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Ordinances, Regulations and Codes
Ensuring Orderly & Quality Development
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has adopted several ordinances, regulations, and construction codes relating to property and its use to ensure orderly development and quality of life in Maricopa County for all residents.
Abatement Ordinance (P-11)
The purpose of the Abatement Ordinance (PDF) is to provide for the remedy of situations existing on real property which have been determined to have detrimental effects on the public health, safety, and/or general welfare. It provides for the removal of the following:
- Debris
- Dilapidated Buildings
- Filth
- Rubbish
- Trash
- Weeds
Dark Sky Ordinance
The Maricopa County Dark Sky Ordinance includes provisions designed to control the use of outdoor artificial illuminating devices emitting rays into the night sky which have a detrimental effect on astronomical observations. It is the intention of this Ordinance to encourage good lighting practices such that lighting systems are designed to conserve energy and money, while increasing nighttime safety, utility, security and productivity.
The Maricopa County Dark Sky Ordinance has been incorporated into Section 1112 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance (PDF).
Hours of Construction Ordinance (P-22)
Maricopa County has adopted an Hours of Construction Ordinance (PDF), which regulates the hours of construction and related activities. This ordinance is designed to ensure construction activity doesn't harm the enjoyment and use of nearby property.
Military Airport Zoning Ordinance (P-16)
The purpose of the Military Airport Zoning Ordinance (PDF) is to promote the public health and safety in the vicinity of military airports by minimizing exposure to crash hazards and high noise levels generated by military airport operations and to encourage future development which is compatible with the continued operation of military airports.
View the Board of Adjustment page and the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) for related information.
Noise Ordinance (P-23)
At and above certain levels, noise is detrimental to the health and welfare of Maricopa County citizens. Therefore, Maricopa County has determined that it is in the best interest of its citizens to control noise in a manner which promotes commerce; the use, value, and enjoyment of property; sleep and repose; and environmental quality. Therefore, it is hereby declared to be the policy of Maricopa County to prohibit excessive, unnecessary, disruptive, and annoying noises from all sources.
The Sheriff's Department is responsible for enforcement of the Maricopa County Noise Ordinance (PDF). Either contact the Sheriff's Office at 602-876-1000 or contact the substation in your area for enforcement.
Zoning Ordinance (P-18)
The Zoning Ordinance (PDF) is designed to promote the public health, peace, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare of the residents of Maricopa County; to guide, control and regulate the future growth and development in order to promote orderly and appropriate use of land in the entire unincorporated area of said county; and to protect the character and the stability of residential, business and industrial areas of Maricopa County.
Addressing Regulations
The purpose of the Addressing Regulations (PDF) Opens a New Window. is to provide a uniform means of identifying developed property and its improvements for the provision of emergency services, government record keeping, and postal delivery. Primary consideration to the needs of emergency services providers shall always be given by the Address Official when assigning or changing any address.
Drainage Regulations
The Drainage Regulations apply to all development of land conditions that may affect drainage systems and patterns. Drainage Regulations have been incorporated into Chapter 12 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinancea New Window. ; for more information, please visit Drainage Review and Administration.
Subdivision Regulations
One of the primary purposes of the Subdivision Regulations (PDF) Opens a New Window. is to provide for the orderly growth and harmonious development of the County, while including such items as traffic circulation, individual property use, water access, and other considerations in the development planning process.
A subdivision is defined by ARS §32-2101 Opens a New Window. as improved or un-improved land or lands divided or proposed to be divided for the purpose of sale or lease, whether immediate or future, into 6 or more lots, parcels or fractional interests. Any subdivision within the unincorporated area of Maricopa County must be approved by the Board of Supervisors prior to being recorded. Approval of subdivisionsa New ` Opens a New Window. occurs occurs in 2 stages: Preliminary Plat and Final Plat.
Construction Codes
As the various codes are owned and copyrighted by the International Code Council or National Fire Protection Association, the Planning and Development Department is unable to provide the codes on the website for customers. Customers seeking this information can visit their local library or purchase a copy in most bookstores or online.
Code Amendments
On 17 August 2022, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the following building codes with AZBO/MAG amendments:
Standard Plans based on the 2012 I-Codes and 2011 NEC will expire on 30 December 2022
- 2018 International Building Code
- 2018 International Residential Code
- 2018 International Plumbing Code
- 2018 International Mechanical Code
- 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 International Green Construction Code (Optional)
- 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (Optional)
- 2018 International Existing Building Code
- 2017 National Electric Code
Local Amendments
The purpose of this document is to provide all the Local Additions and Addenda (2022 Version) (PDF) to the adopted national building codes in one location.