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.
Snow removal is not a concern in Tempe, where the average winter low temperature is around 43°F and snow is essentially unheard of (the last measurable snowfall in the Phoenix area was extremely rare). There are no snow or ice removal ordinances. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property free of vegetation encroachment, debris, and obstructions. Trees and shrubs must be trimmed to maintain adequate clearance above sidewalks for pedestrian passage and ADA accessibility. The city's Engineering department maintains public sidewalks for structural condition (cracks, heaving, trip hazards). Residents can report damaged sidewalks for city repair. Property owners may be responsible for sidewalk damage caused by their trees or improvements. The primary maintenance concerns in Tempe's desert climate are keeping sidewalks clear of fallen palm fronds, vegetation growth through cracks, and wind-blown debris.
Failure to maintain clear sidewalk passage from vegetation encroachment may result in code compliance action. Damaged sidewalks creating trip hazards should be reported.
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 snow & sidewalk clearing.
See how Tempe's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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