Holiday Light Rules: Scottsdale vs Tempe
How do holiday light rules rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Scottsdale and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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