Pop. 180,587 · Maricopa County
Tempe enforces AZ §13-2910 animal cruelty for hoarding. Tempe City Code Ch. 8 limits number of dogs/cats in residential zones; MCACC investigates complaints alongside Tempe PD.
Tempe allows residential beekeeping with certain restrictions. Hives must maintain setbacks from property lines and neighboring structures. Water sources must be provided to prevent bees from seeking water on neighboring properties.
Tempe requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Dogs must be under the handler's control at all times in public spaces. Off-leash dogs are permitted only in designated dog parks.
Tempe permits backyard composting and offers free compost bins periodically. City provides curbside organics pickup in a pilot area and runs a Compost Cats partnership. Commercial ops >10 cu yd need ADEQ permit.
Tempe encourages water conservation and follows Maricopa County water-use guidelines. While mandatory watering schedules are not always in effect, the city promotes xeriscaping and offers rebates for water-efficient landscaping conversions.
Tempe's property maintenance code requires yards to be kept free of excessive weeds and overgrown vegetation. While there is no specific maximum grass height, properties must be maintained to avoid creating a fire hazard, harboring pests, or detracting from neighborhood appearance.
Tempe requires property owners to trim trees that overhang public rights-of-way to maintain clearance for pedestrians and vehicles. Trees on private property must be maintained to prevent hazards. City-owned trees are maintained by the Parks department.
Tempe does not require a permit to remove trees on private residential property in most cases. However, trees in the public right-of-way are protected and cannot be removed without city authorization. Native desert trees may have additional protections under state law.
Arizona encourages rainwater harvesting and Tempe residents may collect rainwater without a permit. No state or local restrictions on residential collection. Arizona offers a tax credit up to $1,000 for qualifying systems. Tempe's monsoon season provides the best collection opportunities. The city supports rainwater harvesting as part of water conservation.
Tempe permits artificial turf on residential properties. Arizona law (ARS 33-1817) limits HOA restrictions on water-efficient landscaping. Synthetic turf is popular in Tempe's desert climate as a low-water alternative. Most installations don't require a permit. The city encourages water conservation through its partnership with regional water programs.
Tempe encourages native and desert-adapted landscaping. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects saguaro, palo verde, ironwood, and other native species from removal without state permits. Tempe's development standards require desert-adapted plants in new construction landscape plans. The city supports water conservation through xeriscape design.
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.
Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Tempe is directly under Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) flight paths. No local aircraft noise ordinance.
Tempe regulates amplified music with focus on the Mill Avenue entertainment district and ASU area. Venue permits required. Residential areas subject to quiet hour enforcement. Special event permits for large gatherings.
Tempe enforces noise regulations under City Code Chapter 20. Noise plainly audible at 50 feet from the source or within a neighboring residence is prohibited during nighttime hours. The city distinguishes between daytime and nighttime noise thresholds, with stricter enforcement from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Tempe permits construction noise Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 10 PM, with seasonal adjustments allowing earlier starts from May 1 to October 15 to protect workers from extreme heat. Concrete pouring may begin as early as 4 AM during summer months.
Tempe addresses barking dogs under both the noise ordinance (Chapter 20) and animal control regulations. Dogs that bark persistently and disturb neighbors can be declared a nuisance. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control handles enforcement.
Tempe regulates industrial noise through Chapter 20 (Noise) of the City Code and the Zoning and Development Code. Industrial uses must not generate noise exceeding 5 dB(A) above the community noise standard at the property line. Zoning buffers between industrial and residential districts help attenuate noise. The city's industrial areas are concentrated along the I-10 corridor and south Tempe.
Tempe does not have a specific leaf blower ban. Leaf blower use is subject to the general noise ordinance (Chapter 20). The city does not distinguish between gas and electric models. Landscape equipment should be used during reasonable daytime hours consistent with the construction noise schedule (6-7 AM start depending on season).
Tempe restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles exceeding certain weight or size thresholds may not be parked overnight on residential streets or in driveways.
Inoperable and abandoned vehicles are code enforcement violations in Tempe. ARS §28-871+ governs on public property.
Tempe regulates on-street parking through posted signs and citywide rules. Vehicles may not park on unpaved surfaces or landscaped areas. Most residential streets allow parking but may have time limits, permit requirements, or restrictions near ASU campus.
Tempe restricts parking of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential streets and in front yards. RVs and boats must be stored in side or rear yards or enclosed garages and screened from public view where possible.
Tempe permits residential EV charger installation with an electrical permit for Level 2 (240V) systems. Arizona law (ARS 33-1818) prohibits HOAs from banning EV charger installations. Tempe has invested in public EV charging infrastructure and supports EV adoption. New multi-family construction may require EV-ready parking.
Tempe regulates street parking through its traffic code. Vehicles may not remain in the same location for more than 72 hours. Areas near ASU have additional parking restrictions including permit parking zones. RVs and commercial vehicles face additional restrictions in residential neighborhoods. The Mill Avenue entertainment district has specific parking management.
Tempe requires vehicles to park on approved hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt driveways. Parking on dirt, gravel, or landscaped areas is prohibited. Driveways must meet zoning code width and setback requirements.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 28-873 lets Maricopa County paint curbs to mark parking restrictions but does not lock in color meanings. The county Department of Transportation uses red for no parking, yellow for loading, white for passenger pickup, and blue for accessible spaces.
Maricopa County Department of Transportation establishes loading zones along unincorporated county roads using ARS section 28-873 authority. Yellow-curb commercial loading is limited to thirty minutes for trucks, three minutes for passenger pickup, and requires that the driver remain near the vehicle.
Tempe adopts IFC Ch. 61 via City Code Ch. 9A. Residential: max two 20-lb cylinders outdoors; indoor storage banned. Permit required for any LP installation >125 gal through Tempe Fire Medical Rescue.
Tempe Rental Housing Code requires smoke detectors in all rental units, installed per the currently adopted building code (IRC R314 / IBC 907). Wall-mounted alarms must be 4-12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling units at least 4 inches from any wall. Owners must install, replace batteries annually, keep records, and verify operation between tenancies. Statewide A.R.S. § 36-1637 governs landlord/tenant duties.
Tempe allows recreational fire pits under specific conditions. Pits must be contained in an approved vessel, use clean-burning fuels, and maintain clearance from structures and combustible materials. No-burn advisories must be observed.
Tempe prohibits the use, sale, and possession of consumer fireworks within city limits except for limited permissible items around the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. Only ground-based, non-aerial fireworks like sparklers and fountains are allowed during designated periods.
Tempe prohibits open burning within city limits due to Maricopa County air quality regulations. Recreational fires in approved fire pits may be allowed under specific conditions, but burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste is banned year-round.
Tempe's fire prevention code (Chapter 14) requires property owners to maintain vegetation and remove fire hazards. The city adopted the International Fire Code. Dry brush, dead vegetation, and accumulated debris must be cleared. Tempe's urban setting reduces wildfire risk, but the Sonoran Desert climate creates seasonal fire hazards from dried vegetation during the pre-monsoon dry season (April-June).
Tempe is a fully urbanized city without formally designated wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones. The primary fire risks are structural fires and vegetation fires on vacant desert parcels, particularly near Papago Park and the Salt River bottom. The city's fire code follows the International Fire Code. Arizona's Firewise USA program encourages defensible space even in urban areas.
Arizona's Homemade Food Act (ARS 36-1161) allows Tempe residents to sell homemade food products directly to consumers without a food establishment permit. The annual sales cap is $75,000. Products must be non-potentially-hazardous and properly labeled. No city food permit is required. This law is especially popular in Tempe's diverse community near ASU.
Tempe allows home-based businesses (home occupations) in residential zones under the Zoning and Development Code. The business must be secondary to the residential use, have no visible external evidence, and not generate excessive traffic, noise, or parking demand.
Tempe restricts customer and client traffic to home-based businesses. Home occupations should not generate traffic beyond what is normal for a residential neighborhood. High-traffic businesses are directed to commercial zones.
Home daycare in Tempe is primarily regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Caring for 1-4 unrelated children is generally exempt from state licensing. Daycares with 5-10 children need a DHS certificate of convenience. Tempe's zoning code permits home daycare as an accessory use in residential zones. ASU-area demand makes home daycare popular.
Tempe prohibits exterior signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No signs, banners, or displays advertising the business may be visible from outside the property.
Unincorporated Maricopa County allows two tiers of home-based business under the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance: low-intensity 'residential home occupations' permitted by-right as an accessory use in rural and residential districts (Sections 501.2.10 and 601.2.8), and 'cottage industries' that require a Special Use Permit from the Board of Supervisors (Chapter 13).
Tempe Ordinance O2023.01 (City Code Ch. 16A, Art. X) requires every short-term/vacation rental owner to hold a City of Tempe Short-Term Rental License before listing. $250 annual fee ($187.50 if issued after July 1), $500,000 liability insurance, Arizona TPT license, 24/7 emergency contact, neighbor notice and Maricopa County rental registration are mandatory.
Tempe imposes NO annual or per-stay night cap on short-term rentals. Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-500.39 (SB 1350, expanded by SB 1168) preempts cities from prohibiting STRs or capping the total number of dwelling units used as vacation rentals. Stays under 30 consecutive days are taxed at the combined ~14.07% rate (6.80% city + 7.27% state/county).
STR guests in Tempe must park only in driveways or designated parking areas. Vehicles cannot be parked on landscaped areas. Operators must inform guests of parking rules and ensure sufficient off-street parking is available.
Tempe requires short-term rental operators to register with the city and hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. Under Arizona state law, cities cannot ban STRs in residential areas but can regulate safety and nuisance aspects. Registration allows the city to contact owners in emergencies.
Short-term rental guests in Tempe must comply with the city's noise ordinance (Chapter 20). STR operators are responsible for informing guests about quiet hours and noise restrictions. The city can revoke STR registration for repeated noise violations.
Tempe STR operators must collect and remit Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) and local taxes on rental income. The combined tax rate includes state, county, and city components. Operators must hold a valid TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue.
Tempe's STR license ordinance (O2023.01) and Arizona law (ARS 9-500.39) establish the framework for STR insurance. Operators should carry liability insurance as standard homeowner's policies may exclude STR activity. STR platforms provide some host protection, but personal coverage is recommended. The annual $250 license fee helps fund enforcement.
Tempe's STR licensing ordinance (O2023.01) requires compliance with residential use standards. Arizona preemption (ARS 9-500.39) limits city-specific occupancy caps. STR properties must comply with general noise, parking, and nuisance ordinances. STRs cannot be used as party houses or event venues. Neighbor notification is required when obtaining an STR license.
Arizona House Bill 2672 (2022) restored limited short-term rental authority to counties and cities. Maricopa County may require operator registration, emergency contact, and liability insurance, but cannot mandate the host be physically present during a guest stay.
Arizona ARS section 11-269.17 prohibits Maricopa County from limiting short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. The county may register operators and enforce nuisance and zoning rules but cannot ban whole-home or non-owner-occupied vacation rentals.
Tempe does not impose a dedicated ADU impact fee. Standard building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permit fees through Tempe Community Development apply based on construction valuation. Water and sewer development fees apply only when a new utility connection is installed. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS 9-461.18) limits fees that would effectively prohibit ADU construction.
Tempe permits long-term ADU rentals without a city license. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require an Arizona Department of Revenue transaction privilege tax license and a Tempe Short-Term Rental permit under City Code regulations adopted consistent with ARS 9-500.39. HB 2720 prohibits ADU-specific rental bans. ASU-area demand makes rentals common but Tempe enforces strict STR registration, local-contact, and notice rules.
Tempe permits accessory dwelling units by right on lots zoned for single-family use under Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.18, enacted by HB 2720 in 2024. Tempe (population approximately 185,000) is well over the 75,000 threshold that triggers the state by-right mandate. Tempe's Zoning and Development Code was amended to comply, allowing at least one attached and one detached ADU per single-family lot. Building permits issue through Tempe Community Development.
Tempe does not require owner occupancy for ADUs. Arizona HB 2720 (ARS 9-461.18) prohibits cities over 75,000 population from conditioning ADU permits or use on owner occupancy. Both the primary residence and the ADU may be rented to separate tenants. HOA CC&Rs in Tempe's smaller HOA communities (The Lakes, Warner Ranch, Circle G Ranches) may still impose occupancy restrictions subject to ARS 33-1817.
Tempe permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in residential zones following a 2022 ordinance update. ADUs can be detached, attached, or converted from existing structures. They must meet size, setback, and design standards but do not require additional parking.
Garage conversions in Tempe require a building permit and must comply with zoning standards including parking requirements. Converting a garage to living space may require providing replacement off-street parking.
Tempe allows sheds and other accessory structures in residential zones. Small sheds under 200 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must comply with setback and height requirements under the zoning code.
Tiny homes on permanent foundations may be permitted in Tempe as ADUs under the city's Zoning and Development Code. Tempe allows both attached and detached ADUs on single-family lots. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot serve as permanent residences. Arizona HB 2720 (2024) expanded ADU rights statewide, and Tempe updated its ADU ordinance accordingly.
Carports in Tempe are regulated under the Zoning and Development Code and building code (Chapter 8). A building permit is required for carport construction. Carports must comply with setback requirements of the applicable zoning district. Accessory structures like ramadas and small sheds are limited to 200 square feet and 8 feet in height before being classified as accessory buildings subject to additional standards.
Tempe does not require neighbor consent to build a fence on your property, but fences must be within your property lines. Shared boundary fences are governed by Arizona state law, which generally splits costs equally between benefiting property owners.
Tempe requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height. Walls exceeding 4 feet must be designed by a licensed engineer. Combined height of retaining wall and fence on top counts toward height limits. Retaining walls must not redirect drainage onto neighboring properties. The building code (Chapter 8) and Zoning and Development Code govern retaining wall construction.
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 triangle requirements to ensure driver sight lines at intersections.
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 with electrical components require a permit.
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code regulates fence materials in residential zones. Common permitted materials include block, stucco, wrought iron, wood, vinyl, and chain link. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are prohibited in residential districts. Chain link may be restricted along street frontages. Many Tempe neighborhoods have HOA-imposed material requirements.
Tempe enforces strict pool barrier requirements aligned with Arizona state law (ARS 36-1681). All pools, hot tubs, and spas with water over 18 inches deep must be enclosed by a barrier at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches above grade. The city inspects pool barriers during construction, remodels, and property sales.
Tempe requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. Arizona has strict pool barrier requirements under ARS §36-1681. Inspections required.
Tempe enforces pool safety regulations including barrier requirements, drain covers, and maintenance standards. Pools must be maintained to prevent becoming health hazards or mosquito breeding grounds. Arizona law also requires pool safety notices.
Tempe requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. This applies to in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs containing water deeper than 18 inches.
Above-ground pools in Tempe must meet the same barrier requirements as in-ground pools if they hold water deeper than 18 inches. The pool walls may serve as part of the barrier if they meet height requirements and ladders are removable or lockable.
Hot tubs and spas in Tempe are regulated under the swimming pool code and ARS 36-1681. Spas with water over 18 inches deep require barrier protection. Electrical installations need a permit with GFCI protection. Lockable ASTM-compliant safety covers can serve as an alternative to barrier enclosure. Given Tempe's climate, hot tubs are popular year-round.
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department enforces the International Fire Code through Tempe City Code Chapter 13. IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame and charcoal cooking devices on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of multi-family buildings, and prohibits LP-gas containers larger than 2.5 lb water capacity on combustible balconies. Single-family detached homes are not restricted. Maricopa County Air Quality Rule 314 declares PM-10 No Burn Days that prohibit charcoal grills; gas and propane are exempt.
Tempe has no specific city ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers or pellet grills. Maricopa County Air Quality Rule 314 declares PM-10 No Burn Days (typically December through February) that prohibit solid-fuel devices including wood-fired smokers and pellet grills; gas and propane are exempt. Tempe nuisance provisions could theoretically address persistent severe smoke but rarely apply to residential cooking. HOA rules are lighter than in surrounding cities but exist in The Lakes and Warner Ranch.
Tempe requires building permits for outdoor kitchens that include gas lines, plumbing, electrical wiring, or structural roofs under Tempe City Code Chapter 8 (Building and Building Regulations) and the adopted International Residential Code. Trade permits file through Tempe Community Development. Standalone portable grills require no permit. Outdoor kitchens near swimming pools must comply with Tempe pool barrier requirements.
Tempe has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Installation timing, brightness, and animated displays are governed by HOA CC&Rs where applicable - Tempe's HOA layer is lighter than Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler. Tempe outdoor lighting standards in the Zoning and Development Code exempt seasonal holiday decorations. Arizona HB 2371 (2014) protects reasonable religious symbol displays on doorways during religious holidays.
Tempe has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting hours, and blower noise are governed by HOA CC&Rs where applicable. Tempe nuisance provisions could theoretically apply to overnight blower motors but are rarely enforced against seasonal decorations. Wind anchoring is a practical concern given Tempe's monsoon and microburst exposure.
Tempe has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on residential property. Tempe property maintenance provisions require an unblighted yard but do not regulate ornament content. HOA architectural review applies in HOA neighborhoods (The Lakes, Warner Ranch). ARS 33-1808 protects US flag and political sign displays from HOA prohibition; HB 2371 protects religious symbols on doorways.
Tempe provides weekly curbside collection for trash, recycling, and green waste. Collection is performed using automated trucks. Bins must be placed correctly at the curb by 5 AM. The city assigns collection days by neighborhood. Holiday schedules may affect pickup days. Contaminated recycling bins may be rejected.
Tempe provides single-stream recycling collection as part of its solid waste program. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5 and #7, glass, and metals. Contamination is a significant issue — the city rejects bins with food waste, plastic bags, or non-recyclable items. Tempe aims to increase recycling participation and reduce landfill waste.
Tempe requires trash and recycling bins to be placed at the curb by 5 AM on collection day and returned within 24 hours. Between collections, bins must be stored out of public view. The city provides automated curbside collection. Bins should not block sidewalks or driveways when placed for pickup.
Tempe provides scheduled bulk trash collection for items too large for regular pickup (furniture, appliances, yard waste). Residents can schedule bulk pickups through the city's solid waste division. Items must be placed at the curb on the scheduled date. Hazardous waste and electronics require special disposal through city events or designated drop-off facilities.
Arizona has no statewide mandatory organics or food-waste recycling law. Maricopa County does not require residential organics separation. Phoenix and Mesa offer voluntary green-organics curbside subscription programs, but compliance is optional countywide.
Recreational drone pilots in Tempe must follow FAA rules including The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts local drone regulation. Tempe's proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport means most of the city is in controlled airspace. Recreational pilots must use the LAANC system or notify airport control towers before flying. Drones must stay below 400 feet and within visual line of sight.
Commercial drone operations in Tempe are primarily regulated by the FAA under Part 107 rules. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate. Tempe is near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, making much of the city fall within controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization. Arizona law (ARS 13-3729) preempts most local drone regulation. The city cannot impose flight bans beyond federal law.
Drone flights near Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway airports require FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval. Maricopa County defers to federal airspace rules under 14 CFR Part 107 with no separate county permit.
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions automatically apply to drones over State Farm Stadium, Footprint Center, Chase Field, and other large venues during major events. Maricopa County follows federal stadium TFR rules under 14 CFR Section 91.145 and Notice 1 9 8 7 1.
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code establishes minimum setback requirements that vary by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically require 20-25 foot front setbacks, 5-10 foot side setbacks, and 15-25 foot rear setbacks. Accessory structures may have reduced setback requirements. Corner lots have additional requirements for street-side setbacks.
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code establishes maximum building height limits by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically allow structures up to 25-30 feet in height. Multi-family and commercial zones allow taller buildings. Height is generally measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Accessory structures are limited to 8 feet unless classified as accessory buildings.
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code establishes maximum lot coverage limits that vary by zoning district. Lot coverage includes the footprint of all structures (main dwelling, accessory buildings, carports, patios with solid roofs). In single-family residential districts, typical maximum lot coverage ranges from 35-45% depending on the specific zone. Accessory structures and ADUs count toward lot coverage calculations.
Tempe does not require a permit for standard residential garage or yard sales. Sales must be conducted on private property and comply with general nuisance, sign, and parking provisions. The city encourages garage sales as a form of recycling and community activity.
Tempe does not impose specific time restrictions on garage sale hours beyond general noise ordinance provisions. Sales should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. Noise from sales activities is subject to the Chapter 20 noise ordinance. Sales during nighttime hours that generate noise or light disturbance may result in complaints.
Tempe permits residential garage and yard sales with reasonable frequency limits to prevent commercial retail activity in residential zones. The city does not require garage sale permits. Excessive frequency that suggests ongoing retail operations may be addressed through zoning enforcement as an unauthorized home business.
Tempe requires residents to store trash and recycling bins out of public view when not on the curb for collection. Bins should be placed at the curb the evening before or morning of collection and returned within 24 hours. The city provides curbside trash, recycling, and green waste collection. Bins must not obstruct sidewalks or create neighborhood nuisances.
Tempe requires property owners to maintain their property free of accumulated junk, debris, and unsightly conditions after garage sales. Items left displayed for extended periods may be cited as a property maintenance violation. The city's Code Compliance division responds to complaints about properties with persistent unsightly conditions.
Tempe enforces property maintenance standards through its Code Compliance program (Open M.I.N.D.) to prevent blight. Deteriorated buildings, peeling paint, broken windows, accumulated debris, and unmaintained landscaping are violations. Vacant and abandoned properties receive additional enforcement attention. Tempe's rental property registration ordinance also addresses maintenance.
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.
Tempe requires vacant lot owners to maintain their properties free of weeds, debris, and hazardous conditions. Vacant lots must be kept clear of accumulated junk, overgrown vegetation, and illegal dumping. The city may abate hazardous conditions at the owner's expense. Vacant lots near ASU and in redevelopment areas are common enforcement targets.
Tempe participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) along the Salt River and Indian Bend Wash must meet floodplain management standards.
Tempe has no coastal zones, but the city manages significant waterfront development around Tempe Town Lake on the Salt River. The lake area is governed by special planning districts and overlay zones in the Zoning and Development Code. Development near the lake must comply with flood plain regulations, the Salt River Management Plan, and environmental review requirements.
Tempe requires erosion and sediment control during construction activities under its stormwater management program and building code. Projects disturbing one acre or more must obtain an Arizona AZPDES Construction General Permit from ADEQ. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required. Best Management Practices (BMPs) must prevent sediment from leaving the construction site.
Tempe requires grading and drainage permits for projects that alter the natural grade of land. The city's engineering standards ensure proper stormwater management and prevent drainage problems to adjacent properties. Tempe participates in the Flood Control District of Maricopa County programs. Development must retain stormwater on-site for certain storm events.
Tempe operates a comprehensive stormwater management program under its MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permit from ADEQ. The city regulates stormwater quality and quantity through development standards, construction site controls, and public education. The Salt River, Tempe Town Lake, and Indian Bend Wash are primary receiving waters. Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited.
Maricopa County Air Quality Department Rule 322 caps heavy-duty diesel vehicle idling at five minutes within any sixty-minute period. The rule applies countywide on private and public property and includes specific exemptions for federal idle reductions, sleeper cabs, and emergency operations.
Arizona has no statewide energy code, and Maricopa County has not adopted a cool-roof ordinance for unincorporated areas. The county follows the 2018 International Residential Code with limited energy provisions, leaving roof-reflectance choices to the property owner.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has not adopted a climate emergency declaration or countywide Climate Action Plan. Climate work happens through the Heat Relief Network, MCAQD ozone planning, and city-level CAPs in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa rather than a county mandate.
Trees on private residential property in Tempe can generally be removed without a city permit unless they are protected native species under ARS 3-901. Protected species (saguaro, palo verde, ironwood) require an Arizona Department of Agriculture permit. City street trees cannot be removed by residents. New development must include tree preservation in landscape plans.
Tempe protects significant trees through its landscape standards in the Zoning and Development Code. Arizona's Protected Native Plant Law (ARS 3-901) protects native desert trees statewide. During development review, Tempe requires tree preservation plans for significant existing trees. Mature shade trees are increasingly valued for urban heat island mitigation.
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code requires tree replacement when significant trees are removed during development. The city values shade trees for urban heat island mitigation. Replacement trees should be desert-adapted species from the approved plant list. The city's urban forestry program works to increase canopy cover across Tempe.
The Arizona Native Plant Protection Act (ARS Title 3 Chapter 7 Article 1) protects saguaro cactus, ironwood, paloverde, and other native species statewide. Maricopa County zoning Hillside and Desert overlays add development-specific protections.
Maricopa County Code Title VII regulates planting in road rights-of-way. Cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale set their own parkway and median tree standards. Approved species lists, clear-vision triangles, and irrigation rules apply to all street-tree plantings.
Tempe requires all rental properties to be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor's office per Arizona law. Failure to register is a $1,000 fine from Tempe code enforcement. All rentals must also register with the city. Tempe has one of the more aggressive rental registration enforcement programs in the Phoenix metro area, driven by the large ASU-area rental market.
Arizona does not have a just cause eviction law. Tempe landlords may decline to renew a lease without stating a reason, provided proper notice is given under Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARS 33-1301 et seq.). Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days' notice. Arizona preempts local rent control and eviction restrictions.
Arizona prohibits rent control statewide under ARS 33-1329. Tempe cannot impose rent stabilization, rent caps, or mandatory relocation assistance for rent increases. Landlords may raise rent to any amount with proper notice (30 days for month-to-month tenancies). The only restriction is that rent increases cannot be retaliatory.
Maricopa County does not require landlords to pay tenant relocation assistance. Arizona Title 33 governs landlord-tenant relations statewide and does not mandate relocation payments for ordinary lease terminations or no-cause notices.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 33-1321 caps residential security deposits at one and one-half months rent and governs return procedures statewide. Maricopa County applies state law without additional local rules or registration requirements.
Arizona allows no-fault terminations of month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice under ARS Section 33-1375. Maricopa County does not impose just-cause restrictions, additional notice periods, or mandatory grounds for non-renewal.
Arizona has no statewide source-of-income protection, and Maricopa County has not enacted local protection. Landlords may legally refuse Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, child support, or other lawful non-wage income as a tenant-screening criterion.
The Maricopa County Housing Authority (MCHA), part of Human Services Department, administers Housing Choice Vouchers in unincorporated areas and contract cities. Landlord participation is voluntary because Arizona prohibits forced acceptance under ARS 41-1491.14.
Tempe requires door-to-door solicitors to obtain a permit from the city before going door-to-door in residential neighborhoods. Applicants must pass a background check. Permits must be displayed while soliciting. The permit system protects residents from fraud while allowing legitimate business activity.
Tempe regulates door-to-door solicitation through its city code. Residents can post no-soliciting signs that solicitors must respect. Solicitation is prohibited during certain hours (typically after sunset or 9 PM). The city requires solicitors to obtain permits. Violating a posted no-soliciting sign is a code violation.
Arizona law (Proposition 207 / ARS 36-2852) permits adults 21+ to grow up to 6 cannabis plants per person (12 per household with 2+ adults) for personal use. Plants must be in an enclosed, locked area not visible from public spaces. Tempe cannot prohibit home cultivation under state preemption but enforces nuisance provisions for odor and other impacts. Landlords may prohibit cultivation in lease agreements.
Tempe restricts cannabis dispensaries to specific commercial zoning districts: General Office (G-O), General Commercial (C-2), and Heavy Commercial (C-3). Dispensaries must maintain 1,320 feet of separation from schools, childcare facilities, churches, parks, libraries, community buildings, and other dispensaries. Hours are limited to 8 AM - 6 PM. Drive-through windows are prohibited.
Arizona Proposition 207 created a state social equity ownership program with twenty-six licenses statewide for applicants from communities harmed by marijuana enforcement. Several Maricopa County recipients now operate, while county zoning still controls dispensary siting in unincorporated areas.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 36-2806 bars marijuana dispensaries within 1320 feet of an existing public or private school. The state buffer applies in unincorporated Maricopa County, and Title XIII county zoning may add larger setbacks from residential zones and parks.
Proposition 207 lets Arizona adults twenty-one and older grow up to six marijuana plants in a private residence, capped at twelve per household. Maricopa County recognizes this state right but requires plants out of public view and away from minors.
Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Title XIII permits marijuana establishments only in C-2 and C-3 commercial zones with a Conditional Use Permit. Cultivation and infusion are limited to the IND-1 and IND-2 industrial zones, subject to setbacks, screening, and air-quality requirements.
Tempe city parks generally close at 10:30 PM and reopen at 6:00 AM. Tempe Town Lake has specific hours. Park curfew is enforced by the Tempe Police Department. Special event permits may extend hours for authorized activities. Kiwanis Park, Papago Park (Tempe side), and neighborhood parks all follow these general hours unless posted otherwise.
Tempe enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Food trucks operating in Tempe need a City of Tempe business license and a Maricopa County Environmental Services food establishment permit. The city regulates food truck locations through its zoning code and special event permits. Food trucks are popular near ASU, Mill Avenue, and Tempe Town Lake. Mobile food vendors must comply with health department requirements and city parking regulations.
Tempe regulates where food trucks and mobile vendors can operate through its zoning code and business licensing provisions. Vending on public sidewalks and right-of-way is regulated. Popular vending areas include Mill Avenue, Tempe Beach Park, and areas near ASU campus. Special event permits allow vending at festivals and organized events. Private property vending requires landowner permission and compatible zoning.
Tempe regulates outdoor lighting through the Zoning and Development Code to control light pollution and glare. Arizona is known for dark sky advocacy, and Tempe's lighting standards address light trespass, fixture shielding, and prohibited upward-directed lighting. New development must comply with outdoor lighting standards during plan review.
Tempe's Zoning and Development Code prohibits outdoor lighting that unreasonably illuminates neighboring properties (light trespass). Security lights, floodlights, and landscape lighting must be directed away from adjacent homes. Maximum illumination levels at property lines are established for commercial and multi-family uses. Complaints are handled by Code Compliance.
Tempe regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through the Zoning and Development Code. Signs on private property are permitted. Signs on utility poles, traffic signs, and public right-of-way are generally prohibited. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale ends.
Tempe permits holiday decorations and displays on residential properties. There are no specific time restrictions on when decorations can be put up or taken down, though they should be removed within a reasonable period after the holiday. Inflatable displays, light shows, and nativity scenes are permitted on private property. HOA rules may impose additional restrictions.
Arizona law (ARS 16-1019) protects the right to display political signs on residential property. Tempe cannot prohibit political signs on private property within reasonable size limits. Signs may generally be placed 60 days before an election and must be removed 15 days after. HOAs cannot prohibit political signs within the statutory time period.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 28-7732 and ADOT outdoor-advertising rules govern digital billboards along controlled-access highways. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 13 regulates off-premise signs in unincorporated areas with size, brightness, and spacing limits.
Arizona law (ARS 33-1816) strongly protects homeowners' rights to install solar panels. HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations or impose restrictions that increase cost by more than $1,000 or decrease efficiency by more than 10%. Tempe has significant solar potential given the extreme sun exposure. Many Tempe homes and businesses have solar installations.
Tempe requires a building permit for residential solar panel installations covering both electrical and structural components. The city has streamlined the solar permitting process. Inspections verify proper installation and compliance with the National Electrical Code. Most residential rooftop installations are approved within a few business days of complete application.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-1303 requires cities and counties to use expedited solar permitting through the SolarAPP+ platform or equivalent. Maricopa County and member cities issue most residential rooftop solar permits same-day or within five business days.
Arizona does not authorize a statewide community solar program. The Arizona Corporation Commission rejected community solar dockets in 2015 and 2022. Maricopa County residents in APS or SRP territory rely on utility-owned solar communities or rooftop net metering instead.
Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-3108 preempts almost every Maricopa County firearm rule, voiding any county ordinance on registration, magazine limits, sales, or transport beyond state law. Only narrow discharge and county-property authority survive across unincorporated land.
Arizona has been a permitless or constitutional carry state since 2010 under ARS section 13-3102. Adults twenty-one and older may carry concealed in unincorporated Maricopa County without a permit, and the Maricopa County Sheriff still issues optional CCWs for reciprocity.
Arizona has long permitted open carry of handguns and long guns without a permit. Adults eighteen and older may openly carry across Maricopa County, subject only to ARS section 13-3102 posted-area limits and federal restrictions near schools.
Arizona allows adults to keep loaded firearms in a vehicle without a permit. ARS section 13-3102 lets a Maricopa County driver carry a loaded handgun openly or concealed in the passenger compartment, including the glove box or center console, with limited posted-area exceptions.
Vape and tobacco retailers across Maricopa County must hold an Arizona Department of Health Services tobacco retailer license created by SB-1009, plus an Arizona Department of Revenue luxury-tax license. Maricopa County Environmental Services adds a health permit when food or e-liquid is mixed onsite.
Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94) and Arizona Senate Bill 1009 (ARS section 36-798.03) bar Maricopa County retailers from selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or any tobacco product to anyone under twenty-one. Photo ID is mandatory for buyers appearing under twenty-seven.
Arizona has no statewide ban on flavored tobacco or menthol products, and Maricopa County imposes none. Retailers may legally sell menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and flavored e-liquids subject to FDA Premarket Tobacco Application authorization.
ARS section 9-500.38 preempts Maricopa County from banning expanded polystyrene foam cups, plates, or clamshells. Restaurants and grocers may freely use EPS foam containers, and the county limits restrictions to its own facilities through procurement policy.
Maricopa County imposes no straws-on-request rule, and ARS section 9-500.38 preempts any county ordinance restricting plastic straws. Restaurants may freely distribute single-use plastic straws at counters, drive-throughs, and self-service stations across the county.
ARS section 9-500.38, the 2015 Cooler Heads Prevail Act, bars Maricopa County and Arizona cities from banning, taxing, or imposing fees on plastic carryout bags. Stores across the county may distribute single-use plastic bags freely.
Arizona voters passed Proposition 206 in 2016 setting a statewide minimum wage indexed annually to inflation. The 2024 rate is $14.35 per hour. State law preempts Maricopa County and its cities from setting a higher local wage.
Proposition 206 also requires Arizona employers to provide earned paid sick time. Workers accrue 1 hour per 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year (24 hours for employers under 15). State law preempts Maricopa County local rules.
Arizona's ARS 23-204 prevents cities from enacting predictive scheduling, fair workweek, or shift change pay ordinances on private employers.
Arizona Senate Bill 1070 (2010), partly upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Arizona v. United States (2012), prohibits Maricopa County and its cities from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The Legal Arizona Workers Act (2007) requires every employer in Arizona, including Maricopa County businesses of any size, to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm new-hire employment authorization. Knowing or intentional violations risk business license suspension or revocation.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 3-111 protects established farm and ranch operations from nuisance lawsuits arising from changed conditions, including suburban encroachment in Maricopa County. Operations existing before nearby development are presumed reasonable and lawful.
Arizona limits local zoning power over agricultural land, protecting commercial farming activities from overly restrictive land-use regulation.
Arizona has no dedicated bed-bug disclosure law. Maricopa County tenants rely on the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act §33-1324 habitability provisions, and MCESD accepts environmental health complaints when infestations create unsanitary conditions in rental housing.
Maricopa County Environmental Services Department inspects every food facility countywide under MCEHC Chapters 1 and 3, scoring critical and non-critical violations. Arizona uses a numerical scoring and online disclosure model rather than a posted A-B-C letter grade card.
Maricopa County Vector Control investigates rodent complaints under ARS §36-602 and county nuisance rules. Property owners must eliminate harborage and active infestations. Arizona allows EPA-registered rodenticides, traps, and bait stations for consumer use.
Arizona ARS §36-2814 classifies home-generated sharps as biohazardous medical waste prohibited from regular trash. Maricopa County operates the SHARP collection program, providing free drop-off sites, pharmacy take-back, and mail-back kits for residents countywide.
Under ARS §36-136 and Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter 8, every food handler in the county must obtain a Maricopa County Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire. Cards remain valid for three years and must be carried during shifts.
Maricopa County zoning ordinance regulates adult-oriented businesses through location buffers and special-use permits in unincorporated areas. Cities like Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale set their own licensing layers under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-811 county zoning authority.
The Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy licenses individual therapists statewide under ARS Title 32 Chapter 42. Maricopa County requires a transaction privilege tax license but does not separately license massage establishments in unincorporated areas beyond zoning.
Arizona requires tobacco retailers to register with the Department of Health Services and the Department of Revenue under ARS Title 36 Chapter 6 Article 14. Maricopa County does not add a separate retail-tobacco license in unincorporated areas.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 44-1641 requires secondhand dealers to maintain transaction records and report purchased property to law enforcement. Maricopa County Sheriff uses the LeadsOnline reporting database; cities add their own dealer permits within their limits.
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 44-1621 et seq. governs pawnbrokers statewide with strict recordkeeping and law-enforcement reporting requirements. Maricopa County Sheriff oversees unincorporated dealers; cities add local licensing on top of state rules.
Tow operators in Maricopa County need an Arizona Department of Transportation motor-carrier permit and inclusion on the Maricopa County Sheriff rotation list to perform police-ordered tows on unincorporated highways under ARS Title 28 Chapter 11.
Arizona has no dedicated public-urination statute. Maricopa County Sheriff cites under ARS 13-2905 loitering or ARS 13-1402 indecent exposure depending on circumstances. Cities such as Phoenix, Mesa, and Tempe add specific municipal codes carrying $500 fines.
Arizona's loitering and disorderly conduct statutes (ARS 13-2905 and 13-2904) cover aggressive solicitation involving threat, physical contact, or traffic obstruction. Maricopa County Sheriff enforces in unincorporated areas; passive panhandling is constitutionally protected speech.
Maricopa County Code Title XIII Chapter 1 (Noise Ordinance) lets the Sheriff cite hosts of loud parties exceeding decibel limits or quiet-hours rules. Repeat second-response calls within 12 months allow cost-recovery billing for the host or property owner.
The Smoke-Free Arizona Act (ARS 36-601.01) bans smoking inside enclosed public places and within 20 feet of doors, windows, and ventilation intakes statewide. Maricopa County does not add broader outdoor-smoking restrictions except in county parks and beach areas.
Arizona has no statute regulating Automated License Plate Readers. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Phoenix Police, and Scottsdale PD operate Flock Safety and Vigilant ALPR networks. Data retention varies from 30 days to one year by agency policy, with no statewide oversight.
Arizona is a one-party consent state under ARS §13-3005. You may record any conversation you are a party to without the other party's knowledge. Recording conversations between others without any party's consent is a Class 5 felony. Video recording in public is generally unrestricted.
In unincorporated Maricopa County, all fencing over 1 foot in height requires some level of permit or review from Planning and Development. Standard residential fences are generally limited to 6 feet in side/rear yards. Front setback fences are typically limited to 3 feet.
Security cameras on private property are legal in Maricopa County. Arizona is a one-party consent state for audio recording (ARS §13-3005). Video surveillance of your own property and visible public areas is unrestricted. Cameras must not be used for voyeurism under ARS §13-1424.
Maricopa County Code Title XIII regulates noise on county property, while construction-equipment limits are set city-by-city. Phoenix allows construction 5am-7pm weekdays, Scottsdale 6am-7pm, Mesa 6am-10pm. Sunday work is restricted in most cities.
Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway operate FAA Part 150 noise compatibility programs that restrict aircraft engine runups by time and location. Maricopa County has no separate airport-noise authority. Complaints route through airport noise offices and FAA.
Maricopa County Historic Preservation Office oversees county-owned historic properties, while Arizona State Parks Board administers the Arizona Register of Historic Places. Local landmark designations come from cities like Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission and Scottsdale HPC.
Arizona has no Mills Act program. Instead, ARS Section 42-12101 creates a Historic Property Tax classification that reduces full-cash value by 50 percent for qualifying owner-maintained historic homes in Maricopa County and statewide for 15 years renewable.
Arizona Department of Agriculture lists Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven) as a regulated noxious weed but not prohibited. Maricopa County has no specific tree-of-heaven removal mandate. Removal is recommended due to invasive spread and spotted lanternfly host risk.
Maricopa County regulates certain plants under the Arizona Native Plant Law (ARS §3-904) and noxious weed regulations. Palo Verde, saguaro, and other protected native plants cannot be removed without permits. Several weed species are regulated by the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
Maricopa County does not have a bamboo restriction ordinance. Arizona's arid climate naturally limits bamboo growth, making it a less common landscaping concern. Some bamboo species can survive with irrigation, but they are not widely planted in the Phoenix metro area.
Maricopa County allows front yard gardens in unincorporated areas. Arizona does not have a statewide law specifically protecting front yard food gardens, but the county's zoning ordinance does not prohibit them. Water-wise gardening is encouraged given the desert climate.
All fencing over 1 foot in height requires review in unincorporated Maricopa County. Simple fences need a zoning clearance (A-fence). Pool barriers, fences over 8 feet, hillside fences, and retaining wall-fences need full building and zoning clearances (B-fence).
In unincorporated Maricopa County, accessory structures under 200 square feet with no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require a building permit. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits.
In unincorporated Maricopa County, decks not more than 30 inches above grade are generally exempt from building permits. Elevated decks, covered patios (ramadas), and attached patio structures require permits. Setback and lot coverage requirements apply to all outdoor structures.
Most renovation work in unincorporated Maricopa County requires building permits. Structural changes, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing work all need permits. Cosmetic work like painting and flooring does not require permits. Apply through the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department.
Maricopa County Code Compliance Division handles zoning and building violations in unincorporated areas. Complaints can be filed online through the county's Report a Code Violation form, by phone, or in person at Planning and Development. Complainant identity remains confidential.
Common violations in unincorporated Maricopa County include structures built without permits, zoning violations (illegal businesses in residential areas), junk and debris accumulation, inoperable vehicles, illegal signs, and non-compliant fencing. Unpermitted structures are a frequent issue in rural unincorporated areas.
Maricopa County Code Compliance investigates complaints in the order received, with safety hazards prioritized. Initial contact with the suspected violator generally occurs within 30 days. The county prefers voluntary compliance but can pursue legal enforcement through the County Attorney.