Key Facts Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources

Maricopa County, AZ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: https://www.maricopa.gov/6501/ORDINANCE-P-11 →

Recently verified

Key Facts

Ordinance: P-11 Abatement Ordinance
Compliance: 10 days from Order of Abatement
County Action: Abate and lien property costs
Enforcement: Code Compliance Division
Goal: Voluntary compliance first

City-specific rules exist: Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, Goodyear, Surprise, Tempe, and Peoria have their own property blight rules that differ from Maricopa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11 addresses property blight in unincorporated areas. Properties must be maintained free of accumulated garbage, debris, rubbish, dilapidated structures, and hazardous conditions. The Code Compliance Division investigates complaints and issues Orders of Abatement with a 10-day compliance period. Unresolved violations may result in county abatement with costs assessed as a lien.

Full Breakdown

Maricopa County Ordinance P-11 (the Abatement Ordinance) is the primary tool for addressing property blight in unincorporated areas including Sun City, Gold Canyon, New River, and other communities. The ordinance prohibits accumulation of garbage, debris, junk vehicles, dilapidated structures, and conditions that create health or safety hazards. The Code Compliance Division investigates complaints (filed online or by calling 602-506-3301) and issues an Order of Abatement giving property owners a 10-day compliance period. If the owner fails to comply, the county may perform the abatement and assess all costs as a lien against the property, which can be collected through property tax foreclosure. Common violations in unincorporated desert areas include abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping on vacant lots, and unmaintained structures.

Violations & Fines

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Maricopa County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as property blight in unincorporated Maricopa County?

Under Maricopa County Ordinance P-11, blight includes accumulated garbage, debris, rubbish, junk vehicles, overgrown weeds creating fire hazards, and other conditions that are unsightly or endanger public health and safety. Properties must be maintained in a clean and orderly condition.

How do I report a blighted property in unincorporated Maricopa County?

File a complaint with Maricopa County Planning and Development Code Compliance at (602) 506-3301. You can report accumulated junk, abandoned vehicles, overgrown lots, and other blight conditions. Complaints can be made anonymously and the county will investigate.

What are the penalties for property blight violations in unincorporated Maricopa County?

Under Ordinance P-11, the county issues a notice of violation with a compliance deadline. Failure to abate the condition can result in the county performing the cleanup and placing a lien on the property for costs. Continued violations may result in civil penalties.

How does Maricopa County compare?

See how Maricopa County's property blight rules stack up against other locations.

Compare to Another Location View Arizona Overview

Maricopa County, AZ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

Related Maricopa County Ordinances

Parking Rules: Loading Zones

Parking Rules: Curb Color Rules

Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors

Home Business: Home Occupation Permits

Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps

Rental Inspections: Lead-Hazard Inspections

More Property Maintenance in Maricopa County

Property Blight in Other Cities

How does Maricopa County compare?

See something wrong?