Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Moving to Pima County, AZ?

Here are the local rules you need to know before you unpack.

Every city has its own set of local ordinances that go beyond state and federal law. From when you can mow your lawn to whether you can park your RV in the driveway, these rules affect daily life in ways most people do not expect. This guide covers the key ordinances in Pima County across 32 categories and 135 specific rules we track.

36 Permissive74 Moderate25 Strict

๐Ÿ”Š Noise Ordinances

Noise rules affect everything from weekend parties to lawn care schedules. Quiet hours, construction restrictions, and barking dog limits vary widely between cities.

Quiet Hours

Some Restrictions

Pima County Code Chapter 9.30 prohibits excessive, unnecessary, or offensive noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or causes discomfort to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity. Applies to unincorporated areas; cities have their own ordinances.

Code Chapter: Pima County Code Chapter 9.30Standard: No excessive/offensive noise

Outdoor Music

Few Restrictions

Pima County has no outdoor music or amplified sound ordinance for unincorporated areas. ARS 13-2916 applies to unreasonable noise. Event venues may have CUP conditions.

County Rules: No specific ordinanceState Law: ARS 13-2916

Industrial Noise

Some Restrictions

Pima County regulates industrial noise through zoning performance standards. Industrial zones must limit noise at residential boundaries. Pima County DEQ oversees permitted facilities.

Authority: Pima County Zoning CodeMeasurement: At residential boundary

Leaf Blower Rules

Few Restrictions

Pima County has no leaf blower ordinance for unincorporated areas. Desert landscaping minimizes need. ARS 13-2916 covers extreme noise. HOAs provide primary control.

County Regulation: None specificGas Blowers: Unrestricted

Decibel Limits

Few Restrictions

Pima County has no general decibel limits for unincorporated areas. Industrial zone performance standards exist. ARS 13-2916 uses a reasonable person standard for enforcement.

County dBA Limits: None establishedState Law: ARS 13-2916 (reasonable person)

Aircraft Noise

Some Restrictions

Pima County uses Airport Environs Zone overlays around Davis-Monthan AFB and Tucson International Airport. Sound attenuation required within 65 dB DNL contours.

Key Zones: AEZ overlay districtsNoise Floor: 65 dB DNL contour

Construction Hours

Some Restrictions

Pima County Code ยง9.30.070 restricts outdoor construction noise to permitted hours. Concrete work: 5 AMโ€“7 PM (Apr 15โ€“Oct 15) and 6 AMโ€“7 PM (Oct 16โ€“Apr 14). All other construction requires a county permit for work outside permitted windows.

Concrete (Summer): 5 AMโ€“7 PM (Apr 15โ€“Oct 15)Concrete (Winter): 6 AMโ€“7 PM (Oct 16โ€“Apr 14)

Barking Dogs

Some Restrictions

Pima County Code Chapter 9.30 and animal control code (Chapter 6.04) cover excessive animal noise. Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) handles barking dog complaints in unincorporated areas. The county forbids noise that disturbs neighborhood peace and comfort.

Code Chapter: Chapter 9.30 / Chapter 6.04Enforcement: Pima Animal Care Center (PACC)

Amplified Music & Events

Some Restrictions

Pima County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. ARS ยง13-2916 applies.

Permit: Required for public eventsResidential: General limits apply

๐Ÿ  Short-Term Rentals

If you plan to rent out your home on Airbnb or VRBO - even occasionally - you need to know the local STR rules before listing.

Registration Rules

Some Restrictions

Arizona requires STR operators to hold an ADOR TPT license and maintain a local contact person under the 2022 ARS 9-500.39 amendment. No separate county registration exists.

County STR Permit: Cannot require oneTPT License: Required from ADOR

Parking Rules

Few Restrictions

Pima County cannot impose STR-specific parking rules due to ARS 9-500.39 preemption. General zoning parking standards apply. HOAs may enforce guest parking restrictions.

STR Parking Rules: None specific (ARS 9-500.39)General Parking: Must use improved surfaces

Occupancy Limits

Few Restrictions

Pima County cannot impose STR occupancy limits due to ARS 9-500.39 preemption. Building code occupancy standards based on bedroom count still apply to all residences.

STR Occupancy Cap: Not permitted (state preemption)State Law: ARS 9-500.39

Night Caps

Few Restrictions

Pima County cannot impose night caps on short-term rentals due to ARS 9-500.39 preemption. No annual rental limits exist. HOA CC&Rs may impose private restrictions.

Night Caps: None (state preemption)State Law: ARS 9-500.39

Insurance Requirements

Few Restrictions

Pima County does not mandate STR insurance due to ARS 9-500.39 preemption. Standard homeowner policies often exclude commercial lodging. Dedicated STR coverage recommended.

County Requirement: None (state preemption)State Requirement: None

Taxes & Fees

Some Restrictions

STR operators must collect Arizona TPT (5.5%) plus Pima County transient lodging tax under ARS 42-6007. Combined taxes total approximately 12-13%. ADOR TPT license required.

State TPT Rate: 5.5% (transient lodging)County Lodging Tax: Approx 5.9% under ARS 42-6007

Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Pima County STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Under SB 1168, cities can fine and suspend properties with repeated verified noise violations.

Quiet Hours: Per city noise ordinanceParties: Prohibited at most STRs

Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

ARS ยง11-269.17 preempts county bans on STRs. Pima County may require a local STR license/permit (fee capped at $250). State TPT license required; must appear in all advertising. STR operators must maintain $500,000 liability insurance. ADUs built after Sep 14, 2024 used as STRs require owner occupancy.

State Law: ARS ยง11-269.17 preemptionCounty Permit Fee: Max $250

๐Ÿ”ฅ Fire Regulations

Fire pit rules, fireworks restrictions, and brush clearance requirements are especially important if you are coming from a state with different fire risk profiles.

Fireworks

Some Restrictions

Pima County unincorporated areas follow Arizona state law (ARS ยง36-1606). Permissible consumer fireworks (fountains, sparklers, ground spinners) are allowed. Aerial fireworks, rockets, and firecrackers are illegal statewide. Pima County issues fireworks permits for public displays (Pima County Code ยง17.14).

Permissible: Fountains, sparklers, ground spinnersIllegal: Aerials, rockets, firecrackers

Outdoor Burning

Heavy Restrictions

Outdoor burning in unincorporated Pima County requires a PDEQ permit under ARS 49-501 and County Code 17.20. No-burn days declared during poor air quality periods.

Permit Required: Yes, from PDEQAuthority: ARS 49-501, County Code 17.20

Smoke Detectors

Some Restrictions

Pima County requires smoke detectors per the adopted IRC. Detectors needed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level. New construction requires hardwired units.

New Construction: Hardwired, interconnectedExisting Homes: Battery-only acceptable

Wildfire Zones

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County designates extensive WUI zones in the Catalina Foothills, Tanque Verde, and areas bordering Saguaro NP. IWUIC requires fire-resistant materials and defensible space.

Code: IWUIC as adoptedHighest Risk: Catalina Foothills, Tanque Verde

Backyard Fires

Some Restrictions

Recreational backyard fires allowed in approved containers with clean dry wood. Fires limited to 3 ft diameter. PDEQ no-burn days apply. Gas fire features generally exempt.

Containment: Non-combustible vessel requiredSize Limit: 3 ft diameter or less

Brush Clearance

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County requires defensible space in WUI zones per the adopted IWUIC. At least 30 feet of clearance around structures in the Catalina Foothills and Tanque Verde areas.

Defensible Space: 30 ft minimum (WUI zones)Code: IWUIC as adopted

Fire Pit Rules

Some Restrictions

Recreational fire pits for warmth and cooking are exempt from PDEQ open burn permit requirements in unincorporated Pima County. Gas/propane fire features always exempt. 25-foot clearance from structures recommended. PDEQ no-burn advisories apply to wood burning.

Permit Required: No โ€” warmth/cooking exemptClearance: 25 feet from structures (recommended)

๐Ÿš— Parking Rules

Parking rules catch more new residents off guard than almost any other ordinance. RV storage, overnight parking bans, and driveway regulations vary significantly.

Overnight Parking

Few Restrictions

Pima County has no overnight street parking ban in unincorporated areas. Vehicles must not block roads. Abandoned vehicles subject to 48-hour rule under ARS 28-1101.

Overnight Street Ban: None at county levelAbandoned Vehicle: 48-hour rule (ARS 28-1101)

Driveway Rules

Some Restrictions

Pima County requires driveway permits for connections to county roads. Minimum 12-ft width for residential driveways. Maximum 14% grade. Gravel driveways allowed in rural zones.

Permit Required: Yes, from PCDOTMin Width: 12 ft (single-family)

EV Charging

Few Restrictions

No EV charging mandate for new construction. Level 2+ charger installation requires an electrical permit. ARS 33-1818 prohibits HOAs from banning EV charger installation.

EV Mandate: None for new constructionPermit: Electrical permit for Level 2+

Abandoned Vehicles

Some Restrictions

Pima County Code Compliance addresses abandoned and inoperable vehicles on private property when they become code violations. ARS ยง28-871 (72-hour rule) applies to public highways. Pima County Sheriff enforces on county roads.

Public Roads: ARS ยง28-871 (72 hr threshold)Private Property: Code Compliance authority

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Commercial vehicle parking in unincorporated Pima County subject to zoning district standards (Title 18). State weight limits (ARS ยง28-961) apply on county roads. Rural zones generally more permissive than residential zones.

Zoning Standards: Title 18 by zoneState Weight Limits: ARS ยง28-961

Street Parking Limits

Some Restrictions

Pima County Code Chapter 10.17 governs off-street parking and loading in unincorporated areas (Title 18 Zoning Code Chapter 18.75). Public road parking regulated per ARS ยง28-871. Pima County Sheriff enforces traffic and parking violations.

Public Roads: ARS ยง28-871 (72 hr abandoned)Parking Standards: Pima County Code Chapter 18.75

RV & Boat Parking

Few Restrictions

Unincorporated Pima County is generally more permissive for RV storage than incorporated cities. Zoning-specific standards apply. Rural and agricultural-zoned parcels have greatest flexibility. Manufactured home regulations may apply per zone.

Rural/Ag Zones: Generally permissiveResidential Zones: Zoning code standards apply

๐Ÿงฑ Fence Regulations

Planning to put up a fence? Height limits, material restrictions, and permit requirements differ by city - and sometimes by which side of the property the fence sits on.

Fence Requirements

Some Restrictions

Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.67 regulates fences and walls in unincorporated areas. Front-yard walls max 3 feet in residential zones. Side/rear walls max 6 feet without a permit. Pima County Development Services issues fence permits for walls exceeding standard heights.

Front Yard Max: 3 feetSide/Rear Max: 6 feet without permit

Neighbor Fence Rules

Few Restrictions

Pima County has no neighbor fence cost-sharing ordinance. Arizona law does not require neighbors to split fence costs. Owners may build on their own property up to zoning limits.

Cost Sharing: Not required by lawProperty Line: Survey recommended

Pool Barriers

Heavy Restrictions

ARS 36-1681 requires 5-ft pool barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates in Pima County. Applies to all pools 18+ inches deep. Door alarms or safety covers as alternatives.

Barrier Height: 5 ft minimum (ARS 36-1681)Gate Latch: Self-closing, self-latching, 54 in+

Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Pima County limits front yard fences to 3 ft (solid) or 4 ft (open). Side and rear fences up to 6 ft. Hillside development zones have stricter height and material rules.

Front Yard (solid): 3 ft maximumFront Yard (open): 4 ft maximum

Retaining Walls

Some Restrictions

Building permits required for retaining walls over 4 ft in Pima County. Licensed engineer must design walls exceeding 4 ft. Hillside zones require terracing and natural colors.

Permit Threshold: Over 4 ft heightEngineering Required: Yes, over 4 ft

Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Block walls and masonry fences typically require building permits in Pima County. Wood fences under 6 feet may be exempt. Pool barriers must meet ARS ยง36-1681.

Block Walls: Permit usually requiredWood <6 ft: May be exempt

Material Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Pima County regulates fence materials by zone. Block/stucco walls are the Arizona standard. HOAs commonly mandate specific materials and colors.

Standard: Block/stucco wallFront Yard: Wrought iron common

๐Ÿ” Animal Ordinances

Pet owners and aspiring chicken keepers should check local animal ordinances before signing a lease or closing on a home.

Chickens & Livestock

Few Restrictions

Pima County allows chickens and small livestock on rural parcels without special permits. Zoning Code Chapter 18.51 governs animal keeping. Parcels 1 acre or larger (GR-1, SR zones) allow horses, cattle, goats, and poultry. Smaller residential lots may keep a limited number of hens but roosters may be restricted under nuisance provisions.

GR-1+ Zones: Poultry and livestock allowedCR-3/CR-5 Zones: Limited poultry with setbacks

Wildlife Feeding

Heavy Restrictions

ARS 17-255.06 prohibits intentionally feeding wildlife in Pima County, including javelina, coyotes, and other large wild mammals. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) enforces. Rattlesnake encounters are common; AZGFD recommends leaving venomous wildlife undisturbed. Violations carry civil penalties.

State Law: ARS 17-255.06 prohibits wildlife feedingCommon Wildlife: Javelina, coyote, rattlesnake, bobcat

Beekeeping

Few Restrictions

Arizona state law preempts local beekeeping bans under ARS 3-363. Pima County allows beekeeping in all residential zones. Africanized bee management is a concern in the Sonoran Desert region. The Arizona Department of Agriculture registers apiaries and handles swarm complaints.

State Preemption: ARS 3-363 protects beekeepingHive Limit: No county limit in code

Livestock

Few Restrictions

Pima County zoning permits horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock on rural parcels (GR-1 and larger). No animal-unit limit on parcels 4.13 acres or more in the GR-1 zone. Smaller rural-residential parcels in CR-3 and CR-5 zones allow limited large animals with setback requirements.

GR-1 Zone: Livestock allowed, 1-acre minimum4.13+ Acres: No animal-unit limit

Dog Leash Laws

Some Restrictions

Pima County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required per ARS ยง11-1001 et seq.

Leash: Required in publicOff-Leash: Designated parks only

Exotic Pets

Heavy Restrictions

ARS ยง17-306 (AZGFD) restricts exotic species statewide. Pima County Code Chapter 6.04 addresses dangerous and restricted animals. Agricultural zoning allows farm livestock; exotic wildlife regulated by AZGFD permits.

State Law: ARS ยง17-306 (AZGFD)County Code: Chapter 6.04

Breed Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Arizona has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some cities have breed-specific legislation. Phoenix has no breed restrictions. Check Pima County local ordinance.

Statewide Preemption: NonePhoenix: No breed restrictions

๐ŸŒฟ Landscaping Rules

From grass height limits to tree removal permits, landscaping rules can surprise new homeowners, especially in drought-prone areas with water restrictions.

Native Plants

Some Restrictions

Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) requires protection and salvage of certain native plants during development. Saguaro cacti, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite are specifically protected. Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) requires permits to destroy or relocate protected plants.

County Code: Chapter 18.72 Native Plant PreservationProtected Plants: Saguaro, ironwood, palo verde, barrel cactus

Grass Height Limits

Few Restrictions

Pima County has no specific grass-height ordinance for unincorporated areas. Most properties in the Sonoran Desert region have xeriscape or native desert landscaping rather than turf grass. Weed and vegetation abatement may apply when overgrown lots create fire hazards.

Grass Height Ordinance: None for unincorporated areasCommon Landscaping: Desert xeriscape, native plants

Weed Ordinances

Some Restrictions

Pima County Code Chapter 7.21 addresses nuisance vegetation and weed abatement in unincorporated areas. Properties with overgrown weeds creating fire or health hazards may receive abatement notices. The county can abate at owner expense after notice and noncompliance.

Code Chapter: Chapter 7.21 (nuisance vegetation)Notice Period: Typically 30 days to comply

Water Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Tucson Water and the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) regulate water use in the Tucson Active Management Area, which covers most of Pima County. ADWR Assured Water Supply rules (ARS 45-454) require new subdivisions to demonstrate a 100-year water supply. Tucson Water enforces stage-based drought restrictions.

ADWR Authority: Tucson Active Management Area100-Year Supply: ARS 45-454 required for new subdivisions

Rainwater Harvesting

Few Restrictions

Arizona actively encourages rainwater harvesting. AZ HB 2675 protects homeowners from HOA prohibitions on rainwater collection systems. Pima County and the City of Tucson have been national leaders in rainwater harvesting policy. No permit required for residential cisterns under 2,500 gallons.

State Law: HB 2675 protects from HOA bansCistern Permit: Not required under 2,500 gallons

Artificial Turf

Few Restrictions

Pima County has no ordinance prohibiting or specifically regulating artificial turf in unincorporated areas. Synthetic turf is increasingly popular as a water-conservation measure in the Sonoran Desert climate. HOA communities may have specific rules on artificial turf installation and appearance.

County Regulation: No restrictions on artificial turfPermit: Not required for residential installation

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Heavy Restrictions

Saguaro removal requires state permits (ARS ยง3-904) throughout unincorporated Pima County. Native plant protections apply on development sites per county zoning code. Unauthorized saguaro removal is a Class 4 felony.

Saguaro: Protected โ€” state permit requiredFelony: Unauthorized removal ARS ยง3-904

Tree Trimming

Some Restrictions

Pima County may protect native desert trees (palo verde, ironwood, saguaro). Street trees are city property. Proper pruning preserves shade in extreme heat.

Saguaro: State protected (ARS ยง3-904)Native Trees: May be locally protected

๐Ÿ’ผ Home Business

Working from home is common, but running a business from home often requires permits and must comply with zoning restrictions on customer traffic and signage.

Zoning Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.09 allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions. The business must be secondary to residential use, conducted entirely indoors, and produce no external evidence of commercial activity. Specific use permits may be required for higher-impact home businesses.

Code Chapter: Chapter 18.09 Home OccupationsFloor Area: Max 25% of dwelling for business

Cottage Food Operations

Few Restrictions

Arizona ARS 36-1761 allows cottage food operations to sell homemade food products directly to consumers with an annual revenue cap of $75,000. No county permit, commercial kitchen, or health inspection required. Labeling with name, address, and allergen disclosure is mandatory.

State Law: ARS 36-1761Revenue Cap: $75,000 per year

Home Occupation Permits

Some Restrictions

Pima County issues home occupation permits through Development Services for businesses operating from residential properties. Type I (no customer visits) is by right with no permit fee. Type II (limited customer visits) requires a specific use permit application, fee, and neighbor notification.

Type I Permit: By right, no feeType II Fee: $200-$400 application fee

Home Daycare

Some Restrictions

Arizona DES licenses home-based child care facilities. ARS 36-897 et seq. governs licensing. Pima County zoning permits home daycares as a home occupation in residential zones with conditions. Group home daycares (6-10 children) may require a specific use permit from Pima County Development Services.

State License: DES Child Care Licensing (ARS 36-897)Family Home: Up to 4 children under 5

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Pima County home occupation rules limit customer and client traffic to avoid disrupting residential neighborhoods. Type I home occupations (no customer visits) require no permit. Type II home occupations allowing limited customer visits require a specific use permit from Development Services.

Type I: No customers, no permit neededType II: Limited customers, permit required

Signage Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County prohibits commercial signage for home occupations in residential zones. No exterior signs, window displays, or advertising visible from the street may indicate a business operates at the residence. This maintains the residential character required by the zoning code.

Signs Allowed: None for home occupationsWindow Displays: Prohibited

๐ŸŠ Swimming Pools & Spas

Pool ownership comes with safety fencing requirements, permit obligations, and drainage rules that vary by jurisdiction.

Hot Tub Rules

Some Restrictions

Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Pima County must comply with ARS 36-1681 barrier requirements if they hold water deeper than 18 inches. A lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 standards may substitute for a full barrier enclosure. Electrical work requires a county permit.

State Law: ARS 36-1681 barrier/cover requiredSafety Cover: ASTM F1346, lockable when not in use

Above-Ground Pools

Some Restrictions

Pima County requires barrier fencing around all swimming pools, including above-ground pools, per ARS 36-1681 and county building code. Above-ground pools with walls 48 inches or higher may use the pool wall as the barrier if access points are secured. A building permit is generally required.

State Law: ARS 36-1681 pool barrier mandateBarrier Height: 48 inches minimum (pool wall) or 5-foot fence

Pool Permits

Some Restrictions

Pima County requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. Arizona has strict pool barrier requirements under ARS ยง36-1681. Inspections required.

Permit: Required for all poolsAbove-Ground: If >24" deep

Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

ARS ยง36-1681 requires pool barriers - one of the strictest laws in the US. Minimum 5-foot barrier height. Self-closing, self-latching gates required.

Height: 5 feet minimum (AZ)Gates: Self-closing, self-latching

Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County enforces strict pool safety per ARS ยง36-1681 and the federal VGB Act. Anti-entrapment drains, barriers, alarms, and depth markers required.

Drain Covers: Anti-entrapment requiredFederal Law: VGB Act

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Accessory Structures

Thinking about an ADU, shed, or garage conversion? Local rules on accessory structures have changed rapidly in recent years, especially in California.

ADU Rules

Some Restrictions

Pima County allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs or guest houses) in certain residential zones subject to zoning code requirements. ADUs must be subordinate to the primary dwelling, meet setback and height limits, and comply with building code. ADUs built after September 14, 2024 and used as STRs require owner occupancy on the property.

Zones: CR-3, CR-5, SR, SH, GR-1Size Limit: Typically 50% of primary dwelling

Carport Rules

Few Restrictions

Pima County allows carports as accessory structures in residential zones. Open carports (roof only, no enclosed walls) under 200 square feet may be exempt from building permits. Larger carports require permits and must meet setback and wind-load requirements for the monsoon climate.

Permit Exempt: Under 200 sq ft, freestanding, openSetbacks: 5 feet side/rear typical

Tiny Homes

Some Restrictions

Pima County permits tiny homes as accessory dwelling units under the 2024 Zoning Code update for unincorporated areas. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent dwellings. Site-built or modular tiny homes on foundations must meet IRC building standards and obtain standard building permits through Pima County Development Services.

Foundation Required: Yes for permanent dwellingTHOWs: Classified as RVs, not dwellings

Shed Rules

Few Restrictions

Pima County allows storage sheds as accessory structures in all residential zones. Sheds under 200 square feet and not on a permanent foundation typically do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits and must meet setback requirements. All sheds must comply with wind and tie-down requirements for the Sonoran Desert climate.

Permit Exempt: Under 200 sq ft, no foundation/utilitiesSetbacks: 5 feet side/rear typical

Garage Conversions

Some Restrictions

Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Pima County requires a building permit from Development Services. The conversion must meet residential building code for habitable space including insulation, ventilation, egress windows, and ceiling height. Replacement off-street parking may be required by the zoning code.

Permit: Building permit requiredCeiling Height: Minimum 7 feet

๐ŸŒ Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County enforces stormwater management through the Pima County Regional Flood Control District (RFCD) and the county MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act. The Sonoran Desert monsoon season (July-September) drives strict drainage and retention requirements. All new development must retain the first inch of stormwater on-site per county standards.

Authority: Regional Flood Control DistrictRetention Standard: First 1 inch on-site

Grading & Drainage

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County requires grading permits for land disturbance in unincorporated areas and enforces strict drainage standards through the Regional Flood Control District. All new construction must demonstrate that post-development drainage does not increase runoff to adjacent properties. Washes and arroyos have mandatory setback buffers.

Permit Authority: Development ServicesDrainage Review: RFCD Drainage Design Manual

Erosion Control

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County requires erosion and sediment control plans for all grading and construction activities in unincorporated areas. The Sonoran Desert landscape with sparse vegetation and intense monsoon rainfall makes erosion control critical. Grading permits through Development Services require detailed erosion mitigation before work begins.

Authority: Title 18 Floodplain/Erosion CodeDust Permit Trigger: 0.1 acres disturbance

Flood Zones

Heavy Restrictions

Pima County Regional Flood Control District administers the Floodplain Management Ordinance (Title 16, Ordinance 2010-FC5). The District maps both FEMA FIRMs and local Special Study Floodplains covering more than half of known county flood hazards. FEMA updated Pima County flood maps January 2026 (appeal through April 29, 2026). Building in/near washes requires flood control approval.

Ordinance: Title 16 (Ord. 2010-FC5)Flood District: Pima County RFCD: 520-724-4600

๐ŸŒฑ Cannabis Regulations

โ˜€๏ธ Solar Energy

๐Ÿชง Sign Regulations

๐Ÿš๏ธ Property Maintenance

Trash Bin Storage

Some Restrictions

Pima County Environmental Quality regulates solid waste in unincorporated areas. Trash containers must have tight-fitting lids to prevent wildlife access (javelina, coyotes, and rodents are common). Bins should be stored behind fencing or in enclosed areas when not set out for collection day.

Container Lids: Tight-fitting, animal-resistantCollection Service: Private haulers (not county)

Garage Sale Rules

Few Restrictions

Pima County does not require permits for garage or yard sales in unincorporated areas. There is no limit on the number of sales per year under county code. Standard sign rules and noise ordinance provisions apply. HOAs may impose additional restrictions on frequency and timing of sales.

Permit Required: NoAnnual Limit: None under county code

Property Blight

Some Restrictions

Pima County Code Enforcement addresses property blight including abandoned vehicles, accumulated junk, and deteriorated structures in unincorporated areas. The county nuisance abatement ordinance (Chapter 7.24) allows enforcement action against properties that are a danger to public health, safety, or welfare.

Authority: Chapter 7.24 Nuisance AbatementEnforcement: Complaint-driven model

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Few Restrictions

Pima County does not have a snow or ice removal ordinance for sidewalks or roadways. Tucson and surrounding unincorporated areas rarely experience snow accumulation at lower elevations. Mountain communities like Summerhaven on Mount Lemmon may see occasional snow but are not subject to mandatory clearing requirements.

Snow Ordinance: None -- not applicableSidewalk Clearing: No requirement

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Some Restrictions

Pima County requires vacant lot owners to maintain their properties free of fire hazards, dumped waste, and nuisance conditions under the county nuisance abatement code. Vacant lots in the Sonoran Desert must be kept clear of accumulated debris, abandoned vehicles, and hazardous conditions that attract illegal dumping.

Authority: Chapter 7.24 Nuisance AbatementLandscaping Required: No (natural desert OK)

๐Ÿ’ก Outdoor Lighting

๐Ÿ”‘ Rental Property Rules

๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Trash & Recycling

๐Ÿš Drone Rules

๐Ÿ” Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

๐Ÿšช Soliciting & Door-to-Door

๐ŸŒ™ Curfew Laws

๐Ÿ“ Building Setbacks & Zoning

๐ŸŒณ Tree Protection

๐Ÿท๏ธ Garage & Yard Sales

๐Ÿ˜๏ธ HOA Rules

Architectural Review

Some Restrictions

HOA architectural review committees regulate exterior changes per CC&Rs. ARS 33-1817 protects solar panels and flags. Unanswered requests auto-approve after 60 days.

ARC Authority: Per CC&Rs and design guidelinesSolar Protection: ARS 33-1817 (cannot ban solar)

Assessment & Dues

Some Restrictions

ARS 33-1803 governs HOA assessments. Boards levy regular dues per budget; special assessments may need member vote. Unpaid assessments create a property lien under ARS 33-1807.

Authority: ARS 33-1803 (assessment power)Lien Priority: Below first mortgage and tax liens

CC&R Enforcement

Some Restrictions

Pima County HOAs enforce CC&Rs under the Arizona Planned Community Act (ARS 33-1801 through 33-1817). HOA boards can levy fines, place liens, and restrict property modifications. Homeowners may petition the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) for dispute resolution.

Governing Law: ARS 33-1801 to 33-1817Late Fee Cap: $15 or 10% (ARS 33-1242)

Board Procedures

Some Restrictions

Arizona Planned Community Act (ARS 33-1801+) governs HOA boards in Pima County. Board meetings must be open with 48 hours notice. Annual meetings need 10-50 days written notice.

Planned Community Act: ARS 33-1801 through 33-1813Board Meeting Notice: 48 hours minimum

Dispute Resolution

Some Restrictions

ARS 33-1803.01 requires hearings before HOA fines. Homeowners may complain to AZ Dept of Real Estate or sue under ARS 33-1810 with attorneys fee recovery for prevailing party.

Hearing Rights: ARS 33-1803.01 (before fines)ADRE Complaints: AZ Dept of Real Estate handles

๐Ÿ›’ Street Vending

๐ŸŽฌ Filming & Production

๐Ÿ”ง Building Safety

Lead Paint

Some Restrictions

Lead paint in Pima County is regulated under federal EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR 745) and Arizona Department of Health Services oversight. Properties built before 1978 require lead disclosure at sale or lease. Renovation work disturbing lead paint must be performed by EPA-certified firms.

Federal Rule: EPA RRP (40 CFR 745)Pre-1978 Threshold: Disclosure required

Pest Control

Some Restrictions

Pest control in Pima County is regulated by the Arizona Office of Pest Management (OPM) under ARS 32-2301 et seq. All pest control operators must hold OPM licenses. Sonoran Desert pests including bark scorpions, subterranean termites, and Africanized bees require specialized treatment approaches and licensed applicators.

Regulatory Agency: AZ Office of Pest ManagementGoverning Law: ARS 32-2301 to 32-2329

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed

Heavy Restrictions

Scaffold safety in Pima County is regulated by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) under ARS 23-401 et seq. ADOSH enforces federal OSHA scaffold standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L) for construction sites. Scaffold erection requires competent person supervision and worker fall protection.

Regulatory Agency: ADOSH (Industrial Commission of AZ)Standard: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L

Elevator Maintenance

Heavy Restrictions

Elevator maintenance in Pima County falls under the Arizona Department of Real Estate Elevator Safety Program, which registers and inspects elevators statewide. ASME A17.1 safety code applies. Annual inspections and five-year full-load tests are required for all commercial and multi-family elevators.

Regulatory Agency: ADRE Elevator SafetyGoverning Law: ARS 41-4001 to 41-4010

๐ŸŽช Special Events & Permits

๐Ÿšถ Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules

๐Ÿ“ข Noise from Specific Sources

Overall: What to Expect in Pima County

Pima County has 135 ordinances on file across 32 categories. Of these, 36 are rated permissive, 74 moderate, and 25 strict. This gives you a general sense of how tightly regulated daily life is in Pima County compared to other cities.

Rules can change, and enforcement varies. Always verify specific requirements with the county directly before making major decisions like building a fence, listing on Airbnb, or starting a home business.