Phoenix, AZ Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Phoenix City Code sec. 39-7(D); sec. 31-10
- Max weed height
- 6 inches
- Compliance window
- 30 days after written notice (sec. 31-10)
- Penalty
- $50-$2,500 civil sanction; Class 1 misdemeanor
Summary
Phoenix City Code Sec. 39-7(D) bars weeds higher than six inches and tumbleweeds on any premises, and Sec. 31-10 requires owners to keep abutting sidewalks, alleys, and streets free of overgrown vegetation and weeds, with civil sanctions up to $2,500.
Sec. 31-10. Removal of debris, rubbish, weeds, overgrown or dead vegetation, and other unhealthy or unsafe conditions on streets, alleys and sidewalks; notice to abate; penalties. (a) The owner, lessee or other person in control of any land abutting a sidewalk, alley, or street shall maintain such sidewalk, alley, or street on which such land abuts in a clean condition in such a manner as to be free from: (1) Litter, garbage, debris, rubble; (2) Insect and rodent infestation; (3) Overgrown vegetation, dead trees, brush, and weeds; and (4) Other conditions that present a health, fire or safety hazard. ... (c) In the event that any person does not comply with the terms of this section, a notice in writing ordering compliance within thirty days of its receipt shall be served by certified mail or in person by an authorized representative of the Neighborhood Maintenance and Zoning Enforcement Division of the Neighborhood Services Department. (d)(1) If the owner, lessee, or other person in control of the abutting land, after receiving written notice ordering compliance, fails to comply within the prescribed time, such person is subject to a civil sanction of not less than fifty dollars nor more than two thousand five hundred dollars.
Full Breakdown
Two provisions govern weeds. Sec. 39-7(D) of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance requires all exterior property areas to be free of dry vegetation, tumbleweeds, weeds, bushes, and tall grass that present visual blight, harbor pests, or create a fire hazard, and sets a numeric limit of weeds no higher than six inches. Sec. 31-10 separately requires the owner, lessee, or person in control of land abutting a sidewalk, alley, or street to keep it free of litter, garbage, debris, insect and rodent infestation, overgrown vegetation, dead trees, brush, and weeds, plus any condition presenting a health, fire, or safety hazard - covering the area between the curbline and property line (within 25 feet for single- and multifamily dwellings) and half the width of abutting alleys. The City serves a written notice ordering compliance within thirty days before enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Under Sec. 31-10, failure to comply after written notice is subject to a civil sanction of $50 to $2,500 and is a Class 1 misdemeanor (no criminal complaint filed before 90 days from the notice). Under the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance, civil sanctions reach $2,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can weeds be before it's a violation in Phoenix?
Am I responsible for weeds in the alley behind my house?
How long do I have to clear weeds after a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
How Phoenix compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle weed ordinances.