Maricopa County, AZ Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer distance
- 1,500 feet from schools, parks, churches
- Measurement method
- Straight line, closest wall to parcel line
- Existing facilities
- Grandfathered against later encroachment
- Zoning approval
- Planned Overlay District use only
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Maricopa County only
Summary
Medical marijuana dispensaries and marijuana establishments in unincorporated Maricopa County must sit at least 1,500 feet from any church, school, day care, park, playground, or adult-oriented facility.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and/or Marijuana Establishments shall not be located within 1,500 feet of: A. A church; or B. A public or private elementary or secondary school; or C. A public or private day care center, preschool, nursery, kindergarten, or similar use; or D. A public park or playground; or E. An adult oriented facility.
Full Breakdown
The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance permits Medical Marijuana Dispensary Facilities and Marijuana Establishments only as a Planned Overlay District use, and only if the site sits at least 1,500 feet from any other dispensary or establishment and at least 1,500 feet from a church, public or private school, day care or preschool, public park or playground, or adult-oriented facility. Distances are measured in a straight line from the closest exterior wall of the facility to the closest boundary of the affected parcel, ignoring intervening structures or political boundaries. A dispensary already operating lawfully is not put in violation if one of those uses later moves within 1,500 feet.
Violations & Fines
Operating a dispensary or marijuana establishment inside the 1,500-foot buffer voids its zoning approval; the county can deny or revoke the use permit and pursue zoning enforcement action against the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this 1,500-foot buffer apply inside Phoenix or Scottsdale?
What uses count toward the 1,500-foot measurement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa County
Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona cannabis regulations overview
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