Law List is a recurring column documenting unique laws from destinations from around the world, or as we like to say, the weird rules you need to know before you go.
The McDonald’s golden arches are almost as iconic as the burger chain itself, but did you know that there is one McDonald’s sign in the world that isn’t yellow? That’s right, Sedona, Arizona is the only place on Earth that you can see the McDonald’s arches in…AQUA.
No, this was not a decision from corporate, it is actually part of a real-life law in the popular Southwest tourist destination. In order to not distract from the area’s natural beauty—particular its red rock mountains—the city of Sedona has an ordinance in place that prohibits structures (and signs) that intrude on views of the surrounding landscape.
When the town’s McDonald’s was built in 1993, officials believed its sign would do just that and ordered the franchise to consider an alternate color. The result was a greenish, blue hue that offered up a different feel for the fast food giant, a solution for local government, and an oddity that continues to draw visitors every year.
We don’t think it’s a half-bad look for the legendary burger slingers, but so far there have been no plans for alternate color schemes of new restaurants moving forward. Dang.
