Tempe's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Tempe, Arizona, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Animal Hoarding

Tempe enforces AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty for hoarding. Tempe City Code Ch. 8 limits number of dogs/cats in residential zones; MCACC investigates complaints alongside Tempe PD.

Key details: Residential limit: ~5 dogs/cats typical. Cruelty statute: AZ §13-2910. Forfeiture: §13-2910.07 boarding. Misdemeanor max: $2,500 + jail. Investigator: MCACC + Tempe PD.

Misdemeanor cruelty: up to $2,500 + 6 months jail per count. Felony: up to 2 years prison + $150,000. Restitution for veterinary care ordered. Tempe code limit violations: $100 civil + permit requirement.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tempe actively enforces its animal hoarding requirements.

Beekeeping

Tempe allows residential beekeeping with certain restrictions. Hives must maintain setbacks from property lines and neighboring structures. Water sources must be provided to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring properties.

Key details: Allowed: Yes, in residential zones. Setback: 10 feet from property lines recommended. Water Source: Must be provided near hives. Africanized Bees: Must be requeened.

Bee colonies that create a nuisance (stinging incidents, swarming, trespassing onto neighboring properties) may be subject to abatement by Maricopa County vector control. Owners may be liable for damages from bee stings.

Dog Leash Laws

Tempe requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under the handler's control at all times in public spaces. Off-leash dogs are permitted only in designated dog parks.

Key details: Leash Requirement: 6 feet maximum in public. Off-Leash: Designated dog parks only. Licensing: Maricopa County license required. Enforcement: MCACC / Tempe Police.

Off-leash violations may result in fines starting around $100 for a first offense. Escalating penalties apply for repeat offenses. Dogs that bite or attack while off-leash may be impounded and the owner faces additional charges.

This is one of the stricter rules in Tempe's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Tempe does not enforce breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned within city limits. However, dogs classified as dangerous or vicious based on behavior are subject to additional requirements regardless of breed.

Key details: Breed Bans: None — state law prohibits BSL. State Law: ARS 11-1027. Dangerous Dogs: Behavior-based restrictions apply. Requirements: Registration, microchip, muzzle, insurance.

Owners of declared dangerous dogs who fail to comply with registration, enclosure, or muzzling requirements face fines and potential impoundment of the dog. A dog causing a serious injury may be euthanized by court order.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tempe gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Exotic Pets

Tempe follows Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations on exotic and wild animals. Many exotic species require state permits, and some are prohibited entirely. Venomous reptiles, large cats, and primates are generally not allowed as pets.

Key details: Authority: Arizona Game and Fish Department. Permit Required: Restricted wildlife species. Prohibited: Large cats, venomous reptiles, certain primates. Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor, confiscation.

Possessing restricted wildlife without a permit is a Class 1 misdemeanor under state law. Animals may be confiscated. Tempe code enforcement can also cite owners for dangerous or nuisance animals.

Compared to other cities, Tempe takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildlife Feeding

Tempe addresses wildlife feeding through its nuisance and animal control provisions. The city's desert and urban lake environment (Tempe Town Lake) attracts various wildlife. Feeding wildlife can create nuisance conditions. The Arizona Game and Fish Department regulates wildlife interactions statewide. Property owners should secure trash and avoid feeding coyotes, javelina, and other desert wildlife.

Key details: Nuisance Standard: Conditions attracting nuisance wildlife subject to enforcement. Common Wildlife: Coyotes, javelina, waterfowl near Tempe Town Lake. State Authority: Arizona Game and Fish Department. Parks: Feeding wildlife may violate park rules. Trash Security: Must secure containers to prevent wildlife access.

Creating conditions attracting nuisance wildlife may result in enforcement under nuisance provisions. Harassing or harming wildlife without AZGFD authorization is a state violation.

Chickens & Livestock

Tempe allows backyard chickens in residential zones with restrictions. The city's zoning code and animal ordinances regulate the keeping of livestock and poultry. Hens are generally permitted with limits on numbers; roosters are prohibited due to noise. Coops must meet setback requirements and sanitation standards. Larger livestock requires agricultural or rural zoning.

Key details: Hens: Permitted in residential zones with limits. Roosters: Prohibited in residential zones. Coops: Must meet setback and sanitation requirements. Larger Livestock: Requires agricultural or rural zoning. Nuisance: Must not create odor or pest problems.

Keeping prohibited animals or exceeding permitted numbers may result in code enforcement citations and orders to remove animals. Nuisance violations carry fines.

The Bottom Line

Tempe is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Tempe, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Tempe can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.