Phoenix Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the United States, administers its zoning through the Planning and Development Department. The city's zoning ordinance is contained in Chapter 6 of the Phoenix City Code, establishing a comprehensive framework of residential, commercial, and industrial districts. Phoenix's rapid growth has made land use planning a critical function, with the General Plan 2015 (updated periodically) providing long-range guidance.
The city's land use reflects its Sunbelt character: expansive low-density residential development, automobile-oriented commercial corridors, and emerging mixed-use nodes along the Valley Metro light rail line. Phoenix has been transitioning toward more transit-oriented development and infill strategies to reduce sprawl and make efficient use of existing infrastructure.
The desert environment presents unique land use challenges including extreme heat, flash flood management, and water conservation. Phoenix's zoning includes provisions for desert-sensitive design, shade requirements, and water-efficient landscaping standards.
Key Zoning Districts
Phoenix uses a detailed zoning system with single-family residential districts (R1-6, R1-8, R1-10, R1-14, R1-18), multi-family districts (R-2 through R-5), commercial districts (C-1 through C-3), and industrial districts. The city has also adopted transit-oriented and walkable urban zoning districts to support light rail development.
ADU Regulations
Phoenix adopted ordinances permitting ADUs in single-family residential zones, making it one of the more progressive Arizona cities on accessory dwelling units. Arizona has no statewide ADU law, so Phoenix's local provisions govern ADU development. ADUs must meet size, height, and setback standards, and one off-street parking space is required.
Development Process
Building permits are processed through the Planning and Development Department. Phoenix offers online permitting services for many project types. The Zoning Administrator handles administrative approvals, while the Board of Adjustment reviews variances and the Planning Commission considers rezoning applications.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Phoenix
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Arizona
- Building Code: 2024 Phoenix Building Construction Code (effective August 1, 2025; 2024 I-Codes and 2023 NEC with Phoenix amendments)
- State ADU Override: Yes (Arizona HB 2720 (2024), codified at ARS §9-461.18, requires municipalities with populations greater than 75,000 to allow at least one attached, detached, or internal accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use on any lot where a single-family dwelling is allowed. Effective January 1, 2025. Phoenix qualifies.)
County — Maricopa County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 30 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- See §615
- Max Height
- 40 ft (base, increases to 48 ft with additional setback per §615)
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 56 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 0 ft
ADU Rules in Phoenix
- Max Size
- Phoenix allows each ADU up to 75% of the main house gross floor area; the City FAQ states a 1,000 sq ft cap on lots up to 10,000 sq ft and a 3,000 sq ft cap on lots over 10,000 sq ft
- Parking
- Arizona law prohibits additional parking requirements solely for an ADU
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Phoenix permit information →Official Sources
City-specific