Arizona’s Early Start Law Takes Effect, Aims to Improve Construction Safety

Arizona construction crews can now start work earlier during the summer and early fall thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 13.

The law standardizes construction hours statewide, allowing projects to begin at 5 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on Saturdays from May 1 through October 15.

The move aims to protect workers from extreme heat. Under the law, construction work can continue until 7 p.m. on both weekdays and Saturdays.

Concrete pouring is permitted up to one hour before the official start time, meaning crews can begin as early as 4 a.m. on weekdays.

Before the law was passed, Arizona construction start times varied by city and county, creating confusion and limiting contractors’ flexibility.

The new law overrides local ordinances, providing consistency across Arizona during the summer months.

Local governments still control Sunday hours but cannot enforce stricter noise or work restrictions for permitted construction projects Monday through Saturday from May through October.

The change will help crews avoid the most dangerous heat of the day and potentially improve project timelines.

The law applies to all cities, towns, and counties in Arizona.