Local Firearms Preemption: Mesa vs Phoenix
How do local firearms preemption rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Mesa and Phoenix have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-3108 preempts municipal regulation of firearm transport, possession, carry, sale, purchase, storage, licensing, registration, discharge, and use. Any local rule more prohibitive than state law is void.
View full Mesa rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-3108 preempts municipal regulation of the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, storage, licensing, registration, discharge, or use of firearms or ammunition. Any local ordinance more prohibitive than state law is void.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Preemption Statute | A.R.S. Sec. 13-3108 | A.R.S. Sec. 13-3108 |
| Statewide Carry | Permitless open & concealed carry (21+) | Permitless open & concealed carry (21+) |
| What Mesa May Regulate | Sales tax, minors <14, park discharge, employee conduct | - |
| What's Preempted | Transport, possession, carry, sale, transfer, purchase, storage, licensing, registration, discharge, use | Transport, possession, carry, sale, transfer, purchase, storage, licensing, registration, discharge, use |
| Civil Penalty | Up to $50,000 per knowing violation + fees | Up to $50,000 per knowing violation + fees |
| What Phoenix May Regulate | - | Sales tax, minors <14, park discharge, employee conduct |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can Mesa ban handguns or assault weapons?
No. A.R.S. Sec. 13-3108 preempts the entire field and voids any local ordinance more prohibitive than state law. Mesa cannot ban any firearm type that state and federal law allow.
What firearm rules apply in Mesa?
Arizona state law. Adults 21+ may carry openly or concealed without a permit (A.R.S. Sec. 13-3112). Federal background-check rules apply at licensed dealers.
Are there any local firearm restrictions in Mesa?
Only narrow ones state law allows: minors-under-14 limits, park-discharge rules with safety carve-outs, generally applicable zoning for firearm dealers, and conduct rules for city employees.
Phoenix FAQ
Can Phoenix ban handguns or assault weapons?
No. A.R.S. Sec. 13-3108 preempts the entire field and expressly voids any local ordinance more prohibitive than state law. Phoenix cannot ban any firearm type state and federal law allow Arizonans to possess.
What firearm rules apply in Phoenix?
Arizona state law. Adults 21+ may carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit (permitless carry, A.R.S. Sec. 13-3112). Federal background-check rules apply at licensed dealers.
Are there any local firearm restrictions in Phoenix?
Only narrow ones state law allows: limits on unaccompanied minors under 14, park-discharge rules with safety carve-outs, generally applicable zoning of firearm dealers, and conduct rules for city employees on duty.
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