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Maricopa, AZ Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)

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

Key Facts

Zoning districts
RA Rural Agricultural, GR General Rural
RA main use
Animal and food production
Residential buffer
Large-lot, low-density housing only
Incidental housing
Requires Pinal County septic review
Governing section
Maricopa City Code § 18.30.010

Summary

The city's RA Rural Agricultural and GR General Rural districts zone land specifically to protect farming operations from encroaching urban development and buffer them with large-lot, low-density housing.

B. Additional purposes of each rural district: 1. RA Rural Agricultural. This district is intended to provide for agricultural areas within the city and to protect and conserve these areas within and adjacent to urban development. The main use of this district is for animal and food production, in terms of growing, processing, and selling. Incidental residential uses with septic systems may be allowed and are subject to Pinal County review and approval.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-10, passed April 21, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Maricopa Code § 18.30.010 establishes RA Rural Agricultural and GR General Rural zoning districts specifically to preserve agricultural and resource-conservation areas, protect farmland from incompatible land uses and encroachment, and provide large-lot residential buffers instead of denser conventional subdivisions next to farms. The RA district's main use is animal and food production, growing, processing, and selling, with incidental residential uses on septic systems allowed only with Pinal County review. Table 18.30.020 permits large- and small-scale animal and crop production, farmers' and animal produce stands, and animal sales by right in both districts.

Violations & Fines

Building or operating a use not listed as permitted (P) or conditional (C) in Table 18.30.020 without a rezoning or conditional use permit is a zoning code violation enforced by the Maricopa Planning and Zoning Division.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maricopa have a right-to-farm law?
Not a standalone ordinance: the city protects agriculture through zoning. RA and GR rural districts under § 18.30.010 exist specifically to shield farmland from incompatible urban uses with large-lot buffers around farms.
Can I build a house on RA-zoned farmland in Maricopa?
Yes, incidental residential uses with septic systems are allowed, but they require Pinal County review and approval since the city relies on the county for septic permitting there.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Maricopa

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions

All Maricopa rules

Compare Maricopa to another location·View the Arizona right to farm overview

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