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Maricopa County, AZ Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Commercial ratio
1 space per 25,000 sq ft
Industrial ratio
1 space per 10,000 sq ft
Minimum size
10 ft wide, 20 ft long
Location
Must be on the same lot
Penalty
Class 2 misdemeanor, per day

Summary

Unincorporated Maricopa County requires one loading and unloading space, at least 10 by 20 feet, for every 25,000 square feet of commercial floor area under the county zoning ordinance.

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

For all commercial buildings hereafter erected, or for any building converted to such use or occupancy, there shall be provided one loading and unloading space not less than ten feet in width, 20 feet in length for each 25,000 square feet of floor area, or fraction thereof, devoted to such use in the building.

Source: Maricopa County Department of TransportationView official code

Full Breakdown

Commercial buildings in unincorporated Maricopa County must provide one loading and unloading space, not less than ten feet wide and 20 feet long, for every 25,000 square feet of floor area devoted to that use. Wholesale, manufacturing, and industrial buildings need one such space per 10,000 square feet instead. The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance requires these spaces to sit on the same lot as the use they serve, though two or more buildings may jointly use loading spaces if their combined total isn't less than the sum each would need separately. Mixed-use buildings must add up the requirement for each use rather than share across them.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliance is a zoning violation under the MCZO: a class 2 misdemeanor or civil penalty, with each day of continued violation a separate offense; the Zoning Inspector can also withhold permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every commercial building in unincorporated Maricopa County need a loading space?
Only once floor area devoted to that use reaches 25,000 square feet; the requirement scales up one space per additional 25,000 square feet, or 10,000 for wholesale, manufacturing, and industrial buildings.
Can two businesses share one loading space?
Yes: the MCZO permits joint use of loading and unloading spaces across two or more buildings as long as the combined spaces meet what each use would require computed separately.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Maricopa County

All Maricopa County rules

Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona parking rules overview

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Loading Zones in Cities Across Maricopa County