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.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Tempe's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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