Phoenix — Ch. 22 Art. VI Property Maintenance § 22-393
Enforcement authority
Operative Text
The chief building inspector or other authorized representative of the village may bring an action to abate a public nuisance described in section 22-366 in a court of competent jurisdiction or in the code enforcement bureau of the department of buildings. An order of abatement shall issue whenever a person who owns, manages or controls any premises encourages or permits any of the illegal activity described in section 22-367 on those premises. The order of abatement shall require the taking of reasonable measures designed to prevent the recurrence of the illegal activity. Those measures may include, but are not limited to, making improvements to real estate and installing lighting to enhance security, the hiring of security personnel, the hiring of a receiver, or the initiation and execution of eviction proceedings against tenants engaged in illegal activity. The order of abatement may also authorize the issuance of ex parte administrative search warrants reasonably calculated to determine whether the nuisance has been abated or whether the order of the court or hearing officer has been obeyed.
Phoenix Ch. 22 Art. VI § 22-393 establishes that the chief building inspector or another authorized city representative has the authority to pursue legal action to stop a declared public nuisance, either through the courts or through the city's code enforcement bureau. When a property owner, manager, or controller is found to have encouraged or allowed certain illegal activity on their premises as defined in § 22-367, an abatement order can be issued requiring reasonable steps to prevent that activity from recurring. Those corrective steps can range from physical improvements and added lighting to hiring security staff or initiating eviction proceedings, and the order may also permit administrative search warrants to verify compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Phoenix Ch. 22 Art. VI § 22-393, property owners and managers who become aware of illegal activity on their premises—as described in § 22-367—face the possibility of a formal abatement order if they are found to have encouraged or permitted that activity. Operators who stay in compliance generally document their efforts to address nuisance conditions, maintain adequate lighting and security measures, and respond promptly to notices from the chief building inspector or code enforcement bureau. Keeping records of any corrective actions taken, including communications with tenants and any eviction proceedings initiated, reflects the kind of proactive property management that aligns with the expectations set out in § 22-393.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Phoenix Ch. 22 Art. VI § 22-393 grants city enforcement officials the power to issue abatement orders that may include eviction proceedings against tenants found to be engaged in illegal activity as defined in § 22-367. Tenants who receive notice related to such an order have the right to understand what specific conduct is alleged and to participate in any applicable code enforcement bureau proceedings. Tenants facing eviction or other consequences under § 22-393 may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand available options, including any procedural rights in the code enforcement or court process.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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