Through its Neighborhood Preservation Division, the department achieves blight removal by addressing graffiti, removing abandoned shopping carts and enforcing maintenance standards on occupied and vacant properties. NSD's Neighborhood Preservation Inspectors investigate and work with property owners to resolve violations of Phoenix City Codes and Ordinances, and to remain code compliant. These regulations promote the health and safety of Phoenix residents while preserving property values by protecting neighborhoods from blight, deterioration, and illegal land use activities.
Inspectors can also enforce City Codes to achieve a blight-free neighborhood. Two blight removal programs that help achieve blight-free neighborhoods:
- Abatement Program - in circumstances where ownership of a blighted property is absent or unresponsive, the process begins with the issuance of a Notice of Ordinance Violation (NOV). This program also addresses blighted properties that are vacant and accessible.
- Gated Alley Program (GAP) - a resident-driven program that requests problematic alleys to be gated to prevent illegal dumping, encampments, trespassing and illegal activities.