Arizona's loitering and disorderly conduct statutes (ARS 13-2905 and 13-2904) cover aggressive solicitation involving threat, physical contact, or traffic obstruction. Maricopa County Sheriff enforces in unincorporated areas; passive panhandling is constitutionally protected speech.
Following the Ninth Circuit ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) and earlier panhandling-protection cases, Arizona cities and counties cannot ban peaceful solicitation. Maricopa County relies on ARS 13-2905 loitering rules, which prohibit obstructing pedestrians, intimidating drivers, or soliciting after dark in a threatening manner. ARS 13-2904 disorderly conduct covers fighting words and physical confrontation. Sheriff deputies in unincorporated areas issue citations or warnings. Cities like Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe maintain narrow ordinances targeting aggressive conduct (touching, blocking ATMs, repeated requests) consistent with constitutional limits.
Aggressive panhandling under ARS 13-2905 is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by 30 days jail and $500 fine. Disorderly conduct under ARS 13-2904 ranges from Class 1 misdemeanor to Class 6 felony if a weapon is involved.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates construction noise primarily through general noise provisions and building code administration. Arizona HB 2371 (effective 2025) require...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale restricts overnight parking on certain city streets through posted signage. The city may restrict overnight parking in areas with safety or conges...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale supports EV infrastructure through its green building codes and zoning provisions. New commercial and multi-family developments may be required to...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale addresses animal hoarding through Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 keeping limits and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control field investigations;...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates the keeping of domestic animals including chickens and livestock under Chapter 4, Article II of the Revised Code. Chickens and other fow...
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona ARS 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any sleeping area remodeled under permit. Scottsdale enf...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle aggressive panhandling.
See how Scottsdale's aggressive panhandling rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.