Tempe Code Violations: Who to Call and What Happens Next
The verified official code-enforcement page for Tempe, how a case there works according to that page, where to report or check a case, which repair programs apply, and how abatement liens and selling with open violations work in Arizona.
The short version for Tempe
Tempe's Community Enhancement Division publishes Open M.I.N.D., a directory that explains which city codes apply to homeowners, landlords and businesses, the possible penalties and liens, and the programs that can help with each type of code. Its Live Violation Map shows each case's status, violations, inspector and case number, with a link to report a violation; Tempe 311 (480-350-4311) takes service requests.
The Maricopa County Assessor publishes a directory of each city's code office; it is the source of the phone number shown here.
Who we are. Direct Home Buyers USA is an Arizona home-buying business, not a court, a government agency, a law firm, or a housing counselor. This page is general information checked against the official sources listed on it. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice, and it cannot tell you what applies to your situation. The free tools here never require your contact details.
Review status. Drafted with AI assistance by the Direct Home Buyers USA acquisitions team and checked line by line against the sources listed. An Arizona attorney has not yet reviewed this page; statements of law are limited to what the cited statute or court page says. Sources last verified October 10, 2026.
Official Tempe code office
How a case works
Arizona cities describe the same basic sequence on their pages: a report or an inspector's observation, an inspection, a written notice with a deadline, re-inspection, and then citations or abatement if the condition remains. The specifics for your case are on your notice.
- Read the notice for the code section, the deadline and the officer's contact; call before the deadline if you need time.
- Cleanup, vegetation and vehicle items are closed by doing the work; building and permit items need a licensed contractor and, often, a permit from the city's building-safety office.
- Ask for a re-inspection and keep the written confirmation that the case is closed.
Abatement and liens
After the notice required by statute, a city or town may remove rubbish, trash, weeds, debris and dilapidated buildings itself and assess the cost against the property as a lien under A.R.S. § 9-499; the county has the same power in unincorporated areas under A.R.S. § 11-268. An abatement lien is paid at closing when the property sells.
Tempe situation guides
The statewide guide
- Arizona code violations and abatement helpCommon violations, permits, hardship programs, liens, and the full city directory.
- Printable property-owner checklist
Sources checked for this page
- 2026-10-10Open M.I.N.D. (Code Compliance) (City of Tempe)
- 2026-10-10Service Request Form (Tempe 311) (City of Tempe)
- 2026-10-10Live Violation Map (City of Tempe)
- 2026-10-10Residential Property: Report Violations (jurisdiction code offices) (Maricopa County Assessor's Office)
- 2026-10-10A.R.S. § 9-499 Removal of rubbish, trash, weeds, filth, debris and dilapidated buildings; removal by city or town; costs assessed; lien (Arizona State Legislature)
- 2026-10-10A.R.S. § 11-268 Removal of rubbish, trash, weeds, filth, debris and dilapidated buildings; removal by county; costs assessed; lien (Arizona State Legislature)
- 2026-10-10Arizona Registrar of Contractors (Arizona Registrar of Contractors)License lookup for contractors.
- 2026-10-102-1-1 Arizona (Solari)
- 2026-10-10Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun (Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun)
- 2026-10-10Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona)
Each link was opened and its page title confirmed on the date shown. Government sites move pages; if a link fails, search the publisher's site for the title above.