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.
Weed control in Tempe is enforced through property maintenance standards and nuisance provisions in the city code. Property owners must keep their lots free of overgrown weeds and dead vegetation. In the Sonoran Desert climate, weed growth is most aggressive after monsoon rains (July-September) and winter rains (December-February). Common problematic weeds include tumbleweeds, buffelgrass, and various broadleaf weeds. Vacant lots and neglected rental properties are frequent enforcement targets. Tempe's Code Compliance division responds to community complaints about weedy properties. After notice, property owners have a specified period to correct the violation. If not corrected, the city may contract for abatement and charge the cost to the property owner. Given Tempe's large rental population near ASU, landlord compliance with vegetation maintenance is a significant enforcement focus.
Weed violations result in notice, followed by fines and potential city abatement at the owner's expense with possible property lien.
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 other cities in Maricopa County handle weed ordinances.
See how Tempe's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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