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Maricopa County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: https://www.maricopa.gov/6501/ORDINANCE-P-11 →

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Key Facts

Ordinance: P-11 Abatement Ordinance
Standard: No specific height limit; nuisance-based
Violations: Excessive growth creating hazard or nuisance
Enforcement: Code Compliance Division

City-specific rules exist: Phoenix, Chandler, Peoria, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Surprise, Goodyear, Glendale, and Scottsdale have their own grass height limits rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11 (Abatement Ordinance) requires property owners to maintain lots free of weeds, overgrown vegetation, and fire hazards. While the county does not specify a precise grass height limit like many cities, properties with excessive weed or grass growth that creates a nuisance, fire hazard, or harbors pests may be subject to abatement action by Code Compliance.

Full Breakdown

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11 (Abatement of Nuisances and Hazardous Conditions) authorizes Code Compliance to address overgrown vegetation on properties in unincorporated areas. While the ordinance does not specify a maximum grass or weed height in inches, properties where vegetation growth creates a fire hazard, harbors vermin, or constitutes a public nuisance are subject to abatement action. Code Compliance issues a notice to the property owner allowing a compliance period before the county may abate the condition and bill the owner for costs. Given the desert climate, weed growth is most problematic after monsoon season (July-September) when rapid growth of buffelgrass and other invasive species occurs. Report overgrown lots to Maricopa County Code Compliance at (602) 506-3301.

Violations & Fines

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Maricopa County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maricopa County have grass height or weed regulations?

Unincorporated Maricopa County does not have a specific grass height ordinance like many incorporated cities. However, overgrown vegetation that creates a fire hazard may trigger enforcement under the county's nuisance abatement provisions, particularly during the dry season from April through June when wildfire risk peaks.

Can my neighbors complain about tall grass on my property in unincorporated Maricopa County?

Yes. While there is no specific grass height limit, neighbors can file complaints with the Maricopa County Code Compliance Division if overgrown vegetation creates a nuisance, harbors pests, or poses a fire risk. The county may investigate and issue a notice of violation requiring abatement.

Are there different rules for irrigated lawns in desert areas of Maricopa County?

Maricopa County does not restrict irrigated lawns on private property, though many water providers in unincorporated areas implement tiered water pricing that makes maintaining large grass areas expensive. Some communities in the county have HOA restrictions encouraging desert-adapted landscaping over traditional grass lawns.

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Maricopa County, AZ Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

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