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Maricopa County, AZ Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Maricopa County Ordinance P-11
Who enforces
Dept. of Planning and Development abatement officer
Compliance deadline
At least 30 days after notice
Appeal window
10 days from notice date
Scope
Unincorporated Maricopa County only

Summary

In unincorporated Maricopa County, anyone can report rubbish, weeds, filth, debris, or a dilapidated building on a property to the Planning and Development abatement officer, who must inspect the site before issuing a notice of violation.

City-specific rules exist: Peoria has its own how to report rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in Peoria, check the city-specific page instead.

Upon receipt of a complaint that a violation as set out in Section 205 of this Ordinance has occurred, the abatement officer shall conduct an inspection of the subject property to determine if the complaint is valid.

Source: Maricopa County Code ComplianceView official code

Full Breakdown

Maricopa County's Abatement Ordinance (P-11) governs rubbish, trash, weeds, filth, debris, and dilapidated buildings on unincorporated county property. Anyone can file a complaint with the Department of Planning and Development's abatement officer, who inspects the property to confirm the violation. If confirmed, the owner, lessee, or occupant receives a written notice of violation by certified mail giving at least 30 days to comply and 10 days to appeal. Uncorrected violations can be abated by the county, with removal costs assessed against the owner as a lien on the property.

Violations & Fines

Ignoring a notice of violation risks abatement and a lien for removal costs; violations are Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanors enforced the same as Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I report a code violation in Maricopa County?
Contact the Maricopa County Department of Planning and Development's abatement officer, who will inspect the property named in your complaint to confirm rubbish, weeds, debris, or a dilapidated building actually violates the Abatement Ordinance.
Does this apply inside Phoenix or other cities?
No. Ordinance P-11 only covers unincorporated Maricopa County; Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and other incorporated cities enforce code violations under their own municipal codes, not this county ordinance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Maricopa County

All Maricopa County rules

Compare Maricopa County to another location·View the Arizona code violation reporting overview

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