Holiday Light Rules: Mesa vs Tempe
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Installation timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs in Mesa's many master-planned communities. Mesa's outdoor lighting and nuisance provisions could theoretically address severe light trespass but are essentially never enforced against seasonal holiday displays.
View full Mesa 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 | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Mesa Ordinance | None on holiday lights | - |
| Outdoor Lighting Code | Exempts seasonal lights | Exempts seasonal lights |
| Real Governance | HOA CC&Rs (heavy layer) | - |
| Religious Symbols | Protected by HB 2371 | - |
| Tempe Ordinance | - | None on holiday lights |
| HOA Layer | - | Light - many older non-HOA neighborhoods |
| Religious Doorway | - | Protected by HB 2371 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
When can I put up holiday lights in Mesa?
There is no city rule. Mesa has no ordinance restricting when residential holiday lights are installed or removed. Check your HOA CC&Rs - master-planned communities like Eastmark, Las Sendas, and Leisure World typically restrict installation to Thanksgiving through January 15-31.
Can my Mesa HOA require me to take down Christmas lights by a specific date?
Yes through reasonable CC&R provisions. Most Mesa HOAs require removal by January 15-31. Religious display protections under HB 2371 limit some restrictions for doorway religious symbols but do not prevent reasonable removal deadlines for general holiday decorations.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Mesa and Tempe compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool