135 local rules on file · Pop. 122 · Pima County
Showing ordinances that apply to Why, AZ
Why is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 122 in Pima County, Arizona. Because Why is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Pima County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Pima County may have different rules.
Arizona requires STR operators to hold an ADOR TPT license and maintain a local contact person under the 2022 ARS 9-500.39 amendment. No separate county registration exists.
Pima County cannot impose STR-specific parking rules due to ARS 9-500.39 preemption. General zoning parking standards apply. HOAs may enforce guest parking restrictions.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Pima County ordinances.
Pima County cannot impose STR occupancy limits due to ARS 9-500.39 preemption. Building code occupancy standards based on bedroom count still apply to all residences.
Pima County has no outdoor music or amplified sound ordinance for unincorporated areas. ARS 13-2916 applies to unreasonable noise. Event venues may have CUP conditions.
Pima County regulates industrial noise through zoning performance standards. Industrial zones must limit noise at residential boundaries. Pima County DEQ oversees permitted facilities.
Pima County has no leaf blower ordinance for unincorporated areas. Desert landscaping minimizes need. ARS 13-2916 covers extreme noise. HOAs provide primary control.
Pima County has no general decibel limits for unincorporated areas. Industrial zone performance standards exist. ARS 13-2916 uses a reasonable person standard for enforcement.
Pima County uses Airport Environs Zone overlays around Davis-Monthan AFB and Tucson International Airport. Sound attenuation required within 65 dB DNL contours.
Pima County Code Chapter 9.30 prohibits excessive, unnecessary, or offensive noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or causes discomfort to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity. Applies to unincorporated areas; cities have their own ordinances.
Pima County Code §9.30.070 restricts outdoor construction noise to permitted hours. Concrete work: 5 AM–7 PM (Apr 15–Oct 15) and 6 AM–7 PM (Oct 16–Apr 14). All other construction requires a county permit for work outside permitted windows.
Pima County Code Chapter 9.30 and animal control code (Chapter 6.04) cover excessive animal noise. Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) handles barking dog complaints in unincorporated areas. The county forbids noise that disturbs neighborhood peace and comfort.
Pima County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. ARS §13-2916 applies.
Pima County has no neighbor fence cost-sharing ordinance. Arizona law does not require neighbors to split fence costs. Owners may build on their own property up to zoning limits.
ARS 36-1681 requires 5-ft pool barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates in Pima County. Applies to all pools 18+ inches deep. Door alarms or safety covers as alternatives.
Pima County limits front yard fences to 3 ft (solid) or 4 ft (open). Side and rear fences up to 6 ft. Hillside development zones have stricter height and material rules.
Building permits required for retaining walls over 4 ft in Pima County. Licensed engineer must design walls exceeding 4 ft. Hillside zones require terracing and natural colors.
Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.67 regulates fences and walls in unincorporated areas. Front-yard walls max 3 feet in residential zones. Side/rear walls max 6 feet without a permit. Pima County Development Services issues fence permits for walls exceeding standard heights.
Block walls and masonry fences typically require building permits in Pima County. Wood fences under 6 feet may be exempt. Pool barriers must meet ARS §36-1681.
Pima County regulates fence materials by zone. Block/stucco walls are the Arizona standard. HOAs commonly mandate specific materials and colors.
Pima County has no specific grass-height ordinance for unincorporated areas. Most properties in the Sonoran Desert region have xeriscape or native desert landscaping rather than turf grass. Weed and vegetation abatement may apply when overgrown lots create fire hazards.
Arizona actively encourages rainwater harvesting. AZ HB 2675 protects homeowners from HOA prohibitions on rainwater collection systems. Pima County and the City of Tucson have been national leaders in rainwater harvesting policy. No permit required for residential cisterns under 2,500 gallons.
Pima County has no ordinance prohibiting or specifically regulating artificial turf in unincorporated areas. Synthetic turf is increasingly popular as a water-conservation measure in the Sonoran Desert climate. HOA communities may have specific rules on artificial turf installation and appearance.
Pima County Code Chapter 7.21 addresses nuisance vegetation and weed abatement in unincorporated areas. Properties with overgrown weeds creating fire or health hazards may receive abatement notices. The county can abate at owner expense after notice and noncompliance.
Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.72 (Native Plant Preservation) requires protection and salvage of certain native plants during development. Saguaro cacti, ironwood, palo verde, and mesquite are specifically protected. Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901 et seq.) requires permits to destroy or relocate protected plants.
Tucson Water and the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) regulate water use in the Tucson Active Management Area, which covers most of Pima County. ADWR Assured Water Supply rules (ARS 45-454) require new subdivisions to demonstrate a 100-year water supply. Tucson Water enforces stage-based drought restrictions.
Saguaro removal requires state permits (ARS §3-904) throughout unincorporated Pima County. Native plant protections apply on development sites per county zoning code. Unauthorized saguaro removal is a Class 4 felony.
Pima County may protect native desert trees (palo verde, ironwood, saguaro). Street trees are city property. Proper pruning preserves shade in extreme heat.
Pima County has no overnight street parking ban in unincorporated areas. Vehicles must not block roads. Abandoned vehicles subject to 48-hour rule under ARS 28-1101.
Pima County requires driveway permits for connections to county roads. Minimum 12-ft width for residential driveways. Maximum 14% grade. Gravel driveways allowed in rural zones.
No EV charging mandate for new construction. Level 2+ charger installation requires an electrical permit. ARS 33-1818 prohibits HOAs from banning EV charger installation.
Pima County Code Compliance addresses abandoned and inoperable vehicles on private property when they become code violations. ARS §28-871 (72-hour rule) applies to public highways. Pima County Sheriff enforces on county roads.
Commercial vehicle parking in unincorporated Pima County subject to zoning district standards (Title 18). State weight limits (ARS §28-961) apply on county roads. Rural zones generally more permissive than residential zones.
Pima County Code Chapter 10.17 governs off-street parking and loading in unincorporated areas (Title 18 Zoning Code Chapter 18.75). Public road parking regulated per ARS §28-871. Pima County Sheriff enforces traffic and parking violations.
Unincorporated Pima County is generally more permissive for RV storage than incorporated cities. Zoning-specific standards apply. Rural and agricultural-zoned parcels have greatest flexibility. Manufactured home regulations may apply per zone.
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Pima County requires a PDEQ permit under ARS 49-501 and County Code 17.20. No-burn days declared during poor air quality periods.
Pima County requires smoke detectors per the adopted IRC. Detectors needed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level. New construction requires hardwired units.
Pima County designates extensive WUI zones in the Catalina Foothills, Tanque Verde, and areas bordering Saguaro NP. IWUIC requires fire-resistant materials and defensible space.
Recreational backyard fires allowed in approved containers with clean dry wood. Fires limited to 3 ft diameter. PDEQ no-burn days apply. Gas fire features generally exempt.
Pima County requires defensible space in WUI zones per the adopted IWUIC. At least 30 feet of clearance around structures in the Catalina Foothills and Tanque Verde areas.
Pima County unincorporated areas follow Arizona state law (ARS §36-1606). Permissible consumer fireworks (fountains, sparklers, ground spinners) are allowed. Aerial fireworks, rockets, and firecrackers are illegal statewide. Pima County issues fireworks permits for public displays (Pima County Code §17.14).
Recreational fire pits for warmth and cooking are exempt from PDEQ open burn permit requirements in unincorporated Pima County. Gas/propane fire features always exempt. 25-foot clearance from structures recommended. PDEQ no-burn advisories apply to wood burning.
Arizona state law preempts local beekeeping bans under ARS 3-363. Pima County allows beekeeping in all residential zones. Africanized bee management is a concern in the Sonoran Desert region. The Arizona Department of Agriculture registers apiaries and handles swarm complaints.
Pima County zoning permits horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock on rural parcels (GR-1 and larger). No animal-unit limit on parcels 4.13 acres or more in the GR-1 zone. Smaller rural-residential parcels in CR-3 and CR-5 zones allow limited large animals with setback requirements.
Pima County allows chickens and small livestock on rural parcels without special permits. Zoning Code Chapter 18.51 governs animal keeping. Parcels 1 acre or larger (GR-1, SR zones) allow horses, cattle, goats, and poultry. Smaller residential lots may keep a limited number of hens but roosters may be restricted under nuisance provisions.
ARS 17-255.06 prohibits intentionally feeding wildlife in Pima County, including javelina, coyotes, and other large wild mammals. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) enforces. Rattlesnake encounters are common; AZGFD recommends leaving venomous wildlife undisturbed. Violations carry civil penalties.
Pima County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. License and rabies vaccination required per ARS §11-1001 et seq.
ARS §17-306 (AZGFD) restricts exotic species statewide. Pima County Code Chapter 6.04 addresses dangerous and restricted animals. Agricultural zoning allows farm livestock; exotic wildlife regulated by AZGFD permits.
Arizona has no statewide breed ban preemption. Some cities have breed-specific legislation. Phoenix has no breed restrictions. Check Pima County local ordinance.
Pima County allows carports as accessory structures in residential zones. Open carports (roof only, no enclosed walls) under 200 square feet may be exempt from building permits. Larger carports require permits and must meet setback and wind-load requirements for the monsoon climate.
Pima County permits tiny homes as accessory dwelling units under the 2024 Zoning Code update for unincorporated areas. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent dwellings. Site-built or modular tiny homes on foundations must meet IRC building standards and obtain standard building permits through Pima County Development Services.
Pima County allows storage sheds as accessory structures in all residential zones. Sheds under 200 square feet and not on a permanent foundation typically do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits and must meet setback requirements. All sheds must comply with wind and tie-down requirements for the Sonoran Desert climate.
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Pima County requires a building permit from Development Services. The conversion must meet residential building code for habitable space including insulation, ventilation, egress windows, and ceiling height. Replacement off-street parking may be required by the zoning code.
Pima County allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs or guest houses) in certain residential zones subject to zoning code requirements. ADUs must be subordinate to the primary dwelling, meet setback and height limits, and comply with building code. ADUs built after September 14, 2024 and used as STRs require owner occupancy on the property.
Arizona DES licenses home-based child care facilities. ARS 36-897 et seq. governs licensing. Pima County zoning permits home daycares as a home occupation in residential zones with conditions. Group home daycares (6-10 children) may require a specific use permit from Pima County Development Services.
Pima County home occupation rules limit customer and client traffic to avoid disrupting residential neighborhoods. Type I home occupations (no customer visits) require no permit. Type II home occupations allowing limited customer visits require a specific use permit from Development Services.
Pima County prohibits commercial signage for home occupations in residential zones. No exterior signs, window displays, or advertising visible from the street may indicate a business operates at the residence. This maintains the residential character required by the zoning code.
Pima County Zoning Code Chapter 18.09 allows home occupations in residential zones with conditions. The business must be secondary to residential use, conducted entirely indoors, and produce no external evidence of commercial activity. Specific use permits may be required for higher-impact home businesses.
Pima County issues home occupation permits through Development Services for businesses operating from residential properties. Type I (no customer visits) is by right with no permit fee. Type II (limited customer visits) requires a specific use permit application, fee, and neighbor notification.
Arizona ARS 36-1761 allows cottage food operations to sell homemade food products directly to consumers with an annual revenue cap of $75,000. No county permit, commercial kitchen, or health inspection required. Labeling with name, address, and allergen disclosure is mandatory.
Pima County requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. Arizona has strict pool barrier requirements under ARS §36-1681. Inspections required.
Pima County requires barrier fencing around all swimming pools, including above-ground pools, per ARS 36-1681 and county building code. Above-ground pools with walls 48 inches or higher may use the pool wall as the barrier if access points are secured. A building permit is generally required.
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Pima County must comply with ARS 36-1681 barrier requirements if they hold water deeper than 18 inches. A lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 standards may substitute for a full barrier enclosure. Electrical work requires a county permit.
ARS §36-1681 requires pool barriers - one of the strictest laws in the US. Minimum 5-foot barrier height. Self-closing, self-latching gates required.
Pima County enforces strict pool safety per ARS §36-1681 and the federal VGB Act. Anti-entrapment drains, barriers, alarms, and depth markers required.
Pima County limits lot coverage by zoning district: GR-1 rural at 25%, suburban ranch at 30%, and urban-adjacent residential zones up to 40%. Includes all impervious surfaces.
Pima County limits residential height to 30 feet (most zones) or 35 feet in rural zones. Airport Environs Zone overlay near TUS and Davis-Monthan AFB adds FAA Part 77 limits.
Pima County Zoning Code Title 18 sets setbacks by district. Rural GR-1 zones require 50-foot front, 25-foot side, and 40-foot rear setbacks. Variances need Board of Adjustment approval.
Pima County enforces stormwater management through the Pima County Regional Flood Control District (RFCD) and the county MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act. The Sonoran Desert monsoon season (July-September) drives strict drainage and retention requirements. All new development must retain the first inch of stormwater on-site per county standards.
Pima County requires grading permits for land disturbance in unincorporated areas and enforces strict drainage standards through the Regional Flood Control District. All new construction must demonstrate that post-development drainage does not increase runoff to adjacent properties. Washes and arroyos have mandatory setback buffers.
Pima County requires erosion and sediment control plans for all grading and construction activities in unincorporated areas. The Sonoran Desert landscape with sparse vegetation and intense monsoon rainfall makes erosion control critical. Grading permits through Development Services require detailed erosion mitigation before work begins.
Pima County Regional Flood Control District administers the Floodplain Management Ordinance (Title 16, Ordinance 2010-FC5). The District maps both FEMA FIRMs and local Special Study Floodplains covering more than half of known county flood hazards. FEMA updated Pima County flood maps January 2026 (appeal through April 29, 2026). Building in/near washes requires flood control approval.
Arizona law (ARS 16-1019) broadly protects political sign display. Pima County allows political signs in residential areas without permits during election seasons. Signs must be removed within 15 days after the election. Maximum size in residential zones is 32 square feet per state statute.
Pima County does not have specific ordinances restricting holiday displays on private property in unincorporated areas. Seasonal decorations including lights, inflatables, and yard displays are generally permitted. HOAs may impose their own rules on holiday display timing and type, subject to Arizona HOA law limitations.
Pima County restricts temporary signs including garage sale signs in unincorporated areas under the county sign ordinance. Signs may be placed on private property only and must be removed immediately after the sale ends. Signs are prohibited in public rights-of-way and on utility poles.
Pima County parks close sunset to sunrise under Code Chapter 9.41. Overnight camping only in designated campgrounds with a reservation. Rangers and Sheriff enforce curfew.
Pima County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
No designated food truck vending zones in unincorporated Pima County. Trucks operate on private property with owner permission. County ROW and parks need separate permits.
Food trucks in unincorporated Pima County need a Health Department food establishment permit, commissary agreement, and annual inspection per ARS 36-1761.
Pima County Environmental Quality regulates solid waste in unincorporated areas. Trash containers must have tight-fitting lids to prevent wildlife access (javelina, coyotes, and rodents are common). Bins should be stored behind fencing or in enclosed areas when not set out for collection day.
Pima County does not require permits for garage or yard sales in unincorporated areas. There is no limit on the number of sales per year under county code. Standard sign rules and noise ordinance provisions apply. HOAs may impose additional restrictions on frequency and timing of sales.
Pima County Code Enforcement addresses property blight including abandoned vehicles, accumulated junk, and deteriorated structures in unincorporated areas. The county nuisance abatement ordinance (Chapter 7.24) allows enforcement action against properties that are a danger to public health, safety, or welfare.
Pima County does not have a snow or ice removal ordinance for sidewalks or roadways. Tucson and surrounding unincorporated areas rarely experience snow accumulation at lower elevations. Mountain communities like Summerhaven on Mount Lemmon may see occasional snow but are not subject to mandatory clearing requirements.
Pima County requires vacant lot owners to maintain their properties free of fire hazards, dumped waste, and nuisance conditions under the county nuisance abatement code. Vacant lots in the Sonoran Desert must be kept clear of accumulated debris, abandoned vehicles, and hazardous conditions that attract illegal dumping.
Cannabis dispensaries in unincorporated Pima County must comply with both Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) licensing and county zoning requirements. State law requires dispensaries be at least 500 feet from schools. Pima County zoning code treats dispensaries as a commercial use requiring a conditional use permit in most zones.
Arizona Proposition 207 (Smart and Safe Arizona Act, 2020) allows adults 21 and older to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per person and 12 per household. Plants must be in an enclosed, locked space not visible from public areas. Pima County does not impose additional restrictions beyond state law for unincorporated areas.
Chapter 18.72 mandates native plant mitigation for development: avoid removal first, then transplant, donate, or pay into a fund. Trees replaced at minimum 2:1 ratio.
Pima County Code Ch. 18.72 requires permits for native plant removal during development. ARS 3-904 makes destroying saguaro, ironwood, or palo verde without an ADA permit a Class 4 felony.
Saguaro cactus is Highly Safeguarded under ARS 3-904. Destroying one without an AZ Dept of Agriculture permit is a Class 4 felony punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison.
Pima County protects native plants through Ch. 18.72 and Ch. 18.67 (riparian habitat), plus ARS 3-904. Buffer zones protect desert washes and the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan guides land use.
HVAC equipment noise in unincorporated Pima County is regulated under general nuisance standards and ARS 13-2916. Air conditioning is essential in the Sonoran Desert with 100+ days above 100 degrees F. No county-specific decibel limits for HVAC equipment exist. HOA CC&Rs commonly regulate equipment placement and screening.
Generator noise in unincorporated Pima County is unregulated at the county level beyond general nuisance standards under ARS 13-2916. Backup and portable generators are common due to monsoon storm power outages. HOA CC&Rs may restrict generator placement, operation hours, and screening requirements.
Bar and nightclub noise in unincorporated Pima County is regulated under general nuisance standards and ARS 13-2916. The county has no specific entertainment venue decibel limits. Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control can act on noise complaints as a condition of liquor licenses. Zoning buffers between commercial and residential areas provide primary noise separation.
Lead paint in Pima County is regulated under federal EPA RRP Rule (40 CFR 745) and Arizona Department of Health Services oversight. Properties built before 1978 require lead disclosure at sale or lease. Renovation work disturbing lead paint must be performed by EPA-certified firms.
Pest control in Pima County is regulated by the Arizona Office of Pest Management (OPM) under ARS 32-2301 et seq. All pest control operators must hold OPM licenses. Sonoran Desert pests including bark scorpions, subterranean termites, and Africanized bees require specialized treatment approaches and licensed applicators.
Scaffold safety in Pima County is regulated by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) under ARS 23-401 et seq. ADOSH enforces federal OSHA scaffold standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L) for construction sites. Scaffold erection requires competent person supervision and worker fall protection.
Elevator maintenance in Pima County falls under the Arizona Department of Real Estate Elevator Safety Program, which registers and inspects elevators statewide. ASME A17.1 safety code applies. Annual inspections and five-year full-load tests are required for all commercial and multi-family elevators.
FAA rules govern recreational drones in Pima County. Class C airspace around TUS and Davis-Monthan AFB requires LAANC authorization. ARS 13-3729 bars flights over critical infrastructure.
Commercial drones in Pima County require FAA Part 107 certification. Tucson Class C airspace (TUS/Davis-Monthan) needs LAANC or waiver. ARS 13-3729 restricts critical infrastructure flights.
HOA architectural review committees regulate exterior changes per CC&Rs. ARS 33-1817 protects solar panels and flags. Unanswered requests auto-approve after 60 days.
ARS 33-1803 governs HOA assessments. Boards levy regular dues per budget; special assessments may need member vote. Unpaid assessments create a property lien under ARS 33-1807.
Pima County HOAs enforce CC&Rs under the Arizona Planned Community Act (ARS 33-1801 through 33-1817). HOA boards can levy fines, place liens, and restrict property modifications. Homeowners may petition the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) for dispute resolution.
Arizona Planned Community Act (ARS 33-1801+) governs HOA boards in Pima County. Board meetings must be open with 48 hours notice. Annual meetings need 10-50 days written notice.
ARS 33-1803.01 requires hearings before HOA fines. Homeowners may complain to AZ Dept of Real Estate or sue under ARS 33-1810 with attorneys fee recovery for prevailing party.
Trash collection in unincorporated Pima County is provided by private waste haulers, not by the county government directly. Residents must contract with a licensed hauler for service. Pima County Department of Environmental Quality oversees solid waste regulations including hauler licensing and illegal dumping enforcement.
Unincorporated Pima County residents use county transfer stations for bulk waste drop-off. No curbside bulk pickup. Illegal desert dumping is a Class 2 misdemeanor under ARS 13-1603.
No mandatory recycling in unincorporated Pima County. Recycling is voluntary at county drop-off centers. Pima County Code Chapter 7.21 governs solid waste collection.
Trash bins in unincorporated Pima County must be placed at the curb or designated pickup point for collection and returned to storage after pickup. Bins should have animal-resistant lids due to Sonoran Desert wildlife. Specific placement rules are set by individual private waste haulers serving each area.
Pima County requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations on residential and commercial properties. Arizona Solar Rights Act (ARS 33-1816) prohibits HOAs and municipalities from banning solar installations. Pima County Development Services processes solar permits with a streamlined residential solar pathway for rooftop systems under 10 kW.
Arizona Solar Rights Act (ARS 33-1816) strongly protects homeowners right to install solar panels. HOAs in Pima County cannot prohibit solar devices. Any HOA restriction that increases installation cost by more than $1,000 or reduces efficiency by more than 10 percent is void and unenforceable under state law.
Pima County has one of the strictest outdoor lighting codes in the United States, adopted to protect Kitt Peak National Observatory and the surrounding Sonoran Desert night sky. The Pima County Outdoor Lighting Code requires full-cutoff shielding on all outdoor fixtures, limits color temperature to 3000K maximum, and establishes stringent lumen caps by zone.
Pima County Outdoor Lighting Code prohibits light trespass from outdoor fixtures onto adjacent properties. All fixtures must be fully shielded and directed downward to prevent spill onto neighboring parcels. Complaints about light trespass are handled through county code enforcement with particular rigor near the Kitt Peak Observatory buffer zone.
Arizona state law (ARS 33-1329, reinforced by SB 1350 in 2022) preempts all local rent control ordinances. Neither Pima County nor any municipality in Arizona may impose rent caps, rent stabilization, or rent increase limitations. Landlords may raise rent without limit upon proper notice at the end of a lease term.
Pima County does not require landlords to register rental properties with the county. Arizona law does not mandate a statewide rental registration program. Landlords must comply with the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and file rental income on state and federal taxes, but no county-level rental license or registration fee applies.
Arizona does not require just cause for eviction and state law preempts local just-cause eviction ordinances. Landlords in Pima County may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice without stating a reason. Fixed-term leases end at their expiration without cause required for non-renewal.
No county solicitor permit required in unincorporated Pima County. Transient merchants must post a $50,000 bond under ARS 44-1221. Trespass law (ARS 13-1502) protects homeowners.
No no-knock ordinance in Pima County. Posted no-soliciting signs serve as trespass notice under ARS 13-1502. Political canvassing is First Amendment protected.
No permit required for garage sales in unincorporated Pima County. Sales must be on private property. Signs cannot be placed in county right-of-way per Ch. 18.81.
No county-mandated hours for garage sales in unincorporated Pima County. Noise ordinance (Ch. 9.30) and dark-sky lighting code (Ch. 18.78) apply to evening sales.
No county limit on garage sale frequency in unincorporated Pima County. Frequent sales resembling retail may trigger zoning review and Arizona TPT tax requirements.
Street vending in unincorporated Pima County requires a Pima County Health Department food handler permit for food vendors and compliance with county zoning for location. Arizona HB 2481 (2016) preempted local bans on cottage food sales, expanding options for home-based vendors.
Pima County does not designate formal vending zones in unincorporated areas. Vending locations are governed by zoning classification under the Pima County Zoning Code. Commercial and mixed-use zones generally permit vending. Residential zones restrict commercial sales to cottage food and home occupation permits.
Mobile food carts and trucks operating in unincorporated Pima County must meet Pima County Health Department standards for mobile food units. Carts require NSF-approved equipment, potable water supply, wastewater containment, and current health permits displayed visibly.
Pima County supports film production through coordination with the Arizona Film and Digital Media office and Tucson Film Office. Location permits are required for filming on county property, regional parks, and rights-of-way. Old Tucson Studios and the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape are premier filming destinations.
Film production noise in unincorporated Pima County is regulated under general county nuisance standards and ARS 13-2916. Productions near residential areas must manage amplified sound, generators, and pyrotechnic effects. County parks filming permits include noise conditions specific to each location.
Street closures for film production on Pima County roads require an encroachment permit from Pima County Department of Transportation. Productions must provide traffic control plans, insurance, and advance public notice. State highways through unincorporated areas require separate ADOT permits.
Events in Pima County regional parks require permits from Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation. Permit categories cover picnic reservations, athletic events, concerts, festivals, and commercial activities. Desert parks like Tucson Mountain Park and Catalina Regional Park have specific ecological protection conditions.
Sidewalk cafes in unincorporated Pima County require encroachment permits from Pima County DOT when using county rights-of-way. Operators must maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian clearance, carry liability insurance, and hold current Pima County Health Department food establishment permits.
Block parties on county-maintained streets in unincorporated Pima County require a temporary street closure permit from Pima County Department of Transportation. Organizers must provide traffic control, neighbor notification, and liability coverage. HOA common areas may have separate requirements under CC&Rs.
In unincorporated Pima County, sidewalk repair responsibility depends on the location and development agreement. Pima County DOT maintains sidewalks within county rights-of-way. HOAs maintain sidewalks in common areas. Arizona law (ARS 9-240 preemption principles) does not impose automatic liability on adjacent property owners for sidewalk defects.
Obstructing sidewalks and pedestrian paths in unincorporated Pima County violates county right-of-way encroachment regulations. Trash containers, vehicles, landscaping, and construction materials must not block pedestrian passage. ADA accessibility requirements apply to all public sidewalks.