Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends. During these windows, any noise that can be heard beyond your property line is fair game for a complaint. Daytime rules are looser but still cap sustained noise at 75 dB in residential zones. The city treats repeat offenders seriously — a second violation within 12 months bumps you from a warning to a Class 1 misdemeanor. Most complaints come from backyard parties, barking dogs, and early-morning landscaping crews.

Phoenix allows recreational fire pits in residential backyards as long as you follow the size and setback rules. Your fire pit can't exceed 3 feet in diameter and must sit at least 15 feet from any structure or fence. Only clean, dry firewood or manufactured logs are allowed — no trash, treated lumber, or yard waste. The fire department has the authority to order any fire extinguished during high-wind events or when air quality advisories are active. Propane and natural gas fire pits have fewer restrictions but still need the 15-foot clearance.

Phoenix doesn't have a traditional grass height ordinance since most yards are desert landscaping. Instead, the city focuses on weed abatement and lot maintenance. Weeds and vegetation can't exceed 6 inches in height on any residential property. Dead vegetation must be removed because of fire risk — this is Arizona, and dry brush is a real hazard. The Neighborhood Services Department handles complaints, and Phoenix is aggressive about enforcement on vacant lots. The city can mow your lot and bill you if you don't respond to a notice, and the bill comes with a $400+ administrative fee.