Avondale, AZ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Avondale City Code Ch. 14 (sec. 14-50, 14-190)
- First-violation fine
- $250 base civil penalty
- Repeat fines
- $500 (2nd), $1,000 (3rd) in 24 months
- Enforcement
- Code Compliance Division, 623-333-2731 / AviWise app
Summary
Avondale's Property Maintenance Ordinance (City Code Chapter 14) prohibits blighted property conditions: accumulated debris, scrap, inoperable vehicles, broken or leaning fences, overgrown or dead landscaping, peeling paint and general disrepair. Code Compliance seeks voluntary compliance first, then civil penalties starting at $250.
Blight, blighted or blighting: Any unsightly, deteriorated, withered or decayed condition of a building, structure, accessory building, fence, landscaping or property characterized by neglect, lack of maintenance, damage or any other similar condition. Examples include, but are not limited to, the accumulation of debris, wood, scrap iron or other metal, boxes, paper, vehicle parts, tires, abandoned or inoperable equipment or vehicles; discarded appliances; or any items that may harbor insect or vermin infestation or create a fire hazard; landscaping that is overgrown, dead or damaged; fences that are broken, rotted, damaged or leaning; buildings or structures exhibiting general disrepair including but not limited to deteriorated shingles, peeling paint, broken doors or windows or any other evidence of neglect or lack of maintenance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 14 of the Avondale City Code (the Property Maintenance Ordinance) is enforced by the Code Compliance Division to prevent neighborhood deterioration. Section 14-50 defines 'blight' as any unsightly, deteriorated, withered or decayed condition of a building, structure, fence, landscaping or property characterized by neglect or lack of maintenance. Listed examples include accumulations of debris, wood, scrap iron or metal, boxes, paper, vehicle parts and tires; abandoned or inoperable equipment or vehicles; discarded appliances; landscaping that is overgrown, dead or damaged; fences that are broken, rotted, damaged or leaning; and buildings showing deteriorated shingles, peeling paint, or broken doors or windows.
Section 14-190 separately bars maintaining any condition that constitutes a public nuisance, blight or hazard. The code official typically issues a Notice of Violation with a re-inspection date and seeks voluntary compliance before issuing a civil citation. If a hazardous condition is not corrected within 30 days of notice, the City may abate it and assess the costs as a lien against the property under Section 14-140. Report concerns through the AviWise app or Code Compliance at 623-333-2731.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty under Section 14-110: $250 base fine for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third within any 24-month period, plus state surcharges. The city may also pursue criminal complaints or abate the condition at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as blight in Avondale?
What is the fine for a property maintenance violation?
How do I report a blighted property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Avondale
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