Common violations in unincorporated Maricopa County include structures built without permits, zoning violations (illegal businesses in residential areas), junk and debris accumulation, inoperable vehicles, illegal signs, and non-compliant fencing. Unpermitted structures are a frequent issue in rural unincorporated areas.
The Maricopa County Code Compliance Division regularly investigates violations including: structures erected without building permits (sheds, carports, room additions, casitas), operating businesses in residential zones without proper zoning approval, accumulation of junk, debris, and trash on residential properties, storing inoperable or unregistered vehicles, illegal or oversized signs, fencing violations (wrong height, wrong location, missing pool barriers), unpermitted grading or land clearing, and housing animals in violation of zoning (livestock in residential zones). In the desert unincorporated areas, common issues also include illegal dumping, unpermitted septic systems, and structures in flood hazard areas. The county witholds issuance of building permits on parcels with existing violations, providing strong incentive for compliance.
Penalties vary. The county may deny permits on parcels with violations, issue stop-work orders, and refer persistent violators to the County Attorney's Office for prosecution.
Tempe, AZ
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exc...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors ca...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. ...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences up to 6 feet in height. Fences exceeding 6 feet, masonry walls, and fences...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vin...
Tempe, AZ
Tempe's zoning code limits residential fence heights to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3 feet in front yards. Corner lots may have additional visibility t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how Tempe's common violations rules stack up against other locations.
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