Lawn Ornament Rules: Scottsdale vs Tempe
How do lawn ornament rules rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Scottsdale has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale does not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private property at single-family homes through municipal ordinance. Ornaments must stay within the property line and not encroach into sidewalks or public rights-of-way. The Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance and ESLO overlay constrain large or permanent structures. Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 33-1808 protects flag displays from HOA bans. Most Scottsdale subdivisions are HOA-governed.
View full Scottsdale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tempe property maintenance provisions require an unblighted yard but do not regulate ornament content. HOA architectural review applies in HOA neighborhoods (The Lakes, Warner Ranch). ARS 33-1808 protects US flag and political sign displays from HOA prohibition; HB 2371 protects religious symbols on doorways.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| City Ordinance | None on ordinary lawn decorations | - |
| Sidewalk Rule | Must stay on private property | - |
| Zoning Reference | Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance | - |
| ESLO Overlay | Constraints in north Scottsdale | - |
| Flag Display Protection | Arizona Rev Stat 33-1808 | - |
| HOA Rules | Common (CCR enforcement) | - |
| City Rule | - | None on ornaments |
| HOA Layer | - | Light - many non-HOA neighborhoods |
| Architectural Review | - | Common HOA requirement where it applies |
| Flag and Political | - | ARS 33-1808 protects |
| Religious Doorway | - | HB 2371 protects |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can my Scottsdale HOA ban my flag display?
No, not for the U.S. flag, Arizona state flag, or military service flags. Arizona Revised Statutes Sec. 33-1808 protects the right of homeowners in HOA-governed communities to display these flags notwithstanding most CCR restrictions, subject to reasonable size and placement standards.
Does the ESLO affect lawn ornaments in north Scottsdale?
It can. The Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance imposes native-vegetation, view-corridor, and natural-area open-space standards. Small ordinary lawn decorations are typically fine, but larger statues, fountains, or hardscape elements within natural-area open space or view-corridors may need ESLO review.
Tempe FAQ
Can I put lawn ornaments in my Tempe front yard?
Yes at the city level. Tempe has no ordinance restricting lawn ornaments or statuary. Many Tempe neighborhoods have no HOA at all. Where an HOA applies (The Lakes, Warner Ranch, Circle G Ranches), CC&Rs typically require architectural review and limit ornament size to 3 to 4 feet.
Can my Tempe HOA make me remove a religious statue?
Possibly limited. Arizona HB 2371 (ARS 33-1808) protects religious symbols on doorways during religious holidays from HOA prohibition. Lawn statuary may be subject to HOA architectural review. ARS 33-1808 also protects US flag displays. Consult an attorney for your specific CC&Rs and displays before contesting an HOA action.
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