How Tempe Handles Parking Rules: A Practical Guide

Tempe maintains 119 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with parking rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Tempe falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Tempe restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles exceeding certain weight or size thresholds may not be parked overnight on residential streets or in driveways.

Key details: Restriction: Large commercial vehicles restricted in residential zones. Exempt: Small commercial vehicles for personal use. Overnight Parking: Generally prohibited for large commercial vehicles. Enforcement: Complaint-driven.

Violations result in code enforcement notices with a compliance period. Continued violation leads to fines. Commercial vehicles may also be cited under street parking regulations if parked beyond time limits.

Abandoned Vehicles

Inoperable and abandoned vehicles are code enforcement violations in Tempe. ARS §28-871+ governs on public property.

Key details: State Law: ARS §28-871+ — 72 hours on highway/public property. Private Property: Code Compliance may order removal. Enforcement: Code Compliance: (480) 350-4311. Topic: Abandoned Vehicles.

Street: towing after 48 hours. Private property: code compliance citation and potential abatement. Storage fees at impound lot.

Street Parking Limits

Tempe regulates on-street parking through posted signs and citywide rules. Vehicles may not park on unpaved surfaces or landscaped areas. Most residential streets allow parking but may have time limits, permit requirements, or restrictions near ASU campus.

Key details: General Rule: Follow posted signs; no parking on landscaping. Time Limit: 72 hours max in same spot. ASU Area: Special permit zones apply. Enforcement: Tempe Police / Parking Enforcement.

Parking violations result in citations with fines varying by offense. Vehicles parked illegally may be towed at the owner's expense. Abandoned vehicles are subject to removal after 72 hours.

RV & Boat Parking

Tempe restricts parking of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential streets and in front yards. RVs and boats must be stored in side or rear yards or enclosed garages and screened from public view where possible.

Key details: Street Parking: Limited; 72-hour rule applies. Storage Location: Side/rear yard or enclosed garage. Front Yard: RV/boat parking generally prohibited. Living in RV: Not permitted on residential property.

Violations may result in code enforcement notices requiring removal or screening within a specified period. Continued non-compliance leads to fines. Vehicles parked on the street beyond 72 hours may be towed.

EV Charging

Tempe permits residential EV charger installation with an electrical permit for Level 2 (240V) systems. Arizona law (ARS 33-1818) prohibits HOAs from banning EV charger installations. Tempe has invested in public EV charging infrastructure and supports EV adoption. New multi-family construction may require EV-ready parking.

Key details: Permit: Required for Level 2 (240V) installations. Level 1: Standard outlet, typically no permit. HOA Law: ARS 33-1818 prevents HOA bans. Installation: Licensed electrician recommended. Public Charging: City expanding infrastructure.

Installing a Level 2 charger without an electrical permit may result in code enforcement. Unsafe installations may be red-tagged.

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

Overnight Parking

Tempe regulates street parking through its traffic code. Vehicles may not remain in the same location for more than 72 hours. Areas near ASU have additional parking restrictions including permit parking zones. RVs and commercial vehicles face additional restrictions in residential neighborhoods. The Mill Avenue entertainment district has specific parking management.

Key details: General Rule: 72-hour limit in same spot on public streets. ASU Area: Permit parking zones, event-day restrictions. Mill Avenue: Metered parking and time limits. RV/Trailers: Subject to 72-hour rule. Commercial Vehicles: Additional restrictions in residential zones.

Vehicles exceeding 72 hours may be tagged and towed. Parking in violation of posted restrictions or permit zones results in citations.

Driveway Rules

Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. Driveways must meet zoning code width and setback requirements.

Key details: Surface Requirement: Concrete, asphalt, or approved material. Landscaping Rule: No parking on landscaped areas. Permit: May be required for new/expanded driveways. Enforcement: City Code Enforcement.

Parking on unapproved surfaces results in code enforcement notices. Property owners are given a compliance period to pave or restore landscaping. Continued violations lead to escalating fines.

The Bottom Line

Tempe's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Tempe is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Tempe's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.