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Neighborhood Services
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CODE COMPLIANCE
Process Guide and Other
Information
To report a violation, contact the Code Compliance 24-hour Complaint Line at (623) 773-7226. When you call, please give the exact address of the property in violation, if possible, and explain in detail what you believe to be in violation. You are not required to leave your name and telephone number when you report a violation, but it is helpful to do so. In some cases, the officer may need to obtain more information from you to resolve the violation, or let you know that the complaint was not a valid code violation.
When a citizen reports a complaint, the information is recorded on a Code Compliance Complaint Form, and given to the officer assigned to the area in which the violation is reported. The officer inspects the property within five days of receipt of the complaint. Life safety issues are investigated within 24 hours.
If the complaint is valid and a violation exists on the property, an advisory notice is either sent or presented to the property owner and/or tenant via a door-hanger advisory. The notice gives the individual a specified number of days to correct the violation. When that time has passed, the property is re-inspected. If the violation has not been corrected, a final notice is sent to the property owner and/or tenant, stating that the violation has not been corrected and, again giving a specific number of days for compliance. If the property is still in violation after the second re-inspection, either a citation is issued, or a complaint is filed in City Court, depending on the nature and severity of the violation. Violation of the city code and/or zoning ordinances may be a civil offense or criminal misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $2,500 and/or jail time if found guilty by the Judge.
If the property remains in violation after the administrative hearing or trial, the City may, in some cases, arrange to have the violation corrected, whether it is removal of inoperable/abandoned vehicles, litter or excessive weed and grass growth. If it becomes necessary for the City to bring the property into compliance, the cost of the work, including administrative costs, will be imposed as a lien or claim against the property.
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