Maricopa County adopted Vision 2030, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, as the long-range policy framework for unincorporated land. Title XIII zoning implements the plan through Area Plans, Special Planning Areas, and Conditional Use Permits across the New River, Hassayampa, Aguila, and other regions.
ARS section 11-804 requires every Arizona county to adopt and update a comprehensive plan. Maricopa County's current document, Vision 2030, was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2015 and is updated every ten years. The plan establishes land-use designations, growth strategies, and policies for housing, transportation, public services, and open space. Implementation flows through Title XIII Zoning Ordinance: regional Area Plans (New River-Desert Hills, Hassayampa, North Sonoran, Rio Verde Foothills, Aguila) tailor density, design, and environmental standards. Special Planning Areas like the Sun Valley overlay add design and signage rules. Conditional Use Permits, rezones, and major plan amendments require Board hearings and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation.
Developing land contrary to the adopted Comprehensive Plan or applicable Area Plan triggers stop-work orders, daily civil penalties up to seven hundred dollars under Title XIII chapter 16, and denial of building permits or certificates of occupancy.
Surprise, AZ
Amplified music and sound in Surprise must comply with the city's noise ordinance. Amplified sound audible beyond property lines that disturbs neighbors is p...
Surprise, AZ
Excessive barking dogs in Surprise are addressed through the city's nuisance provisions and Maricopa County animal control regulations. Dogs that bark contin...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise regulates construction noise through its City Code. Residential construction is generally permitted Monday through Saturday during daytime hours. Su...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise is near Luke Air Force Base, which generates significant military jet noise. The city has no authority over military flight operations but maintains...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise does not experience snow and has no space saving or dibs system for parking. The desert climate eliminates the need for shoveled-out parking spot re...
Surprise, AZ
Surprise prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or junk vehicles on public streets and visible on private property. Vehicles without current registration or that a...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle specific plans overview.
See how Surprise's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
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