Code Enforcement: FAQs

We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions that City staff receives about Code Enforcement. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 480-782-4320 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

Complaints may be filed using any of the following methods:

  • In person: Our office is located at 235 S. Arizona Ave. Office hours are 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Telephone: Our telephone number is 480-782-4320. Anyone wishing to speak with a staff person may call this number between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If the telephone line is already in use, you may leave your complaint information on the answering machine. Complaints also may be recorded at this same telephone number 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • By email: blight@chandleraz.gov
  • Online: Complaints may be filed online 24 hours a day, seven days a week by using the Online Code Enforcement Form.

Complainants do not have to identify themselves; although if they would like an inspector to contact them regarding the status of the investigation, their name and daytime telephone number are necessary.

The City is divided into geographic areas with a Code Enforcement Inspector assigned to each one. Each inspector is responsible for addressing violations that occur within their assigned area. Generally, the enforcement of codes occurs on both a reactive (complaint from a community source) and a proactive (initiated by the inspector) basis. 

Our goal is to encourage property owners and residents to voluntarily eliminate any code violation(s) that may exist to enhance the quality of life within the City of Chandler. When a complaint is received, a Code Inspector will complete an initial inspection and work towards resolving the violation (if any) through a process of education, inspection and notices. 

Code Enforcement agencies are a function of many governments and are in place to ensure compliance with Ordinance requirements and adopted regulations related to land use, zoning, sign standards, public nuisance and health and housing codes. In the City of Chandler a primary objective is to educate Chandler residents and businesses about City Codes and requirements. Most codes and ordinances apply to every property within the City. Ultimately, the purpose is to ensure that all neighborhoods and properties are maintained protecting property values, and to promote the health, safety and welfare of Chandler residents.

Homeowner's Associations are private organizations that are paid by designated neighborhoods to oversee their particular maintenance standards, as established by written Codes, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs) for the properties within specific neighborhood. The neighborhoods were designed to be managed by a Homeowner's Association. Homeowner's Associations have the right to enforce and assess fines to members in accordance to the Home Owners Association's Codes, Covenants and Restrictions. Typically as part of the purchase process, each property owner within these designated neighborhoods signs documents agreeing to the standards that have been established and will abide by any penalties assessed.

A Homeowner's Association may establish maintenance standards that require a higher standard of upkeep than the City Codes. Neighborhoods that are within Homeowner Association areas are still required to also abide by City Code requirements.

Code Enforcement staff enforce City Ordinances and Code Standards at all properties within the City of Chandler including those properties within a Homeowner's Association area. However, a Homeowner's Associations enforces maintenance standards within their designated neighborhood. HOA standards can be similar to City Code requirements or more restrictive. However, if an HOA requirement or standard is less restrictive than the City Code, the City's Code requirement remains and is required to be met.

Code Enforcement has many methods of initiating contact. The standard enforcement tool is the "Notice of Violation." This is a printed document that identifies the specific code violation(s) noted during the inspection and required corrective action(s) to resolve the code violation(s).

In most cases, Code Inspectors will attempt to contact occupants by knocking on the door. If there is no answer at the door, the notice is left at the front door. A copy of the notice will also be mailed to the property owner's address on file with the County Assessor Office and other interested parties if applicable. 

Once a violation has been observed, it is the intent of Code Enforcement to have the resident/property owner come into voluntary compliance. To accomplish this, the resident is normally given 7 to 21 days to take whatever action is requested to correct the problem. On the scheduled compliance date, a follow-up inspection is conducted. If the violation is still on the property additional informal and formal steps may be used to gain compliance. For instance, an attempt to contact responsible party may be made in person or via telephone and a "Sorry I Missed You" note or business card may be left at the front door asking the resident to call the Inspector. It is also possible that a civil court process may be initiated.

Call your inspector. The front lower portion of the notice contains the phone number of the issuing Code Inspector. Code Enforcement encourages you to call, not only if you have received a violation, but to answer any question you may have regarding your neighborhood. Code Enforcement is here to work with you to insure that our community will remain a highly valued place to reside. If you have further question, please call Code Enforcement at 480-782-4320.