Common violations in unincorporated Maricopa County include structures built without permits, zoning violations (illegal businesses in residential areas), junk and debris accumulation, inoperable vehicles, illegal signs, and non-compliant fencing. Unpermitted structures are a frequent issue in rural unincorporated areas.
The Maricopa County Code Compliance Division regularly investigates violations including: structures erected without building permits (sheds, carports, room additions, casitas), operating businesses in residential zones without proper zoning approval, accumulation of junk, debris, and trash on residential properties, storing inoperable or unregistered vehicles, illegal or oversized signs, fencing violations (wrong height, wrong location, missing pool barriers), unpermitted grading or land clearing, and housing animals in violation of zoning (livestock in residential zones). In the desert unincorporated areas, common issues also include illegal dumping, unpermitted septic systems, and structures in flood hazard areas. The county witholds issuance of building permits on parcels with existing violations, providing strong incentive for compliance.
Penalties vary. The county may deny permits on parcels with violations, issue stop-work orders, and refer persistent violators to the County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Gilbert's common violations rules stack up against other locations.
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