Property Maintenance in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Trash Bin Storage

Maricopa County does not regulate trash bin placement or storage for individual properties in unincorporated areas in the same way cities do. Waste collection in unincorporated areas is handled by private haulers, not county service. Property owners are responsible for contracting with private waste haulers and maintaining sanitary conditions per Ordinance P-11.

Property Maintenance: Trash Bins

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Property Blight

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11 addresses property blight in unincorporated areas. Properties must be maintained free of accumulated garbage, debris, rubbish, dilapidated structures, and hazardous conditions. The Code Compliance Division investigates complaints and issues Orders of Abatement with a 10-day compliance period. Unresolved violations may result in county abatement with costs assessed as a lien.

Property Maintenance: Property Blight

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11 (Abatement Ordinance) regulates vacant lot conditions in unincorporated areas. Lots must be maintained free of rubbish, trash, weeds, filth, debris, and dilapidated structures. Ordinance P-27 restricts vehicle parking on unstabilized (unpaved) vacant lots. After a 10-day notice period, the county may enter and abate conditions at the owner's expense.

Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Snow removal regulations are not applicable to most of Maricopa County. The Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding desert receive little to no snowfall. The county does not have a snow or ice removal ordinance for sidewalks or roadways in unincorporated areas. On rare occasions when snow occurs in higher-elevation areas, MCDOT may plow county roads.

Property Maintenance: Snow Sidewalk Clearing

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Garage Sale Rules

Maricopa County does not have a specific garage sale ordinance for unincorporated areas regulating frequency, duration, or permits. Garage sales at residential properties are generally permitted as an accessory use. Sign placement in county rights-of-way may be restricted. Standard property maintenance and nuisance rules apply.