Time Restrictions: Surprise vs Tempe
How do time restrictions rules compare between Surprise, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Surprise and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Maricopa County does not set specific operating hours for garage sales in unincorporated areas. General noise ordinance provisions (Ordinance P-23) apply, with property maintenance noise exempt between 5 AM and 9 PM. Garage sales generating noise audible within 500 feet of closed residential structures may be subject to the noise ordinance outside those hours.
View full Surprise rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe does not impose specific time restrictions on garage sale hours beyond general noise ordinance provisions. Sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. Noise from sales activities is subject to the Chapter 20 noise ordinance. Sales during nighttime hours that generate noise or light disturbance may result in complaints.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Surprise | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | No specific garage sale hours | - |
| Noise Rules | P-23 applies if noise is disruptive | - |
| Maintenance Exemption | 5 AM to 9 PM for property activity | - |
| Common Practice | Most operate 7 AM to 3 PM | - |
| Specific Hours | - | None codified, reasonable daytime hours expected |
| Typical Hours | - | 7 AM to dusk |
| Noise | - | Subject to Chapter 20 noise ordinance |
| Summer Heat | - | Most sales end by early afternoon in summer |
| Cleanup | - | Items should be stored after each sale day |
| Complaints | - | Code Compliance responds to neighborhood concerns |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Surprise FAQ
What hours can I hold a garage sale in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Maricopa County does not have a specific ordinance regulating garage sale hours in unincorporated areas. However, the county noise ordinance applies, so activities generating significant noise should be limited to reasonable daytime hours, generally between 7 AM and 9 PM.
Can I hold a garage sale on weekdays in unincorporated Maricopa County?
Yes. There are no county restrictions on which days of the week you may hold a garage sale in unincorporated Maricopa County. Residents commonly hold sales Thursday through Sunday, but weekday sales are equally permitted under county rules.
Are there seasonal restrictions on garage sales in Maricopa County?
No. Maricopa County imposes no seasonal restrictions on residential garage sales. Sales are permitted year-round, though the extreme summer heat (often exceeding 110 degrees F) naturally discourages outdoor sales during June through September in the Phoenix metro area.
Tempe FAQ
What time can I start my garage sale in Tempe?
No specific start time is codified. Reasonable daytime hours (typically 7 AM) are expected. Noise before 7 AM may generate complaints under the noise ordinance.
Do I need to end my garage sale at a certain time?
No specific end time is required, but sales should end at a reasonable evening hour. Lighting and noise that disturb neighbors may result in complaints.
Can I leave items out overnight between sale days?
Items should be stored after each sale day. Leaving unsightly displays overnight may result in property maintenance complaints.
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