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Council subcommittee advances draft nuisance ordinance that would extend violation window and raise penalties
Summary
A council subcommittee reported proposed amendments to Tempe’s nuisance ordinance, including removing a 90‑day clean‑slate provision in favor of a one‑year window and increasing penalties; councilmembers voiced support and agreed to move the proposal forward for additional work.
The City Council’s nuisance ordinance subcommittee presented proposed amendments intended to strengthen the city’s tools to address habitual nuisance parties and property impacts in residential areas, and the council expressed support to move the changes forward.
Vice Mayor Garland, speaking as chair of the nuisance ordinance subcommittee, said the group has met with police, fire, community development, neighborhood services and the city attorney and included resident stakeholders in crafting the amendments. Garland said the draft changes are meant to reduce repeated calls for service, hold tenants and property owners accountable for community impacts, and address persistent party problems that neighborhood residents have reported.
Garland said the proposal would eliminate the prior 90‑day “clean slate” provision and extend that period to one year. She described increases to fines and penalties, stating the subcommittee had recommended doubling a previously typical $500 penalty to $1,000 and including penalties up to $4,000. Garland also said the amendments include protections for residents who may be victims of crimes or in need of emergency medical services.
Councilmembers from across the dais expressed support for the subcommittee’s approach. Members said the intent is to protect neighborhood quality of life — not to be the “fun police” — and to provide enforcement tools for repeat violators, including some vacation‑rental situations and recurring party locations. Vice Mayor Garland said the council had consensus to move the amendments forward for additional drafting and review.
