Maricopa County, AZ Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer between dispensaries
- 1,500 feet
- Buffer from schools, churches, parks
- 1,500 feet
- Establishment type allowed
- Type A only
- Applies in
- Unincorporated Maricopa County
Summary
Unincorporated Maricopa County requires medical marijuana dispensaries and marijuana establishments to sit at least 1,500 feet from each other, churches, schools, day cares, parks and adult businesses.
1. Medical Marijuana Dispensaries and/or Marijuana Establishments shall not be located within 1,500 feet of any other Medical Marijuana Dispensary and/or Marijuana Establishments. 2. 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 where they clear a 1,500-foot separation from any other dispensary or establishment, and from churches, public or private elementary/secondary schools, day care centers, preschools, nurseries, kindergartens, public parks or playgrounds, and adult oriented facilities. Distances are measured in a straight line from the closest exterior wall of the building to the closest boundary of the affected parcel, ignoring intervening structures or political boundaries. A lawfully operating facility isn't put in violation if one of those protected uses moves in nearby afterward. Facilities are limited to Type A marijuana establishments and must also follow all Arizona Department of Health Services rules.
Violations & Fines
Operating outside a compliant zoning location without the required separation is a zoning violation subject to county enforcement, cease-and-desist action, and denial or revocation of the zoning clearance needed to operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dispensary open near a school in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Does a new nearby school force an existing dispensary to close?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maricopa County
Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona cannabis regulations overview
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