Holiday Light Rules: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe 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 →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 | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Ordinance | None on holiday lights | - |
| Dark Sky Code | Exempts seasonal lights | - |
| Real Governance | HOA CC&Rs | - |
| Religious Symbols | Protected by HB 2371 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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