Title
Citizen Request: Bevin O'Neill - District 8
Description
This report provides the City Council with information in response to comments made by Bevin O'Neill at the March 25, 2026, Formal City Council meeting.
Report
Summary
During the aforementioned City Council meeting, Mr. O'Neill expressed frustration regarding a recently opened Neighborhood Services Department (NSD) code enforcement case on an overheight fence around the perimeter of his property. He stated he increased the height of the fence due to crime in the neighborhood and noted other fences in the area were also over 40 inches. Mr. O'Neill spoke about the efforts of the Phoenix Police Department to reduce crime in the Garfield neighborhood, including the results of a recent drug investigation.
Mr. O'Neill's property code enforcement case was opened by NSD on January 5, 2026, following a resident complaint regarding an overheight fence, in compliance with the department's Code Enforcement Policy. Staff sent Mr. O'Neill a courtesy prenotification letter making him aware the department had received a complaint and staff would inspect the issue in ten days. An initial inspection was conducted on January 21, 2026, confirming construction of a wooden fence with trellis material attached to the top, exceeding 40 inches in height. The height of the fence is in violation of the City of Phoenix Zoning Ordinance (41-703A2a) as it exceeds 40 inches in height along the required front yard. A Notice of Ordinance Violation was issued with a correction deadline of February 5, 2026. The property owner contacted the area inspector requesting an extension, which was granted to allow additional time for compliance.
A re-inspection was conducted on February 26, after the extended deadline. The overheight fence remained in place, and no corrective action had been taken, nor additional time requested. As a result, a citation was issued.
On April 6, 2026, staff contacted Mr. O'Neill to ensure he was aware of his options for compliance, including removing the addition to the fence to comply with the 40-inch maximum or secure the appropriate variance and any necessary permits from the Planning and Development Department. Staff followed up with an email with information about how to apply for the variance.
The Police Department will continue to work with the community and Mr. O'Neill to address any crime-related issues in the neighborhood.
Location
1245 E. Portland Street
District 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, Deputy City Manager Cynthia Aguilar and the Police and Neighborhood Services departments.