Holiday Light Rules: Phoenix vs Scottsdale
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Phoenix and Scottsdale have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Lighting timing, brightness, and animation are governed by subdivision CC&Rs and HOA covenants. PCC Section 23 nuisance provisions could theoretically address severe light trespass but are rarely enforced for holiday displays.
View full Phoenix rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale does not impose a dedicated ordinance on residential holiday lighting timing or brightness at single-family homes. The Scottsdale Sign Ordinance, dark-sky and outdoor-lighting provisions in the Revised Code, and general nuisance and code-enforcement provisions apply. Permanent exterior wiring requires an electrical permit. Many Scottsdale subdivisions are HOA-governed with CCR display windows.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Ordinance | None on holiday lights | - |
| Dark Sky Code | Exempts seasonal lights | - |
| Real Governance | HOA CC&Rs | - |
| Religious Symbols | Protected by HB 2371 | - |
| Specific Light Ordinance | - | None at residential level |
| Dark-Sky Provisions | - | Yes, particularly north Scottsdale |
| Electrical Code | - | NEC as adopted |
| Permanent Wiring | - | Electrical permit required |
| HOA Rules | - | Common (CCR enforcement) |
| Seasonal Exemption | - | Typically applies to holiday lights |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
When can I put up holiday lights in Phoenix?
There is no city rule. Phoenix has no ordinance restricting when residential holiday lights are installed or removed. Check your HOA CC&Rs - master-planned communities typically restrict to Thanksgiving through January 15-31.
Can my Phoenix HOA require me to take down Christmas lights by a specific date?
Yes through reasonable CC&R provisions. Most Phoenix HOAs require removal by January 15-31. Religious display protections under HB 2371 limit some restrictions but do not prevent reasonable removal deadlines.
Scottsdale FAQ
Are there time limits on Scottsdale holiday lights?
Not under city ordinance at single-family homes. Scottsdale does not limit when residential holiday lights may be displayed. However, the majority of Scottsdale subdivisions are HOA-governed and commonly set display windows from Thanksgiving through mid-January through recorded CCRs enforced by association procedures.
Do dark-sky rules affect my holiday lights?
Holiday lights are typically exempt during a seasonal window under Scottsdale's outdoor-lighting provisions, especially in north Scottsdale near the Sonoran Preserve. However, year-round broad-spectrum upward-facing floodlighting can be cited. HOAs in observatory-influenced communities may impose stricter limits than the City.
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