Zoning Report

Phoenix, AZ Zoning

Phoenix has a large, detailed zoning system built around conventional zoning districts in Chapter 6 of the Zoning Ordinance, with additional development rules in Chapter 7 and separate Downtown Code and Walkable Urban Code frameworks. The available sources show a broad residential district structure ranging from large-lot single-family districts to multifamily districts, plus citywide procedures for rezoning, use permits, special permits, and Board of Adjustment appeals. Phoenix also has active floodplain management requirements and a recently updated ADU framework.

Last researched May 2026

Residential districtsADUsRezoningUse permitsSpecial permitsBoard of Adjustment appealsFloodplain managementParking and loadingDowntown CodeWalkable Urban CodeTransit-oriented communitiesPAD zoning

Zoning Districts in Phoenix, AZ

RE-35 Single-Family Residence District

Large-lot single-family residential district within Phoenix's residential zoning framework.

Allowed uses: Single-family residential uses, Limited nonresidential and accessory uses where allowed by the residential land use matrix and conditions

R1-18 Single-Family Residence District

Single-family residential district with larger minimum lot expectations than lower-numbered R1 districts.

Allowed uses: Single-family residential uses, Accessory uses, Limited nonresidential uses where specifically allowed

R1-10 Single-Family Residence District

Single-family residential district for detached housing on moderate-size lots.

Allowed uses: Single-family detached dwellings, Accessory uses, ADUs where allowed under current city rules

R1-8 Single-Family Residence District

Single-family residential district commonly associated with typical suburban detached housing lots.

Allowed uses: Single-family detached dwellings, Accessory uses, ADUs where allowed under current city rules

R1-6 Single-Family Residence District

Single-family residential district commonly referenced by the city as a typical single-family zone.

Allowed uses: Single-family detached dwellings, Accessory uses, ADUs where allowed under current city rules

R-2 Residence District

Residential district within the city's residential zoning series.

Allowed uses: Residential uses allowed by the residential matrix, Accessory uses

R-3 Residence District

Residential district with higher intensity than single-family districts.

Allowed uses: Residential uses allowed by the matrix, Accessory uses, Limited nonresidential uses where specifically allowed

R-3A Residence District

Residential district in Phoenix's medium-density residential structure.

Allowed uses: Residential uses allowed by the matrix, Accessory uses

R-4 Residence District

Higher-density multifamily residential district.

Allowed uses: Multifamily and other residential uses as allowed in the matrix, Accessory uses

R-5 Residence District

High-density residential district in the conventional zoning code.

Allowed uses: Higher-density residential uses as allowed by the residential matrix, Accessory uses

R-4A Multi-Family Residence—General

A multifamily residential district listed separately within the residential district structure.

Allowed uses: Multifamily residential uses as allowed by district regulations, Accessory uses

Downtown Code

A separate zoning framework in Chapter 12 that applies in downtown areas rather than relying only on the base conventional districts.

Allowed uses: Varies by downtown code provisions

Walkable Urban Code

A separate zoning framework in Chapter 13 oriented to walkable, transit-supportive urban development.

Allowed uses: Varies by walkable urban code provisions

Planned Area Development (PAD)

A planned zoning tool referenced in the residential code sections for alternative tailored regulations.

Allowed uses: Uses and standards vary by PAD approval

Recent Zoning Changes

The clearest recent zoning changes in the provided sources are a January 2026 codification amendment to Sections 608 and 702 of the Zoning Ordinance under Ordinance No. G-7446, and late-2024 ADU ordinance changes approved by City Council to comply with new state laws. The ADU webpage also shows Phoenix is implementing an ADU standard plan library, but several standard plans were still marked "IN REVIEW" as of the source fetch date.

Setbacks, Lot Size & Height Limits in Phoenix, AZ

The provided sources contain only limited dimensional rules rather than a complete citywide table. Available excerpts confirm some general standards for corner lots and certain projections in residential districts developed under the standard development option, and the ADU page references district-based lot coverage rules and ADU size limits.

District	Standard	Requirement
Residence districts on corner lots	street-side side yard	not less than ten feet — Applies on a corner lot in any residence district.
RE-43, RE-24, R1-14, R-4A, and certain listed residential districts under the Standard development option	front yard projection for attached carport, awning, porch/front entry, pergola, trellis/arbor, or balcony	up to five feet — May project into the required front yard.
Applicable listed residential districts under the Standard development option	interior side yard encroachment for attached awning, porch, pergola, trellis/arbor, or balcony	no closer than three feet from the side property line — May project into any interior side yard subject to this limit.
Lots with one single-family detached primary dwelling	ADU maximum size on lots up to 10,000 sq. ft.	up to 75% of the gross floor area of the main house, not to exceed 1,000 sf — From the city's ADU FAQ page.
Lots with one single-family detached primary dwelling	ADU maximum size on lots over 10,000 sq. ft.	up to 75% of the gross floor area of the main house, not to exceed 3,000 sf — From the city's ADU FAQ page.
Required perimeter landscape setbacks in residential districts	maximum wall/fence height within required perimeter landscape setbacks	40 inches — This appears in the Section 608 excerpt but the full context and applicability note were not fully captured in the source extract.

ADU, Rental & Special Use Rules in Phoenix, AZ

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Phoenix's current ADU page states that on a lot with no more than one single-family detached primary dwelling, two ADUs are permitted in addition to the primary dwelling unit, and a third ADU may be permitted under certain circumstances.

Typical single-family zones are cited as examples, including R1-6 and R1-10
Lot coverage rules from the zoning district still apply
Each ADU may be up to 75% of the gross floor area of the main house
ADU size may not exceed 1,000 sf for lots up to 10,000 sq. ft.
ADU size may not exceed 3,000 sf for lots over 10,000 sq. ft.

Home Occupation

Home occupations are separately regulated in Section 709 of Chapter 7.

Detailed operating standards were not included in the supplied research set

Mini-storage

The city's FAQ states mini-storage on C-2 property requires a special permit.

Special permit can only be applied for if the use is listed in the Zoning Ordinance
The special permit process usually involves a minimum of 3 public meetings and final City Council action
Typical time stated in the FAQ is approximately 3.5 to 6 months

Outdoor dining at a restaurant

The city's FAQ states outdoor dining in C-2 requires a use permit.

One public hearing before the Zoning Administrator
Hearing occurs approximately one month after filing according to the FAQ
Applicant must show no adverse impact and compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and other laws

Overlay Districts in Phoenix, AZ

Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) / Floodplain Management Areas

Phoenix has adopted floodplain management rules and maps as an NFIP participant. Development within Special Flood Hazard Areas is subject to city floodplain review and clearance requirements.

Historic Preservation framework

The zoning ordinance contains a separate Historic Preservation chapter, indicating additional review may apply to designated historic properties or areas.

Parking Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

All uses generallyNot fully captured in provided sources

Phoenix, AZ Zoning FAQ

Are ADUs allowed in Phoenix, AZ?

What are the setback requirements in Phoenix, AZ?

Setbacks vary by district. Examples — Residence districts on corner lots: not less than ten feet; RE-43, RE-24, R1-14, R-4A, and certain listed residential districts under the Standard development option: up to five feet; Applicable listed residential districts under the Standard development option: no closer than three feet from the side property line; Required perimeter landscape setbacks in residential districts: 40 inches. Always confirm the exact yard requirements for your district with Phoenix, AZ.

How tall can buildings be in Phoenix, AZ?

Height limits are set per district — Required perimeter landscape setbacks in residential districts: 40 inches.

What are the parking requirements in Phoenix, AZ?

Parking minimums vary by use — All uses generally: Not fully captured in provided sources.

What zoning districts are in Phoenix, AZ?

Phoenix, AZ includes districts such as RE-35 Single-Family Residence District, R1-18 Single-Family Residence District, R1-10 Single-Family Residence District, R1-8 Single-Family Residence District, R1-6 Single-Family Residence District, R-2 Residence District, R-3 Residence District, R-3A Residence District.

Are there flood zones or overlay districts in Phoenix, AZ?

Floodplain constraints are clearly identified in the provided sources. Phoenix participates in the NFIP, maps Special Flood Hazard Areas, and requires development review and floodplain clearance for applicable projects.

Have there been recent zoning changes in Phoenix, AZ?

Common questions about Phoenix, AZ zoning

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Sources

Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Confirmed the current official zoning code structure, including Chapters on districts, procedures, historic preservation, nonconformities, Downtown Code, and Walkable Urban Code.
608 Residential Districts | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Provided the residential district framework, the role of the Residential Districts Land Use Matrix, and confirmation that Section 608 was amended in January 2026.
Chapter 7 Development Standards of General Applicability | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Provided general development standards excerpts including same-lot parking rule, corner lot side yard rule, and certain projection/encroachment standards; also confirmed recent amendment timing.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) | City of Phoenix — Provided current ADU allowances, size limits, city standard plan library status, and late-2024 ADU ordinance change reference.
Floodplain Management | City of Phoenix — Documented Phoenix floodplain management program, SFHA development requirements, and floodplain clearance resources.
Flood Maps | FEMA.gov — Supported the existence of FEMA flood mapping as a way to identify flood hazard applicability.
Planning and Zoning | City of Phoenix — Confirmed Phoenix planning/zoning functions, SHAPE PHX filing, and active programs such as transit-oriented communities, Walkable Urban Code, village planning, and PUD case resources.
Commercial Applications and Checklists | City of Phoenix — Showed the city's permit and plan review application ecosystem for commercial and multifamily development, including preapplication and technical checklist materials.
Accessory Structures/Guesthouses — Provided plain-English explanations of rezoning, special permits, use permits, and example uses requiring special permit or use permit. Timing details appear older and were treated as approximate.
Appeal to the Board of Adjustment — Provided Board of Adjustment filing deadlines, meeting schedule, appeal timing, and appeal-to-court information.
Codes and Ordinances | City of Phoenix — Confirmed the city's official code and ordinance resource hub and the role of Phoenix Municipal Codes.

This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with Phoenix, AZ officials before making decisions.