Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Tempe, AZ (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
Tempe puts the duty to keep sidewalks in good repair on the adjacent property owner, not the City. Section 29-2 requires everyone to keep the sidewalk fronting their premises, plus the strip between the curb and right-of-way, free of grass, weeds, and rubbish and in good repair.
Tempe Sidewalk Repair Responsibility
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 29-2
(a)It shall be the duty of all persons to keep the sidewalks in front of the premises owned, occupied or controlled by them and the land that lies between the back of the curb and the right-of-way on the side of the street on which their premises are located in good repair and free and clear of all grass, weeds and rubbish.(b)Such persons shall also:(1)Keep the branches of all trees growing alo...
Obstruction Rules
Blocking a Tempe street, alley, or sidewalk with anything that hinders its free use is illegal under City Code Section 29-21. The City Engineer can grant written, temporary exceptions for construction work or building moves, but even a permitted obstruction cannot stay longer than needed, and general obstructions default to the Code's $2,500 general penalty.
Tempe Sidewalk Obstruction Rules
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 29-21
No person shall, or cause any person in his employ to, obstruct or place any obstruction upon, across or along any street, alley or public right-of-way so as to hinder the free and proper use thereof. Temporary obstructions may be permitted, in writing, by the City Engineer for construction purposes and for the moving of buildings, when it can be shown that an undue hardship would result or whe...
Encroachment Permits
Tempe requires a City Engineer permit or license before anyone builds, places, or maintains anything in a public right-of-way. Section 29-19 splits temporary encroachments like awnings and signs, which need an encroachment permit, from permanent ones like buildings or wireless facilities, which need a license, and working without either adds an investigation fee.
Tempe Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits
Significant RestrictionsTempe City Code § 29-19(a)-(b)
(a)No work of any nature shall be performed in a public right-of-way, except under a permit or license issued by the City Engineer, unless otherwise allowed by this Code or any other ordinance of the City. The City Engineer shall provide the forms for and set forth the rules, regulations and procedures governing the issuance of permits and approval of licenses.(b)An encroachment permit may be i...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Maricopa County →