Most Common Violations

Property must be kept free of weeds and grass more than 9 inches tall. All improved landscaped yards visible from the adjacent rights-of-way must be maintained so as not to exhibit deterioration, disrepair, or blight. Dead vegetation must be removed. If you have any issues with alley gates and alley gate locks, please call Transportation at 480-644-2160.

Title 8-6-3 (C)

Poorly maintained landscaping, such as dead trees or shrubs and overgrown weeds, shrubs, trees and grass, is unattractive and can be a fire and safety hazard.

• Property must be kept free of weeds and grass more than 9 inches tall. Dead vegetation must be removed.
• Tree branches and shrubs must be trimmed so they are a minimum of 8 feet over the sidewalk and 14 feet over the street or alley.

Title 8-6-3 (D)(O)(W)(1)

Boats, utility trailers and non-vehicle mounted camper shells need to be stored inside a garage, in a carport, in the rear yard, or in the side yard behind the front face of the house.

Title 8-6-3 (U)

Please refer to the Zoning Ordinance

Homes and other structures need to be maintained in a structurally sound condition and need to be impervious to moisture and weather.

• The exposed, exterior windows, surfaces of buildings must be structurally sound and have no holes, breaks, rotting, crumbling, cracking or rusting elements.
• Painted surfaces should not have peeling, chipping, cracking or blistering paint.
• Exterior windows and doors should not be broken, missing or poorly fitted. Window screens should not be excessively worn or have any rips or tears. Canopies and metal awnings should be in good condition, with no rips, holes, or excessive fading.
• Roofs should be free from surface breaks, raised edges, and missing, curled, loose or excessively worn shingles.

Title 8-6-3 (V)

A fence, screen wall or retaining wall must be in good repair and structurally sound. Fencing must be self-supporting and constructed of durable wood, chain link, metal, masonry or other standard fencing material.

• Fencing materials, colors and finishes must be consistent or compatible with materials, colors and finishes on the same fence or wall.
• Electric fences are illegal. It is also illegal to attach glass, nails, metal or materials that may cause injury.

Title 8-6-3 (I)(K)

Four (4) events are allowed per calendar year. Each event must not exceed 3 consecutive days.

Title 8-6-3 (X)

It is the responsibility of the owner or resident to remove graffiti from buildings, structures, trailers, dumpsters and fences on their property. Call the Graffiti Hotline at 480-644-3083 or report graffiti online.

Title 8-6-3 (H)

A building permit is required for any construction that changes the footprint of the structure, changes or adds to the electrical service or plumbing system. For details see the Residential Building Permits page.

Title 4

Inoperable vehicles being restored or repaired for longer than 10 days must be stored safely within a lawfully enclosed building or structure or screened by a lawful fence so as not to be visible beyond the property boundaries. Car covers and tarps are not acceptable methods of screening.

Contact the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211 or report online for inoperable or abandoned vehicles parked in the street.

Title 8-6-3 (A)

The property owner is responsible for maintaining buildings, structures and grounds of a property. Windows, doors and other openings must be kept secure so they cannot be opened from the outside. A property owner may be required to board up a building/structure if it becomes vacant and is not secure. Accessory buildings/structures on the property such as storage sheds and garages also must be secured. If the building/structure is not secured upon request, we may secure the property and lien the property for such service.

Title 8-6-3 (N)

Junk, garbage or an accumulation of materials cannot be stored where it is visible beyond property boundaries. If materials are stored, they must be stored in a building or structure or screened by a lawful fence so as not to be visible from property boundaries. Sidewalks, alleys and all public places bordering your property must also be kept clear and free of junk, impediments, and garbage.

You may contact Solid Waste at 480-644-2221 to schedule a bulk pick-up or you may dispose of materials properly yourself.

Title 8-6-3 (B)

It is unlawful to park or store any motor vehicle within the front or side yard of a single residence unless it is parked or stored on an improved, dustproof parking surface.

• An improved, dust-proof parking surface is concrete, asphalt or 3” of crushed rock surrounded by a concrete border. Such parking may not exceed 50% of the front yard area.
• All vehicles parked in front yard must have current registration displayed.

Title 8-6-3 (T)

It is a violation in Mesa to feed pigeons and doves on private or public property. An exemption is provided for feeding of other species of birds from a feeder intended to prevent pigeons and doves from feeding.

The Code Compliance unit is dedicated to fostering community pride and providing superior services to Mesa residents, businesses and visitors through innovation, education and enforcement. We appreciate your help in maintaining our neighborhoods. By working together, we will keep Mesa beautiful and ensure it stays a wonderful community.

Code Compliance officers may begin enforcement based on citizen complaints or Code Officer’s observations. This provides an opportunity to educate residents about the City’s ordinances.

Title 8-6-3 (AB)

The responsible party of any property within the City shall not allow parking of a recreational vehicle or watercraft on a driveway or public street in a residential area except for the purposes of loading, unloading or cleaning for a period not to exceed 48 hours subject to the parking and traffic regulations and provided the vehicle is not parked so as to create a traffic hazard or obstruct traffic visibility.

Title 8-6-3 (Z)

The property owner is responsible for maintaining any body of water or pool in a clean, clear manner. Observers must be able to see the bottom of the pool. Any pond water that breeds insects or over-saturates the soil in a hazardous manner is prohibited.

Title 8-6-3 (G)

Related information:

• Mosquitoes

Property owners are responsible for providing a safe and healthy residence for their tenants. Written permission is required from the property owner or tenant to enter and inspect. Inspection are handled by the Building Inspectors for inspections call 480-644-4273.

Landlord/Tenant issues are a concern to the citizens of Mesa and we understand your concerns; Landlord/Tenant issues are a legal civil matter and we do not have jurisdiction in these matters.

We support Community Legal Services at 602-258-3434. You may speak to a legal advocate about evictions, lock-outs, security deposits, utility shut-offs, lease terms, repairs, discrimination, and notices. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week at the helpline.

Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act