How to choose between a pylon sign, a monument sign, and a storefront sign?

Visibility that really drives traffic

If you manage a shopping center, gas station, or dealership in the Valley, pylon signs are the way to achieve maximum vehicular visibility. At Mas Color Signs, we design, manufacture, and install high-traffic signage, integrating engineering, local regulations, and branding so your business is instantly legible—day and night—and passes permitting without a hitch.

Types of signs and when each one is best suited

Pylon sign

A pylon is a freestanding sign mounted on one or two posts, designed for visibility at a distance and at high speeds. It’s the typical choice for highways, multi-lane areas, and roads where you need to advertise in advance. It also allows for the integration of multi-tenant panels in shopping centers. The International Sign Association identifies these as freestanding, high-rise signs for long-distance traffic capture.

Monument sign

A monument sign is a ground-level or eye-level sign integrated into an architectural base. It offers a premium aesthetic and is often required by center regulations or local ordinances in areas with height restrictions. Ideal for entrances to plazas, clinics, or corporate parks, providing presence without overwhelming the landscape.

Storefront sign

Storefront signs guide drivers or pedestrians at the point of decision and reinforce brand identity. They’re essential on facades facing roads or parking lots and work best when paired with a pylon or monument sign for consistent branding.

Multi-tenant signage: order that sells

In multi-tenant plazas, establish hierarchy: center logo, main anchors, and secondary brands. Use the USSC LI to define minimum heights and avoid thin, low-contrast typefaces that reduce legibility.

Legibility and distance: how to keep your customer at 55 mph?

Use the USSC Legibility Index (LI), which relates reading distance to letter height. Example: at LI=30, a message readable at 600 ft requires ~20″ letters (600 ÷ 30). Adjust based on contrast, typography, and lighting.

Quick tip for a design brief

Define MRLD (minimum reading distance), speed, and approach angles to determine letter height, number of tenants, and whether a pylon or monument sign is required.

Site survey and “sight distance triangle”

Before designing, verify site measurements, utilities, and the sight distance triangle to avoid encroachment. This is often part of permit requirements and prevents redesign delays.

Phoenix Regulations: What You Need to Consider Before Manufacturing

Phoenix regulates sign number, size, height, and placement under Zoning Ordinance Section 705. Planning & Development outlines submittals and inspection requirements, including plans, frontage, existing structures, and sight distance triangles. Complete plans accelerate approval. Mas Color Signs manages the full process.

Key points that impact the permit application

• Type and height: pylon vs. monument, maximum height by zone.
• Location: setback requirements and corner visibility.
• Structure: posts, foundation, engineering calculations, reuse of structures.
• Electrical/lighting: labeled components required for inspection.

Which type of sign is best suited for your location?

• Highways & major arteries: Pylon sign with main cabinet and tenant listings.
• Areas with aesthetic/residential guidelines: Architectural monument with controlled impact.
• Strip centers: Storefront sign + center monument/pylon.
• Gas stations & dealerships: Pylon for distance + storefront for bays/showrooms.
• Clinics & corporate parks: Monument for presence and wayfinding.

High-traffic lighting and brand consistency

• LED panels and letters maintain contrast and reduce maintenance.
• Use high-contrast typography and avoid overcrowding multi-tenant panels.
• EMCs for real-time info; check local restrictions.

How does Mas Color Signs support you (360° process)?

1. Advice on choosing between pylon, monument, or storefront signage.
2. Design with day/night renderings and letter height calculations.
3. Permit management in Phoenix and Valley cities, sealed plans included.
4. Fabrication with durable materials and LED systems.
5. Installation via crane, foundation work, testing, and maintenance.

Final recommendations by context

• Fast decisions at high speed: Tall pylon, double-sided, short messages.
• Aesthetic restrictions: Architectural monument with soft lighting.
• Complex entrances: Higher-priority monument + internal wayfinding.
• Large lots (single tenant): Pylon + strong storefront signage.

Contact the experts at Mas Color Signs

Do you want maximum visibility without any permit hassles? Schedule a consultation with Mas Color Signs. We help you choose between a pylon, monument, or storefront sign; calculate letter heights based on technical criteria; and manage design, permits, and installation from start to finish. Request a quote or call 623-297-3457 to get started.

FAQs

What is the key difference between a pylon and a monument?

Height and purpose: the pylon is for long-distance reading at high speeds; the monument prioritizes aesthetics and ground-level presence.

Does a storefront sign replace a pylon/monument sign?

No. Storefront signs work at the point of decision; pylon/monument signs attract attention from the road. The ideal solution is a coordinated mix.

What do I need for the permit in Phoenix?

Plans with dimensions, location, structure/foundation, electrical specs, and sight distance triangle when required. A complete submittal speeds up approval.