/or
rubber debris, waste, or junked dismantled, or wrecked automobiles, or parts thereof, iron, steel,
and other old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous material.
Junkyard: Any land or building used for the abandonment, storage, keeping, collecting, or
baling of paper, rags, scrap metals, other scrap or discarded materials, or for the abandonment,
demolition, dismantling, storage, or salvaging of automobiles or other vehicles not in running
condition, or machinery, or parts thereof.
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FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 11
Kennel: Any premises where more than four (4) dogs or cats are bred, boarded, and/or trained.
Having one litter up to six (6) weeks of age is not considered to be a kennel.
Kitchen: Any room in a building or dwelling unit that is used or intended to be used for cooking
or the preparation of food.
Landscaping: An area which has been improved through the harmonious combination and
introduction of trees, shrubs, and ground cover, and which may contain natural topping material
such as boulders, rock, stone, granite or other approved material. The area shall be devoid of any
asphaltic or concrete pavement except for pedestrian walkways.
A. "Fully-abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one or both sides of a revegetated area.
B. "Partially-abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas, such as a
disturbed area that is proposed to look as if no disturbance activity has occurred,
where natural undisturbed areas abut one side of a revegetated area.
C. "Non-abutting" areas are those landscaped or revegetated areas that are not
intended to fully resemble the preexisting natural undisturbed landscaping of the
site.
Laundry, Self Service: A building within which clothes washing and drying machines, and
clothes dry-cleaning machines, either coin operated or attendant operated, are provided on a
rental basis for use by individuals for doing their own laundry or dry cleaning. Self -service
laundry does not include outdoor drying facilities.
Letter Face: The exterior side of an individual letter or individual graphic element.
Logo: A graphic design representing a product, identity or service.
Lot: A single piece of property located in a recorded subdivision, having frontage on publicly
dedicated and accepted street or an approved private road, which is described and denoted as
such.
Lot, Corner: A lot, which has an interior angle of one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less
at the intersection of two (2) street lines. A lot abutting upon a curved street is considered a
corner lot if the tangents to the curve at the points of intersection of the side lot lines intersect at
an interior angle of one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less.
Lot, Interior: A lot other than a corner lot.
Lot, Key: A lot adjacent to a corner lot having its side lot line in common the rear lot line of the
corner lot and fronting on the street which forms the side boundary of the corner lot.
Lot, Through: A lot, which has street right-of-way frontage on two non-adjoining sides.
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FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 12
Lot Area: The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.
Lot Coverage: That portion of a lot or building site, which is occupied by any building or other
covered structure, excepting paved areas, walks and swimming pools.
Lot Depth: The horizontal length of a straight line connecting the midpoints of the front and
rear lot lines.
Lot Frontage: The horizontal length of the front lot line.
Lot Line: The line bounding a lot.
Lot Line, Front: In the case of an interior lot, a line separating the lot from the street right-of-
way. In the case of a corner lot, the narrower of the two lot lines adjoining a street right-of-way.
Lot Line, Rear: A lot line, which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the
case of a lot having five (5) or more sides, the rear lot line shall be any lot line, other than the
front lot line, which intersects a side or a street side lot line at any angle less than one hundred
thirty-five (135) degrees.
Lot Line, Side: Those lot lines other than a street side lot line that connects the front and rear
lot lines.
Lot Line, Street Side: That lot line or lines on a corner lot adjoining a street right-of-way that
connects the front lot line to a rear lot line.
Lot Width: For rectangular lots, lots having side lot lines not parallel, and lots on the outside of
the curve of a street, the distance between side lot lines measured at the required minimum front
yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord; and for lots on the inside of the curve of a
street, the distance between side lot lines measured thirty (30) feet behind the required minimum
front yard line on a line parallel to the street or street chord.
Mansard Roof: A roof style composed of a combination of a steep semi-vertical plane
connected to a flatter plane.
Manufacturing: The fabricating or assembling of materials into finished or partially finished
products by hand or by the use of machinery.
Massage Establishment: Any establishment having its place of business where any person,
firm, association or corporation engages in or carries on or permits to be engaged in or carried on
any massage activities defined as any method of pressure on, friction against, or stroking,
kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating of external soft parts of the body
with the hands or with the aid of any mechanical apparatus or electrical apparatus or appliance.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 13
Master-Planned Village Sales and Information Center: A facility that meets the adopted
version of the Uniform Building Code of the Town of Fountain Hills, that is used as an
information/sales facility by the developer of a master-planned village.
Master-Planned Village: A development containing over 200 contiguous acres contained in a
master subdivision plat by a single developer.
Mobile Home: A structure transportable in one or more sections, including the plumbing,
heating, air conditioning and electrical systems contained in such structure which meets the
standards specified in the National Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act of 1976, as
amended, which erected on site meets all of the following criteria: (A) eight (8) body feet or
more in width; (B) Thirty-two (32) body feet or more in length; (C) built on a permanent chassis;
and (D) designated to be used as a portable home with or without a permanent foundation, and
shall be classified as a mobile home whether or not its wheels, rollers, skids or other rolling
equipment have been removed. For purposes of these regulations, mobile homes are a special
form of single-family detached dwellings and are subject to such special regulations as are set
forth herein and shall not be considered a modular or factory built building as defined in this
section.
Mobile Home Park: Any lot, parcel or tract of land, designed, maintained, used and intended
for rent or lease of individual lots or sites to accommodate one or more mobile homes, including
all buildings, structures, vehicles, accessory buildings, and appurtenances to be used or intended
as equipment as a trailer court park, whether or not a charge is made for the use of the site or the
use of its facilities. A mobile home park does not include lots upon which unoccupied mobile
homes or unoccupied travel or commercial trailers are parked for display, inspection, and sale.
Mobile Home Subdivision: A subdivision designed for residential use where the residences are
mobile homes and structures conforming to the adopted building codes of the Town.
Mobile Structure: A movable or portable structure thirty-two (32) feet or more in length and
eight (8) feet or more in width, constructed to be towed on its own chassis and designed so as to
be installed with or without a permanent foundation for occupancy classification as an office,
retail store, airport hangar, classroom, or any other occupancy classification. It may include one
or more components that can be retracted for towing purposes and subsequently expanded for
additional capacity, or two (2) or more units separately towable, which can be joined to form a
single unit. The removal of the wheels and running gear shall not change the meaning of this
term.
Modular or Factory-Built Buildings: A building complying with the adopted building codes
of the Town which is manufactured, constructed, or fabricated off-site and capable of being
towed to a permanent site to be installed on a permanent foundation. Does not include a mobile
home. Such a structure must be certified by the Office of Manufactured Housing of the State of
Arizona.
Motel: A building or group of buildings containing guest rooms or apartments each of which
maintains a separate entrance, used primarily for the accommodation of motorists, and providing
automobile parking space on the premises.
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FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 14
Native Vegetation: Indigenous plant materials of the Sonoran Desert.
Natural: The condition of the land, vegetation, rocks, and other surface features, which have not
been, physically disturbed, changed or added to by any action of man or machine.
Nonconforming Structure: A structure which was lawfully erected prior to the adoption of this
ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not conform with the standards of coverage,
yard spaces, height of structures or distance between structures prescribed in the regulations for
the district in which the structure is located.
Nonconforming Use: The use of a structure or land which was lawfully established and
maintained prior to the adoption of this ordinance but which, under this ordinance, does not
conform to the use regulations for the district in which it is located.
Nuisance: Anything, condition or use of property, which endangers life or health, gives offense
to the senses, and/or obstructs the reasonable and comfortable use of other property.
Nursing Home: A structure operated as a lodging house in which nursing, dietary and other
personal services are rendered to convalescents, not including persons suffering from contagious
diseases, and in which surgery is not performed and primar y treatment, such as customarily is
given in hospitals and sanitariums, is not provided. A convalescent home shall be deemed a
nursing home.
Nursery: A commercial operation for the growth and sale of plants, storage of equipment for
landscaping and the wholesale or retail sale of commercial gardening supplies.
Office: A room or rooms and accessory facilities for the managing or conducting of a business.
Off-Street Loading and Unloading Space: A designated off-street space located on the same
site as the site for which berths are required for temporary parking of motor vehicles for active
loading and unloading of merchandise or materials.
Open Space: Any parcel or area of land or water unimproved or improved and set aside,
dedicated, designated, or reserved for the public or private use and enjoyment of owners and
occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.
Overhead Transmission Line: An electrical power line that is capable of conveying sixty-nine
(69) thousand or more volts of power.
Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed so that the sides and back of the
letter are one unit.
Parapet: An extension of a vertical building wall above the line of a structural roof.
Park: A public or private parcel of land developed and used for passive or active recreation.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 15
Parking Area: An area designed and constructed, and used exclusively for the parking, storage
and maneuvering of vehicles.
Parking Shade Structures: A roofed, detached, accessory structure, which may be lighted,
with four (4) open sides, designated or used exclusively for the parking and sheltering of
operable motor vehicles.
Parking Space: A permanently surfaced area, enclosed or unenclosed, of not less than nine (9)
feet in width, and nineteen (19) feet in depth, together with a driveway connecting the parking
space with a street and permitting ingress and egress of the automobile, (See Chapter 7).
Pennant: Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message
of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in a series and designed to move in
the wind. Pennants must not exceed 12 inches in any direction.
Planned Unit Development: A development of five (5) or more acres in size, in which
flexibility can be permitted in lot size, lot width, lot coverage, and setbacks, in order to
encourage more creative and imaginary design, thereby preserving natural features, protecting
environmentally-sensitive areas and/or providing usable open spaces within the development.
Professional Office: Any building, structure, or portion thereof, used or intended to be used as
an office for a lawyer, architect, engineer, surveyor, planner, optometrist, accountant, doctor,
dentist, or other similar professions.
Public Building: Facilities for conducting public business occupied by various public agencies.
This includes all federal, state, county, and town offices and buildings.
Public Hearing: A hearing held to receive public testimony as required by law.
Public Meeting: A meeting held in conformance to the Arizona Open Meeting Law as
contained in A.R.S. § 38-431 et seq.
Public Utility: Private or public facilities for distribution of various services, such as water,
power, gas, communication, etc., to the public.
Recreation Facilities: Includes buildings, structures or areas built or developed for purposes of
entertaining, exercising or observing various activities participated in either actively or passively
by individuals or organized groups.
Recreational Vehicle: A vehicular type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for
recreational, camping or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or
drawn by another vehicle. This includes motor homes, self-contained travel trailers, and
campers.
Recreational Vehicle Park: Facilities for the temporary storage, parking and maneuvering of
recreational vehicles (motor homes, travel trailers, campers, etc.) with adequate roads and stall
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 16
sites, including sanitary and water facilities. Site locations are provided on a day-to-day basis.
Does not constitute a mobile home park and may not allow mobile homes.
Restaurant: An establishment whose primary business is the serving of food to the public.
Retail Store: A commercial business for selling goods, services, wares or merchandise directly
to the customer, but not including a professional office.
Retaining Wall: A wall or terraced combination of walls used to retain earth, but not directly
supporting the wall of a building, including stacked rock and imbedded boulder walls.
Revegetation: The replacement of indigenous living plant materials on areas where the natural
vegetation has been removed. The areas include disturbed natural areas and man-made cut and
fill slopes.
Reverse Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed of an opaque material
so that the sides and front of the letter are one unit.
Riprap Material: Material that is a loosely composed layer of rocks and stones used to hinder
the flow of water, thereby preventing erosion.
Satellite Dish Antenna: A device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or
bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn, or cornucopia. Such device
shall be used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially
and/or orbitally based stations. This definition is meant to include but not be limited to what are
commonly referred to as satellite earth stations, television reception-only (TVRO's), and satellite
microwave antennas.
School, Elementary, Junior High, High School, College, or Junior College: Public and other
non-profit institutions conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary,
secondary, and tertiary levels. Such institutions shall offer general academic instructions
equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education or the State Board of
Regents.
School, Nursery: A school or the use of a site or a portion of a site for an organized pro gram
devoted to the education or day care of five (5) or more children of elementary school age or
younger, other than those residents on the site. This includes day care centers.
School, Private or Parochial: An institution conducting regular academic instruction at
kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels operated by a nongovernmental
organization.
School, Trade: Schools offering instruction in the technical, commercial or trade skills, such as
real estate schools, business colleges, electronic schools, automotive and aircraft technician
schools and similar commercial establishments operated by a nongovernmental organization.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 17
Service Station: An occupancy engaged in the retail sales of gasoline, oil, tires, batteries, and
new accessories and which provides for the servicing of motor vehicles and operations incidental
thereto, including: automobile washing, waxing and polishing, tire changing and repairing, but
not including recapping. May also include battery service, radiator cleaning, flushing and repair,
installation of minor accessories, lubrication of motor vehicles, rental of utility trailers, testing,
adjustment and replacement of motor parts and accessories.
Shelter Care: Short term residential care facilities providing lodging on a temporary basis,
meals and counseling to individuals and groups such as, but not limited to, the homeless,
pregnant teenagers, victims of domestic violence, neglected children, and runaways.
Shopping Center: A group of retail stores or professional offices planned and designed for the
site on which it is built, functioning as a unit, with off-street parking, landscaped areas and
pedestrian malls or plazas provided on the property as an integral part of the unit.
Sign: Any visual element, or combination of elements, including words or symbols, designed or
placed to attract attention or convey information, including any device providing identification,
advertising or directional information for a specific business, service, product, person,
organization, place, or building. Graphic devices such as logos, obtrusive colored facia or
architectural elements, banners, balloons, streamers, inflatable structures, exterior merchandise
displays, projected picture signs, holographic projection signs and other attention attracting
media and devices.
Sign, Abandoned: A sign that is no longer associated with the location, product or activity
conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
Sign, Advertising: A sign which includes any copy and/or graphics relating to any business,
service, product, person, organization, place, or building in addition to simple identification.
Sign, A-Frame: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that
usually forms an “A” when in use; also referred to as a “sandwich” or “tent” sign.
Sign, Animated: A sign with actual motion, including light changes or color changes, or the
illusion of motion.
Sign, Awning: A sign displayed on, or attached flat against, the surface or surfaces of an
awning or any other surface attached to a building that provides shelter.
Sign, Bench: A sign painted on or affixed to a bench.
Sign, Building Mounted: Any sign mounted onto the vertical surface of a building; see also
Wall Sign.
Sign, Cabinet: A frame constructed to hold internal components and covered by a face to hold
the advertising sign.
Sign, Canopy: See definition of Awning Sign.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 18
Sign, Changeable Copy: A sign constructed to hold individual letters or individual text sections
that are mounted in or on a track system. Changeable Copy Signs are usually used as Directory
Signs.
Sign, Directional: A sign, supplying pertinent directional information for the purpose of
promoting safety and the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Sign, Directory: A sign listing the names and/or uses, and/or locations of the various tenants or
activities within a building, or in a multi-tenant development, or group of buildings. Directory
Signs may be constructed as Changeable Copy Signs.
Sign, Fascia: A sign that is permanently affixed to the horizontal member or surface at the edge
of a projecting roof.
Example Fascia Sign
Sign, Flashing: A sign with an intermittent, repetitive or flashing light source.
Sign, Freestanding: A sign that has its own supporting structure independent of the building or
business it identifies.
Sign, Fuel Price: A sign displaying the price(s) of fuel at a service station.
Sign, Ground Mounted: A Freestanding Sign with no visible base.
Sign, Identification: A sign that contains only the name of the business, person, organization,
place, or building at that location.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 19
Sign, Ideological: A sign that expresses, conveys, or advocates a non-commercial message.
Sign, Illuminated: A sign, that is lighted, either externally or internally.
Sign, Internally Illuminated: A sign constructed with a light source behind the face of the sign.
Sign, Mansard: A sign permanently affixed to a wall or surface not more than 20 degrees from
vertical at the upper edge of a building and running parallel with the mansard roof line or parapet
upon which the sign is attached. Any sign proposed for a building with a Mansard Roof shall
have the top of the sign mounted no higher than the lowest point of any portion of the roofline.
Sign, Menu Board: A changeable sign orientated to the drive-through lane for a business that
advertises the menu items or services available from the drive-through window.
Sign, Mobile: See Portable Sign.
Sign, Monument: A Ground Mounted Freestanding Sign identifying a subdivision or multiple-
occupancy development such as a shopping center, officer building or planned industrial park,
which has multiple suites, offices or tenants. A Monument Sign shall be a part of the signage
regulated by a Comprehensive Sign Plan.
Example Monument Sign
Mansard Roof
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 20
Sign, Multi-Tenant Building Identification: A sign for a building complex or center that
contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the same site and use common
points of ingress and egress to and from the site.
Sign, Neon: Any sign that uses neon, argon or any similar gas to illuminate transparent or
translucent tubing or other materials, or any use of neon, argon or any similar gas lighting on or
near the exterior of a building or window.
Sign, Off-Premise Directional: A portable sign containing directional information to a
destination within the Town’s municipal boundary, which may only be located in specified areas
of Town road rights-of-way during specified times.
Sign, Open House Directional: A temporary sign with directional arrow, directing pedestrian
or vehicular travel to the property or premise for sale, lease or rent.
Sign, Parapet: A sign mounted to the face of a building parapet.
Sign, Pole Mounted: A Freestanding Sign constructed with a support structure that is more than
10% of the height of the total sign and less than 90% of the width of the sign. The sign support
structure shall be included in the sign area computation.
Sign, Political: A sign that identifies a person, expresses a position, conveys a message
concerning, or advocates a position on, the candidacy of a person, party or issue on an upcoming
ballot.
Sign, Portable: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure,
or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be
transported by means of persons or wheels; signs converted to A-frames; menu and sandwich
board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on
vehicles.
Example of Portable Sign
Sign, Projecting: A sign that extends from a building wall over a property line or right-of-way
line.
Sign, Pylon: See Pole Sign.
Sign, Real Estate: A sign, attached to the site, advertising the sale, lease or rental of the
property or premises on which it is located.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 21
Sign, Roof: A sign affixed on, above or over the roof of a building so that it projects above the
roofline. The top of a parapet wall shall be considered the roofline. The vertical portion of a
Mansard Roof shall be considered the roofline. The top of the facia of a hipped roof shall be
considered the roofline. Where a parapet wall is combined with a mansard roof, the roofline
shall be the top of the parapet.
Sign, Sandwich: A portable sign; one, which is not permanently affixed to a structure or
permanently ground-mounted. For an example, see Chapter 6.
Sign, Shared Monument: A monument sign displaying (A) the names of participating business
within a sign district or (B) the names of businesses on property owned by the holder(s) of a
shared monument sign permit.
Sign, Temporary: A sign intended to display either commercial or non -commercial messages
of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs, any sign not permanently emb edded in the
ground, or signs affixed to a building, wall, fence, or sign structure for a non -permanent time
period, are considered temporary signs. A banner, pennant, poster, balloon, construction sign,
political sign or an A-frame sign shall be considered a temporary sign.
Sign, Tent: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that usually
forms an “A” when in use; also referred to as a “sandwich” or “A-frame” sign.
Sign, Under-Canopy: A sign attached to the underside of a canop y, marquee, cantilevered roof
or eave or any other surface having an angle plus or minus fifteen (15) degrees from
perpendicular to a horizontal overhead structure.
Sign, Wall: A sign which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building; see also Building
Mounted Sign.
Sign, Wall-Mounted: A sign, which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building.
Sign, Window: Any sign, pictures, symbols or combination thereof, designed to communicate
information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service that is affixed to, or
located within any area six (6) feet behind a window pane, positioned to be read from the
exterior of a building.
Sign District: A group of businesses within a business block, organized for the purpose of
designing and installing no more than two shared monument signs to be located within the
business block.
Sign District Agreement: An agreement between prospective sign district members and the
business block property owner(s) in which the shared monument sign will be erected, containing
the name of each business and its owner(s) and the business address and telephone number, and
evidencing that the sign district members have agreed to the following:
A. The placement of the shared monument sign within the business block;
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 22
B. A shared monument sign meeting the requirements of subsection 6.08(BB);
C. The individual business owners’ and property owner’s respective responsibilities
for maintenance, removal and alteration of the shared monument sign; and
D. The individual business owners’ and property owner’s responsibilities in the event
that the sign district is dissolved.
Sign District Members: Business owners within a sign district.
Sign Face: The area enclosing the copy and graphic components of a sign.
Sign Walker: A person, who wears, holds or balances a sign.
Significantly Altered Lot: A residential lot, upon which new construction is occurring on the
lot resulting in:
A. Greater than 50% of the lot’s yard area being disturbed; or
B. Greater than 1,000 square feet of the lot’s yard area being disturbed.
Specified Anatomical Areas: Either of the following:
A. Less than completely and opaquely covered: (1) human genitals, pubic region; (2)
buttock; and (3) breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
B. Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely and
opaquely covered.
Specified Sexual Activities:
A. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
B. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy.
C. Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or
breasts.
Stable: A detached accessory structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the
keeping of one or more horses owned by the occupants of the premises and which are not kept
for remuneration, hire or sale.
Stable, Commercial: A structure including, but not limited to, a corral or paddock for the
keeping of horses for remuneration, hire or sale.
Store: A building where manufactured or ready-made items can be purchased.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 23
Story: That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the finished
ceiling next above it or the finished undersurface of the roof directly over the particular floor.
Street: A right-of-way that provides the principal vehicular and pedestrian access to adjacent
properties.
Street, Private: A street held or controlled by an entity other than the Town of Fountain Hills.
Street, Public: A street dedicated and accepted by the Town of Fountain Hills for public use.
Street Line: The boundary line between street right-of-way and abutting property.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected which requires a fixed location on the ground,
including a building or mobile home, but not including a fence or wall used as a fence.
Structural Alteration: Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing
walls or partitions, columns, beams, or girders, or any complete rebuilding of the roof or exterior
walls.
Subdivision: Improved or unimproved land or lands divided for the purpose of financing, sale
or lease, whether immediate or future, into four (4) or more lots, tracts or parcels of land, or, if a
new street is involved, any such property which is divided into two (2) or more lots, tracts or
parcels of land, or, any such property, the boundaries of which have been fixed by a recorded
plat, which is divided into more than two (2) parts. "Subdivision" also includes any
condominium, cooperative, community apartment, townhouse or similar project containing four
(4) or more parcels, in which an undivided interest in the land is coupled with the right of
exclusive occupancy of any unit located thereon, but plats of such projects need not show the
buildings or the manner in which the buildings or airspace above the property shown on the plat
are to be divided. "Subdivision" does not include the following:
A. The sale or exchange of parcels of land to or between adjoining property owners
if such sale or exchange does not create additional lots.
B. The partitioning of land in accordance with other statutes regulating the
partitioning of land held in common ownership.
C. The leasing of apartments, offices, stores or similar space within a building or
trailer park, nor to mineral, oil or gas leases.
Supervisory Care Home: A residential care institution, which provides only supervisory care
services to no more than four (4) ambulatory persons unrelated to the owner of such a home.
Swale: A low flat depression to drain off excess water.
Swimming Pool: Any permanent structure, containing or intended to contain water eighteen
(18) inches or more in depth and/or eight (8) feet or more in width at any point.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 24
Temporary Vehicle Storage Facility: Any land or building used for the temporary storage of
abandoned, wrecked or legally impounded automobiles, boats, or other vehicles regardless of
running condition. Such a facility is not a facility where dismantling of any vehicle, the storage
of any vehicle parts, the retailing or wholesaling of any vehicle or vehicle parts may take place.
Travel Trailer: A portable structure without motive power, with wheels built on a chassis,
designed as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreation, and vacation purposes, having a body
width not exceeding eight (8) feet and a body length not exceeding thirty-two (32) feet.
Treatment Center: Facilities providing lodging and meals and, primarily, treatment, training or
education as a part of an alcoholism or drug addiction program.
Use: The purpose for which a site or structure is arranged, designed, intended, constructed,
moved, erected, altered or enlarged or for which either a site or structure is or may be occupied
and maintained.
Use, Accessory: A use which is incidental, related, appropriate, and clearly subordinate to the
lot or building, and which does not alter the principal use of the lot or building.
Use, Permitted: A use which is listed as a "permitted use" in any given zone district. Such use
shall be allowed to be established within that zone district, subject to the specific requirements of
this ordinance.
Use, Prohibited: Any use not specifically permitted or permitted by a special use permit.
Use, Special: A use, which is listed as a "special use" in any given zoning district. Such use
shall require a "special use permit" in order to be established within that zoning district, and shall
be subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the Town Council in connection with
the special use permit.
Use, Temporary: A use, which is listed as a "temporary use" in any given zoning district. Such
use shall require a "temporary use permit" in order to be established within that zoning district
and shall be subject to all conditions and requirements imposed by the staff or Town Council,
whichever issues the permit.
Usable Open Space: Space, which can be enjoyed by people. This could include landscaped
plazas, grass and trees, fountains, sitting areas, etc., and is meant to provide an open garden
atmosphere. Meaningful open space does not include parking areas, vacant or undeveloped lots
or any other space, which does not contribute to the quality of the environment.
Utility Services: Service to the public of water, sewer, gas, electricity, telephone and cable
television. The foregoing shall be deemed to include attendant facilities and appurtenances to
the above uses, including, without limitation, stations along pipelines, and substations along
electric transmission lines; but not including public utility treatment and generating plants or
offices.
Variance: See Chapter 2, Section 2.06(B) herein.
1756760.3
FH ZO Chap 1 Definitions 25
Wall: Any device forming a physical barrier which is so constructed that fifty percent (50%) or
more of the vertical surface is closed preventing the passage of light, air and vision through said
surface.
Warehouse: A building or buildings used for the storage of goods.
Wholesale: The sale of goods or materials for the purposes of resale.
Yard: A minimum required open area adjacent to a lot line that shall be free from any structure
except as specified in the Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance.
Yard, Front: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between
the front line and the front yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot.
For a corner lot, the front yard is the narrower of the two street side frontages.
Yard, Rear: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between
the rear lot line and rear-yard setback line, which yard extends across the full width of the lot, not
including any portion of a required street side yard.
Yard, Required: The minimum open space as specified by the regulations of this Ordinance for
front, rear, side, and street side, as distinguished from any yard area in excess of the minimum
required. See "Building Area".
Yard, Side: A yard, the width of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between
the side lot and the side-yard setback line, not including any portion of the required front yard or
required rear yard.
Yard, Street Side: Any yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance
between the street side lot line and the street side-yard setback line, not including any portion of
the required front yard.
Zone: A district classification established by this ordinance, which limits or permits various and
specific uses.
Zoning Administrator: The person appointed by the Town Manager to be the Zoning
Administrator. If there is no such person designated by the Town Manager, the Town Manager
is the Zoning Administrator.
Zoning Clearance: The approval by the Community Development Director of a plan that is in
conformance with The Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Fountain Hills.
Zoning District: A zone area in which the same zoning regulations apply throughout the
district.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
1 of 45 January 13, 20121752356.6
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SIGN REGULATIONS
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
September 3, 2012
1752356.6
Chapter 6
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections:
6.01 Purpose.
6.02 Definitions.[Reserved]
6.03 Sign Permits; Fees.
6.04 Violations.
6.05 Penalty.
6.06 Enforcement and Remedies.
6.07 General Regulations.
6.08 Signs Allowed.
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1752356.6
Section 6.01 Purpose
These Sign RegulationsThe regulations set forth in this Chapter are intended to encourage
attractive signage for businesses and services, optimizing the availability of information,
while promoting the general welfare by creating more aesthetically appealing community.
Section 6.02 Definitions[Reserved]
The following definitions shall apply; interpretations of these definitions shall be the
responsibility of the Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
Abandoned Sign: A sign that is no longer associated with the location, product or activity
conducted on the premises on which the sign is located.
Advertising Copy: Copy that includes, but is not limited to information such as phone
numbers, prices, announcement of sales, business hours, meeting times, individual or
specific product or merchandise information, and directional information.
Advertising Sign: A sign which includes any copy and/or graphics relating to any business,
service, product, person, organization, place, or building in addition to simple
identification.
A-Frame Sign: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that
usually forms an “A” when in use; also referred to as a “sandwich” or “tent” sign.
Animated Sign: A sign with actual motion, including light changes or color changes, or the
illusion of motion.
Awning: An architectural projection or shelter projecting from, or supported by, the
exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or non -rigid materials
and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable,
including such structures which are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light
sources.
Awning Sign: A sign displayed on, or attached flat against, the surface or surfaces of an
awning or any other surface attached to a building that provides shelter.
Ballast: The portion of a sign required to operate a fluorescent lamp.
Banner: A temporary sign composed of fabric, plastic, or other pliable material on which
advertising copy or graphics may be displayed.
Bench sign: A sign painted on or affixed to a bench.
Billboard: A permanent off-premise outdoor advertising sign erected, maintained or used
for the purpose of commercial or non-commercial messages.
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Building Mounted Sign: Any sign mounted onto the vertical surface of a building; see also
Wall Sign.
Business Area: An area designated by the Zoning Administrator as containing a
concentrated group of businesses.
Business Block: A portion of a business area consisting of at least three lots, bounded on
all sides by a public right-of-way, alleyway or an adjacent property line.
Cabinet Sign: A frame constructed to hold internal components and covered by a face to
hold the advertising sign.
Canopy Sign: See definition of Awning Sign.
Changeable Copy Sign: A sign constructed to hold individual letters or individual text
sections that are mounted in or on a track system. Changeable Copy Signs are usually used
as Directory Signs.
Channel Letter: Individual letters constructed to be applied singly in the formation of a
Building Mounted Sign or a Freestanding Sign. Channel letters may be illuminated or
non-illuminated.
Comprehensive Sign Plan: Comprehensive Sign Plans are required in all commercial
zoning districts for multi-tenanted buildings or shopping centers. The Comprehensive Sign
Plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator or designee and conform
to the sign regulations contained in this chapter. A “multi-tenanted building” is a building
complex or center that contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the
same site, use common points of ingress, and egress to and from the site.
Copy: The text, graphics or message of a sign.
Direct Illumination: A sign that is constructed with a light source that is externally
mounted; also referred to as “exterior illumination.”
Directional Sign: A sign, supplying pertinent directional information for the purpose of
promoting safety and the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Directory Sign: A sign listing the names and/or uses, and/or locations of the various
tenants or activities within a building, or in a multi-tenant development, or group of
buildings. Directory Signs may be constructed as Changeable Copy Signs.
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1752356.6
Electronic Message Center: A sign that uses computer-generated or electronic means to
change advertising copy, messages or color, including signs that flip or rotate.
Face, Letter: The exterior side of an individual letter or individual graphic element.
Face, Sign: The area enclosing the copy and graphic components of a sign.
Flag: A fabric sheet of square or rectangular or triangular shape which is mounted on a
pole. This includes the United States, State, flags for registered corporations and other
registered entities, flags of foreign nations, decorative flags, and flags supporting activities
of the Fountain Hills Unified School District.
Fascia Sign: A sign, which is permanently affixed to the horizontal member or surface at
the edge of a projecting or slanting roof.
Example Fascia Sign
Flashing Sign: A sign with an intermittent, repetitive or flashing light source.
Freestanding Sign: A sign that has its own supporting structure independent of the
building or business it identifies.
Frontage: Building: The linear measurement of an exterior building wall or structure that
faces the public roadway.
Front Lit Letter: An internally illuminated individual letter or graphic component of a sign
that has a translucent face.
Fuel Price Sign: A sign displaying the price(s) of fuel.
Ground Mounted Sign: A Freestanding Sign with no visible base.
Halo Illumination: Wall or Freestanding Signs having the sign lighting constructed so that
the light for the entire sign, or the light for each individual component of the sign, is
directed against the surface behind the sign or sign component, producing a halo effect.
Holiday Window Decorations: The decorative display of holiday themed decorations or
window painting.
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1752356.6
Identification Sign: A sign which contains only the name of the business, person,
organization, place, or building at that location.
Ideological Sign: A sign which expresses, conveys, or advocates a non-commercial
message.
Illuminated Sign: A sign which is lighted, either externally or internally.
Internally Illuminated Sign: A sign constructed with a light source behind the face of the
sign.
Logo: A graphic design representing a product, identity or service.
Mansard Roof: A roof style composed of a combination of a steep semi-vertical plane
connected to a flatter plane. Any sign proposed for a building with a Mansard Roof shall
have the top of the sign mounted no higher than the lowest point of any portion of the
roofline.
Menu Board: A changeable sign orientated to the drive-thru lane for a business that
advertises the menu items or services available from the drive-through window.
Mobile Sign: See Portable Sign.
Monument Sign: A Ground Mounted Freestanding Sign identifying a subdivision or
multiple-occupancy development such as a shopping center, office building or planned
industrial park, which has multiple suites, offices or tenants. A Monument Sign shall be a
part of the signage regulated by a Comprehensive Sign Plan.
Example Monument Sign
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1752356.6
Multi-Tenant Building Identification Sign: A sign for a building complex or center that
contains any number of businesses, greater than one, that share the same site and use
common points of ingress and egress to and from the site.
Neon Sign: Any sign that uses neon, argon or any similar gas to illuminate transparent or
translucent tubing or other materials, or any use of neon, argon or any similar gas lighting
on or near the exterior of a building or window.
Open House Directional Sign: A temporary sign with directional arrow, directing
pedestrian or vehicular travel to the property or premise for sale, lease or rent.
Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed so that the sides and back of
the letter are one unit.
Parapet: An extension of a vertical building wall above the line of the structural roof.
Parapet Sign: A sign mounted to the face of a building parapet.
Pennant: Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a
message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in a series and
designed to move in the wind. Pennants must not exceed 12 inches in any direction.
Pole Mounted Sign: A Freestanding Sign constructed with a support structure that is more
than 10% of the height of the total sign and less than 90% of the width of the sign. The sign
support structure shall be included in the sign area computation.
Political Sign: A sign which identifies a person, expresses a position, conveys a message
concerning, or advocates a position on, the candidacy of a person, party or issue on an
upcoming ballot.
Portable Signs: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent
structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed
to be transported by means of persons or wheels; signs converted to A-frames; menu and
sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas for advertising; and signs attached
to or painted on vehicles.
Example of Portable Sign
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1752356.6
Projecting Sign: A sign that extends from a building wall over a property line or
right-of-way line.
Pylon Sign: See Pole Sign.
Real Estate Sign: A sign, attached to the site, advertising the sale, lease or rental of the
property or premises on which it is located.
Reverse Pan Channel Letter: An individual letter of a sign constructed of an opaque
material so that the sides and front of the letter are one unit.
Roof Sign: A sign affixed on, above or over the roof of a building so that it projects above
the roofline. The top of a parapet wall shall be considered the roofline. The vertical portion
of a Mansard Roof shall be considered the roofline. The top of the facia of a hipped roof
shall be considered the roofline. Where a parapet wall is combined with a mansard roof,
the roofline shall be the top of the parapet.
Shared Monument Sign: A monument sign displaying (a) the names of participating
business within a sign district or (b) the names of businesses on property owned by the
holder(s) of a shared monument sign permit.
Sign: Any visual element, or combination of elements, including words or symbols,
designed or placed to attract attention or convey information, including any device
providing identification, advertising or directional information for a specific business,
service, product, person, organization, place, or building. Graphic devices such as logos,
obtrusive colored facia or architectural elements, banners, balloons, streamers, inflatable
structures, exterior merchandise displays, projected picture signs, holographic projection
signs and other attention attracting media and devices.
Sign District: A group of businesses within a business block, organized for the purpose of
designing and installing no more than two shared monument signs to be located within the
business block.
Sign District Agreement: An agreement between prospective sign district members and
the business block property owner(s) in which the shared monument sign will be erected,
containing the name of each business and its owner(s) and the business a ddress and
telephone number, and evidencing that the sign district members have agreed to the
following:
(a) The placement of the shared monument sign within the business block;
(b) A shared monument sign meeting the requirements of subsection 6.08(BB);
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1752356.6
(c) The individual business owners’ and property owner’s respective
responsibilities for maintenance, removal and alteration of the shared
monument sign; and
(d) The individual business owners’ and property owner’s responsibilities in the
event that the sign district is dissolved.
Sign District Members: Business owners within a sign district.
Sign Walker: A person who wears, holds or balances a sign.
Temporary Signs: A sign intended to display either commercial or non-commercial
messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs, any sign not permanently
embedded in the ground, or signs affixed to a building, wall, fence, or sign structure for a
non-permanent time period, are considered temporary signs. Any banner, pennant, poster,
balloon, construction sign, political sign or A-frame sign shall be considered a temporary
sign.
Tent Sign: A temporary sign normally supported by its own frame in a manner that usually
forms an “A” when in use; also referred to as a “sandwich” or “A-frame” sign.
Under-Canopy Sign: A sign attached to the underside of a canopy, marquee, cantilevered
roof or eave or any other surface having an angle plus or minus fifteen (15) degrees from
perpendicular to a horizontal overhead structure.
Wall Sign: A sign which is fastened to any vertical portion of a building; see also Building
Mounted Sign.
Window Sign: Any sign, pictures, symbol or combination thereof, designed to
communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service
that is affixed to, or located within any area three feet behind a window pane, positioned to
be read from the exterior of a building.
Section 6.03 Sign Permits; Fees
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to erect, install and/or modify any
sign within the Town without first applying for and obtaining a sign permit from the
Planning and ZoningDevelopment Services Department. “Modify,” as it is used
herein, shall mean any change in or to an existing sign, its face, electrical
components, design and/or supporting structures. A permit shall not be required
for the following signs; provided, however, that such signs shall be subject to any
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 9 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
and all applicable provisions of this ordinance, including Zoning Administrator
approval when required:
1. Nameplate signs, four (4) square feet or less in area, which shall contain the
name of the business and may contain any or all of the following: street
address, hours of operation and business logo.
2. Street addresses.
3. Any sign four (4) square feet or less in area not otherwise prohibited by this
ordinance.
4. Repainting without changing wording, composition or colors; or minor
nonstructural repairs.
5. Temporary noncommercial signs.
6. Signs not visible from off-site public or private property.
7. Holiday signs permitted by subsection 6.08(Z).
8. Garage sale signs permitted by subsection 6.08(M).
9. Political signs permitted in residential areas by subsection 6.08(R).
10. Window signs on the inside of a window.
11. Signs of less than eight (8) square feet placed on any church property or any
sign relating to church operations whichthat is not visible from an adjacent
street or property.
12. Signs placed on any school property by the Fountain Hills Unified School
District.
13. [Reserved for future Use per Ordinance No. 09-13.].
14. Signs that relate to a special event, except as required by subsection 6.08(U).
15. Banners, balloons and pennants, except as required by subsection 6.08(D).
B. The Town must inspect all signs, prior to installation, for conformance to
approved sign permit. If said sign conforms to the approved sign permit, a
Town approved sticker will be placed upon the sign; any sign not conforming
to the approved sign permit or installed without the indicted approval
sticker is considered illegal and is subject to Section 6.06 of this
ordinance.16. Changes to a sign panel or copy on an existing sign.
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Page 10 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
CB. Failure to conform to the conditions of a sign permit, including any conditions
and/or stipulations attached thereto by the Town Council and/or Board of
Adjustment, shall render such permit void.
DC. Fees for sign permits shall be required and payable in such sums as the Town
Council may from time to time establish byas part of the Town’s annual budget or by
separate resolution.
ED. A sign permit does not include electrical work; however, this exemption shall not be
deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions
of the Fountain Hills Town Code or any other laws or ordinances.
Section 6.04 Violations
Any of the following shall be a violation of this ordinanceChapter and shall be subject to the
enforcement remedies and penalties provided by this section, by the Town of Fountain
Hills Zoning Ordinance, and by state law, as applicable:
A. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any
plan or permit governing such sign or the zone lot onwithin which the sign is
located.
B. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign requiring a permit without such a
permit.
C. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any
plan or permit governing such sign or the zone lot on which sign is located.D. To fail
to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of
this ordinance, or for which the sign permit has lapsed.
E. If any such violation is continued, then each day of a continued violation shall be
considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this
ordinanceprovisions set forth in Section 6.05 below.
Section 6.05 Penalty
The provisionsviolations set forth in Section 6.04 above are declared to be civil in nature
and not subject to criminal prosecution pursuant to other provisions of the Zoning
Ordinance. It is presumed that. The responsible parties for enforcement purposes are (i)
the owner or operator of the business or residence identified on the sign is the responsible
party for complianceand (ii) the owner or occupant of the business or residence to which
the sign is directing pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Enforcement of violations of this
chapter shall be made through the use of a civil complaintthe civil citation process set forth
in Subsection 1-8-3 of the Town Code. Fines may be assessed according to the following
schedule:
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1752356.6
A. First offense, fine not to exceed $25.00100.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
B. Second offense within twelve (12) calendar months of first offense, fine not to
exceed $50.00500.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
C. All subsequent violations within twelve (12) calendar months of the first offense,
fine not to exceed $100.00700.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
Section 6.06 Enforcement and Remedies
Any violation or attempted violation of this ordinance or of any condition or requirement
adopted pursuant hereto may be restrained, corrected or abated, as the case may be, by
injunction or other appropriate proceedings pursuant to state law. A violation of this
ordinancechapter shall be considered a violation of the Zoning Ordinance. The remedies of
the Town shall include, but are not limited to the following:
A. Issuing a stop-work order for any and all work on any signs on the same zone lot;
B. Confiscation of sign(s);
C. Seeking an injunction or other order of restraint or abatement that requires the
removal of the sign(s) or the correction of the nonconformity;
D. Imposing any penalties that can be imposed directly by the Town under the Zoning
Ordinance;
E. Seeking in court the imposition of any penalties that can be imposed by such court
under the Zoning Ordinance; and
F. In the case of a sign that poses an immediate danger to the public health or safety,
the Town may take such measures as are available under the applicable provisions
of the Zoning Ordinance and Building Code for such circumstances.
The Town shall have such other remedies as are and as may from time to time be provided
for or allowed by state law for the violation of the Zoning Ordinance.
All such remedies provided herein shall be cumulative. To the extent that state law may
limit the availability of a particular remedy set forth herein for a certain violation or a part
thereof, such remedy shall remain available for other violations or other parts of the same
violation.
Section 6.07 General Regulations
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
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Page 12 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
A. Any sign hereafter erected or maintained shall maintain conformance to the
provisions of this ordinance and the provisions of the Town of Fountain Hills
Building Code.
B. No sign, other than an official traffic sign or similar sign, shall be erected within the
lines of any street or public right-of-way unless (1) specifically authorized herein,
or; (2) authorized by other Town ordinances or regulations; or (3) permitted by
special Town authorization.
C. No sign, including a temporary signs,sign or sign structure, shall be erected or
placed: (1) in a manner that would obscure vehicular visibility; noror (2) at any
location where by its position, the shape or color of the sign may interfere with, or
obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or
device.
D. Every sign permitted by this ordinance must be kept in good condition and repair.
When any sign becomes in danger of falling, or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the
Town’s Chief Building Official, or if any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or
maintained in violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance, the owner thereof,
or the person or firm using the sign, shall, upon written notice by the Chief Building
Official, or immediately in the case of immediate danger, and in any case within not
more than ten (10) days, after notice: (1) make such sign conform to the provisions
of this ordinance,; or shall(2) remove the sign. If, within ten (10) days, the order is
not complied with, the Chief Building Official may remove or cause such sign to be
removed at the expense of the owner and/or user of the sign.
E. Legal non-conforming signs.
1. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this ordinance that does
not conformChapter that, due to changes in this Chapter, no longer conforms
in use, location, height or size with the regulations of this ordinanceChapter,
shall be considered a protectedlegal non-conforming use and may continue
in use until such time as it is removed or it is abandoned for a period of six
contiguous months or more continuous months. Except as otherwise set
forth in subsectionsparagraphs 6.07(JE)(2) and (Q3) below, any change in
the sign, including a 50% or more change of sign copy, shall be considered an
abandonment and the protectedlegal non-conforming status of the sign shall
become void.
2. Whenever the name of a business or other sign text changes, any legal
non-conforming signs on the premises shall be modified to bring them into
conformance with this Chapter, even though the change is a change of sign
copy only. This paragraph shall not apply to directory signs designed with
interchangeable letters or panels or to the text area of a monument sign.
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1752356.6
3. Legal non-conforming freestanding signs, sign structures, poles and other
related equipment that have been abandoned or not in use for more than six
months shall be removed and the building, land or site restored to its original
state.
F. Except whenUnless otherwise allowed, all signsspecifically permitted pursuant to
this Chapter, each sign must be located on the lot for which it advertises, informs or
otherwise attracts attention.
G. Sign areasarea is the sum of the areas of all permitted signs, except directional signs,
street addresses or safety signs (e.g., stop engine, no smoking). Sign area shall be
measured as follows:
1. SignFor sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel or area
distinctively painted, textured or constructed. , the Sign area is the area
within the outside dimensions of the background panel or surface.
Example Sign Copy Area
2. SignFor sign copy consisting of individual letters and/or graphics affixed to a
wall or portion of a building, which that has not been painted, textured, or
otherwise altered to provide a distinctive background for the sign copy.Sign,
the sign area is the area within the smallest rectangle that will enclose the
sign copy.
Example Sign Area
3. For Sign copy mounted or painted on an internally -illuminated sign or
internally -illuminated element of a building.The, the entire internally
-illuminated surface or architectural element, which that contains sign copy,
will be counted as sign area.
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1752356.6
Example Illuminated Sign Area
4. Number of sign faces:
One – Area of the single face only.
Two – If the interior angle between the two sign faces is forty-five (45)
degrees or less, the sign area is the area of one face only; if the angle between
the sign faces exceeds forty-five (45) degrees, the sign area is the sum of the
areas of the two faces.
Three or more – For any sign containing three or more faces, the sign area
shall be measured as the sum of areas of the all the sign faces.
Example Sign Face Area
Than 45 Up to 45Greater
2 faces 1 face
Three dimensional, sculptural or other non-planar signs – Sign area will be
the sum of the areas of the vertical faces of the smallest polyhedron that will
encompass the sign structure.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 15 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
Example Dimensional Sign Area
5. Sign area is the sum of the areas of all permitted signs, except directional
signs, street addresses or safety signs (e.g., stop engine, no smoking).6.
For signs having more than one component (e.g., a service station
identification/price sign combination mounted on a common base), the sign
area is the area of the rectangle enclosing all components of the sign.
Example Fuel Price Sign Area
H. Sign height is defined as follows:
1. Freestanding Sign: Sign height is the distance from the top of the sign
structure, to the top of curb of the public road nearest the sign, or to the
crown of public road nearest the sign if no curb exists.
Example Freestanding Sign Height
2. Wall or Fascia Mounted Signs: Sign height is the distance measured from a
point perpendicular to the top of the midpoint of the sign structure, to the
top of the finished floor of the ground floor level directly below the midpoint
of the sign.
Example Midpoint of Sign
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 16 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
Midpoint of SignMidpoint of Sign
I. Signs not specifically authorized herein are prohibited, including, but not limited to
the following:
1. Neon signs, except as permitted in subsection 6.08(P).
2. Roof signs, or signs that project above the highest point of the roofline,
parapet, or fascia of the building.
3. Any sign emitting sound.
4. Any sign with intermittent or flashing illumination, animated or moving
signssign, including electronic message center signstelevisions or signs with
streaming video.
5. MobilePortable or mobile signs, except for sign walkers or as otherwise
specifically permitted.
6. Billboard signs.
7. Non-electrically illuminated signs.
8. Any non-public signs in public right-of-way or on public property except as
otherwise allowed. The Town may install signs on its own property to
identify public buildings and uses, and to provide necessary traffic control.9.
All portable signs, except as otherwise allowed, except as otherwise
specifically permitted.
10.9. All off-premise signs, except as otherwise allowed.
11.10. All banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, flags, searchlights, strobe lights,
beacons, inflatable signs, except as otherwisespecifically provided for in
paragraph 6.08(D) below.
12.11. Any sign imitating an official traffic control sign, and any sign or device
obscuring such traffic control signs or devices.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 17 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
13. No temporary12. Temporary or portable sign shall be permittedsigns
within the Shea Boulevard right-of-way.
14. Except13. A-frame signs, except as provided in subsections 6.08(B),
6.08(M) and 6.08(Q), A-frame signs shall not be permitted within the Town
of Fountain Hills.
J. Whenever the name of a business changes, the signs on the premises shall be
modified to bring them into conformance with these regulations, even though the
change is a change of sign copy only. This paragraph shall not apply to directory
signs designed with interchangeable letters or panels or to the text area of a
monument sign.
K. Non-conforming freestanding signs, sign structures, poles and other related
equipment that have been abandoned or not in use for more than six months shall
be removed and building, land or site restored to its original state.L. The source of
a sign’s illumination shall not be visible from any adjacent residential streets or
neighborhoods.
MK. No sign shall be erected or placed within any center median or any public sidewalk
or bicycle path. The Town employees may remove any sign located in these areas.
Directional signs owned by the Town shall be exempt from thesethe regulations set
forth in this Chapter.
N. When any window sign or signs are placed so as to attract the attention of persons
outside the building where such signs are displayed, the total area of all such
window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total area of the windows through which
they are visible.L. [Reserved].
OM. Signs mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats or vehicles shall be subject to
the following:
1. Business or commercial vehicles displaying signage or advertising as a
normal part of business activity may be parked in an off-street parking space
adjacent to the business to which the vehicle relates; provided, however,
such off street parking space shall not be located immediately adjacent to a
street frontage, except as permitted in subsectionparagraph 6.07(OM)(2)
below. Vehicles that are visible from the public right-of-way shall not remain
in the same parking space for more than forty-eight (48) consecutive hours.
2. One business or commercial vehicle of less than three and one half (3.5) tons
gross vehicle weight and displaying up to twelve (12) square feet of signage
may be parked in an off-street parking space near the business to which the
vehicle relates and immediately adjacent to a street frontage. Portable signs
shall not be displayed on or in the vehicle. Said vehicle shall not remain in
the same parking space for more than forty-eight (48) consecutive hours.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 18 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
3. Trailers, boats or trucks larger than three and one half (3.5) tons, displaying
signage or advertising may not be parked within any commercially zoned
area within the Town that is visible from any public street except while
making deliveries or providing services to a business within such
commercially zoned area.
4. One business or commercial vehicle smaller than three and one half (3.5)
tons displaying signage or advertising as a normal part of business activity
may be parked in an off-street parking space within a residential zone at the
residence of the owner or lessee of such vehicle unless otherwise prohibited
by subsections 7.02(G) & (H) and 5.14(F) of this Zoning Ordinance.
5. Unless specifically permitted in subsections 6.07(OM)(1)-(4) above, signs
mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats, motor vehicles or any
moveable object placed on premises to serve as additional advertising
signage are prohibited.
PN. Total aggregate sign area may be increased up to 25%, provided the additional area
is used to display a Town-provided logo or symbol.
Q. The area of the text of a legal nonconforming monument sign shall not be required
to be reduced in the event of a change in the sign text.
Section 6.08 Signs Allowed or Required
Legend: Letters A-FF - BB indicate the sign type permittedfollowing subsection with
additional requirements or clarification asof the signs listed byin the Sectionstable
below. N/A means not allowed.
Zoning District
C-OC-C
C-1C-2
Commercial
C-3
All Single &
Multi Family
Residential and
OSR/
Open Space
Recreation
IND-1
IND-2INDUSTR
IAL
L-1
L-2
L-3Lodging
Total Aggregate Sign Area A A A N/A A A
A-Frame Sign B B B N/A B B
Awning/Canopy Sign
C
C
C
C
C
AA
C
Banners D D D N/A N/A N/A
Civic Organization Identification
E
E
E
E
E
N/A
E
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 19 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
Zoning District
C-OC-C
C-1C-2
Commercial
C-3
All Single &
Multi Family
Residential and
OSR/
Open Space
Recreation
IND-1
IND-2INDUSTR
IAL
L-1
L-2
L-3Lodging
Comprehensive Sign Plans Z Z Z N/A Z Z
Contractor Signs F F F F F F
Directory Signs
G
G
G
G
G
N/A
G
Event Banners, Balloons and
Pennants
D
D
D
*
D
D
Flag I I I I I I
Freestanding Signs
J
J
J
N/A
J
AA
J
Fuel Price Signs N/A
K
K
K
N/A
N/A
N/A
Future Development Signs L L L L L L
Garage Sale Signs M M M M M M
Menu Board N/A
N
N
N/A
N/A
N/A
Multi-Tenant Building Identification
SignSigns
O
O
O
N/A
N/A
O
N/A
O
Neon Signs P P P N/A P P
Open House Directional Signs Q Q Q Q Q N/A
Political and Ideological Signs R R R R R R
Projecting Signs
S
S
S
N/A
S
AA
S
Real Estate Signs
T
T
T
T
T
N/A
T
Shared Monument Signs
J
J
J
N/A
J
J
Sign Walkers FFB
B
FFB
B
FFB
B
N/A
N/A
N/A
Special Event SignsSignage U U U U U U
Street Addresses DD
AA
DD
AA
DD
AA
DD
AA
DD
AA
DD
AA
Subdivision Identification Signs EE
J
EE
J
EE
J
EE
J
EE
J
EE
J
Temporary Signs V V V V V AA
Under-Canopy Signs W
V
W
V
W
V
N/A
W
V
N/A
V
Wall Signs X
W
X
W
X
W
N/A
X
W
N/A
W
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 20 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
Zoning District
C-OC-C
C-1C-2
Commercial
C-3
All Single &
Multi Family
Residential and
OSR/
Open Space
Recreation
IND-1
IND-2INDUSTR
IAL
L-1
L-2
L-3Lodging
Window Signs Y
X
Y
X
Y
X
N/A
N/A
X
N/A
X
Window Decorations/Painting
(Holiday Theme)
Z
Y
Z
Y
Z
Y
Z
Y
Z
Y
Z
Y
Comprehensive Sign Plan BB BB BB N/A BB BB
Shared Monument Signs CC CC CC N/A N/A N/A
* Specific Regulations Apply
A. “Total Aggregate Sign Area” is the sum of the total allowable sign area for an entire
site with the following restrictions. As used herein, “Site,” within commercially or
industrially zoned area shall mean the building area leased or owned by or on behalf
of any business together with its adjacent privately owned walkway or parking area.
1. Frontage is determined by the measurement of the portion of the building
facing the street. Corner buildings may include two street frontages if the
frontages are joined at an angle between forty-five (45) and ninety (90)
degrees. However, the total sign area that is oriented toward a particular
street may not exceed 125% of the portion of the lot’s total sign area
allocation that is derived from the building frontage on that street. Building
frontages that contain angles of less than forty-five (45) degrees or between
ninety (90) and one hundred eighty (180) degrees shall be considered to be
one frontage. Multi-story building lineal footage is limited to the ground
floor lineal footage measurement except as modified by subsection 6.08(A)
(5) below.
2. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, the total aggregate sign area
allocable to any ground floor business having an external business entrance
shall not exceed the greater of fifty (50) square feet or two (2) square feet
per lineal foot of building frontage, but in no case more than one hundred
(100) square feet.
3. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, any licensed business
located above the ground floor in a multi-story building having an external
building wall facing a public street shall be permitted exterior signage with a
total aggregate sign area not to exceed fifty (50) square feet. A business
occupying more than one floor is only allowed a sign on one floor.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 21 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
4. Businesses within any commercial or industrial zoning district having only
an internal business entrance and no external wall facing a public street or
public access driveway shall be limited to business identification signage on a
common directory sign as shown on a comprehensive sign plan, as set forth
in subsection 6.08(BB) unless otherwise approved by the Zoning
Administrator or an authorized designee.
5. Ground floor businesses having building frontage greater than one hundred
(100) feet in length may increase their allowed sign area by 0.5 square feet
per one (1) lineal foot of building frontage in excess of one hundred (100)
feet. Such additional sign area shall be for the exclusive use of said business
and not transferable or reallocable to other businesses on the site.
B. A-Frame Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Only businesses that are physically located within Town commercial or
industrial zoning districts or churches in residential zoning districts may
display A-frame signs.
2. Businesses or churches permitted to display A-frame signs may display a
maximum of one such sign per business or church locationstreet frontage.
Such signsigns shall be located in the manner required in paragraph
6.08(B)(3) below, either on the same property as the business or church, or
on property immediately adjacent to the business or church building as
follows:
a. On property owned or leased by the business or church.b. On
property held in common by members of a property owners’
association.
cb. On property owned by the business owner’s landlord.
3. Location of A-frame signs shall be located onlyrestricted as follows:
a. Such signsigns shall not be located on the paved portion of any public
right-of-waystreet, any sidewalk, or any median.
b. Such signsigns shall not be located within a designated parking or
loading area.
c. Signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic vision
hazard. Signs may not be located within the sight triangle as defined
in the Town of Fountain Hills Subdivision Ordinance Section III,
Exhibit 16.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 22 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
4. A-frame signs shall be for promotional purposes only, which means that the
sign shall serve to stir interest in a business product or special event at the
business but shall not serve to provide directions to the business.
5. The text area of A-frame signs may not exceed four and one-half (4.5) square
feet.
d. A-Frame signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind the curb. If
no curb is present, signs shall be located at least three (3) feet from
the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. No A-Frame
signs shall be placed on sidewalks or within the center medians that
divide portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
6.4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and thirty-six (36)
inches tall.
7.5. Signs shall be constructed of wrought iron; sheet metal; 1/8 inch thick
plastic; or of wood that is at least 3/8 inch thick. No other materials are
acceptable.
8.6. Signs must be manufactured by a professional sign company.
9.7. Signs shall be in good repair and neatly painted.
10.8. Attachments to signs are limited to balloons flown no higher than six (6) feet
from the ground. If attachments are used, the A-Frame sign must be set back
from the curb a minimum of three (3) feet; if no curb is present, the A-Frame
sign shall be located at least three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion
of the public right-of-way.
11.9. Landscaping cannot be modified or damaged to accommodate an A -frame
sign.
12.10. Signs shall only be displayed between the hours of 75:00 a.m. and 912:00
pa.m.
13.11. No A-frame sign is permitted anywhere within the Town of Fountain Hills
after December 31, 2012.2013.
C. Awning/Canopy Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate sign area.
2. May not exceed 25% in area of the canopy on which such sign is located.
3. Sign area shall be measured by the smallest rectangle that will enclose the
sign copy.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 23 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
D. Event Banners, Balloons and Pennants are allowed as follows:
1. Banners shall be allowed onTime limitations:
a. On a one-time basis for a maximum of fourteenthirty (1430)
consecutive days during the grand opening of a business, a Chamber
of Commerce sponsored ribbon cutting, a change in ownership,
change in management or change of business name. A banner shall
also be allowed for
b. For a church for up to thirty (30) consecutive days for the purpose of
promoting a program or event. Banners for these purposes require a
permit.
2. Balloons and pennants may be displayed for a maximum of twelve (12)
consecutive hours during each day during the grand opening of a business, a
Chamber of Commerce sponsored ribbon cutting, a change in ownership,
change in management or change of business name.3. Banners, balloons
and pennants are permitted for events such as special sales events with
advance notification to the Town for not more than sixty (60) consecutive
hours per month. The provisions of this subsectionparagraph 6.08(D) (32)
shall expire on December 31, 2012.2013.
4.3. Not more than one banner shall be allowed per business.
5.4. Maximum banner sign area is thirty-two (32) square feet.
6.5. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be located on the business storefront or
within the area leased by the business. Balloons otherwise located shall be
not less than four (4) feet from the face of the building and within twenty
(20) feet of the main building entrance.
7.6. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be designed to depict any product
notor service that cannot legally available to all residents ofbe provided in
the Town.
8.7. Total sign area including permanent signs, pennants and banner signs shall
not exceed 200% of the permitted sign area.
9.8. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be professionally manufactured.
10.9. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be displayed in the required
perimeter street landscaping.
11.10. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not obscure building address numbers.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 24 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
12.11. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not encroach within onsite fire lanes.
13.12. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be attached or hung on or from a tree
or shrub.
14.13. No balloon may be larger than twenty-four (24) inches in diameter.
15.14. Balloons shall not be flown higher than six (6) feet from the ground.
16.15. Banners, balloons and pennants shall not be erected at the intersection of
any street or pedestrian walkway in such a manner as to obstruct free and
clear vision, nor at any location where, by its position, shape or color, it may
interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized
traffic signal, sign, signor or device.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 25 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
*Town notification: Prior to the event, the event organizer must submit for review the following:
1. Event site plan showing location of outdoor activities, signage, etc.
2. Dates and times the event will be held.
3. Name, address, and phone number of responsible person.
E. Civic organizations, such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycees, etc., may be identified on
group display structures in accordance with the following standards:
1. Said structure must be on arterial streets.
2. Structures shall not be over six feet in height or exceed an area of sixty (60)
square feet.
TYPE OF EVENT SIGN TYPE
Banners Balloons & Pennants
Banners, Pennants,
& Balloons &
Grand Opening 14 30-Days
w/Permit
-1. 12 Hrs during one
Day Event
-2. No Permit
Necessary
Chamber Ribbon Cutting 14 30-Days
w/Permit
-1. 12 Hrs during one
Day Event
-2. No Permit
Necessary
Change of Business
Name, Owner or
Management
14 30-Days
w/Permit
-1. 12 Hrs during one
Day Event
-2. No Permit
Necessary
Church Event 30-days w/permit 1.Permit Required
Any Type of Event
- Sixty (60)
consecutive hours
- Once; once per
month
- No Permit
Necessary
- Town
Notification Required
*
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 26 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
3. Sign may not be illuminated.
4. Each civic organization shall be limited to a maximum sign area of two
square feet.
F. Signs for a contractor may be placed on a construction site if signs meet the
following criteria:
1. One contractor sign or banner per lot.
2. Subcontractors may not place additional signs but may be listed on a main
contractor sign.
3. Maximum size of sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Sign must be located on construction site.
6. Sign shall not be illuminated.
7. A contractor sign may be placed only during the period of time when a
building permit is valid and must be removed no later than the date of final
inspection.
G. A directory sign may be included as part of a comprehensive sign plan. A directory
sign is allowed with the following standards:
1. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
2. Maximum height of six (6) feet.
3. Located behind the required front yard setbacks.
H. ([Reserved)]
I. Flags, as defined in Section 6.02,this Zoning Ordinance, are allowed as follows:
1. Flags poles shall not exceed the maximum building height allowed in each
zoning district and shall be located and constructed that if it should collapse,
its reclining length would be contained on the property for which it was
installed.
2. Any flag flown in conjunction with the United States or State of Arizona flags
shall be flown beneath them.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 27 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
3. No moreUnless specifically permitted in this Zoning Ordinance, no more one
(1) flag may be flown or hung on any one (1) site or structure; provided,
however, that one (1) State of Arizona, one (1) foreign national flag, and one
(1) Fountain Hills Unified School District flag and one (1) corporate flag
shallmay be flown on anyin addition to the one (1) site or structurepermitted
flag.
4. The maximum size of any corporate flags shall not exceed fifteen (15) square
feet, with no onesingle dimension to exceed six (6) feet in any direction.
5. A sign permit is required to display any corporate flag and must be included
as part of the total aggregate sign area.
6. Display of the United States flag must meet all requirements of the United
States Flag Code, including national and local lighting standards.
7. A model home that has a special use permit may use flags in addition to the
United States flag and State of Arizona flag, in the following manner:
a. There can be no more than two (2) flags on the lot of one model home
and one (1) flag on each additional lot with a model home located
upon it, upnot to aexceed five (5) total of four (4) lots of model
homesflags.
b. The maximum size of any model home flag shall not exceed eight (8)
square feet.
c. Model home flags shall not be illuminated.
d. Flagpole shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
8. No sign permits are required for flags unless otherwise noted.
9. The maximum size of a United States flag, State of Arizona flag or foreign
national flag shall be sixty (60) square feet. This limit does not apply to a
United States flag or State of Arizona flag flown on a national or state holiday.
J. Freestanding signs are allowed as follows:
1. Freestanding signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign
area except as outlined in subsectionparagraph 6.08(J) (7) below.
2. One freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage.
3. Maximum area of twenty-fourfifty (2450) square feet.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 28 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
4. Maximum height of sixtwelve (612) feet (including base).
5. All freestanding signs must be no closer than thirty (30) feet to any
residential district.
6. Minimum area of two (2) square feet of landscaping per one (1) square foot
of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of the freestanding sign.
7. A monument sign may be used for buildings with two or more stories, not
counted toward total aggregate sign area of first floor signage, as
follows:Shared Monument Signs are permitted in sign districts as follows:
a. Sign District Formation: A sign district may form to obtain shared
monument signs where at least 51% of business owners within a
business block, each possessing a valid Town business license, have
submitted a sign district agreement to the Zoning Administrator and
where the Zoning Administrator has approved the formation of the
district.
1. Membership Change: If sign membership changes, the sign
district shall file a written notification of membership change
and an amended sign district agreement with the Zoning
Administrator. Where a sign district member moves out of the
sign district or closes its business, the portion of the shared
monument sign advertising that business must be removed
within thirty (30) days. The portion of the sign dedicated to
the vacating sign district member shall be maintained with a
blank panel.
2. District Dissolution: If a sign district is dissolved, the property
owner(s) of the business block who were participants in the
sign district shall be required to remove the shared monument
sign unless.
i. A new sign district is formed to assume responsibility
for the shared monument sign within thirty (30) days
from the date of dissolution of the old sign district; or
ii. The property owner upon whose property the shared
monument sign is located assumes complete control
over the shared sign monument.
b. Limitations on Shared Monument Signs:
1. Height Restrictions:
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 29 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
i. Where the sign district contains four or fewer
businesses, the maximum height of the monument sign
shall be six (6) feet.
ii. Where the sign district contains five or more
businesses, the maximum height of the monument sign
shall be eight (8) feet.
2. Width may not exceed four (4) feet.
3. The area of the sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square
feet.
4. Sign Placement:
i. Signs may not be placed within the public right-of-way.
ii. Signs must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet away
from any other type of monument sign.
iii. Signs must not be placed in a manner that obstructs the
vehicular sight lines and road “clear zones” established
by the Town Engineer in accordance with traffic
engineering standards.
5. The Zoning Administrator or authorized designee may only
approve the placement of a shared monument sign in a manner
other than as required by this paragraph if a variance has been
granted pursuant to Section 2.07 of this Zoning Ordinance.
6. A minimum of two (2) square feet of landscaping per one (1)
square foot of the sign shall be provided at the base of the
shared monument sign.
c. In lieu of the formation of a sign district by business owners, one or
more owners of contiguous property that contains more than one (1)
business address may submit an application for a shared monument
sign.
8. Subdivision Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
a. Style, Height and Area. Subdivision identification signs shall be
monument signs with the following limitations:
1. Maximum height shall be six (6) feet.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 30 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
2. Maximum area shall be twenty-four (24) square feet.
3. Maximum of one (1) sign located at each street access to the
identified subdivision.
4. Sign text shall be limited to the name of the development or
subdivision.
b. Sign Placement:
1. Sign shall not be located within the public right-of-way without
an encroachment permit.
2. Sign shall not be located so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines
and road “clear zones” established by the Town Engineer in
accordance with traffic engineering standards.
c. Landscaping:
1. Minimum of two (2) square feet of landscape area per one (1)
square foot of sign area shall be provided at the base of the
sign.
2. Landscaping may be occasionally changed, but shall always be
maintained in good condition by the property owner.
a. Two story buildings may install a monument sign that is no greater
than eight (8) feet in height and a width not to exceed 60% of
proposed height.
d. Lighting:
b. Buildings with three or more stories may install a monument sign that
is no greater than ten (10) feet in height and a width not to exceed
40% of proposed height.
1. The text area of the sign may be back-lit such that the source of
illumination is not visible; provided, however, that back-lit
non-opaque panels are not permitted.
2. The text area of the sign may be illuminated by fully shielded
ground mounted directional lighting.
K. Fuel price signs are allowed as follows:
1. Fuel price signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign area.
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Page 31 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
2. One freestanding fuel price sign is allowed per street frontage.
3. Maximum area of twelve (12) square feet per sign.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one square foot of
freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of the freestanding sign.
L. Future Development Signs announcing the proposed development of property prior
to issuance of a building permit for the purpose of displaying the name of the
project, contractors, architect and any additional information pertaining to the site
on which the signs are located are allowed in accordance with the following:
1. Maximum size shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. Sign shall not be illuminated.
3. Sign may be double faced.
4. One (1) sign per each street on which the development has frontage.
5. Maximum height shall not exceed fivesix (56) feet for all signs.
6. Such signs may be maintained for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months
prior to obtaining building permits for a development and must be removed
upon issuance of athe first Certificate of Occupancy for a structure on the
property.
7. A sign permit must be obtained prior to locating the sign on the site.
M. Garage Sale Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Garage sales signs may only be used for garage sales, yard sales and carport
sales as outlined in Section 8-3-3 of the Town Code.
2. Garage sale signs must be placed at least threeone (31) feetfoot behind the
curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at least tenthree (103) feet
from the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. No
garageGarage sale signsigns shall not be placed on sidewalks or within the
center medians that divide portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
3. No garage sale sign shall be permitted within the Shea Boulevard public
right-of-way.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 32 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
4. No garage sale sign shall be located within three hundred (300) feet along
the same roadway, as measured along the public right-orof-way line(s), as
another sign bearing the same or substantially the same message.
5. There shall not be more than five (5) garage sale signs to any destination.
6. Garage sale signs may only be displayed between sunrise and sunset. Signs
remaining in public rights-of-way after sunset, or placed in rights-of-way
prior to sunrise, shall be subject to confiscation and destruction by the Town.
7. Maximum size shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) square feet. Minimum
size shall be no less than four (4) square feet.
8. Maximum height shall not exceed three (3) feet.
9. Signs may only be constructed of wrought iron, sheet metal, 1/8-inch thick
plastic or of wood that is at least 3/8 of an inch thick.
10. Garage Sale signs shall not be attached to any utility pole or box, light pole,
street sign, bus shelter or any structure within the public right-of-way.
N. Menu Boards orientated to the drive-thruthrough lane for a business are allowed as
follows:
1. Menu board signs shall be counted as a portion of the total aggregate sign
area.
2. One freestanding or wall mounted menu board is allowed per business.
3. Menu board signs must be located no less than forty-five (45) feet from any
street property line.
4. Maximum area of twenty (20) square feet.
5. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
6. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one square foot of
freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of the freestanding sign.
7. Speaker boxes and LED boxes are allowed as follows:
a. May not exceed thirty-six (36) cubic feet and four (4) feet in height.
b. May not contain advertising of any kind.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 33 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
c. When installed separately from menu board, square footagespeaker
box and LED box sign area will be calculated in addition to total
aggregate sign area.
8. Placement of menu boards, speaker boxes and LED boxes must meet the
following guidelines:
a. Cannot be visible from any public street or alley.
b. Must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet from any residential
zoning district or be fully screened from residential view by a
masonry wall.
O. Multi-Tenant Building Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Sign shall be a wall sign and shall identify only the building or complex.
2. The maximum number of signs for each building shall be one sign.
3. Sign shall be placed on the wall of the building with major street frontage.
4. Maximum area of sign is six (6) inches per lineal foot of building wall with a
minimum of twenty-four (24) square feet and a maximum of forty (40)
square feet. Lineal footage of building is determined as defined in subsection
6.08(A).
P. Neon Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. May only be used as an “Open” sign and/or to show the name and/or the logo
of a business.
2. A neon sign does not count toward the total aggregate allowance of sign area
for any business.3. Limited to interior window display only (may not be
used on exterior of building.
4.2. The total amount of neon signage for any one business shall be six (6) square
feet.
5.3. No more than two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for any business.
Q. Open House Directional Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Open house directional signs shall be used only to direct traffic to a residence
for sale, lease or rent.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 34 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
2. Maximum number of directional signs for each residence for sale, lease or
rent shall be five (5).
3. Maximum area for each sign shall be foursix (46) square feet.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and thirty-six (36)
inches tall, and the text area on the sign may not exceed four and one-half
(4.5) square feet.
5. Signs shall not be illuminated.
6. Sign must contain a directional arrow.
7. Signs shall be placed at least threeone (31) feetfoot behind the curb. If no
curb is present, signs shall be located at least tenthree (103) feet from the
edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. No sign is allowed on
sidewalks or within the center medians that divide portions of paved or
unpaved roadways.
8. No sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of the Shea
Boulevard public right-of-way.
9. No sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty (150) linear feet of any
traffic control light.10. Signs must be made by a professional sign
company.
11.10. Signs shall not be located within one hundred (100) linear feet of, or along
the same roadway (as measured along the public right-of-way lines(s), or any
sign advertising the same location).
12.11. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be approved by the
Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
R. Political and Ideological Signs located in non-residentialideological signs are
permitted in commercial zoning districts shall be treated as commercial signs and
shall be governed by the sign regulations applicable to the respective zoning district
where sign is being located. The combination of commercial, political, and
ideological signs shall not exceed the square footage limitations of the respective
sign regulations prescribed in this ordinance. In addition to signs already permitted
in, subject to the size limitations of the applicable zoning district, but shall not be
counted against the total allowable sign area. In residential zoning districts, political
and ideological signs may be located in such areas within the following parameters:
1. Maximum aggregate size, per individual candidate or ballot issue, shall not
exceed twenty-foursixteen (2416) square feet on any residential lot or
parcel.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 35 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
2. Maximum length shall not exceed six (6) feet.
3. Maximum height shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) feet.
4. Except as otherwise, permitted in this ordinanceby State Law, no such sign or
portion of the sign may be located in or project into a public right-of-way.
5. Political signs in residentially zoned areas shall be erected not more than
sixty (60) days prior to the election or referendum on the ballot and shall be
removed within tenfifteen (1015) days after saidthe election or referendum for
which the signs were posted. Candidates successful in a primary election are
permitted to leave their respective political signs in place until ten (10) days after
the general election, or if necessary, until ten (10) days after a run-off election.
S. Projecting Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate square footage.
2. Shall only be permitted if signs are affixed to a building and extend over the
abutting Town right-of-way line.
3. Shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet in width or more than six (6)
feet in height.
4. Shall not be located any closer than twenty-five (25) feet to another sign
developed under these regulations, whether or not they are on the same lot
or parcel.5. Shall be located so that the bottom of the sign is not less than
eight (8) feet from the ground.
6. Shall not be internally lighted.
7. Shall be limited to not more than two (2) signs per building and not more
than one (1) sign per business.
8.5. Shall require both a Town sign permit and, if encroaching over an abutting
Town right-of-way line, a revocable Town encroachment permit or other
Town Council–granted authorizations in forms approved by the Town
Engineer and the Town Attorney.
T. Real Estate Signs are allowed as follows and are exempt from the total aggregate
signage:
1. Real estate signs may only advertise the sale, leasing or renting of a building,
dwelling, suite, property, or other forms of real estate.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 36 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
2. Real estate signs must be non-illuminated.
3. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
6. No portable A-Frame signs allowed.
7. Signs may only be placed on property that is for sale, lease or rent.
8. Maximum number of signs allowed is one (1) per street frontage.
9. Signs must be removed when the purpose for which the sign was erected is
complete.
10. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be approved by the
Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
U. Special Event Signage is allowed as follows:
1. A sign placement plan detailing the size, location, and timing of proposed
signs to be used for a special event shall be presented with the special event
permit application.
2. These signs shall be placed only after a special event permit has been issued
by the Town Council and must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours
after the conclusion of the event.
3. The regulations in this chapter may be waived by the Town Council for
special event sign placement, size, and timing.
V. Temporary Signs advertising the sale, leasing or renting of a building, dwelling suite,
property, or other forms of real estate shall conform to the following regulations
and are exempt from the total aggregate sign area.
1. Non-residential Zoning Districts: Non-illuminated and not exceeding six (6)
square feet in aggregate area and eight (8) feet in maximum height. Signs
must be professionally made.
2. Residential Zoning Districts: Non-illuminated and not exceeding four (4)
square feet in total aggregate area and five (5) feet in maximum height. Signs
must be professionally made.W. Under-Canopy Signs are allowed as a part
of a comprehensive sign plan and must meet the following requirements:
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 37 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
1. All under-canopy signs require written property owner and Town approval
prior to installation.
2. Each business may be allowed one double-faced non-illuminated sign
installed under an overhanging canopy or fascia perpendicular to the front of
the tenant’s front wall space.
3. Maximum sign width shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
4. Maximum sign height shall not exceed twelve (12) inches.
5. Minimum clearance shall be not less than eight (8) feet six (6) inches from
the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or surface beneath the sign.
6. In no case shall any object, banner, sign or other material be attached to, or
hung from the sign.
7. No under-canopy sign shall be mounted in a manner that will impede
pedestrian or vehicular visibility or create any hazard.
8. The sign area for the first under-canopy sign shall be excluded from the total
aggregate area of a comprehensive sign plan. Businesses with multiple
public entrances may be allowed one additional under-canopy sign, subject
to property owner and Town approval, but the sign area of the second
under-canopy sign will be counted as a part of the business’s total aggregate
sign area.
9. Under-canopy signs on property under unified ownership and control shall
be consistent in appearance.
XW. Wall Signs count as a part of the total aggregate signage and are allowed as follows:
1. One square foot per each lineal foot of building frontage. Frontage is
determined by the measurement of the portion of the building facing the
street not to exceed aggregate square footage allowed. Corner buildings may
include two street frontages if the frontages are joined at an angle between
forty-five (45) and ninety (90) degrees. However, the total sign area that is
oriented toward a particular street may not exceed 125% of the portion of
the lot’s total sign area allocation that is derived from the building frontage
on that street. Building frontages that contain angles of less than forty-five
(45) degrees or between ninety (90) and one hundred eighty (180) degrees
shall be considered to be one frontage.
2. Sign area must allow a minimum two (2) foot border from edge of the
building or suite frontage, or a minimum two (2) foot separation between
signs, whichever is less.
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Chapter 6
Page 38 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
3. Each wall sign may project no more than twelve (12) inches from the surface
of the wall to which it is attached.
4. Reverse pan channel letter with halo illumination must not exceed a one and
three-quarter (1.75) inch separation from the wall.
5. In the C-2, C-3, and TCCTCCD zoning districts, a secondary entrance wall sign
is allowed in addition to total aggregate sign area if the following criteria are
met:
a. Wall sign areas shall not exceed 25% of primary total aggregate sign
area.
b. Secondary entrance must not be visible from main public entrance.
c. Secondary entrance must face a rear parking area, common area or
public use frontage.
YX. Window Signs are allowed as follows:
1. WindowExcept for neon signs as permitted in paragraph 6.08(P) of this
Zoning Ordinance, window signs do not count as part of the total aggregate
sign area.
2. May not exceed 50% of window area.
3. Window signs shall be prepared by a professional sign company.
ZY. Window decorations/painting with a holiday theme are allowed as follows:
1. Holiday decorations may be displayed on a temporary basis for civic,
patriotic or religious holidays.
2. The combination of window decoration/painting coverage and signage must
not exceed 75% of window area.
3. Window decoration shall not contain any form of advertising copy, including
but not limited to, name of business, logo, or sale language or any other form
of advertising as outlined in Section 6.02..
4. Sign permit is not required.
AA. There shall be no signage on any lot or parcel within the L-1, L-2 or L-3 zoning
districts, except for one freestanding identification sign, regardless of the number of
primary or accessory uses on the lot or parcel.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 39 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
1. Freestanding sign shall have a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square
feet.
2. Freestanding sign shall have a maximum height of five (5) feet.
3. Freestanding sign, if over three and one-half (3.5) feet in height, shall not be
permitted within the front or street side-yard setback.
4. Freestanding sign shall not be internally illuminated.
5. A landscaped area shall be provided at the base of the freestanding sign,
having a minimum landscaped area of four (4) square feet for each square
foot of sign area.
BBZ. Comprehensive Sign Plans shall meet all sign criteria of the Town. The following
elements are required for approval:
1. Name, address and phone number of property owner or designee.
2. Written text clearly outlining the sign plan to include all suites, offices or
other leased/leasable space.
3. Name and address of property for which the comprehensive sign plan is
designated.
4. Design criteria allowed for signage (i.e. colors, installation method, materials,
type of signage, etc.). If it is the intention of the property owner to allow
Nationally Recognized Registered Logos, this must be specified in the plan.
5. Site plan showing all lot dimensions, suites, offices or other leased/leasable
space and proposed/existing signage placement (drawn to scale).
6. Elevations showing proposed sign envelopes.
7. Lineal footage of building(s) as outlined in subsection 6.08(A).
8. Allocation chart showing allowable square footage for each suite, office or
space number.
9. Comprehensive sign plan amendments must be made in writing and
submitted, reviewed and approved by the Zoning Administrator or
authorized designee.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 40 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
10. Comprehensive sign plan approval/denial may be appealed to the Town
Council.
CC. Shared Monument Signs are permitted in sign districts as follows:
1. Sign District Formation: A sign district may form to obtain shared monument
signs where at least 51% of business owners within a business block, each
possessing valid Town business licenses, have submitted a sign district
agreement to the Zoning Administrator and where the Zoning Administrator
has approved the formation of the district.
a. Membership Change: If sign membership changes, the sign district
shall file a written notification of membership change and an
amended sign district agreement with the Zoning Administrator.
Where a sign district member moves out of the sign district or closes
its business, the portion of the shared monument sign advertising that
business must be removed within thirty (30) days. The portion of the
sign dedicated to the vacating sign district member shall be
maintained with a blank panel.
b. District Dissolution: If a sign district is dissolved, the property
owner(s) of the business block shall be required to remove the shared
monuments sign unless:
1) A new sign district is formed to assume responsibility for the
shared monument sign within thirty (30) days from the date of
dissolution of the old sign district; or
2) The property owner assumes complete control over the shared
sign monuments.
2. Limitations on Shared Monument Signs:
a. Height restrictions:
1) Where the sign district contains three to four businesses, the
maximum height of the monument sign shall be six (6) feet.
2) Where the sign district contains five or more businesses, the
maximum height of the monument sign shall be eight (8) feet.
b. Width may not exceed four (4) feet.
c. The area of the sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 41 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
d. Placement:
1) Signs may not be placed within the right-of-way;
2) Signs must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet away from
any other type of monument sign;
3) Signs must not be placed in a manner which obstructs the
vehicular sight lines and road “clear” zones” established by the
Town Engineer in accordance with traffic engineering
standards.
e. The Zoning Administrator or authorized designee may approve the
placement of a shared monument sign in a manner other than as
required by this subsection, provided that a written request has been
submitted by the sign district to the Zoning Administrator outlining
the reason for the request of alternative placement, including a
detailed plan showing the requested area of placement, and where the
Zoning Administrator or authorized designee has made the following
determinations:
1) A special circumstance or condition exists which does not exist
on other properties within the business area; and
2) The alternative placement is necessary to allow the use of a
shared monument sign; and
3) The special circumstance or condition is not self-imposed.
f. A minimum of two (2) square feet of landscaping per one (1) square
foot of the sign shall be provided at the base of the shared monument
sign.
3. In lieu of the formation of a sign district by business owners, one or more
owners of contiguous property that contains more than one business address
may submit an application for a shared monument sign.
DDAA. Street Addresses:
1. Every building or group of buildings within any commercially or industrially
zoned area must be identified by a street number whichthat is clearly visible
from the adjacent street. This sign shall not be computed as part of the total
sign area permitted for any site or business.
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Chapter 6
Page 42 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
2. The street number (or number range) of the businesses or business complex
identified on a monument sign shall be displayed at the top of the text area of
the monument sign and shall not be computed as part of the aggregate sign
area.
EE. Subdivision Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Style, Height and Area. Subdivision identification sign shall be a monument
sign with the following limitations:
a. Maximum height shall be six (6) feet.
b. Maximum area shall be twenty-four (24) square feet.
c. Maximum of one (1) sign located at each street access to the identified
subdivision.
d. Sign text shall be limited to the name of the development or
subdivision.
2. Sign placement.
a. Sign shall not be located within the right-of-way without an
encroachment permit.
b. Sign shall not be located so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines and
road “clear zones” established by the Town Engineer in
accordance with traffic engineering standards.
3. Landscaping.
a. Minimum of two (2) square feet of landscape area per one (1) square
foot of sign area shall be provided at the base of the sign.
b. Landscaping may be occasionally changed, but shall always be
maintained in good condition by the property owner.
4. Lighting.
a. The text area of the sign may be back-lit such that the source of
illumination is not visible; provided, however, that back-lit
non-opaque panels are not permitted.
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Chapter 6
Page 43 of 45 January 13,34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
b. The text area of the sign may be illuminated by fully shielded ground
mounted directional lighting.
FFBB. Sign Walkers, in commercially zoned districtdistricts only, subject to the following
time, place and manner limitations:
1. Permitted on Fridays and, Saturdays, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5
p.mSundays.
2. If located within the right-of-way, a sign walker shall be positioned behind
the curb or, if no curb is present, ten (10) feet behind the edge of pavement.
3. Sign shall not be positioned so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines and road
“clear zones” established by the Town Engineer in accordance with traffic
engineering standards.
4. Sign walkers shall not obstruct the free movement of pedestrians on
sidewalks.
5. Sign walkers are not allowed in the medians of public or private streets.
6. The sign worn, held or balanced by a sign walker shall be a maximum of five
(5) square feet in size and may be double sided.
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1752356.6
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
SIGN REGULATIONS
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
September 3, 2012
1752356.6
Chapter 6
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections:
6.01 Purpose
6.02 [Reserved]
6.03 Sign Permits; Fees
6.04 Violations
6.05 Penalty
6.06 Enforcement and Remedies
6.07 General Regulations
6.08 Signs Allowed
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 2 of 34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
Section 6.01 Purpose
The regulations set forth in this Chapter are intended to encourage attractive
signage for businesses and services, optimizing the availability of
information, while promoting the general welfare by creating more
aesthetically appealing community.
Section 6.02 [Reserved]
Section 6.03 Sign Permits; Fees
A. Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to erect, install and/or
modify any sign within the Town without first applying for and
obtaining a sign permit from the Development Services Department.
“Modify,” as it is used herein, shall mean any change in or to an
existing sign, its face, electrical components, design and/or supporting
structures. A permit shall not be required for the following signs;
provided, however, that such signs shall be subject to any and all
applicable provisions of this ordinance, including Zoning Administrator
approval when required:
1. Nameplate signs, four (4) square feet or less in area, which shall
contain the name of the business and may contain any or all of
the following: street address, hours of operation and business
logo.
2. Street addresses.
3. Any sign four (4) square feet or less in area not otherwise
prohibited by this ordinance.
4. Repainting without changing wording, composition or colors; or
minor nonstructural repairs.
5. Temporary noncommercial signs.
6. Signs not visible from off-site public or private property.
7. Holiday signs permitted by subsection 6.08(Z).
8. Garage sale signs permitted by subsection 6.08(M).
9. Political signs.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 3 of 34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
10. Window signs on the inside of a window.
11. Signs of less than eight (8) square feet placed on any church
property or any sign relating to church operations that is not
visible from an adjacent street or property.
12. Signs placed on any school property by the Fountain Hills Unified
School District.
13. [Reserved].
14. Signs that relate to a special event, except as required by
subsection 6.08(U).
15. Banners, balloons and pennants, except as required by
subsection 6.08(D).
16. Changes to a sign panel or copy on an existing sign.
B. Failure to conform to the conditions of a sign permit, including any
conditions and/or stipulations attached thereto by the Town Council
and/or Board of Adjustment, shall render such permit void.
C. Fees for sign permits shall be required and payable in such sums as
the Town Council may from time to time establish as part of the
Town’s annual budget or by separate resolution.
D. A sign permit does not include electrical work; however, this
exemption shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to
be done in violation of the provisions of the Fountain Hills Town Code
or any other laws or ordinances.
Section 6.04 Violations
Any of the following shall be a violation of this Chapter and shall be subject
to the enforcement remedies and penalties provided by the Town of Fountain
Hills Zoning Ordinance, and by state law, as applicable:
A. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign in a way that is
inconsistent with any plan or permit governing such sign or the zone
within which the sign is located.
B. To install, create, erect or maintain any sign requiring a permit without
such a permit.
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 6
Page 4 of 34 September 3, 2012
1752356.6
C. To fail to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected or
maintained in violation of this ordinance, or for which the sign permit
has lapsed.
If any such violation is continued, then each day of a continued violation
shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty
provisions set forth in Section 6.05 below.
Section 6.05 Penalty
The violations set forth in Section 6.04 above are declared to be civil in
nature. The responsible parties for enforcement purposes are (i) the owner
or operator of the business or residence identified on the sign and (ii) the
owner or occupant of the business or residence to which the sign is directing
pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Enforcement of violations of this chapter shall
be made through the use of the civil citation process set forth in Subsection
1-8-3 of the Town Code. Fines may be assessed according to the following
schedule:
A. First offense, fine not to exceed $100.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
B. Second offense within twelve (12) calendar months of first offense,
fine not to exceed $500.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
C. All subsequent violations within twelve (12) calendar months of the
first offense, fine not to exceed $700.00 and confiscation of sign(s).
Section 6.06 Enforcement and Remedies
Any violation or attempted violation of this ordinance or of any condition or
requirement adopted pursuant hereto may be restrained, corrected or
abated, as the case may be, by injunction or other appropriate proceedings
pursuant to state law. A violation of this chapter shall be considered a
violation of the Zoning Ordinance. The remedies of the Town shall include,
but are not limited to the following:
A. Issuing a stop-work order for any and all work on any signs on the
same lot;
B. Confiscation of sign(s);
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C. Seeking an injunction or other order of restraint or abatement that
requires the removal of the sign(s) or the correction of the
nonconformity;
D. Imposing any penalties that can be imposed directly by the Town
under the Zoning Ordinance;
E. Seeking in court the imposition of any penalties that can be imposed
by such court under the Zoning Ordinance; and
F. In the case of a sign that poses an immediate danger to the public
health or safety, the Town may take such measures as are available
under the applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and Building
Code for such circumstances.
The Town shall have such other remedies as are and as may from time to
time be provided for or allowed by state law for the violation of the Zo ning
Ordinance.
All such remedies provided herein shall be cumulative. To the extent that
state law may limit the availability of a particular remedy set forth herein for
a certain violation or a part thereof, such remedy shall remain available for
other violations or other parts of the same violation.
Section 6.07 General Regulations
A. Any sign hereafter erected or maintained shall maintain conformance
to the provisions of this ordinance and the provisions of the Town
Code.
B. No sign, other than an official traffic sign or similar sign, shall be
erected within the lines of any street or public right-of-way unless
(1) specifically authorized herein; (2) authorized by other Town
ordinances or regulations; or (3) permitted by special Town
authorization.
C. No sign, including a temporary sign or sign structure, shall be erected
or placed: (1) in a manner that would obscure vehicular visibility; or
(2) at any location where by its position, the shape or color of the sign
may interfere with or obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any
authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
D. Every sign permitted by this ordinance must be kept in good condition
and repair. When any sign becomes in danger of falling, or is
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1752356.6
otherwise deemed unsafe by the Town’s Chief Building Official, or if
any sign shall be unlawfully installed, erected or maintained in
violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance, the owner thereof,
or the person or firm using the sign, shall, upon written notice by the
Chief Building Official, or immediately in the case of immediate danger,
and in any case within not more than ten (10) days after notice:
(1) make such sign conform to the provisions of this ordinance; or
(2) remove the sign. If, within ten (10) days, the order is not
complied with, the Chief Building Official may remove or cause such
sign to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or user of the
sign.
E. Legal non-conforming signs.
1. Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this
Chapter that, due to changes in this Chapter, no longer conforms
in use, location, height or size with the regulations of this
Chapter, shall be considered a legal non-conforming use and
may continue in use until such time as it is removed or it is
abandoned for a period of six or more continuous months.
Except as otherwise set forth in paragraphs 6.07(E)(2) and (3)
below, any change in the sign, including a 50% or more change
of sign copy, shall be considered an abandonment and the legal
non-conforming status of the sign shall become void.
2. Whenever the name of a business or other sign text changes,
any legal non-conforming signs on the premises shall be
modified to bring them into conformance with this Chapter, even
though the change is a change of sign copy only. This paragraph
shall not apply to directory signs designed with interchangeable
letters or panels or to the text area of a monument sign.
3. Legal non-conforming freestanding signs, sign structures, poles
and other related equipment that have been abandoned or not in
use for more than six months shall be removed and the building,
land or site restored to its original state.
F. Unless otherwise specifically permitted pursuant to this Chapter, each
sign must be located on the lot for which it advertises, informs or
otherwise attracts attention.
G. Sign area is the sum of the areas of all permitted signs, except
directional signs, street addresses or safety signs (e.g., stop engine,
no smoking). Sign area shall be measured as follows:
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1. For sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel or area
distinctively painted, textured or constructed, the Sign area is
the area within the outside dimensions of the background panel
or surface.
Example Sign Copy Area
2. For sign copy consisting of individual letters and/or graphics
affixed to a wall or portion of a building that has not been
painted, textured, or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive
background for the sign copy, the sign area is the area within
the smallest rectangle that will enclose the sign copy.
Example Sign Area
3. For Sign copy mounted or painted on an internally-illuminated
sign or internally-illuminated element of a building, the entire
internally-illuminated surface or architectural element that
contains sign copy will be counted as sign area.
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1752356.6
Example Illuminated Sign Area
4. Number of sign faces:
One – Area of the single face only.
Two – If the interior angle between the two sign faces is forty-
five (45) degrees or less, the sign area is the area of one face
only; if the angle between the sign faces exceeds forty-five (45)
degrees, the sign area is the sum of the areas of the two faces.
Three or more – For any sign containing three or more faces, the
sign area shall be measured as the sum of areas of the all the
sign faces.
Example Sign Face Area
Three dimensional, sculptural or other non-planar signs – Sign
area will be the sum of the areas of the vertical faces of the
smallest polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure.
Than 45 Up to 45Greater
2 faces 1 face
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Example Dimensional Sign Area
5. For signs having more than one component (e.g., a service
station identification/price sign combination mounted on a
common base), the sign area is the area of the rectangle
enclosing all components of the sign.
Example Fuel Price Sign Area
H. Sign height is defined as follows:
1. Freestanding Sign: Sign height is the distance from the top of
the sign structure, to the top of curb of the public road nearest
the sign, or to the crown of public road neare st the sign if no
curb exists.
Example Freestanding Sign Height
2. Wall or Fascia Mounted Signs: Sign height is the distance
measured from a point perpendicular to the top of the midpoint
of the sign structure, to the top of the finished floor of the
ground floor level directly below the midpoint of the sign.
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Example Midpoint of Sign
I. Signs not specifically authorized herein are prohibited, including, but
not limited to the following:
1. Neon signs, except as permitted in subsection 6.08(P).
2. Roof signs, or signs that project above the highest point of the
roofline, parapet, or fascia of the building.
3. Any sign emitting sound.
4. Any animated or moving sign, including televisions or signs with
streaming video.
5. Portable or mobile signs, except for sign walkers or as otherwise
specifically permitted.
6. Billboard signs.
7. Non-electrically illuminated signs.
8. Any non-public signs in public right-of-way or on public property,
except as otherwise specifically permitted.
9. All off-premise signs, except as otherwise allowed.
10. All banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, flags, searchlights,
strobe lights, beacons, inflatable signs, except as specifically
provided for in paragraph 6.08(D) below.
11. Any sign imitating an official traffic control sign and any sign or
device obscuring such traffic control signs or devices.
12. Temporary or portable signs within the Shea Boulevard right-of-
way.
Midpoint of SignMidpoint of Sign
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1752356.6
13. A-frame signs, except as provided in subsections 6.08(B),
6.08(M) and 6.08(Q).
J. The source of a sign’s illumination shall not be visible from any
adjacent residential streets or neighborhoods.
K. No sign shall be erected or placed within any center median or any
public sidewalk or bicycle path. The Town employees may remove any
sign located in these areas. Directional signs owned by the Town shall
be exempt from the regulations set forth in this Chapter.
L. [Reserved].
M. Signs mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats or vehicles shall
be subject to the following:
1. Business or commercial vehicles displaying signage or
advertising as a normal part of business activity may be parked
in an off-street parking space adjacent to the business to which
the vehicle relates; provided, however, such off street parking
space shall not be located immediately adjacent to a street
frontage, except as permitted in paragraph 6.07(M)(2) below.
Vehicles that are visible from the public right-of-way shall not
remain in the same parking space for more than forty-eight (48)
consecutive hours.
2. One business or commercial vehicle of less than three and one
half (3.5) tons gross vehicle weight and displaying up to twelve
(12) square feet of signage may be parked in an off-street
parking space near the business to which the vehicle relates and
immediately adjacent to a street frontage. Portable signs shall
not be displayed on or in the vehicle. Said vehicle shall not
remain in the same parking space for more than forty-eight (48)
consecutive hours.
3. Trailers, boats or trucks larger than three and one half
(3.5) tons, displaying signage or advertising may not be parked
within any commercially zoned area within the Town that is
visible from any public street except while making deliveries or
providing services to a business within such commercially zoned
area.
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4. One business or commercial vehicle smaller than three and one
half (3.5) tons displaying signage or advertising as a normal part
of business activity may be parked in an off-street parking space
within a residential zone at the residence of the owner or lessee
of such vehicle unless otherwise prohibited by subsections
7.02(G) & (H) and 5.14(F) of this Zoning Ordinance.
5. Unless specifically permitted in subsections 6.07(M)(1)-(4)
above, signs mounted, attached or painted on trailers, boats,
motor vehicles or any moveable object placed on premises to
serve as additional advertising signage are prohibited.
N. Total aggregate sign area may be increased up to 25%, provided the
additional area is used to display a Town-provided logo or symbol.
Section 6.08 Signs Allowed or Required
Legend: Letters A - BB indicate the following subsection with
additional requirements or clarification of the signs listed in the
table below. N/A means not allowed.
Zoning District
Commercial
Residential/
Open Space
Recreation
INDUSTRIAL Lodging
Total Aggregate Sign Area A A A N/A A A
A-Frame Sign B B B N/A B B
Awning/Canopy Sign
C
C
C
C
C
C
Civic Organization
Identification
E
E
E
E
E
E
Comprehensive Sign Plans Z Z Z N/A Z Z
Contractor Signs F F F F F F
Directory Signs
G
G
G
G
G
G
Event Banners, Balloons and
Pennants
D
D
D
*
D
D
Flag I I I I I I
Freestanding Signs
J
J
J
N/A
J
J
Fuel Price Signs
K
K
K
N/A
N/A
N/A
Future Development Signs L L L L L L
Garage Sale Signs M M M M M M
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1752356.6
Zoning District
Commercial
Residential/
Open Space
Recreation
INDUSTRIAL Lodging
Menu Board N
N
N
N/A
N/A
N/A
Multi-Tenant Building
Identification Signs
O
O
O
N/A
O
O
Neon Signs P P P N/A P P
Open House Directional Signs Q Q Q Q Q N/A
Political and Ideological Signs R R R R R R
Projecting Signs
S
S
S
N/A
S
S
Real Estate Signs
T
T
T
T
T
T
Shared Monument Signs
J
J
J
N/A
J
J
Sign Walkers BB BB BB
N/A
N/A
N/A
Special Event Signage U U U U U U
Street Addresses AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
AA
Subdivision Identification Signs
J
J
J
J
J
J
Under-Canopy Signs
V V
V
N/A
V
V
Wall Signs
W
W
W
N/A
W
W
Window Signs
X
X
X
N/A
X
X
Window Decorations/Painting
(Holiday Theme)
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
* Specific Regulations Apply
A. “Total Aggregate Sign Area” is the sum of the total allowable sign area
for an entire site with the following restrictions. As used herein,
“Site,” within commercially or industrially zoned area shall mean the
building area leased or owned by or on behalf of any business together
with its adjacent privately owned walkway or parking area.
1. Frontage is determined by the measurement of the portion of
the building facing the street. Corner buildings may include two
street frontages if the frontages are joined at an angle between
forty-five (45) and ninety (90) degrees. Building frontages that
contain angles of less than forty-five (45) degrees or between
ninety (90) and one hundred eighty (180) degrees shall be
Town of Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance
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1752356.6
considered to be one frontage. Multi-story building lineal
footage is limited to the ground floor lineal footage measurement
except as modified by subsection 6.08(A) (5) below.
2. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, the total
aggregate sign area allocable to any ground floor business
having an external business entrance shall not exceed the
greater of fifty (50) square feet or two (2) square feet per lineal
foot of building frontage, but in no case more than one hundred
(100) square feet.
3. In all commercial and industrial zoning districts, any licensed
business located above the ground floor in a multi -story building
having an external building wall facing a public street shall be
permitted exterior signage with a total aggregate sign area not
to exceed fifty (50) square feet. A business occupying more
than one floor is only allowed a sign on one floor.
4. Businesses within any commercial or industrial zoning district
having only an internal business entrance and no external wall
facing a public street or public access driveway shall be limited
to business identification signage on a common directory sign as
shown on a comprehensive sign plan, as set forth in subsection
6.08(BB) unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator
or an authorized designee.
5. Ground floor businesses having building frontage greater than
one hundred (100) feet in length may increase their allowed sign
area by 0.5 square feet per one (1) lineal foot of building
frontage in excess of one hundred (100) feet. Such additional
sign area shall be for the exclusive use of said business and not
transferable or reallocable to other businesses on the site.
B. A-Frame Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Only businesses that are physically located within Town
commercial or industrial zoning districts or churches in
residential zoning districts may display A-frame signs.
2. Businesses or churches permitted to display A-frame signs may
display a maximum of one such sign per street frontage. Such
signs shall be located in the manner required in
paragraph 6.08(B)(3) below, either on the same property as the
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1752356.6
business or church, or on property immediately adjacent to the
business or church building as follows:
a. On property held in common by members of a property
owners’ association.
b. On property owned by the business owner’s landlord.
3. Location of A-frame signs shall be restricted as follows:
a. Such signs shall not be located on the paved portion of any
public street, any sidewalk, or any median.
b. Such signs shall not be located within a designated parking
or loading area.
c. Signs shall not be located in a manner that poses a traffic
vision hazard. Signs may not be located within the sight
triangle as defined in the Town of Fountain Hills
Subdivision Ordinance Section III, Exhibit 16.
d. A-Frame signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind
the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at
least three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of
the public right-of-way. No A-Frame signs shall be placed
on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide
portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and
thirty-six (36) inches tall.
5. Signs shall be constructed of wrought iron; sheet metal; 1/8 inch
thick plastic; or of wood that is at least 3/8 inch thick. No other
materials are acceptable.
6. Signs must be manufactured by a professional sign company.
7. Signs shall be in good repair.
8. Attachments to signs are limited to balloons flown no higher than
six (6) feet from the ground. If attachments are used, the A-
Frame sign must be set back from the curb a minimum of three
(3) feet; if no curb is present, the A-Frame sign shall be located
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1752356.6
at least three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of the
public right-of-way.
9. Landscaping cannot be modified or damaged to accommodate an
A-frame sign.
10. Signs shall only be displayed between the hours of 5:00 a.m.
and 12:00 a.m.
11. No A-frame sign is permitted anywhere within the Town of
Fountain Hills after December 31, 2013.
C. Awning/Canopy Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate sign area.
2. May not exceed 25% in area of the canopy on which such sign is
located.
3. Sign area shall be measured by the smallest rectangle that will
enclose the sign copy.
D. Event Banners, Balloons and Pennants are allowed as follows:
1. Time limitations:
a. On a one-time basis for a maximum of thirty (30)
consecutive days during the grand opening of a business, a
Chamber of Commerce sponsored ribbon cutting, a change
in ownership, change in management or change of
business name.
b. For a church for up to thirty (30) consecutive days for the
purpose of promoting a program or event. Banners for
these purposes require a permit.
2. Banners, balloons and pennants are permitted for events such as
special sales events with advance notification to the Town for not
more than sixty (60) consecutive hours per month. The
provisions of this paragraph 6.08(D)(2) shall expire on
December 31, 2013.
3. Not more than one banner shall be allowed per business.
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4. Maximum banner sign area is thirty-two (32) square feet.
5. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be located on the business
storefront or within the area leased by the business. Balloons
otherwise located shall be not less than four (4) feet from the
face of the building and within twenty (20) feet of the main
building entrance.
6. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be designed to depict
any product or service that cannot legally be provided in the
Town.
7. Total sign area including permanent signs, pennants and banner
signs shall not exceed 200% of the permitted sign area.
8. Banners, balloons or pennants shall be professionally
manufactured.
9. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be displayed in the
required perimeter street landscaping.
10. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not obscure building address
numbers.
11. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not encroach within onsite
fire lanes.
12. Banners, balloons or pennants shall not be attached or hung on
or from a tree or shrub.
13. No balloon may be larger than twenty-four (24) inches in
diameter.
14. Balloons shall not be flown higher than six (6) feet from the
ground.
15. Banners, balloons and pennants shall not be erected at the
intersection of any street or pedestrian walkway in such a
manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location
where, by its position, shape or color, it may interfere with or
obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic
signal, sign or device.
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*Town notification: Prior to the event, the event organizer must submit for review the
following:
1. Event site plan showing location of outdoor activities, signage, etc.
2. Dates and times the event will be held.
3. Name, address, and phone number of responsible person.
E. Civic organizations, such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, Jaycees, etc., may be
identified on group display structures in accordance with the following
standards:
1. Said structure must be on arterial streets.
TYPE OF EVENT SIGN TYPE
Banners Balloons &
Pennants
Banners,
Pennants &
Balloons
Grand Opening 30-Days
w/Permit
1. 12 Hrs during
one Day Event
2. No Permit
Necessary
Chamber Ribbon
Cutting
30-Days
w/Permit
1. 12 Hrs during
one Day Event
2. No Permit
Necessary
Change of Business
Name, Owner or
Management
30-Days
w/Permit
1. 12 Hrs during
one Day Event
2. No Permit
Necessary
Church Event 30-days
w/permit 1.Permit Required
Any Type of Event
- Sixty (60)
consecutive
hours; once per
month
- No Permit
Necessary
- Town
Notification
Required *
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1752356.6
2. Structures shall not be over six feet in height or exceed an area
of sixty (60) square feet.
3. Sign may not be illuminated.
4. Each civic organization shall be limited to a maximum sign area
of two square feet.
F. Signs for a contractor may be placed on a construction site if signs
meet the following criteria:
1. One contractor sign or banner per lot.
2. Subcontractors may not place additional signs but may be listed
on a main contractor sign.
3. Maximum size of sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Sign must be located on construction site.
6. Sign shall not be illuminated.
7. A contractor sign may be placed only during the period of time
when a building permit is valid and must be removed no later
than the date of final inspection.
G. A directory sign may be included as part of a comprehensive sign plan.
A directory sign is allowed with the following standards:
1. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
2. Maximum height of six (6) feet.
3. Located behind the required front yard setbacks.
H. [Reserved]
I. Flags, as defined in this Zoning Ordinance, are allowed as follows:
1. Flags poles shall not exceed the maximum building height
allowed in each zoning district and shall be located and
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1752356.6
constructed that if it should collapse, its reclining length would
be contained on the property for which it was installed.
2. Any flag flown in conjunction with the United States or State of
Arizona flags shall be flown beneath them.
3. Unless specifically permitted in this Zoning Ordinance, no more
one (1) flag may be flown or hung on any one (1) site or
structure; provided, however, that one (1) State of Arizona, one
(1) foreign national flag, and one (1) Fountain Hills Unified
School District flag may be flown in addition to the one (1)
permitted flag.
4. The maximum size of any corporate flags shall not exceed fifteen
(15) square feet, with no single dimension to exceed six (6) feet.
5. A sign permit is required to display any corporate flag and must
be included as part of the total aggregate sign area.
6. Display of the United States flag must meet all requirements of
the United States Flag Code, including national and local lighting
standards.
7. A model home that has a special use permit may use flags in
addition to the United States flag and State of Arizona flag, in
the following manner:
a. There can be no more than two (2) flags on the lot of one
model home and one (1) flag on each additional lot with a
model home located upon it, not to exceed five (5) total
flags.
b. The maximum size of any model home flag shall not
exceed eight (8) square feet.
c. Model home flags shall not be illuminated.
d. Flagpole shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
8. No sign permits are required for flags unless otherwise noted.
9. The maximum size of a United States flag, State of Arizona flag
or foreign national flag shall be sixty (60) square feet. This limit
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1752356.6
does not apply to a United States flag or State of Arizona flag
flown on a national or state holiday.
J. Freestanding signs are allowed as follows:
1. Freestanding signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area except as outlined in paragraph 6.08(J) (7)
below.
2. One freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage.
3. Maximum area of fifty (50) square feet.
4. Maximum height of twelve (12) feet (including base).
5. All freestanding signs must be no closer than thirty (30) feet to
any residential district.
6. Minimum area of two (2) square feet of landscaping per one (1)
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
7. Shared Monument Signs are permitted in sign districts as
follows:
a. Sign District Formation: A sign district may form to obtain
shared monument signs where at least 51% of business
owners within a business block, each possessing a valid
Town business license, have submitted a sign district
agreement to the Zoning Administr ator and where the
Zoning Administrator has approved the formation of the
district.
1. Membership Change: If sign membership changes,
the sign district shall file a written notification of
membership change and an amended sign district
agreement with the Zoning Administrator. Where a
sign district member moves out of the sign district or
closes its business, the portion of the shared
monument sign advertising that business must be
removed within thirty (30) days. The portion of the
sign dedicated to the vacating sign district member
shall be maintained with a blank panel.
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2. District Dissolution: If a sign district is dissolved, the
property owner(s) of the business block who were
participants in the sign district shall be required to
remove the shared monument sign unless.
i. A new sign district is formed to assume
responsibility for the shared monument sign
within thirty (30) days from the date of
dissolution of the old sign district; or
ii. The property owner upon whose property the
shared monument sign is located assumes
complete control over the shared sign
monument.
b. Limitations on Shared Monument Signs:
1. Height Restrictions:
i. Where the sign district contains four or fewer
businesses, the maximum height of the
monument sign shall be six (6) feet.
ii. Where the sign district contains five or more
businesses, the maximum height of the
monument sign shall be eight (8) feet.
2. Width may not exceed four (4) feet.
3. The area of the sign shall not exceed twenty-four
(24) square feet.
4. Sign Placement:
i. Signs may not be placed within the public
right-of-way.
ii. Signs must be at least one hundred fifty (150)
feet away from any other type of monument
sign.
iii. Signs must not be placed in a manner that
obstructs the vehicular sight lines and road
“clear zones” established by the Town Engineer
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1752356.6
in accordance with traffic engineering
standards.
5. The Zoning Administrator or authorized designee
may only approve the placement of a shared
monument sign in a manner other than as required
by this paragraph if a variance has been granted
pursuant to Section 2.07 of this Zoning Ordinance.
6. A minimum of two (2) square feet of landscaping per
one (1) square foot of the sign shall be provided at
the base of the shared monument sign.
c. In lieu of the formation of a sign district by business
owners, one or more owners of contiguous property that
contains more than one (1) business address may submit
an application for a shared monument sign.
8. Subdivision Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
a. Style, Height and Area. Subdivision identification signs
shall be monument signs with the following limitations:
1. Maximum height shall be six (6) feet.
2. Maximum area shall be twenty-four (24) square feet.
3. Maximum of one (1) sign located at each street
access to the identified subdivision.
4. Sign text shall be limited to the name of the
development or subdivision.
b. Sign Placement:
1. Sign shall not be located within the public right-of-
way without an encroachment permit.
2. Sign shall not be located so as to obstruct vehicle
sight lines and road “clear zones” established by the
Town Engineer in accordance with traffic engineering
standards.
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c. Landscaping:
1. Minimum of two (2) square feet of landscape area
per one (1) square foot of sign area shall be
provided at the base of the sign.
2. Landscaping may be occasionally changed, but shall
always be maintained in good condition by the
property owner.
d. Lighting:
1. The text area of the sign may be back-lit such that
the source of illumination is not visible; provided,
however, that back-lit non-opaque panels are not
permitted.
2. The text area of the sign may be illuminated by fully
shielded ground mounted directional lighting.
K. Fuel price signs are allowed as follows:
1. Fuel price signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding fuel price sign is allowed per street frontage.
3. Maximum area of twelve (12) square feet per sign.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
L. Future Development Signs announcing the proposed development of
property prior to issuance of a building permit for the purpose of
displaying the name of the project, contractors, architect and any
additional information pertaining to the site on which the signs are
located are allowed in accordance with the following:
1. Maximum size shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. Sign shall not be illuminated.
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3. Sign may be double faced.
4. One (1) sign per each street on which the development has
frontage.
5. Maximum height shall not exceed six (6) feet for all signs.
6. Such signs may be maintained for a period not to exceed twelve
(12) months prior to obtaining building permits for a
development and must be removed upon issuance of the first
Certificate of Occupancy for a structure on the property.
7. A sign permit must be obtained prior to locating the sign on the
site.
M. Garage Sale Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Garage sales signs may only be used for garage sales, yard sales
and carport sales as outlined in Section 8-3-3 of the Town Code.
2. Garage sale signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind
the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at least
three (3) feet from the edge of the paved portion of the public
right-of-way. Garage sale signs shall not be placed on sidewalks
or within the center medians that divide portions of paved or
unpaved roadways.
3. No garage sale sign shall be permitted within the Shea
Boulevard public right-of-way.
4. No garage sale sign shall be located within three hundred (300)
feet along the same roadway, as measured along the public
right-of-way line(s), as another sign bearing the same or
substantially the same message.
5. There shall not be more than five (5) garage sale signs to any
destination.
6. Garage sale signs may only be displayed between sunrise and
sunset. Signs remaining in public rights-of-way after sunset, or
placed in rights-of-way prior to sunrise, shall be subject to
confiscation and destruction by the Town.
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7. Maximum size shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) square
feet.
8. Maximum height shall not exceed three (3) feet.
9. Signs may only be constructed of wrought iron, sheet metal,
plastic or of wood that is at least 3/8 of an inch thick.
10. Garage Sale signs shall not be attached to any utility pole or
box, light pole, street sign, bus shelter or any structure within
the public right-of-way.
N. Menu Boards orientated to the drive-through lane for a business are
allowed as follows:
1. Menu board signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding or wall mounted menu board is allowed per
business.
3. Menu board signs must be located no less than forty-five (45)
feet from any street property line.
4. Maximum area of twenty (20) square feet.
5. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
6. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
7. Speaker boxes and LED boxes are allowed as follows:
a. May not exceed thirty-six (36) cubic feet and four (4) feet
in height.
b. May not contain advertising of any kind.
c. When installed separately from menu board, speaker box
and LED box sign area will be calculated in addition to total
aggregate sign area.
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8. Placement of menu boards, speaker boxes and LED boxes must
meet the following guidelines:
a. Cannot be visible from any public street or alley.
b. Must be at least one hundred fifty (150) feet from any
residential zoning district or be fully screened from
residential view by a masonry wall.
O. Multi-Tenant Building Identification Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Sign shall be a wall sign and shall identify only the building or
complex.
2. The maximum number of signs for each building shall be one
sign.
3. Sign shall be placed on the wall of the building with major street
frontage.
4. Maximum area of sign is six (6) inches per lineal foot of building
wall with a minimum of twenty-four (24) square feet and a
maximum of forty (40) square feet. Lineal footage of building is
determined as defined in subsection 6.08(A).
P. Neon Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Limited to interior window display only (may not be used on
exterior of building.
2. The total amount of neon signage for any one business shall be
six (6) square feet.
3. No more than two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for any
business.
Q. Open House Directional Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Open house directional signs shall be used only to direct traffic
to a residence for sale, lease or rent.
2. Maximum number of directional signs for each residence for sale,
lease or rent shall be five (5).
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3. Maximum area for each sign shall be six (6) square feet.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and
thirty-six (36) inches tall.
5. Signs shall not be illuminated.
6. Sign must contain a directional arrow.
7. Signs shall be placed at least one (1) foot behind the curb. If no
curb is present, signs shall be located at least three (3) feet from
the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. No sign
is allowed on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide
portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
8. No sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty (150) linear feet
of the Shea Boulevard public right-of-way.
9. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
10. Signs shall not be located within one hundred (100) linear feet of
any sign advertising the same location.
11. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be
approved by the Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
R. Political and ideological signs are permitted in commercial zoning
districts, subject to the size limitations of the applicable zoning district,
but shall not be counted against the total allowable sign area. I n
residential zoning districts, political and ideological signs may be
located in such areas within the following parameters:
1. Maximum aggregate size, per individual candidate or ballot
issue, shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet on any
residential lot or parcel.
2. Maximum length shall not exceed six (6) feet.
3. Maximum height shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) feet.
4. Except as otherwise permitted by State Law, no such sign or
portion of the sign may be located in or project into a public
right-of-way.
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Political signs shall be removed within fifteen (15) days after the
election or referendum for which the signs were posted. Candidates
successful in a primary election are permitted to leave their respective
political signs in place until ten (10) days after the general election, or
if necessary, until ten (10) days after a run-off election.
S. Projecting Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Must be included in the total aggregate square footage.
2. Shall only be permitted if signs are affixed to a building.
3. Shall not exceed three and one-half (3.5) feet in width or more
than six (6) feet in height.
4. Shall be located so that the bottom of the sign is not less than
eight (8) feet from the ground.
5. Shall require both a Town sign permit and, if encroaching over
an abutting Town right-of-way line, a revocable Town
encroachment permit or other Town Council–granted
authorizations in forms approved by the Town Engineer and the
Town Attorney.
T. Real Estate Signs are allowed as follows and are exempt from the total
aggregate signage:
1. Real estate signs may only advertise the sale, leasing or renting
of a building, dwelling, suite, property, or other forms of real
estate.
2. Real estate signs must be non-illuminated.
3. Maximum sign area of six (6) square feet.
4. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
5. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
6. No A-Frame signs allowed.
7. Signs may only be placed on property that is for sale, lease or
rent.
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8. Maximum number of signs allowed is one (1) per street frontage.
9. Signs must be removed when the purpose for which the sign was
erected is complete.
10. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be
approved by the Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
U. Special Event Signage is allowed as follows:
1. A sign placement plan detailing the size, location, and timing of
proposed signs to be used for a special event shall be presented
with the special event permit application.
2. These signs shall be placed only after a special event permit has
been issued by the Town and must be removed within twenty-
four (24) hours after the conclusion of the event.
3. The regulations in this chapter may be waived by the Town
Council for special event sign placement, size, and timing.
V. Under-Canopy Signs are allowed as a part of a comprehensive sign
plan and must meet the following requirements:
1. All under-canopy signs require written property owner and Town
approval prior to installation.
2. Each business may be allowed one double-faced non-illuminated
sign installed under an overhanging canopy or fascia
perpendicular to the front of the tenant’s front wall space.
3. Maximum sign width shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
4. Maximum sign height shall not exceed twelve (12) inches.
5. Minimum clearance shall be not less than eight (8) feet six (6)
inches from the bottom of the sign to the sidewalk or surface
beneath the sign.
6. In no case shall any object, banner, sign or other material be
attached to, or hung from the sign.
7. No under-canopy sign shall be mounted in a manner that will
impede pedestrian or vehicular visibility or create any hazard.
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8. The sign area for the first under-canopy sign shall be excluded
from the total aggregate area of a comprehensive sign plan.
Businesses with multiple public entrances may be allowed one
additional under-canopy sign, subject to property owner and
Town approval, but the sign area of the second under-canopy
sign will be counted as a part of the business’s total aggregate
sign area.
9. Under-canopy signs on property under unified ownership and
control shall be consistent in appearance.
W. Wall Signs count as a part of the total aggregate signage and are
allowed as follows:
1. One square foot per each lineal foot of building frontage.
Frontage is determined by the measurement of the portion of
the building facing the street not to exceed aggregate square
footage allowed. Corner buildings may include two street
frontages if the frontages are joined at an angle between forty-
five (45) and ninety (90) degrees. However, the total sign area
that is oriented toward a particular street may not exceed 125%
of the portion of the lot’s total sign area allocation that is derived
from the building frontage on that street. Building frontages
that contain angles of less than forty-five (45) degrees or
between ninety (90) and one hundred eighty (180) degrees shall
be considered to be one frontage.
2. Sign area must allow a minimum two (2) foot border from edge
of the building or suite frontage, or a minimum two (2) foot
separation between signs, whichever is less.
3. Each wall sign may project no more than twelve (12) inches
from the surface of the wall to which it is attached.
4. Reverse pan channel letter with halo illumination must not
exceed a one and three-quarter (1.75) inch separation from the
wall.
5. In the C-2, C-3, and TCCD zoning districts, a secondary entrance
wall sign is allowed in addition to total aggregate sign area if the
following criteria are met:
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a. Wall sign areas shall not exceed 25% of primary total
aggregate sign area.
b. Secondary entrance must not be visible from main public
entrance.
c. Secondary entrance must face a rear parking area,
common area or public use frontage.
X. Window Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Except for neon signs as permitted in paragraph 6.08(P) of this
Zoning Ordinance, window signs do not count as part of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. May not exceed 50% of window area.
3. Window signs shall be prepared by a professional sign company.
Y. Window decorations/painting with a holiday theme are allowed as
follows:
1. Holiday decorations may be displayed on a temporary basis for
civic, patriotic or religious holidays.
2. The combination of window decoration/painting coverage and
signage must not exceed 75% of window area.
3. Window decoration shall not contain any form of advertising
copy, including but not limited to, name of business, logo or sale
language.
4. Sign permit is not required.
Z. Comprehensive Sign Plans shall meet all sign criteria of the Town. The
following elements are required for approval:
1. Name, address and phone number of property owner or
designee.
2. Written text clearly outlining the sign plan to include all suites,
offices or other leased/leasable space.
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3. Name and address of property for which the comprehensive sign
plan is designated.
4. Design criteria allowed for signage (i.e. colors, installation
method, materials, type of signage, etc.). If it is the intention of
the property owner to allow Nationally Recognized Registered
Logos, this must be specified in the plan.
5. Site plan showing all lot dimensions, suites, offices or other
leased/leasable space and proposed/existing signage placement
(drawn to scale).
6. Elevations showing proposed sign envelopes.
7. Lineal footage of building(s) as outlined in subsection 6.08(A).
8. Allocation chart showing allowable square footage for each suite,
office or space number.
9. Comprehensive sign plan amendments must be made in writing
and submitted, reviewed and approved by the Zoning
Administrator or authorized designee.
10. Comprehensive sign plan approval/denial may be appealed to
the Town Council.
AA. Street Addresses:
1. Every building or group of buildings within any commercially or
industrially zoned area must be identified by a street number
that is clearly visible from the adjacent street. This sign shall
not be computed as part of the total sign area permitted for any
site or business.
2. The street number (or number range) of the businesses or
business complex identified on a monument sign shall be
displayed at the top of the text area of the monument sign and
shall not be computed as part of the aggregate sign area.
BB. Sign Walkers, in commercially zoned districts only, subject to the
following time, place and manner limitations:
1. Permitted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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2. If located within the right-of-way, a sign walker shall be
positioned behind the curb or, if no curb is present, ten (10) feet
behind the edge of pavement.
3. Sign shall not be positioned so as to obstruct vehicle sight lines
and road “clear zones” established by the Town Engineer in
accordance with traffic engineering standards.
4. Sign walkers shall not obstruct the free movement of pedestrians
on sidewalks.
5. Sign walkers are not allowed in the medians of public or private
streets.
6. The sign worn, held or balanced by a sign walker shall be a
maximum of five (5) square feet in size and may be double
sided.