Tempe working to update its nuisance and loud party ordinances

PHOENIX — The city of Tempe will be holding two public meetings as it looks to update its nuisance and loud party ordinances.

The city said it wants to focus on repeat offenders so emergency services can tend to actual emergencies instead of repeatedly responding to the same types of nonemergency calls.

Added responsibility for property owners and renters, including higher fines for repeat offenders is a possible change.

According to the ordinance, first-time offenders for party nuisances could see fines increase from $250 to $500. Second-time offenders could see fines grow from $1,000 to $1,500 and third-time offenders could pay up to $4,000, up from $1,500.

These properties with recurring police and fire calls would be labeled as “Community Impact Properties,” and landlords would be required to take initiative. 

Other emergency calls that are deemed unnecessary, such as healthcare facilities that overuse 911 services due to their own ineptitude, could also be punished. 

If there are actual threats or safety concerns, the city may now be able to act sooner instead of waiting for a history of offenses.

The Tempe Municipal Court will oversee all appeals to make sure cases are handled fairly.

When are the public meetings being held in Tempe?

The first public meeting is being held on March 4 at 6 p.m. in the Desert Willow Room at the Tempe Public Library. For those unable to attend the meeting in person, a virtual meeting will be held on Zoom on the same day at noon.

The second public meeting will be on March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Advisory Commission in the Don Cassano Community Room of the Tempe Transportation Center.

In addition, online comments can be submitted from March 4–16.

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