The Tempe City Council’s nuisance‑ordinance subcommittee presented a package of amendments intended to give the city stronger enforcement tools for habitual nuisance parties and unlawful gatherings.

Vice Mayor Garland reported on the subcommittee’s work at the April 10 work study session, saying the group began meeting in September 2024 with staff from police, fire, community development, neighborhood services and the city attorney’s office, and included residents in stakeholder meetings. Garland said the amendments aim to reduce repeated calls for service, hold tenants and property owners accountable for neighborhood impacts and protect people who may be victims of crime or need emergency medical services.

Key elements presented include removing a 90‑day clean‑slate provision and extending the relevant lookback period to one year, increasing fine levels (presentation described raising fines in stages up to $4,000), and new accountability for property owners when repeat incidents occur. Garland said the changes would “strengthen the ability for the city to protect our neighborhoods” and reduce the burden of repetitive calls on police and fire resources.

Council members expressed support and acknowledged concerns raised by some residents that enforcement could be characterized as overreach. Several council members, including Councilor Brandenburg, noted an increase in short‑term rentals and recurring events that can produce frequent disturbances in neighborhoods. Vice Mayor Garland and other supporters said the amendments are intended as a balanced approach to protect quality of life rather than to limit legitimate, occasional neighborhood gatherings. The council gave consensus to move the ordinance amendments forward for next steps.