Report a Pothole in Phoenix - Repair Timelines & Ordinances

Transportation Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona residents and visitors can report potholes and track repair expectations online through the city’s reporting channels. Use the City of Phoenix 311 online portal or phone service to submit a location, severity, and photos; the report goes to Street Maintenance for assessment and repair City of Phoenix 311[1]. For background on street maintenance responsibilities and program details, see the Public Works - Streets page Public Works - Streets[2].

Report urgent hazards immediately and avoid driving over them if safe to do so.

How reporting works

When you submit a pothole report the city logs the location and assigns a priority based on hazard level, traffic volume, and available resources. Typical stages are inspection, temporary repair (if needed for safety), and permanent repair. Time to completion depends on priority and weather.

  • Inspection scheduling based on priority and workload.
  • Temporary emergency patches for immediate hazards.
  • Permanent repairs scheduled when crews and materials are available.

Penalties & Enforcement

The city’s street repair program is administered by Public Works - Streets and related city divisions; enforcement of road-safety and obstruction laws follows Phoenix municipal rules and applicable state statutes. Specific monetary fines for failure to maintain roadways or for obstruction related to potholes are not specified on the cited page Public Works - Streets[2]. Where the municipal code sets fines or procedures, those sections are referenced on official code pages or through department enforcement notices; if no figures appear on the department page, they are not specified on the cited page.

  • Enforcer: Public Works - Streets and related field inspection staff.
  • How to complain: submit via City of Phoenix 311[1] or call the 311 service.
  • Appeals/review: not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or contact the department for appeal procedures.
  • Fines/escalation: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct hazards, work orders, or referral to enforcement agencies as appropriate.
If you need a record of submission, save the 311 service request number when you file.

Applications & Forms

No separate application form is required for individual pothole reports beyond the standard 311 report fields; use the online 311 portal or phone service to provide location and photos City of Phoenix 311[1].

Action steps to report a pothole

  • Document the location (address or nearest intersection), lane, and direction of travel.
  • Submit the report through the City of Phoenix 311 portal or call 311.
  • Attach clear photos showing scale (include a coin or object) and any vehicle damage if safe to photograph.
  • Monitor the request status via the 311 reference number; follow up if no action within the expected timeframe.
Keep the 311 reference number to check status or to file a follow-up request.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Phoenix?
Use the City of Phoenix 311 online portal or call 311 to provide location, photos, and description; the report is routed to Street Maintenance for assessment.
How long until a pothole is repaired?
Repair timelines depend on priority, traffic, and weather; exact schedules are not specified on the department page but the 311 entry will include status updates.
Can I be reimbursed for vehicle damage from a pothole?
Information about claims or reimbursement should be requested from the city’s risk or claims division; consult department contacts for the correct process.

How-To

  1. Identify and document the exact location and take photos.
  2. Go to the City of Phoenix 311 portal or call 311 and submit the details and photos.
  3. Save the service request number and check status; follow up if needed.
  4. If you believe damage occurred, contact the city’s claims or risk office for instructions on filing a claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Use 311 to report potholes and attach photos for faster assessment.
  • Timelines vary by priority; check your 311 service request for status updates.
  • For enforcement, contact Public Works - Streets; specific fines or timelines may be listed in municipal code sections if applicable.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Phoenix 311 - Report a problem
  2. [2] Public Works - Streets, City of Phoenix