Maricopa, AZ Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Chapter 18.190 of the zoning code is Maricopa's general nuisance-and-enforcement chapter, and § 18.190.030 defines three categories of public nuisance. Subsection (A) covers any building, structure or land use erected, altered or operated contrary to the code. Subsection (B) covers any use approved under a discretionary permit, such as a conditional use permit or variance, that is not built or operated consistent with the permit's conditions. Subsection (C), the general catch-all, deems a use, event, structure or building a public nuisance if it produces excessive littering, noxious smells or fumes, or "excessive noise (particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.)," or otherwise violates the chapter or any city, state or federal law.

Once a nighttime-noise nuisance is identified, § 18.190.040 requires the code enforcement officer to issue a written notice and order describing the violation, a compliance deadline, reinspection terms and contact information, giving the owner an opportunity to cure before abatement proceeds. Uncured violations go to a public hearing before a hearing officer under the common procedures in Chapter 18.140, with testimony from city staff and the property owner; the hearing officer's decision is final and effective immediately upon issuance under § 18.190.040(G).

If corrections are not made, § 18.190.050 lets the director record a certified statement describing the violation with the Pinal County recorder, clouding the property's title until a follow-up certified statement confirms the corrections are complete. Enforcement runs through the Maricopa police department, code enforcement officers and the city attorney's office, since this nuisance chapter is city law even though recordings land with the county recorder.