Project Narrative

City of Mesa — Board of Adjustment Public Hearing (2026-09-02)

View PDF Meeting page

Extracted text (via pymupdf) 8281 characters
Fairfield by Marriott - Mesa, Arizona | Comprehensive Sign Plan Narrative
Page 1
Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) Narrative
Fairfield by Marriott - Mesa, Arizona
Project Address: 1544 S. 105th Place, Mesa, Arizona 85209
Prepared by USI - Universal Sign Installation, LLC
This request is submitted on behalf of the Fairfield by Marriott development located at 1544 S. 105th Place in Mesa,
Arizona, for approval of a Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) to allow four (4) building-mounted wall signs, one (1)
illuminated monument sign, and aggregate sign area exceeding the standard 160 square foot limitation established
by Mesa City Code.
The proposed signage program is intended to provide appropriate site identification and visibility for the hotel from
multiple street frontages and approach directions. Due to the scale and architectural configuration of the multi-story
hotel building, signage on multiple elevations is necessary to provide clear wayfinding and branding visibility for
guests approaching the property from different directions within the surrounding commercial and roadway network.
The proposed wall signs are integrated into the building architecture and are designed with consistent materials,
colors, scale, and illumination that complement the overall aesthetic of the development. The signage has been
carefully located to align with architectural features and maintain a cohesive visual appearance across all
elevations.
The monument sign is similarly designed to complement the building architecture while providing safe and effective
identification at the vehicular entry point. The requested increase in aggregate sign area is proportional to the
overall size and scale of the hotel building and is necessary to maintain adequate visibility for motorists and visitors.
The CSP will allow a coordinated and unified signage program that enhances site identification while maintaining
compatibility with surrounding commercial development. The proposed signage package will not adversely impact
adjacent properties and will provide an attractive, professionally designed signage system consistent with the
quality and character of the development.

Fairfield by Marriott - Mesa, Arizona | Comprehensive Sign Plan Narrative
Page 2
Proposed Signage Summary / Requested Deviations
The following matrix summarizes what is proposed under the CSP compared to what is allowed under the standard
sign regulations.
Sign Standard
Mesa Code Allows
Proposed CSP
Deviation Requested
Maximum Number of
Wall Signs
3 wall signs
4 wall signs
Approval of one (1) additional
building-mounted wall sign.
Aggregate Wall Sign
Area
160.0 SF aggregate wall
sign area
344.4 SF aggregate wall
sign area
Increase aggregate wall sign area from
160.0 SF to 344.4 SF. Total additional
area requested: +184.4 SF.
Illuminated Monument
Sign
One code-compliant
monument sign
One illuminated monument
sign as shown on submitted
sign plans
No deviation requested, provided the
monument sign complies with applicable
code standards.
Summary of Requested Deviations
Maximum wall signs allowed
3
Maximum wall signs proposed
4
Additional wall signs requested
+1
Code allowed aggregate wall sign area
160.0 SF
Proposed aggregate wall sign area
344.4 SF
Additional wall sign area requested
+184.4 SF

COMPATIBILITY AND JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT 
SPECIAL USE PERMIT – COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN 
Fairfield by Marriott 
1544 S. 105th Place 
Mesa, Arizona 
This statement is submitted in support of the applicant's request for approval of a Special 
Use Permit and Comprehensive Sign Plan pursuant to Sections 11-70-5 and 11-46-3 of the 
Mesa Zoning Ordinance. 
SPECIAL USE PERMIT FINDINGS 
1. Consistency with the General Plan 
The proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan advances the goals and objectives of the Mesa 
2050 General Plan by supporting a high-quality hospitality development within a 
designated Regional Center. The proposed signage enhances visitor orientation, promotes 
economic activity, and supports the continued growth of the area as a regional destination. 
The request is consistent with the General Plan and contributes to the quality and 
functionality of the development. 
2. Consistency with the Zoning District 
The proposed signage is consistent with the purpose and intent of the Limited Commercial 
zoning district and associated Planned Area Development overlays. Hotel uses require 
clear and effective identification due to the transient nature of their customer base and the 
need for wayfinding from multiple directions. The proposed sign package is compatible 
with the scale of the development and has been designed to complement the architecture 
of the building. 
3. Compatibility with Surrounding Properties 
The proposed signage will not be injurious or detrimental to surrounding properties, the 
neighborhood, or the general welfare of the City. The development is located within a 
commercial environment where hospitality, retail, and service uses are anticipated. The 
signs are architecturally integrated into the building design and provide an attractive and 
coordinated appearance without creating visual clutter or adverse impacts. 
4. Availability of Public Services and Infrastructure

The proposed request does not increase demand upon public infrastructure, utilities, 
transportation systems, or municipal services. Existing public facilities are adequate to 
serve the development and the proposed signage. 
COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN FINDINGS 
The proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan satisfies the intent of Section 11-46-3 of the Mesa 
Zoning Ordinance based upon the following findings: 
Unique Site and Visibility Conditions 
The subject property occupies a prominent corner location within a regional commercial 
corridor and contains multiple public-facing building elevations. Guests approach the 
property from several directions and rely upon visible building identification to locate the 
hotel. Limiting signage to a single primary elevation would reduce visibility and negatively 
impact guest wayfinding. The proposed sign locations are distributed throughout the site to 
provide visibility from multiple approaches while maintaining a balanced architectural 
appearance. 
Unique Characteristics of the Development 
The Fairfield by Marriott is a nationally recognized hospitality brand operating within a 
multi-story hotel development. Unlike traditional retail or office uses, hotel guests are 
frequently first-time visitors who depend on building identification and directional 
awareness. The operational characteristics of a hotel create a greater need for visibility 
than many conventional commercial developments. 
Architectural Integration and Design Quality 
The proposed signage consists of professionally designed illuminated channel letters that 
are integrated into the architectural features of the building. The materials, illumination, 
scale, and placement have been carefully coordinated with the building elevations to 
reinforce the architectural character of the development. The sign program functions as an 
extension of the building design rather than as standalone advertising. 
Justification for Requested Sign Area 
The proposed wall sign area totals approximately 344.4 square feet. While this exceeds the 
standard allowance, the signage area is distributed across four separate elevations of a 
large multi-story building rather than concentrated in a single location. The requested sign 
area is proportional to the overall size and massing of the hotel and is necessary to provide 
effective visibility for guests approaching from multiple directions. The proposed sign

package creates a balanced and cohesive architectural presentation while supporting 
guest wayfinding and hotel operations. 
Conclusion 
The proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan is consistent with the Mesa General Plan, 
compatible with surrounding commercial development, and appropriate for the unique 
operational and architectural characteristics of the Fairfield by Marriott hotel. The 
requested deviations are justified by the size of the building, the multi-directional visibility 
needs of the site, and the hospitality nature of the use. Approval of the Special Use Permit 
and Comprehensive Sign Plan is therefore respectfully requested.