Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

2 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.

Obstruction Rules

Occupying, blocking, or working in a Maricopa County right-of-way, including the sidewalk area, without a Right-of-Way Permit is unlawful under Ordinance P-36; the MCDOT Director can issue an immediate Cease Work Order and impose a civil penalty up to the maximum fine for a class 2 misdemeanor for every day the obstruction continues.

Maricopa County ROW Obstruction Penalties

Significant Restrictions

Maricopa County Ordinance P-36 (Right-of-Way Ordinance), Article XII (Violations)

ARTICLE XII. VIOLATIONS. It shall be unlawful for any person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, utility, or political subdivision of the State of Arizona to occupy, use or perform any Work of any nature whatsoever in any Maricopa County Right-of-Way, without first obtaining a Permit. Upon discovery of any possible Violation, the Director shall issue a Cease Work ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

Occupying, using, or performing work in unincorporated Maricopa County's road right-of-way, driveways, utility lines, landscaping, or structures, requires a Right-of-Way Permit from MCDOT or Planning and Development before any work begins.

Maricopa County Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Ordinance P-36, Art. I

The purpose of this ordinance is to set forth the requirements and fees for obtaining a Permit allowing for entry upon any Right-of-Way located within unincorporated Maricopa County for the purpose of occupying, using, or performing Work; authorizing the issuance of Permits for such entry; delegating the task of issuing such Permits to appropriate departments of Maricopa County; and providing f...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗