Surprise, AZ Holiday Decorations: Lawn Ornament Rules (2026)

Surprise does not have a city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, religious displays, or other yard decorations on private property. Items may remain year-round. Decorations cannot block sidewalks or encroach into the public right-of-way (Chapter 86 — Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places) and cannot obstruct corner sight triangles under Surprise Zoning § 106-1.7. The Surprise property maintenance provisions in Chapter 50 (Nuisances) may be cited if decorations become so dilapidated, broken, or numerous as to create a blighted or junk-like condition; these are enforced by Surprise Code Enforcement. ARS § 33-1808 (planned community) and ARS § 33-1261 (condominium) protect display of the U.S. flag, Arizona flag, POW/MIA flag, and military service flags from HOA prohibition, subject to reasonable size and placement rules. ARS § 33-1808(C) also protects political signs on residential property during the 71-day period before through 3 days after an election. Religious displays are not specifically protected by Arizona statute but receive First Amendment consideration. Properties in HOAs throughout Sun City Grand (The Grand), Sun Village, Marley Park, Greer Ranch, and Surprise Farms face CC&R design controls. Sun City Grand (45+) maintains an active Architectural Review Committee with detailed aesthetic standards. Established neighborhoods near downtown Surprise without HOAs operate under city law only.