Tempe is working to develop new tools aimed at addressing unlawful sober living homes in the city.

The Tempe City Council this month approved exploring several recommendations from a multi-department task force, including the creation of a general business license and ordinance to address excessive calls for service.

City officials said the goal is to “reduce victimization and protect neighborhoods.”

“State investigations into unlawful sober living homes have raised significant concerns regarding the health, safety and well-being of both vulnerable residents and the broader Tempe community,” a city release stated.

The task force convened in June 2023 as part of the city’s effort to assist state authorities, enforce city codes and ordinances and help residents who have been victimized, including Native Americans and unsheltered people struggling with addiction, according to the release.

“We remain committed to supporting lawful sober living homes that operate responsibly and meet the needs of our residents.”

The task force recommendations include:

• Creating a general business license in the city to streamline the process for businesses “to operate legally, enhance oversight and regulation and improve communications with businesses.”
• Developing a new system to track problem properties and “moving quickly to identify and resolve problems.”
• Creating a new ordinance that addresses excessive calls for service at commercial properties.

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