TEMPE, Ariz. — The City of Tempe is increasing its efforts to ensure neighborhood alleyways remain open, uncluttered and accessible to first responders.
In an announcement made Monday, the city said it's creating a new division that will be tasked with increasing regular inspections of Tempe's alleyways and providing assistance to clear out unwanted debris.
City code currently requires residents to keep the area between their property line to the center of an alley clear of trash, vegetation and debris. Residents are permitted to place landscaping waste in an alley up to 10 days before a scheduled pickup.
City officials said that cleaner alleys will reduce fire hazards and allow first responders to use these pathways when responding to an emergency.
If an alley is found to be violating Tempe's codes, then the new division will attempt to educate residents and evaluate whether assistance is needed.
“We will be working to raise awareness on the importance of alley maintenance and will be in close communication with residents to address localized issues," Code Compliance Administrator Drew Yocom said in a statement.
Residents can report cluttered alleys by filling out an online form here. More information on how to keep alleys clean can be found here.
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