Holiday Light Rules: Glendale vs Tempe
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Glendale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Glendale and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, AZ
Maricopa County
Glendale does not impose a dedicated ordinance on residential holiday lighting timing or brightness. The Glendale Sign Code (Section 7.100) and Outdoor Light Controls (Chapter 26.5) apply where relevant, with Chapter 26.5 focused on dark-sky standards for permanent fixtures rather than seasonal lights. Permanent exterior wiring requires an electrical permit. Many Glendale subdivisions enforce display dates through HOA CCRs.
View full Glendale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Installation timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs where applicable - Tempe's HOA layer is lighter than Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler. Tempe outdoor lighting standards in the Zoning and Development Code exempt seasonal holiday decorations. Arizona HB 2371 (2014) protects reasonable religious symbol displays on doorways during religious holidays.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Light Ordinance | None for seasonal displays | - |
| Sign Code Reference | Glendale Code Sec. 7.100 | - |
| Outdoor Lighting | Chapter 26.5 (permanent fixtures) | - |
| Electrical Code | 2023 NEC as adopted | - |
| Permanent Wiring | Electrical permit required | - |
| HOA Rules | Common (CCR enforcement) | - |
| Tempe Ordinance | - | None on holiday lights |
| Outdoor Lighting Code | - | Exempts seasonal lights |
| HOA Layer | - | Light - many older non-HOA neighborhoods |
| Religious Doorway | - | Protected by HB 2371 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
Are there time limits on Glendale holiday lights?
Not under city ordinance. Glendale does not limit when residential holiday lights may be displayed. Many Glendale subdivisions are governed by HOAs that set display windows from Thanksgiving through mid-January through recorded CCRs - check your subdivision's design guidelines.
Do I need a permit for holiday lights in Glendale?
Plug-in seasonal light strings need no permit. Permanent exterior wiring (hardwired soffit channels, always-on landscape lighting) requires an electrical permit through Glendale Building Safety and installation per the 2023 NEC as adopted. Permanent fixtures must also comply with Chapter 26.5 outdoor light controls (shielding, lumen limits).
Tempe FAQ
When can I put up holiday lights in Tempe?
There is no city rule. Tempe has no ordinance restricting when residential holiday lights are installed or removed. Many Tempe neighborhoods have no HOA at all. Where an HOA applies (The Lakes, Warner Ranch, Circle G Ranches), CC&Rs typically restrict installation to Thanksgiving through January 15 to 31.
Can my Tempe HOA require me to take down Christmas lights by a specific date?
Yes through reasonable CC&R provisions. Most Tempe HOAs require removal by January 15 to 31. Religious display protections under HB 2371 (ARS 33-1808) limit some restrictions for doorway religious symbols but do not prevent reasonable removal deadlines for general holiday decorations.
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