The Florence Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 764-25 on September 2, 2025, changing the town’s construction noise ordinance to move up start times for building work to comply with a new Arizona state law. The state law applies to all municipalities and counties across Arizona.
Construction Hour Changes
The new ordinance makes the following changes to Florence’s construction schedule:
Summer Hours (April 15-October 15):
- Concrete work: Previously 5:00 a.m., now 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- General construction: Previously 6:00 a.m., now 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Winter Hours (October 16-April 30):
- Concrete work: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (unchanged)
- General construction: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (unchanged)
Weekends and holidays: Construction 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., concrete pouring 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Previously, Florence had stricter construction hours for work near homes. The old ordinance specifically restricted construction activities “in, or within 500 feet of a residential zone” to later start times – 6:00 a.m. for general construction during summer months, compared to 5:00 a.m. for commercial and industrial zones not near residential areas. The new ordinance removes this 500-foot buffer zone distinction, applying the same 5:00 a.m. start time for all construction work throughout Florence during summer months, regardless of proximity to homes, as required by state law.
State Law Requirements
Arizona’s legislature recently passed Senate Bill 1182, which Governor Katie Hobbs signed as an emergency measure on May 13, 2025. The state law prevents municipalities and counties from restricting construction during specified hours between May 1 and October 15, though Florence begins its summer schedule on April 15.
The state law applies to general construction activities performed under validly issued building permits. It prohibits local governments from enforcing noise ordinances that restrict construction between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays during the summer period.
Community Development Director A.J. Monroe presented the ordinance as a “housekeeping” measure required by the recent state legislation.
Permits and Exceptions
Florence’s ordinance allows construction work outside the standard hours with an appropriate permit from the town. These local permit provisions can authorize construction work on weekends and holidays outside the normal start times.
Council Response
Mayor Keith Eaton sarcastically expressed frustration with state interference in local governance. “Thank you once again to the State of Arizona for telling us what we need to do,” Eaton said during the meeting.
Councilman Jose Maldonado offered a different perspective, supporting the changes as beneficial for workers and housing development. “As a blue-collar worker, I think this is great, and this is just one step in trying to help towards the housing crisis that we’re in right now,” Maldonado said.
What Comes Next
The ordinance takes effect immediately as an emergency measure. These changes bring Florence into compliance with state law and prevent potential conflicts between local and state regulations governing construction activities.
