Primarily responding to resident complaints, the city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) opened 57,989 code enforcement cases for the 2007-08 fiscal year, a 6 percent increase from the previous year. NSD staff resolved 55,505 cases for the year.

NSD has seen a 49 percent increase in the number of code enforcement cases opened since the 2002-2003 fiscal year.

The code enforcement cases involved properties that were in violation of the city's neighborhood preservation, zoning and other ordinances.

The most common types of violations included inoperable vehicles, trash/litter, fences in disrepair, outdoor storage, parking on areas not dust-proofed, over-height vegetation, graffiti and unsecured vacant buildings.

NSD received more than 28,500 e-mails, answered more than 90,000 calls and met with more than 1,200 individuals who visited City Hall on code enforcement cases last year.

To find out more information about property maintenance, zoning issues, non-permitted construction or to report blight in your area, send an e-mail or call 602-262-7844.