Maricopa County zoning ordinance regulates adult-oriented businesses through location buffers and special-use permits in unincorporated areas. Cities like Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale set their own licensing layers under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-811 county zoning authority.
In unincorporated Maricopa County, sexually oriented businesses are restricted to specific industrial zones and must maintain 1,320-foot separation from churches, schools, parks, and residences under the County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 13. State law ARS 11-811 grants counties zoning power, while ARS Title 11 Chapter 6 Article 5 defines adult-business buffer rules. Operators need a Maricopa County zoning clearance, sheriff background check, and city license if inside an incorporated area. Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Tempe each impose stricter local licensing on top. Workers must hold individual permits in most cities. Hours, signage, and on-site alcohol limits also apply.
Operating without zoning clearance or violating buffer rules is a Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS 13-707, punishable by up to six months jail and $2,500 fine. Maricopa County may also abate as a public nuisance.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Tempe's adult entertainment rules stack up against other locations.
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