Report Potholes & Sidewalk Hazards - Tempe Bylaws

Transportation Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, property owners and road users share responsibility for identifying and reporting potholes and sidewalk hazards that threaten safety or accessibility. This guide explains who enforces repairs, how to report a defect, what the city may require under local bylaws, and practical steps to track inspections, request repairs, or appeal enforcement actions. Use the official reporting channels below to submit photos, exact locations, and ownership details to speed inspection and repair. The procedures below apply to public streets and city-maintained sidewalks as well as private-property repairs that may trigger city enforcement or a notice to the adjoining property owner.

What to report and who is responsible

Report defects that present a tripping hazard, large voids, exposed aggregate, displaced slabs, or potholes affecting vehicle or pedestrian safety. The city inspects and repairs public street defects; adjacent property owners are often responsible for maintaining sidewalks abutting their property under Tempe code and code-compliance policy. When ownership is unclear, the city may investigate and assign responsibility.

How to file a report

File a service request through Tempe 311 with a precise location, photos, and a description of the hazard. For urgent safety hazards that pose immediate danger, contact the Public Works emergency number listed on the city site. Use the city online form to attach images and track the request status.

Tempe 311 report page[1]

Report hazards promptly and include clear photos and cross-street references.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Tempe Code Compliance and Public Works depending on whether the defect is on private property, a private sidewalk, or a public street. Specific monetary fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited city pages; see the code-compliance page for the enforcing department and procedures. Where the city issues an administrative order, property owners typically have a defined period to abate the hazard or request a hearing.

  • Enforcer: Tempe Code Compliance and Public Works for inspection and orders; contact via the code-compliance or public-works pages.[3]
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; monetary amounts are not provided on the city pages cited here.[3]
  • Appeals: administrative appeal or hearing processes are referenced by department pages; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.[3]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, repair directives, city-performed abatement with cost recovery, and referral to municipal court where applicable (details not specified on the cited pages).
If the city issues an abatement order, act quickly to avoid further enforcement or cost recovery actions.

Applications & Forms

The city uses the Tempe 311 service request system for reports; no separate sidewalk-repair application form is published on the cited pages. For construction or sidewalk permit work, contact Public Works or Development Services as directed on the streets and permits pages.

Public Works - Streets[2]

Tempe 311 is the official online method to submit location, photos, and service requests.

Action steps to report and follow up

  • Document the hazard with date-stamped photos, approximate dimensions, and the nearest address or cross-streets.
  • Submit a Tempe 311 request online or by phone and keep the request number for tracking.[1]
  • Allow the city inspection window; respond to any city notices and provide requested evidence for appeals.
  • If the city performs abatement, review billing instructions and payment deadlines in the enforcement notice (if issued).

FAQ

Who fixes a broken sidewalk next to a private home?
The adjoining property owner is generally responsible for sidewalk maintenance; the city inspects and can issue orders when hazards are found. For department contact and procedures, see the code-compliance page.[3]
How long until a reported pothole is repaired?
Repair timelines depend on severity and crew schedules; the Tempe 311 request will show status updates once the city schedules inspection and repair.[1]
Can I appeal a repair order or fine?
Appeal and hearing routes are managed by the enforcing department; specific time limits are not specified on the cited city pages, so contact Code Compliance for deadlines.[3]

How-To

  1. Take clear photos of the pothole or sidewalk defect, showing scale and nearby address or landmark.
  2. Submit a Tempe 311 service request online using the photos and exact location; keep the request ID for reference.[1]
  3. Monitor the request status and respond to any city inspection notes; if the city assigns the repair to a property owner, follow the notice instructions.
  4. If you disagree with enforcement, contact Code Compliance to learn appeal steps and deadlines; request a hearing if provided.

Key Takeaways

  • Use Tempe 311 with photos and precise location to start city inspection.
  • Tempe Code Compliance and Public Works enforce repairs; monetary fines are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Keep all request numbers and correspondence to support appeals or reimbursements.

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