How do I find the exact definition used in a Tempe ordinance?

Search the official Tempe municipal code online and review the definitional sections or the chapter that governs your topic. The municipal code portal is the authoritative source for wording and context.

Who enforces building and zoning rules in Tempe?

Development Services, including Building Safety and Planning staff, enforce building and zoning rules. Contact details and permit processes are on the city website.

Where do I report a nuisance or property maintenance violation?

Report nuisances and property maintenance concerns to the Code Compliance office using the complaint options on the Code Compliance page.

Tempe City Code Definitions & Terms Guide

General Governance and Administration Arizona 4 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

Introduction

This guide explains common definitions and terms used in the Tempe, Arizona municipal code and related city regulations. It helps residents, business owners, developers, and legal professionals find official definitions, understand which department enforces specific rules, and follow practical steps for permits, appeals, or reporting violations. Where available we cite the authoritative Tempe municipal code and city department pages so you can access primary law and forms directly Tempe Code of Ordinances^[1].

Common Definitions and Where They Appear

Municipal codes define terms such as "structure," "owner," "nuisance," "dwelling," and zoning definitions that control land use and permitting. The official codified text compiled by the city provides the definitive language for interpretation and enforcement; always consult the municipal code entry for the exact statutory wording Tempe Code of Ordinances^[1].

Definitions of planning and zoning terms are primarily found in the zoning chapter.
Building and safety definitions appear in building and construction chapters and permit regulations.
Enforcement and violation terms are in the code compliance or enforcement chapters.

Consult the exact municipal code section before acting on formal compliance or legal matters.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of Tempe city code provisions is handled by the city's enforcement agencies appropriate to the subject matter, for example Code Compliance or Development Services for building and zoning matters, and other departments as designated in each chapter. The municipal code and department pages note enforcement roles and procedures; where specific penalty amounts or escalation are not shown on the cited page we state that explicitly and link to the controlling source. For permit and building violations, the Development Services / Building Safety office is the primary contact for inspections and permit-related enforcement Tempe Building Safety^[2]. For property standards, nuisance, exterior maintenance, and many bylaw complaints, contact Code Compliance Tempe Code Compliance^[3].

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited municipal code landing page; consult the specific ordinance section in the municipal code for any numeric fines municipal code^[1].
Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence procedures are governed by each chapter; where monetary escalation details are absent on the summary page, the ordinance text must be checked for tiered penalties municipal code^[1].
Non-monetary sanctions may include abatement orders, stop-work orders, seizure of unpermitted equipment, administrative orders, or criminal citation; the enforcing department issues inspection notices and orders.
Appeals and review: appeals routes (such as administrative hearings or appeals to Tempe Municipal Court) are defined in ordinance sections or department procedure pages; time limits for filing appeals are specified in the controlling ordinance or permit condition and must be confirmed on the relevant municipal code or department page.
Inspection and complaint pathways: submit complaints or request inspections via the city Code Compliance or Development Services pages linked above.

If a penalty amount is critical to your decision, obtain the precise ordinance citation and read the codified section or contact the enforcing office.

Applications & Forms

Many enforcement matters begin with permits or applications; Development Services maintains building permit forms and submission instructions. The Building Safety page lists application types, submittal methods, and contact info Building permit information^[2].

Common form: building permit application — purpose: authorize construction, alterations, and related inspections; fee schedules and electronic submittal methods are posted on the Building Safety page.
Code compliance complaints: online complaint submission is available on the Code Compliance page; some matters require inspection rather than a formal application.

Use the department web pages for current forms, fees, and electronic submission instructions.

Action Steps

Identify the exact municipal code section that applies by searching the official municipal code site Tempe Code of Ordinances^[1].
For permits, download and complete the application from Building Safety and submit per that page's instructions.
To report a property standards or nuisance issue, use the Code Compliance complaint form or contact the office directly via the department page.
If you receive an enforcement notice, read the notice for appeal time limits and follow the appeal procedure stated; if unsure, contact the issuing department immediately.

Act promptly on notices — appeal deadlines and compliance dates are typically short.

FAQ

How do I find the exact definition used in a Tempe ordinance?: Search the official Tempe municipal code online and review the definitional sections or the chapter that governs your topic. The municipal code portal is the authoritative source for wording and context Tempe Code of Ordinances^[1].
Who enforces building and zoning rules in Tempe?: Development Services, including Building Safety and Planning staff, enforce building and zoning rules; contact details and permit processes are on the city website Building Safety^[2].
Where do I report a nuisance or property maintenance violation?: Report nuisances and property maintenance concerns to the Code Compliance office using the complaint options on the Code Compliance page Code Compliance^[3].

How-To

Identify the issue and find the controlling ordinance by searching the Tempe municipal code online.
If a permit is required, download and complete the correct application from Building Safety and submit per instructions.
If you need to report a violation, use the Code Compliance online complaint form or phone the office to request an inspection.
If you receive a notice, read it for compliance deadlines and appeal instructions; submit appeals or requests for hearing within the stated time frame.

Key Takeaways

Always consult the official municipal code for exact definitions and statutory language.
Contact the enforcing department early to clarify procedures and deadlines.