Property Maintenance in Tempe, AZ

If you live in Tempe or are thinking about moving there, property maintenance are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Tempe has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of property maintenance, and some of them might surprise you.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Tempe requires every owner of vacant land to control dust by stabilizing unpaved ground or installing City-approved physical barriers that block vehicle access. City Code § 13A-54(c), part of the dust control article, sits alongside a parallel duty on developed sites to stabilize parking and driveway areas.

Key details: Governing section: Tempe City Code § 13A-54(c). Duty: Stabilize unpaved area or block vehicle access. Enforced under: A.R.S. § 49-513; County Reg. § 300. Notice period: 10 working days to submit correction plan. Remedy: City may abate at owner's expense.

A Section 13A-54 violation triggers a written notice of violation from the Public Works Director giving the owner ten working days to submit a correction plan; noncompliance is enforceable under A.R.S. § 49-513 and county air pollution rules, and the City may summarily abate the dust condition at the owner's expense plus recover attorney's fees and court costs under Section 13A-56.

Property Blight

Tempe's building official can order any structurally unsafe, unsanitary or fire-hazard building repaired or demolished under City Code Sec. 8-116. Owners get a written notice, must respond within 48 hours, and must finish repairs or demolition within 90 days or face City-ordered abatement billed back to the property.

Key details: Response deadline: 48 hours to accept/reject order. Completion deadline: 90 days from notice date. Demolition trigger: 2+ years of stalled repairs. Cost recovery: Assessed against the property. Emergency authority: Immediate vacate for imminent danger.

Failing to comply with an unsafe-structure notice lets the City Council order prosecution of the owner as a code violator and direct the building official to demolish the structure at the owner's expense (Sec. 8-116.12.1). Abatement and emergency repair costs are charged to the owner and collected by the Finance Division as a property assessment (Sec. 8-116.13); general Chapter 8 civil sanctions of $400-$1,000 per day (capped at $2,000/day) or misdemeanor fines up to $2,500 also apply under Sec. 8-114.

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

The Bottom Line

Tempe's property maintenance 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.

This guide is based on Tempe's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.