Arizona limits local zoning power over agricultural land, protecting commercial farming activities from overly restrictive land-use regulation.
Arizona zoning law in ARS 11-812 and ARS 9-462.01 restricts counties and cities from regulating the use of land or structures for general agricultural purposes on parcels of certain sizes. Combined with the Right to Farm Act in ARS 3-112, agricultural operations enjoy substantial protection from local zoning interference. Cities may regulate non-agricultural uses on the same parcels and require setbacks, but cannot prevent established farming, ranching, or related uses without state-authorized exceptions.
Local ordinances that improperly restrict agricultural uses are void and may trigger damages or attorney fees.
See how Phoenix's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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