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