City codes are local laws adopted by the Phoenix City Council to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods by establishing minimum standards for buildings and properties. Following are some of the more commonly reported violations. Select a violation below for more information.
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Vegetation
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-7D
Property owners are responsible for keeping their properties, and the adjacent rights of way, free of dead or dried vegetation (weeds, tall grass, tumbleweeds, shrubs, trees, palm fronds, etc). All dead or dried vegetation must be removed and disposed of properly. Property owners are also responsible for assuring that grass and weeds on their property and in the adjacent rights of way do not exceed six inches in height.
Inoperable vehicles
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-7H
Inoperable vehicles must not be visible from beyond the bounds of the property. An inoperable vehicle is one that is not equipped with all parts that are required to legally and safely operate on public streets and/or cannot be driven under its own power. Car covers, tarps, bamboo, shades and other similar types of materials are not acceptable screening.
Junk, litter, debris
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-7A
Property owners are responsible for keeping their property free of junk, litter and debris. This includes tires, junk, furniture, building and landscaping material; litter such as discarded paper, cardboard, plastics, etc.; debris such as tree trimmings and fallen tree limbs; or any other discarded items.
Vacant and accessible structures
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-8B5
Property owners are responsible for assuring all vacant buildings and structures (including primary structures, garages, storage structures, accessory buildings, sheds, etc) are secured so that windows, doors or other openings cannot be accessed from the outside. A property owner may be required to board up a building/structure to city specifications if it becomes vacant and is not secure. Boarding up a building\structure is a one time, temporary securement option, for a period not to exceed 180 days.
Outside storage
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-H
Outside storage of personal property at residentially zoned properties is limited to the rear yard behind the primary structure only. Any building or landscaping materials for use on the property, machinery, appliances or parts/auto parts may not be visible from beyond the boundaries of a residentially zoned property. Outdoor storage of items for commercial or business use at a residential property is not allowed. There are specific regulations that apply to outdoor storage and use on properties zoned for other than residential use that vary by zoning district.
Fences in disrepair
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-6B
Fencing and screening walls must be structurally sound and made from the same materials. They also must be maintained so that they are free from deterioration and blight. Some examples include fences or walls that are leaning, missing slats or blocks, rotted or damaged.
Non-dust-proof parking
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-7G
All parking and maneuvering areas must be dust proofed according to city specifications. Specific standards vary by zoning district.
Graffiti
Phoenix City Code Chapter 39, Sec. 39-10B
The property owner is responsible for removing graffiti from all sidewalks, walls, fences, signs and other structures or surfaces visible from beyond the bounds of the property. The city can provide free paint and graffiti removal supplies, as well as assistance for those unable to physically remove graffiti themselves.
Illegal signs
Phoenix City Zoning Ordinance Chapter 7, Sec. 705
The right-of-way varies widely throughout the city of Phoenix. As a general rule, it includes streets, curbs, medians, traffic lights, utility poles, and unimproved shoulders of streets up to private property and generally two-and-a-half feet beyond sidewalks. Placing signs in these areas is illegal. Posting your signs isn't just illegal, it's unsightly and can be dangerous to the public.
