Local Rules Near Downtown Tempe

Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Tempe is directly under Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) flight paths. No local aircraft noise ordinance.

Tempe regulates amplified music with focus on the Mill Avenue entertainment district and ASU area. Venue permits required. Residential areas subject to quiet hour enforcement. Special event permits for large gatherings.

Tempe enforces noise regulations under City Code Chapter 20. Noise plainly audible at 50 feet from the source or within a neighboring residence is prohibited during nighttime hours. The city distinguishes between daytime and nighttime noise thresholds, with stricter enforcement from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Tempe permits construction noise Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 10 PM, with seasonal adjustments allowing earlier starts from May 1 to October 15 to protect workers from extreme heat. Concrete pouring may begin as early as 4 AM during summer months.

Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors can be declared a nuisance. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control handles enforcement.

Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exceeding 5 dB(A) above the community noise standard at the property line. Zoning buffers between industrial and residential districts help attenuate noise. The city's industrial areas are concentrated along the I-10 corridor and south Tempe.

Tempe does not have a specific leaf blower ban. Leaf blower use is subject to the general noise ordinance (Chapter 20). The city does not distinguish between gas and electric models. Landscape equipment should be used during reasonable daytime hours consistent with the construction noise schedule (6-7 AM start depending on season).

Tempe Ordinance O2023.01 (City Code Ch. 16A, Art. X) requires every short-term/vacation rental owner to hold a City of Tempe Short-Term Rental License before listing. $250 annual fee ($187.50 if issued after July 1), $500,000 liability insurance, Arizona TPT license, 24/7 emergency contact, neighbor notice and Maricopa County rental registration are mandatory.

Tempe imposes NO annual or per-stay night cap on short-term rentals. Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-500.39 (SB 1350, expanded by SB 1168) preempts cities from prohibiting STRs or capping the total number of dwelling units used as vacation rentals. Stays under 30 consecutive days are taxed at the combined ~14.07% rate (6.80% city + 7.27% state/county).

STR guests in Tempe must park only in driveways or designated parking areas. Vehicles cannot be parked on landscaped areas. Operators must inform guests of parking rules and ensure sufficient off-street parking is available.

Tempe requires short-term rental operators to register with the city and hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. Under Arizona state law, cities cannot ban STRs in residential areas but can regulate safety and nuisance aspects. Registration allows the city to contact owners in emergencies.

Short-term rental guests in Tempe must comply with the city's noise ordinance (Chapter 20). STR operators are responsible for informing guests about quiet hours and noise restrictions. The city can revoke STR registration for repeated noise violations.

Tempe STR operators must collect and remit Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) and local taxes on rental income. The combined tax rate includes state, county, and city components. Operators must hold a valid TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Tempe's STR license ordinance (O2023.01) and Arizona law (ARS 9-500.39) establish the framework for STR insurance. Operators should carry liability insurance as standard homeowner's policies may exclude STR activity. STR platforms provide some host protection, but personal coverage is recommended. The annual $250 license fee helps fund enforcement.

Tempe's STR licensing ordinance (O2023.01) requires compliance with residential use standards. Arizona preemption (ARS 9-500.39) limits city-specific occupancy caps. STR properties must comply with general noise, parking, and nuisance ordinances. STRs cannot be used as party houses or event venues. Neighbor notification is required when obtaining an STR license.

Tempe adopts IFC Ch. 61 via City Code Ch. 9A. Residential: max two 20-lb cylinders outdoors; indoor storage banned. Permit required for any LP installation >125 gal through Tempe Fire Medical Rescue.

Tempe Rental Housing Code requires smoke detectors in all rental units, installed per the currently adopted building code (IRC R314 / IBC 907). Wall-mounted alarms must be 4-12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling units at least 4 inches from any wall. Owners must install, replace batteries annually, keep records, and verify operation between tenancies. Statewide A.R.S. § 36-1637 governs landlord/tenant duties.

Tempe allows recreational fire pits under specific conditions. Pits must be contained in an approved vessel, use clean-burning fuels, and maintain clearance from structures and combustible materials. No-burn advisories must be observed.

Tempe prohibits the use, sale, and possession of consumer fireworks within city limits except for limited permissible items around the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. Only ground-based, non-aerial fireworks like sparklers and fountains are allowed during designated periods.

Tempe prohibits open burning within city limits due to Maricopa County air quality regulations. Recreational fires in approved fire pits may be allowed under specific conditions, but burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste is banned year-round.

Tempe's fire prevention code (Chapter 14) requires property owners to maintain vegetation and remove fire hazards. The city adopted the International Fire Code. Dry brush, dead vegetation, and accumulated debris must be cleared. Tempe's urban setting reduces wildfire risk, but the Sonoran Desert climate creates seasonal fire hazards from dried vegetation during the pre-monsoon dry season (April-June).

Tempe is a fully urbanized city without formally designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones. The primary fire risks are structural fires and vegetation fires on vacant desert parcels, particularly near Papago Park and the Salt River bottom. The city's fire code follows the International Fire Code. Arizona's Firewise USA program encourages defensible space even in urban areas.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tempe does not require neighbor consent to build a fence on your property, but fences must be within your property lines. Shared boundary fences are governed by Arizona state law, which generally splits costs equally between benefiting property owners.

Tempe requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height. Walls exceeding 4 feet must be designed by a licensed engineer. Combined height of retaining wall and fence on top counts toward height limits. Retaining walls must not redirect drainage onto neighboring properties. The building code (Chapter 8) and Zoning and Development Code govern retaining wall construction.

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 triangle requirements to ensure driver sight lines at intersections.

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 with electrical components require a permit.

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vinyl, and chain link. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are prohibited in residential districts. Chain link may be restricted along street frontages. Many Tempe neighborhoods have HOA-imposed material requirements.

Tempe enforces strict pool barrier requirements aligned with Arizona state law (ARS 36-1681). All pools, hot tubs, and spas with water over 18 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches above grade. The city inspects pool barriers during construction, remodels, and property sales.

Tempe enforces AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty for hoarding. Tempe City Code Ch. 8 limits number of dogs/cats in residential zones; MCACC investigates complaints alongside Tempe PD.

Tempe allows residential beekeeping with certain restrictions. Hives must maintain setbacks from property lines and neighboring structures. Water sources must be provided to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring properties.

Tempe requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under the handler's control at all times in public spaces. Off-leash dogs are permitted only in designated dog parks.

Tempe does not enforce breed-specific legislation. No dog breeds are banned within city limits. However, dogs classified as dangerous or vicious based on behavior are subject to additional requirements regardless of breed.

Tempe follows Arizona Game and Fish Department regulations on exotic and wild animals. Many exotic species require state permits, and some are prohibited entirely. Venomous reptiles, large cats, and primates are generally not allowed as pets.

Tempe addresses wildlife feeding through its nuisance and animal control provisions. The city's desert and urban lake environment (Tempe Town Lake) attracts various wildlife. Feeding wildlife can create nuisance conditions. The Arizona Game and Fish Department regulates wildlife interactions statewide. Property owners should secure trash and avoid feeding coyotes, javelina, and other desert wildlife.

Tempe allows backyard chickens in residential zones with restrictions. The city's zoning code and animal ordinances regulate the keeping of livestock and poultry. Hens are generally permitted with limits on numbers; roosters are prohibited due to noise. Coops must meet setback requirements and sanitation standards. Larger livestock requires agricultural or rural zoning.

Tempe permits backyard composting and offers free compost bins periodically. City provides curbside organics pickup in a pilot area and runs a Compost Cats partnership. Commercial ops >10 cu yd need ADEQ permit.

Tempe encourages water conservation and follows Maricopa County water-use guidelines. While mandatory watering schedules are not always in effect, the city promotes xeriscaping and offers rebates for water-efficient landscaping conversions.

Tempe's property maintenance code requires yards to be kept free of excessive weeds and overgrown vegetation. While there is no specific maximum grass height, properties must be maintained to avoid creating a fire hazard, harboring pests, or detracting from neighborhood appearance.

Tempe requires property owners to trim trees that overhang public rights-of-way to maintain clearance for pedestrians and vehicles. Trees on private property must be maintained to prevent hazards. City-owned trees are maintained by the Parks department.

Tempe does not require a permit to remove trees on private residential property in most cases. However, trees in the public right-of-way are protected and cannot be removed without city authorization. Native desert trees may have additional protections under state law.

Arizona encourages rainwater harvesting and Tempe residents may collect rainwater without a permit. No state or local restrictions on residential collection. Arizona offers a tax credit up to $1,000 for qualifying systems. Tempe's monsoon season provides the best collection opportunities. The city supports rainwater harvesting as part of water conservation.

Tempe permits artificial turf on residential properties. Arizona law (ARS 33-1817) limits HOA restrictions on water-efficient landscaping. Synthetic turf is popular in Tempe's desert climate as a low-water alternative. Most installations don't require a permit. The city encourages water conservation through its partnership with regional water programs.

Tempe encourages native and desert-adapted landscaping. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and other native species from removal without state permits. Tempe's development standards require desert-adapted plants in new construction landscape plans. The city supports water conservation through xeriscape design.

Tempe's property maintenance and nuisance provisions require owners to control weeds and maintain lots. Overgrown vegetation creating fire hazards, harboring vermin, or appearing unsightly is a code violation. The city may abate weedy properties at the owner's expense. Weed growth surges after monsoon and winter rains in the desert climate.

Arizona's Homemade Food Act (ARS 36-1161) allows Tempe residents to sell homemade food products directly to consumers without a food establishment permit. The annual sales cap is $75,000. Products must be non-potentially-hazardous and properly labeled. No city food permit is required. This law is especially popular in Tempe's diverse community near ASU.

Tempe allows home-based businesses (home occupations) in residential zones under the Zoning and Development Code. The business must be secondary to the residential use, have no visible external evidence, and not generate excessive traffic, noise, or parking demand.

Tempe restricts customer and client traffic to home-based businesses. Home occupations should not generate traffic beyond what is normal for a residential neighborhood. High-traffic businesses are directed to commercial zones.

Home daycare in Tempe is primarily regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Caring for 1-4 unrelated children is generally exempt from state licensing. Daycares with 5-10 children need a DHS certificate of convenience. Tempe's zoning code permits home daycare as an accessory use in residential zones. ASU-area demand makes home daycare popular.

Tempe prohibits exterior signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No signs, banners, or displays advertising the business may be visible from outside the property.

Tempe requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. Arizona has strict pool barrier requirements under ARS §36-1681. Inspections required.

Tempe enforces pool safety regulations including barrier requirements, drain covers, and maintenance standards. Pools must be maintained to prevent becoming health hazards or mosquito breeding grounds. Arizona law also requires pool safety notices.

Tempe requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. This applies to in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs containing water deeper than 18 inches.

Above-ground pools in Tempe must meet the same barrier requirements as in-ground pools if they hold water deeper than 18 inches. The pool walls may serve as part of the barrier if they meet height requirements and ladders are removable or lockable.

Hot tubs and spas in Tempe are regulated under the swimming pool code and ARS 36-1681. Spas with water over 18 inches deep require barrier protection. Electrical installations need a permit with GFCI protection. Lockable ASTM-compliant safety covers can serve as an alternative to barrier enclosure. Given Tempe's climate, hot tubs are popular year-round.

Tempe does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permit fees through Tempe Community Development apply based on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees apply only when a new utility connection is installed. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS 9-461.18) limits fees that would effectively prohibit ADU construction.

Tempe permits long-term ADU rentals without a city license. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require an Arizona Department of Revenue transaction privilege tax license and a Tempe Short-Term Rental permit under City Code regulations adopted consistent with ARS 9-500.39. HB 2720 prohibits ADU-specific rental bans. ASU-area demand makes rentals common but Tempe enforces strict STR registration, local-contact, and notice rules.

Tempe permits accessory dwelling units by right on lots zoned for single-family use under Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024. Tempe (population approximately 185,000) is well over the 75,000 threshold that triggers the state by-right mandate. Tempe's Zoning and Development Code was amended to comply, allowing at least one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. Building permits issue through Tempe Community Development.

Tempe does not require owner occupancy for ADUs. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS 9-461.18) prohibits cities over 75,000 population from conditioning ADU permits or use on owner occupancy. Both the primary residence and the ADU may be rented to separate tenants. HOA CC&Rs in Tempe's smaller HOA communities (The Lakes, Warner Ranch, Circle G Ranches) may still impose occupancy restrictions subject to ARS 33-1817.

Tempe permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in residential zones following a 2022 ordinance update. ADUs can be detached, attached, or converted from existing structures. They must meet size, setback, and design standards but do not require additional parking.

Garage conversions in Tempe require a building permit and must comply with zoning standards including parking requirements. Converting a garage to living space may require providing replacement off-street parking.

Tempe allows sheds and other accessory structures in residential zones. Small sheds under 200 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must comply with setback and height requirements under the zoning code.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations may be permitted in Tempe as ADUs under the city's Zoning and Development Code. Tempe allows both attached and detached ADUs on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent residences. Arizona HB 2720 (2024) expanded ADU rights statewide, and Tempe updated its ADU ordinance accordingly.

Carports in Tempe are regulated under the Zoning and Development Code and building code (Chapter 8). A building permit is required for carport construction. Carports must comply with setback requirements of the applicable zoning district. Accessory structures like ramadas and small sheds are limited to 200 square feet and 8 feet in height before being classified as accessory buildings subject to additional standards.

Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department enforces the International Fire Code through Tempe City Code Chapter 13. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of multi-family buildings, and prohibits LP-gas containers larger than 2.5 lb water capacity on combustible balconies. Single-family detached homes are not restricted. Maricopa County Air Quality Rule 314 declares PM-10 No Burn Days that prohibit charcoal grills; gas and propane are exempt.

Tempe has no specific city ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers or pellet grills. Maricopa County Air Quality Rule 314 declares PM-10 No Burn Days (typically December through February) that prohibit solid-fuel devices including wood-fired smokers and pellet grills; gas and propane are exempt. Tempe nuisance provisions could theoretically address persistent severe smoke but rarely apply to residential cooking. HOA rules are lighter than in surrounding cities but exist in The Lakes and Warner Ranch.

Tempe requires building permits for outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs under Tempe City Code Chapter 8 (Building and Building Regulations) and the adopted International Residential Code. Trade permits file through Tempe Community Development. Standalone portable grills require no permit. Outdoor kitchens near swimming pools must comply with Tempe pool barrier requirements.

Tempe has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Installation timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs where applicable - Tempe's HOA layer is lighter than Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler. Tempe outdoor lighting standards in the Zoning and Development Code exempt seasonal holiday decorations. Arizona HB 2371 (2014) protects reasonable religious symbol displays on doorways during religious holidays.

Tempe has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs where applicable. Tempe nuisance provisions could theoretically apply to overnight blower motors but are rarely enforced against seasonal decorations. Wind anchoring is a practical concern given Tempe's monsoon and microburst exposure.

Tempe has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tempe property maintenance provisions require an unblighted yard but do not regulate ornament content. HOA architectural review applies in HOA neighborhoods (The Lakes, Warner Ranch). ARS 33-1808 protects US flag and political sign displays from HOA prohibition; HB 2371 protects religious symbols on doorways.

Tempe participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) along the Salt River and Indian Bend Wash must meet floodplain management standards.

Tempe has no coastal zones, but the city manages significant waterfront development around Tempe Town Lake on the Salt River. The lake area is governed by special planning districts and overlay zones in the Zoning and Development Code. Development near the lake must comply with flood plain regulations, the Salt River Management Plan, and environmental review requirements.

Tempe requires erosion and sediment control during construction activities under its stormwater management program and building code. Projects disturbing one acre or more must obtain an Arizona AZPDES Construction General Permit from ADEQ. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required. Best Management Practices (BMPs) must prevent sediment from leaving the construction site.

Tempe requires grading and drainage permits for projects that alter the natural grade of land. The city's engineering standards ensure proper stormwater management and prevent drainage problems to adjacent properties. Tempe participates in the Flood Control District of Maricopa County programs. Development must retain stormwater on-site for certain storm events.

Tempe operates a comprehensive stormwater management program under its MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit from ADEQ. The city regulates stormwater quality and quantity through development standards, construction site controls, and public education. The Salt River, Tempe Town Lake, and Indian Bend Wash are primary receiving waters. Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited.

Arizona law (Proposition 207 / ARS 36-2852) permits adults 21+ to grow up to 6 cannabis plants per person (12 per household with 2+ adults) for personal use. Plants must be in an enclosed, locked area not visible from public spaces. Tempe cannot prohibit home cultivation under state preemption but enforces nuisance provisions for odor and other impacts. Landlords may prohibit cultivation in lease agreements.

Tempe restricts cannabis dispensaries to specific commercial zoning districts: General Office (G-O), General Commercial (C-2), and Heavy Commercial (C-3). Dispensaries must maintain 1,320 feet of separation from schools, childcare facilities, churches, parks, libraries, community buildings, and other dispensaries. Hours are limited to 8 AM - 6 PM. Drive-through windows are prohibited.

Arizona law (ARS 33-1816) strongly protects homeowners' rights to install solar panels. HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations or impose restrictions that increase cost by more than $1,000 or decrease efficiency by more than 10%. Tempe has significant solar potential given the extreme sun exposure. Many Tempe homes and businesses have solar installations.

Tempe requires a building permit for residential solar panel installations covering both electrical and structural components. The city has streamlined the solar permitting process. Inspections verify proper installation and compliance with the National Electrical Code. Most residential rooftop installations are approved within a few business days of complete application.

Tempe regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through the Zoning and Development Code. Signs on private property are permitted. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, and public right-of-way are generally prohibited. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale ends.

Tempe permits holiday decorations and displays on residential properties. There are no specific time restrictions on when decorations can be put up or taken down, though they should be removed within a reasonable period after the holiday. Inflatable displays, light shows, and nativity scenes are permitted on private property. HOA rules may impose additional restrictions.

Arizona law (ARS 16-1019) protects the right to display political signs on residential property. Tempe cannot prohibit political signs on private property within reasonable size limits. Signs may generally be placed 60 days before an election and must be removed 15 days after. HOAs cannot prohibit political signs within the statutory time period.

Tempe requires residents to store trash and recycling bins out of public view when not on the curb for collection. Bins should be placed at the curb the evening before or morning of collection and returned within 24 hours. The city provides curbside trash, recycling, and green waste collection. Bins must not obstruct sidewalks or create neighborhood nuisances.

Tempe requires property owners to maintain their property free of accumulated junk, debris, and unsightly conditions after garage sales. Items left displayed for extended periods may be cited as a property maintenance violation. The city's Code Compliance division responds to complaints about properties with persistent unsightly conditions.

Tempe enforces property maintenance standards through its Code Compliance program (Open M.I.N.D.) to prevent blight. Deteriorated buildings, peeling paint, broken windows, accumulated debris, and unmaintained landscaping are violations. Vacant and abandoned properties receive additional enforcement attention. Tempe's rental property registration ordinance also addresses maintenance.

Tempe, located in the Sonoran Desert, virtually never receives snow. There are no snow removal ordinances. Property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to their property, including clearing vegetation, debris, and ensuring ADA accessibility. The city maintains public sidewalks for structural condition.

Tempe requires vacant lot owners to maintain their properties free of weeds, debris, and hazardous conditions. Vacant lots must be kept clear of accumulated junk, overgrown vegetation, and illegal dumping. The city may abate hazardous conditions at the owner's expense. Vacant lots near ASU and in redevelopment areas are common enforcement targets.

Tempe regulates outdoor lighting through the Zoning and Development Code to control light pollution and glare. Arizona is known for dark sky advocacy, and Tempe's lighting standards address light trespass, fixture shielding, and prohibited upward-directed lighting. New development must comply with outdoor lighting standards during plan review.

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code prohibits outdoor lighting that unreasonably illuminates neighboring properties (light trespass). Security lights, floodlights, and landscape lighting must be directed away from adjacent homes. Maximum illumination levels at property lines are established for commercial and multi-family uses. Complaints are handled by Code Compliance.

Tempe requires all rental properties to be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor's office per Arizona law. Failure to register is a $1,000 fine from Tempe code enforcement. All rentals must also register with the city. Tempe has one of the more aggressive rental registration enforcement programs in the Phoenix metro area, driven by the large ASU-area rental market.

Arizona does not have a just cause eviction law. Tempe landlords may decline to renew a lease without stating a reason, provided proper notice is given under Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARS 33-1301 et seq.). Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days' notice. Arizona preempts local rent control and eviction restrictions.

Arizona prohibits rent control statewide under ARS 33-1329. Tempe cannot impose rent stabilization, rent caps, or mandatory relocation assistance for rent increases. Landlords may raise rent to any amount with proper notice (30 days for month-to-month tenancies). The only restriction is that rent increases cannot be retaliatory.

Tempe provides weekly curbside collection for trash, recycling, and green waste. Collection is performed using automated trucks. Bins must be placed correctly at the curb by 5 AM. The city assigns collection days by neighborhood. Holiday schedules may affect pickup days. Contaminated recycling bins may be rejected.

Tempe provides single-stream recycling collection as part of its solid waste program. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5 and #7, glass, and metals. Contamination is a significant issue — the city rejects bins with food waste, plastic bags, or non-recyclable items. Tempe aims to increase recycling participation and reduce landfill waste.

Tempe requires trash and recycling bins to be placed at the curb by 5 AM on collection day and returned within 24 hours. Between collections, bins must be stored out of public view. The city provides automated curbside collection. Bins should not block sidewalks or driveways when placed for pickup.

Tempe provides scheduled bulk trash collection for items too large for regular pickup (furniture, appliances, yard waste). Residents can schedule bulk pickups through the city's solid waste division. Items must be placed at the curb on the scheduled date. Hazardous waste and electronics require special disposal through city events or designated drop-off facilities.

Recreational drone pilots in Tempe must follow FAA rules including The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts local drone regulation. Tempe's proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport means most of the city is in controlled airspace. Recreational pilots must use the LAANC system or notify airport control towers before flying. Drones must stay below 400 feet and within visual line of sight.

Commercial drone operations in Tempe are primarily regulated by the FAA under Part 107 rules. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate. Tempe is near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, making much of the city fall within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization. Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts most local drone regulation. The city cannot impose flight bans beyond federal law.

Food trucks operating in Tempe need a City of Tempe business license and a Maricopa County Environmental Services food establishment permit. The city regulates food truck locations through its zoning code and special event permits. Food trucks are popular near ASU, Mill Avenue, and Tempe Town Lake. Mobile food vendors must comply with health department requirements and city parking regulations.

Tempe regulates where food trucks and mobile vendors can operate through its zoning code and business licensing provisions. Vending on public sidewalks and right-of-way is regulated. Popular vending areas include Mill Avenue, Tempe Beach Park, and areas near ASU campus. Special event permits allow vending at festivals and organized events. Private property vending requires landowner permission and compatible zoning.

Tempe requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a permit from the city before going door-to-door in residential neighborhoods. Applicants must pass a background check. Permits must be displayed while soliciting. The permit system protects residents from fraud while allowing legitimate business activity.

Tempe regulates door-to-door solicitation through its city code. Residents can post no-soliciting signs that solicitors must respect. Solicitation is prohibited during certain hours (typically after sunset or 9 PM). The city requires solicitors to obtain permits. Violating a posted no-soliciting sign is a code violation.

Tempe city parks generally close at 10:30 PM and reopen at 6:00 AM. Tempe Town Lake has specific hours. Park curfew is enforced by the Tempe Police Department. Special event permits may extend hours for authorized activities. Kiwanis Park, Papago Park (Tempe side), and neighborhood parks all follow these general hours unless posted otherwise.

Tempe enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code establishes minimum setback requirements that vary by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically require 20-25 foot front setbacks, 5-10 foot side setbacks, and 15-25 foot rear setbacks. Accessory structures may have reduced setback requirements. Corner lots have additional requirements for street-side setbacks.

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code establishes maximum building height limits by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically allow structures up to 25-30 feet in height. Multi-family and commercial zones allow taller buildings. Height is generally measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Accessory structures are limited to 8 feet unless classified as accessory buildings.

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code establishes maximum lot coverage limits that vary by zoning district. Lot coverage includes the footprint of all structures (main dwelling, accessory buildings, carports, patios with solid roofs). In single-family residential districts, typical maximum lot coverage ranges from 35-45% depending on the specific zone. Accessory structures and ADUs count toward lot coverage calculations.

Trees on private residential property in Tempe can generally be removed without a city permit unless they are protected native species under ARS 3-901. Protected species (saguaro, palo verde, ironwood) require an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit. City street trees cannot be removed by residents. New development must include tree preservation in landscape plans.

Tempe protects significant trees through its landscape standards in the Zoning and Development Code. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects native desert trees statewide. During development review, Tempe requires tree preservation plans for significant existing trees. Mature shade trees are increasingly valued for urban heat island mitigation.

Tempe's Zoning and Development Code requires tree replacement when significant trees are removed during development. The city values shade trees for urban heat island mitigation. Replacement trees should be desert-adapted species from the approved plant list. The city's urban forestry program works to increase canopy cover across Tempe.

Tempe does not require a permit for standard residential garage or yard sales. Sales must be conducted on private property and comply with general nuisance, sign, and parking provisions. The city encourages garage sales as a form of recycling and community activity.

Tempe does not impose specific time restrictions on garage sale hours beyond general noise ordinance provisions. Sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. Noise from sales activities is subject to the Chapter 20 noise ordinance. Sales during nighttime hours that generate noise or light disturbance may result in complaints.

Tempe permits residential garage and yard sales with reasonable frequency limits to prevent commercial retail activity in residential zones. The city does not require garage sale permits. Excessive frequency that suggests ongoing retail operations may be addressed through zoning enforcement as an unauthorized home business.