FAQs • Maricopa County, AZ • CivicEngage

What if I can't make the payments?: If an assessment becomes delinquent, the district is obligated to sell the property covered by that assessment to pay the special assessment bonds. The buyer is required to hold the lien for a minimum of one year before applying for a Superintendent of Streets deed of the property. During that period, the assessment lien must be paid in full, plus penalties. Once a deed is issued, the buyer has control of its redemption value. For districts on the tax roll, it is considered the same as delinquent taxes.Return to County Improvement Districts

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County Improvement Districts

1. What is an Improvement District?: An improvement district is designed to provide neighborhoods a method of accomplishing local improvements including paving, street lighting, water, sewer and parks. The improvement district allows residents to use a tax-based bond to distribute the cost of the improvements among all property owners who benefit. Return to County Improvement Districts

2. How do I go about getting one organized?: The improvement district is a resident based petition process. Visit our Steps & Procedures page for a detailed description of how to get one started. Return to County Improvement Districts

3. How do I pay for the improvements?: The total cost of the improvements is financed by issuance of improvement bonds sold through public or private sale or issued to the contractor. Once the improvements are complete, an assessment is placed on every lot/parcel within the district. Return to County Improvement Districts

4. How can I discontinue a Maintenance Improvement District?: Maintenance established by this type of improvement district shall not and cannot be terminated by its Board of Directors unless the operation and maintenance functions of the district have been taken over by an incorporated city or town. Return to County Improvement Districts

5. Who can I talk to for more information?: For further information on county improvement districts within unincorporated areas of Maricopa County, contact the Office of the Superintendent of Streets at (602) 506-6292 or MCDOTImprovementDistricts@maricopa.gov.
Return to County Improvement Districts

6. I don't want to have my road paved but I would like to have my road maintained.: Due to current air quality standards within the non-attainment area (PM-10 boundary) and legal restrictions, only roads that have been paved to county standards will be accepted for maintenance by the County. Outside the PM-10 boundary, the county can and will form a Maintenance Improvement District. However, this requires that maintenance be performed through private contract. Return to County Improvement Districts

7. How often is the road graded?: The road is graded approximately four times per year. Return to County Improvement Districts

8. What if I can't make the payments?: If an assessment becomes delinquent, the district is obligated to sell the property covered by that assessment to pay the special assessment bonds. The buyer is required to hold the lien for a minimum of one year before applying for a Superintendent of Streets deed of the property. During that period, the assessment lien must be paid in full, plus penalties. Once a deed is issued, the buyer has control of its redemption value. For districts on the tax roll, it is considered the same as delinquent taxes. Return to County Improvement Districts

9. Formation options: If you are part of an existing established development, you have the option of creating a SLID via the standard rout noted under FAQ item 2. However, if you are part of a new development, in addition to the standard route you may also wish to consider undertaking the improvements under an HOA. For further information on county improvement districts within unincorporated areas of Maricopa County, contact the Office of the Superintendent of Streets at (602) 506-0313.
Return to County Improvement Districts

10. How can I find out if my property is located in an Active or Proposed district?: To learn what (if any) districts your property is in, visit our "Find Your Districts" page for directions on how to check your tax bill. To find out if you are in a proposed district, you can contact us at (602) 506-0313 or via our contact form. We will need your Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) for the property. If you do not know the APN, visit our "Find Your Districts" page to learn how to find out the APN. If your subdivision name or your street name is listed in the Special District portion of the bill chances are you are in a Streetlight or Maintenance Improvement District. NOTICE: Not all districts listed in this section of the bill are organized by this office; please call the number listed in the detail for further information.
Return to County Improvement Districts