Tempe Property Maintenance Laws & Fines

Housing and Building Standards Arizona 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe, Arizona residents must follow local property maintenance standards enforced by the City. This guide summarizes city ordinances, enforcement pathways, common violations, and practical steps to report problems, comply with orders, or seek review. Official program pages and ordinance text are maintained by the City of Tempe Code Enforcement, the Tempe Municipal Code, and Tempe Building Safety for permits and inspections. See the links below for authoritative text and contact points: City of Tempe Code Enforcement[1], Tempe Municipal Code[2], and Tempe Building Safety[3].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement responsibility generally rests with the City of Tempe Neighborhood Services / Code Enforcement. The municipal code and department pages describe authority to inspect, issue notices, and require abatement. Specific monetary fine amounts, schedules, or per-day rates are not posted in a single, consolidated figure on the cited pages and therefore are not specified on the cited page. See the official ordinance text for controlling language and the Code Enforcement page for complaint and inspection procedures. [2]

  • Enforcer: City of Tempe Neighborhood Services / Code Enforcement; inspections initiated by complaint or periodic patrol.
  • Typical orders: notice to correct, abatement notice, or administrative order requiring repairs or removal.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; check ordinance text and department notices for current schedules.[2]
  • Escalation: initial notice, then re-inspection and potential civil penalties or abatement by city; exact escalation steps and amounts are not specified on the cited page.
  • Complaints and inspections: submit via City of Tempe Code Enforcement online or phone contact; see Resources below for links and forms.[1]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; contact the enforcing department for hearing procedures.
Document conditions with photos and dates before filing a complaint.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes permit and building application information through Building Safety; property maintenance complaints are handled by Code Enforcement. Specific form names, numbers, and fee schedules for administrative citations or abatement are not consolidated on a single page and are not specified on the cited page. For permit applications or inspection requests, use the Building Safety portal and for complaints use Code Enforcement. [3] [1]

Common Violations

  • Overgrown vegetation, rubbish accumulation, or hoarding on private lots.
  • Exterior building disrepair: missing siding, broken windows, deteriorated roofs.
  • Unsafe structures, unsecured vacant buildings.
  • Accumulation of inoperable vehicles or obstructed sidewalks/rights-of-way.
If you receive a notice, follow the instructions and document corrective actions.

FAQ

How do I report a property maintenance issue in Tempe?
Submit a complaint to City of Tempe Code Enforcement online or by phone; include address, photos, and contact information for follow-up.[1]
What penalties can I expect for violating maintenance rules?
Penalties can include notices to correct, administrative fines, or city abatement; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page and will be listed in ordinance citations or department notices.[2]
Can I appeal a code enforcement order?
Yes, appeals or reviews are possible but the cited pages do not list exact appeal time limits or procedure details; contact Neighborhood Services to learn local timelines and hearing steps.[1]

How-To

  1. Document the issue: take dated photos, note addresses, and record any communication with the property owner.
  2. Search the Tempe Municipal Code for applicable ordinance language to reference in your complaint.[2]
  3. File a complaint with City of Tempe Code Enforcement via the online form or phone; include your evidence and contact details.[1]
  4. Allow inspection: the city inspector will visit and issue a notice if violations are found; follow any correction schedule provided.
  5. If you disagree with an order, request appeal instructions from the enforcing office immediately and prepare documentation for review.
Act promptly when you receive a notice to avoid escalation and possible abatement costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Tempe enforces property maintenance through Neighborhood Services; check official pages for contact and complaint forms.
  • Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not consolidated on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the department or ordinance text.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe Code Enforcement - Neighborhood Services
  2. [2] Tempe Municipal Code - City of Tempe (Municode)
  3. [3] Tempe Building Safety - Permits & Inspections

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data