Code Enforcement
The Town of Carefree is responsible for protecting our community's health, safety and welfare through effective enforcement of city codes and ordinances.
The Town Code Enforcement office cooperates with the Sheriff's office in matters of law enforcement and has responsibility for the town ordinances other than traffic violations.
Code Enforcement
8 Sundial Circle
P.O. Box 740
Carefree, AZ 85377
Phone: 480-488-3686
Building Inspections
Phone: 480-488-1471
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Carefree Town Code Ordinances
Burning
It is unlawful for any person to ignite, permit to be ignited, allow or maintain any outdoor fire within the State of Arizona except as provided in A.R.S. 49-501. Burning of garbage, trash, tree trimmings, weeds, stubble, debris or any other combustible substance is prohibited. If you have any questions, contact Maricopa County Department of Health Services, Air Pollution Control, 602-506-6727.
Curfew Hours for Minors
Without expressed exceptions, Carefree's Curfew Ordinance specifies that it is unlawful for minors under the age of 16 years to be any place in the town, away from their residence, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following day and for minors, between the ages of 16 and 18, between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. For further information, contact the Town Marshal at 480-488-3686.
Debris
It is the responsibility of the property owner or tenant to keep his property and the adjacent public right-of-way free of debris. It is unlawful to permit the accumulation of rubbish, trash, garbage, junked or inoperable cars, or other accumulation of filth or debris on any property within the limits of the Town. Absentee owners of undeveloped lots or vacant homes should arrange with someone in the area to maintain their property during their absence. Unattended property deteriorates very fast and is a liability to the owner and the neighbors.
Dogs
Dogs are not permitted at large. They must be confined within an enclosure on the owner's property or secured so that the dog is confined entirely to the owner's property or on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length and directly under the owner's control when not on the owner's property. Any person owning or in charge of any dog shall immediately remove and dispose of any fecal matter deposited by the dog on public or private property located within the area bounded by Bloody Basin, Cave Creek Road, and Tom Darlington Drive, unless the property owner has given prior approval to use the property for that purpose. Pets are not allowed to disturb the peace of neighbors by loud noises at any time of the day or night.
Door-To-Door Solicitation
The Town has an ordinance prohibiting door-to-door solicitation of sales and contributions without a permit. Any recognized religious, educational, civic or charitable organization may apply for a blanket permit from the Town Marshal. Newspaper carriers are exempted from this prohibition. To discourage unwanted callers, we suggest you post "No Trespassing" or 'No Soliciting" signs.
Dumping
It is unlawful to deposit any rubbish, glass, waste or construction debris upon the streets or upon private property within the Town. It is also unlawful to dump dirt on the streets of the Town or on private property within the Town without the permission of the owner and a permit from the Town.
Flyers & Handbills
It is unlawful for any person to throw or discard any flyer or handbill on public or private property within the Town including the placement of them on vehicles.
Littering
It is unlawful to litter or otherwise dispose of trash upon private property or public rights-of-way. If you see people unlawfully dumping, please get a complete description of the driver, kind of vehicle, and license plate if possible. Report this violation promptly to our Town Marshal by calling 480-488-3686.
Parking
Parking is not permitted on any portion of Tom Darlington Drive or Cave Creek Road, except in emergencies and in temporary exceptions allowed by the Town Marshal for special occasions. No parking is permitted on any public street from midnight to 5 a.m..
Short-Term/Vacation Rentals
Visit our webpage for more information on Short-Term/Vacation rentals in Carefree.
Skateboards & Scooters
The Town has an ordinance prohibiting the operation of motorized skateboards or motorized goped scooters on any sidewalk, street, or parking lot within the Town.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are strictly enforced by radar. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit on a residential street is 25 miles per hour.
Town Vehicle Regulations
It is unlawful to operate an all terrain vehicle, sand buggie, go-cart, trail bike, mini bike, or similar vehicle in, on, and over any wash, common area or area not located on a public street without the permission of the owner. It is also unlawful to operate any motor vehicle, motorcycle, mini-bike, etc., on the streets of the Town without a valid driver's license and proper vehicle license.
Weapons
It is unlawful to fire, discharge, or shoot any firearm or bow and arrow within the Town limits (with certain specified exceptions).
Wildlife
Man-wildlife encounters are inevitable as urban developments expand into neighboring wildlife populations. Because most wildlife species are opportunistic, they seek the best and often easiest source of food, water, and cover. In desert areas these vital components are often limited, and the luxurious growth of vegetation we plant and nurture in our yards is highly desirable.
Attracting Wildlife
Homeowners may attract wildlife into their yards for viewing and enjoyment, but the homeowner should also be aware of the trade-offs for such enjoyment. A bird feeder in a yard will certainly attract birds for viewing, but it will also attract javelina, skunks, squirrels and others to the seeds scattered about the ground. These animals will generally return as long as food is available. Concentrations of bird life may also attract certain hawks which prey naturally upon smaller birds.
Shrubs & Plants
Flower and vegetable gardens are often highly prized by javelina, skunks, rodents and others. Palatable ornamental shrubbery is seldom passed up by deer during the dry periods. Tall cultivated trees are widely used by congregating hordes of birds. Firewood, neatly stacked near the house, is a virtual sanctuary for snakes, squirrels, rodents and insects. Bug-zappers draw insects which in turn may draw bats and mammals that feed on insects. The cycle of attraction is often endless.
Tips
The Town and the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages the enjoyment of wildlife in yards or in the outdoors. By using good judgment, many situations and potential problems can be avoided. As homeowners we have certain responsibilities in curtailing nuisance wildlife before it gets out of control. The following list of guidelines may help you to understand and alleviate problems with nuisance wildlife:
- Remove any pet food from outside your house after the pet has been fed.
- Secure garbage containers and eliminate garbage odors.
- Cover fruit trees with mesh netting during fruiting season and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
- Remove dead insects from beneath bug-zappers.
- Clean up birdseed scattered on the ground beneath feeders.
- Fence gardens, flower beds or other similar attractants. Commercial electric fences are effective in protecting gardens from javelina.
- Trim and clean near ground level any shrubbery that provides hiding cover.
- Remove debris and woodpiles from near your home.
- Pen domestic birds in cages with wire or other roofs.
- Keep yards and adjacent areas clean.
- Securely close all entry ways to access beneath trailers or houses.
- Fence yards and keep well maintained at ground level.
- Do not approach or handle wildlife that appears friendly.
- Anticipate stress periods for wildlife during dry periods. Eliminate ground level water supplies.
If problems persist that are not caused by you, check with your neighbors; maybe they are attracting the animals either unintentionally or for a specific purpose.
We must remember that all of us share the land with wildlife species and conflicts over jurisdiction are bound to occur. As expanding cities encroach into prime wildlife habitat, the problems created by displacement of native animals need to be understood by all of us.
Relevant Documents
- Town Code
- Short Term Rentals - Neighbor Notification & Liability Insurance Compliance Attestation
- Short Term Rentals Inhouse Checklist
- Town of Carefree Official Budget Forms FY2023-2024 Proposed Budget
- Res. 2023-05 FY 2023-2024 Tentative Budget
- STR Flyer
- Draft Ordinance 2016-01 Town Code Changes
- 2014 Amended Tax Code adopted 5-3-16
- Carefree Privilege Tax on Real Property Rentals
- Carefree Privilege Tax on Transient Lodging
- 2024-2023 Ordinances
- 2022 - 2021 Ordinances
- Res 2022-19 - Restricting Use of Primary Property Tax
- Res 2022-18 - Primary Property Tax Approval
- Ord 2022-02 Amending Building Code to 2018
- Ordinance 2022-01- Amendments to Town Code
- Ordinance 2021-01 Recreational Marijuana Dual Use
- Ordinance 2021-02 Accessory Structure Rentals 7-6-21
- Ordinance 2021-03 Eliminate Civil Traffic Suspension and Rescind 2002-12 and 2013-08
- 2020 - 2019 Ordinances
- 2018 - 2016 Ordinances
- Ordinance 2018-01 - StorQuest Special Use Permit
- Ordinance 2018-02 Non Storm Water Discharge
- Ordinance 2018-06 - Rezone NE Corner Cave Creek Rd and Carefree Hwy
- Ordinance 2018-07 -Sign Permitted Comprehensive Sign Plans
- Ordinance 2016-01 Amend Town Code Mayor-Council-Administration-Court with Full Text Changes Shown
- Ordinance 2016-02 Regarding Open House Signs Final
- Ordinance 2016-03 Adopting 2012-2014 Tax Code changes
- Ordinance 2016-04 Repealing Building Heights
- Ordinance 2016-05 Prohibiting Bicycles in Town Center
- Ordinance 2016-06 Repealing Short Term Rental Restrictions
- 2015 - 2014 Ordinances
- Ordinance 2015-01 Dust Control Amending Chpt 6 and 7
- Ordinance 2015-02-Dust Control Zoning Ord Amending Art VII and IX
- Ordinance 2015-03 Dust Control Amending Subdivision Ord
- Ordinance 2015-04 Rezoning Eastwood
- Ordinance 2014-01-Final-Alarm Systems Amendment
- Ordinance 2014-02 Business License Required for businesses located outside of Carefree
- Ordinance 2014-03 Clarifying Zoning Ordinance Title
- 2013 - 2012 Ordinances
- Ordinance 2013-01 Create Open Space-R District
- Ordinance 2013-02 Board of Adjustment changed to P and Z Commissioners rather than Council Members
- Ordinance 2013-03 Amending Article V Uses Permitted in Each Zone and Allowing Residential Building Over Commercial
- Ordinance 2013-04 Rezone Residential to Open Space
- Ordinance 2013-05 Use Tax Implementation
- Ordinance 2013-06- Regulations of Real Estate Signs
- Ordinance 2013-07 Open House Signs
- Ordinance 2013-08 Court Enhancement Fee Update
- Ordinance 2012-01 Town Code political signs in the Rights-of-Way
- Ordinance 2012-02 Amending CF. Zoning Ordinance re_ Political signs on private property
- Ordinance 2012-03 Repealing All Development Fees
- Ordinance 2012-04 A-frames Signs Allowed
- 2011 - 2010 Ordinances
- Ordinance 2011-01 Monument, Ground, and Tenant Signs
- Ordinance 2011-02 Medical Marijuana Dispensary
- Ordinance 2011-03 Eliminate Subdivision Committee
- Ordinance 2011-04 Estate Sales
- Ordinance 2011-05 thru 2010-11 Amendments to the Tax Code
- Ordinance 2011-06-Speed Limit change from 25 to 30 mph Tom Darlington and Cave Creek Roads downtown
- Ordinance 2011-07 Amend the Subdivision Ordinance - No more Subdivision Committee
- Ordinance 2011-08 Extending A-Frame Moratorium to 4-31-2013
- Ordinance 2010-01 Extension of Sign Moratorium to Feb 2010
- Ordinance 2010-02 Amended Signage Ordinance
- Ordinance 2010-03 Increase in Court Enhancement Fee 5-4-10
- Ordinance 2010-04 Making Sundial Circle a through street
- Ordinance 2010-05 Business License
- Ordinance 2010-06 Sign Ordinance Change to Sidewalk signs permitted
- Ordinance 2010-07 Clarifying Role of Marshal
- Ordinance 2010-08 Amending the Regulations for Fireworks
- Ordinance 2010-09 Petition signatures for initiatives and referenda
- Ordinance 2010-10 - Indemnification of Councilmen
- Ordinance 2010-11-Continue Sign Moratorium to 12-31-2012
- Ordinance 2010-12 - Two readings of Ordinances
- Ordinance 2010-13 - Publicity Pamphlet Arguments changed from 250 dollars to 100 dollars
- 2009 - 2008 Ordinances
- 2007 - 2006 Ordinances
- Ordinance 2007-01 Amending Town Code - Building Code
- Ordinance 2007-02 Add Fire Department to Town Code
- Ordinance 2007-03 Flood Management
- Ordinance 2007-04 Revise Subdivision Ordinance
- Ordinance 2007-05 Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance
- Ordinance 2007-06 Amending the Code Noise Chapter 6 Article 6
- Ordinance 2007-07 Jail Reimbursement
- Ordinance 2007-08 Skateboards in the Town Center
- Ordinance 2006-01 - 4 Way Stop, 58 and Leisure, 1 way stop 58 and Sentinel, 2 way stop 61 and Restin
- Ordinance 2006-02 - Update Building Code
- Ordinance 2006-03 - Special Use Permit Antenna on Christ the Lord Church
- Ordinance 2006-04 - Adopting the 2006 amendments to the Tax Code
- Ordinance 2006-05 - Amending Zoning Ordinance
- Ordinance 2006-06 - Open Space Development Fees
- Ordinance 2006-07 - Municipal Facilities Development Fees
- Ordinance 2006-08 - Streets Development Fees
- Ordinance 2006-09 - Public Safety Police Development Fees
- Ordinance 2006-10 - Development Fees Fire
- Ordinance 2006-11 - Construct 150,000 Gallon Water Tank
- Ordinance 2006-12 Re-Adopting 2007 Tax Code
- 2005 - 2004 Ordinances
- Ordinance 2005-02 - 3 Way Stop at Sombrero and Paint Pony
- Ordinance 2005-03 Text Amendment to Zoning Ord
- Ordinance 2005-05 amendments to ZO Article V Section 5
- Ordinance 2005-06 National Flood Insurance Program
- Ordinance 2005-07 Amendment to Town Code-Call to the public- time allowed to speak
- Ordinance 2005-08 Commercial Grease Traps Revision
- Ordinance 2005-09 Amending Zoning Map from R-3 to R1-10, Tranquil Trail and Cave Creek Rd
- Ordinance 2004-01 SUP for access rd. for Aribiome Subd
- Ordinance 2004-02 Adoption of Zoning Ord
- Ordinance 2004-03 RUPD-Carefree Vistas
- Ordinance 2004-04 2nd Amendment to Noise Ordinance
- Ordinance 2004-13 Amended Ch 2 Indemnification and Protection of Council Members
- 2003 - 2002 Ordinances
- Ordinance 2003-01 Revised Cable TV Code
- Ordinance 2003-02 Special Use Permit T-Mobile Antennae
- Ordinance 2003-03 Street Excavation and Construction Private Streets
- Ordinance 2003-04 Privilege License Tax - Sales Tax Amendment
- Ordinance 2003-05 Court Enhancement Diversion Fee
- Ordinance 2003-06 All Artists now pay Sales Tax for Art Sold
- Ordinance 2003-09- Amending Munic. Fac. Devel. Fees
- Ordinance 2003-10 Lutheran Church Ordinance-SUP
- Ordinance 2003-13 Water Company SUP
- Ordinance 2002-01 Street System Development Fees
- Ordinance 2002-02 Municipal Facilities Development Fees
- Ordinance 2002-03 Open Space Development Fees
- Ordinance 2002-04 Adopting Development Fee Procedure
- Ordinance 2002-05 Reducing Speed Limits on Cave Creek Rd from Scopa to Tranquil
- Ordinance 2002-06 Rezoning Z01-03 Cave Creek, Carefree Partnership
- Ordinance 2002-07 Amending Chapter 6 - Town Code
- Ordinance 2002-08 Amending Chapter 5-Town Code
- Ordinance 2002-09 Rezoning Z02-02 Cave Creek, Carefree Partnership
- Ordinance 2002-10 Development Agreement - Cave Creek, Carefree Partnership
- Ordinance 2002-12 Court Enhancement Fee Changes
- Ordinance 2002-14 Noise Ordinance - Motor Vehicle
- Short Term Rentals
- Short Term Rental - Neighbor Notification & Liability Insurance Compliance Attestation
- STR_Process Guide- Business License Division
- STR_Owner’s Designee Certification
- STR_Application Form
- Owner and Owner’s Designee(s) Attestation
- Carefree-Privilege-Tax-on-Real-Property-Rentals-PDF
- Ord_2022-03_Short_term_rentals_Repeal-Replace
- Ordinance-2021-02-Accessory-Structure-Rentals-7-6-21
- Long-Term Rental_Registration Form
- Evac Map-Example
Contact Info
Dennis Randolph
Code Enforcement Officer
480-488-3686
dennis@carefree.org