"Don't get fined. Don't post signs.
By Arnold Kohl, Abatement Detective

You’ve seen the signs…Signs attached to stop signs and utility poles; signs on boxes set beside the street. Signs that advertise yard sales; Earn money with your computer; Lose weight in thirty days; Lost dogs, found cats and anything you can image. We see these types of signs everywhere.
The City of Phoenix and most valley cities have ordinances that deal with signs. In the City of Phoenix signs may not be placed anywhere in the city right of way. This means no signs may be posted on utility poles, on traffic signs or signal poles. It also means no signs may be placed in the street, on curbs or medians or on unimproved shoulders of streets up to private property and generally 2 ½ feet beyond sidewalks. Also consider that if where the sign is being placed is not city right of way, then it is private property and permission must be obtained from the property owner to erect the sign. Violations of the sign ordinances are punishable by fines ranging from $250 to $2500 PER VIOLATION.
HOW CAN PRIVATE CITIZENS ADVERTISE IN THEIR NEIGHBORHHODS?
One of the best and safest ways to spread the news about your yard sale lost or found animals, or other message, is to advertise in the local newspaper or community publication. You may also be able to advertise on grocery store bulletin boards, or on the Internet.
For more information about illegal signs or to report a violation, call (602) 534-1700, or you may send an e-mail to: mailbox.illegal.sign.in.right-of-way@phoenix.gov   "