What is the Phoenix zoning ordinance?

Phoenix is one of the largest US cities by land area, with zoning ranging from urban core (Downtown and Midtown) to low-density suburban. The zoning ordinance is organized around lot size minimums in single-family residential zones and density + use in multifamily and commercial zones.

Phoenix residential zone structure:

• R1-35, R1-18, R1-14, R1-10, R1-8, R1-6 — single-family. The number refers to minimum lot size in thousands of square feet.
• R-2, R-3 — medium density, duplex, small multifamily.
• R-4, R-5 — higher density multifamily.
• RE — residential estate (large lots).
• S-1, S-2 — suburban ranch.

Typical neighborhood zones:

• Arcadia — R1-18 to R-35 (large lots).
• Downtown and Midtown — R-3, R-4, mixed-use.
• North Central — R1-14 to R1-10.
• Ahwatukee — R1-10 to R1-8.
• Desert Ridge — R1-6 to R1-10 master-planned.

R1-8 standards (common Phoenix single-family zone):

• Minimum lot area: 8,000 sqft.
• Minimum lot width: 70 feet.
• Minimum front yard setback: 20 feet.
• Minimum side yard setback: 5 feet.
• Minimum rear yard setback: 20 feet.
• Maximum lot coverage: 40%.
• Maximum building height: 30 feet.

Phoenix ADU / Casita rules:

• Casita is Phoenix's term for a detached ADU.
• Permitted as accessory use in most single-family zones.
• Maximum size: 970 sqft (current regulation, recently expanded).
• Must be on same lot as primary residence.
• Setbacks similar to primary residence.
• Owner occupancy not strictly required.
• Short-term rental of Casita subject to Phoenix STR regulations.

Phoenix permit process:

• Phoenix Planning & Development Department handles building permits.
• ProjectDox online submission for plan review.
• Residential remodel plan review: 2-5 weeks.
• Addition plan review: 4-8 weeks.
• New single-family: 8-20 weeks.
• Casita: 4-8 weeks.

Phoenix-specific considerations:

• Cool roof requirement — Phoenix adopted cool roof requirements for most residential roof replacements (high solar reflectance).
• Title 24-like energy code — Phoenix's energy code is Arizona state adoption of IECC with local amendments.
• Shade calculations — mature tree canopy can affect setback and design review.
• Flood control — ADEQ requirements in flood-prone areas.
• SRP/APS coordination — Salt River Project and APS are the two main utility providers; electrical work must comply with their requirements.
• Historic preservation — Phoenix has designated historic districts (F.Q. Story, Encanto-Palmcroft, Willo) with Historic Preservation Commission review.

Licensing:

• Arizona ROC (Registrar of Contractors) licenses Arizona contractors.
• Verify at ROC.az.gov.
• See /ask/what-is-the-arizona-roc-license for license class details.

Typical Phoenix residential remodel costs:

• Bathroom remodel: $12,000-$28,000 cosmetic; $30,000-$65,000 gut.
• Kitchen remodel: $30,000-$70,000 mid-scope; $75,000-$150,000 full gut.
• Casita (ADU): $150,000-$280,000 turnkey.

AskBaily's Phoenix contractor pool is Arizona ROC-verified and familiar with Phoenix-specific permit and energy code requirements. See /phoenix for deeper local context.