| ITEM #: 1. DATE: 07/07/2025 AI #:2608 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | BILLBOARDS (OFF-PREMISE ADVERTISING) |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Katie Wilken, Development Services Director & Christian M. Williams, Planning Manager |
Summary
Council to receive a report on current city regulations concerning billboards and a discussion on potential modifications to existing city ordinances related to billboards. (Katie Wilken, Development Services Director & Christian M. Williams, Planning Manager)
FISCAL IMPACT
This item is for discussion purposes only; there is no fiscal impact as no action is being requested.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
The city of Goodyear Zoning Ordinance regulates the development of all land within the city. Regulations set forth in the Zoning Ordinance may be amended when deemed necessary to best serve the public interest, health, comfort, convenience, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city. The current Zoning Ordinance was originally adopted by Council in May 1999 and has been the subject of a number of amendments since that time.
Pursuant to Article 7-11 (Prohibited Signs) of the Zoning Ordinance, billboards are among the listed sign types which are prohibited within the city.
Pursuant to Article 7-1 (Definitions) of the Zoning Ordinance, a billboard is defined as a “permanent sign or structure containing a commercial or noncommercial message, which directs attention to something offered or existing elsewhere than upon the property where the sign is located.”
No billboards exist within the city today.
Pursuant to Article 7-11 (Prohibited Signs) of the Zoning Ordinance, billboards are among the listed sign types which are prohibited within the city.
Pursuant to Article 7-1 (Definitions) of the Zoning Ordinance, a billboard is defined as a “permanent sign or structure containing a commercial or noncommercial message, which directs attention to something offered or existing elsewhere than upon the property where the sign is located.”
No billboards exist within the city today.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Current Policy:
- Offsite advertising is prohibited, including billboards.
- The city of Goodyear has only permitted “cigital marquees” on city-owned property through an agreement with Clear Channel, resulting in the installation and operation of two digital marquees along Interstate-10.
- Those two digital marquees are located:
- Just west of Dysart Road near the Goodyear Park-and-Ride; and
- Near the Bullard Wash
- These digital marquees are different from traditional digital billboards as they serve a community purpose and the revenue generated from the marquees funds necessary city services.
- Those two digital marquees are located:
- Freeway pylon signs may have a digital component for on-site advertising if approved by Council
- Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, Scottsdale and Tempe currently do not allow new digital billboards or billboards of any kind;
- There are some grandfathered billboards in Peoria and Chandler.
- Tempe has allowed certain grandfathered billboards to be relocated to the Tempe Marketplace shopping center as a means to remove them from neighborhoods.
- Surprise allows digital billboards on a very limited stretch of the Loop 303, in a location adjacent to large powerlines and an earthen dam.
- Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Phoenix and Tolleson permit digital billboards.
- Buckeye allows up to 8 digital or static billboards along Interstate-10 and Arizona State Route 85.
Staff does not recommend modifying the Zoning Ordinance to permit billboards (off-premise advertising). Staff recommends the city maintain the current prohibition on billboards. The existing digital signage permitted with freeway pylons or on signage panels provides Goodyear businesses with additional opportunities to advertise on-premise activities along freeeways and arterial roadways.
If Council would like to consider modifications to the existing prohibition on billboards (off-premise advertising) in the city, staff would conduct additional research and return to Council with potential Zoning Ordinance changes.
If Council would like to consider modifications to the existing prohibition on billboards (off-premise advertising) in the city, staff would conduct additional research and return to Council with potential Zoning Ordinance changes.