Putting out open-house signs in McCormick Ranch can feel simple until a misplaced arrow ends up pulled, fined, or ignored. You want strong traffic, zero headaches, and full compliance with local rules. In this quick guide, you’ll learn exactly how MRPOA rules, City of Scottsdale code, and Arizona law work together, plus a simple checklist to keep you on track. Let’s dive in.
How the rules work together
Three layers apply in McCormick Ranch: the McCormick Ranch Property Owners’ Association (MRPOA), the City of Scottsdale, and Arizona state law. You must follow all three at the same time. MRPOA sets community rules inside the Ranch, the city controls what can go near streets and on private lots, and state law limits how HOAs can regulate real estate signs.
Start with the community’s baseline rules in the MRPOA signage policy. Then confirm the City of Scottsdale’s real estate sign standards. When in doubt, Arizona law protects your right to use industry-standard for-sale and open-house signs on your property, with limited HOA restrictions, under A.R.S. §33‑1808.
MRPOA rules you must know
- Open-house hours: allowed only between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Sign locations: no signs on Association common areas, including greenbelts and paths. Unauthorized signs may be removed.
- Property signs: commercially produced for-sale, for-lease, and open-house signs are permitted on an owner’s lot when they follow MRPOA rules.
You can review the full policy in the MRPOA community rules.
Scottsdale city sign rules
For off-premise open-house directional signs, Scottsdale allows:
- Up to six directional signs within a half-mile radius of the property.
- Each sign up to 6 square feet in area and 3 feet in height.
- Signs must include a directional arrow. City materials reference a clear arrow size of about 12 inches by 6 inches.
- No lights, balloons, attachments, or animation.
- Placement only on private property with the owner’s permission. Do not place signs in rights-of-way, medians, sidewalks, or attach them to poles or public structures.
City guidance often lists display hours for temporary residential signs as 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For homes inside McCormick Ranch, follow the HOA’s 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. window for your open-house activity. See Scottsdale’s rules here: Temporary real estate signs.
Arizona state law basics
Arizona law protects homeowners’ ability to use commercially produced, industry-standard for-sale and open-house signs on their property. HOAs cannot require a specific sign design and cannot charge a fee for standard signs. HOAs may limit open-house hours to 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and may prohibit signs on common areas. Recent amendments took effect in 2024 and clarified these rights. Read the statute at A.R.S. §33‑1808.
Step-by-step compliance checklist
Before you advertise
- Confirm the home is in McCormick Ranch and read the MRPOA rules. Note the 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. open-house window and no signs on common areas.
- Review Scottsdale’s real estate sign guidelines for sizes, locations, and the half-mile radius limit.
- Map a half-mile radius for your directionals and secure written permission from each private lot owner where you will place a sign.
- Use commercially produced, industry-standard signs for the property. Common for-sale sizes are 18 by 24 inches with an optional 6 by 24 rider under Arizona law.
While placing signs
- Keep each directional sign to a maximum of 6 square feet and 3 feet high.
- Include a clear directional arrow and avoid any attachments like balloons or flags.
- Never place signs in medians, sidewalks, or rights-of-way. Avoid safety triangles near intersections.
After your open house
- Remove all off-premise directional signs the same day.
- Take quick photos of placed signs and note removal times in case of questions from MRPOA or the city.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Placing signs on MRPOA greenbelts, paths, or other common areas.
- Skipping permission for private lots used for directional signs.
- Leaving directional signs out overnight.
- Using balloons, spinners, or reflective attachments on signs.
- Blocking sidewalks, bike paths, or driver sightlines at corners.
- Exceeding six directionals or the half-mile radius.
Enforcement and who to contact
- MRPOA can remove unauthorized signs from common areas. First-time offenders may retrieve signs at the association office. Repeat violations risk disposal.
- The City of Scottsdale can remove illegal signs in the right-of-way and issue citations.
- Scottsdale contacts: Code Enforcement hotline (480) 312‑2546 and Planning Department (480) 312‑7000. City contacts are listed on the campaign and temporary signs page.
Final take
If you follow MRPOA’s 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. schedule, keep signs off common areas, and use Scottsdale’s half-mile, size, and placement rules, you will attract buyers without risking removal or fines. If you want help planning an open house that maximizes traffic and stays fully compliant, reach out to Celina Acosta for local guidance, expert staging, and proven marketing. Hablamos español.
FAQs
What are the open-house hours inside McCormick Ranch?
- MRPOA allows open houses and on-site signs only from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., which aligns with Arizona statute.
How many off-premise directional signs can I use in Scottsdale?
- You can use up to six directional signs within a half-mile of the property, each no larger than 6 square feet and 3 feet high, placed only on private lots with permission.
Can I put signs in greenbelts, medians, or on sidewalks in McCormick Ranch?
- No, MRPOA prohibits signs on common areas and Scottsdale prohibits signs in rights-of-way, medians, and sidewalks.
Do HOAs control the design of my for-sale or open-house signs?
- Under Arizona law, HOAs cannot require a specific sign design for industry-standard, commercially produced for-sale or open-house signs on your property.
What happens if my sign is removed in Scottsdale or McCormick Ranch?
- The city can remove and dispose of illegal signs in the right-of-way, and MRPOA may remove signs from common areas; first-time HOA removals may be retrieved, while repeat violations risk disposal.
