Planning & Development

The Planning & Development Department (P&D) guides the physical development of the city by preserving our historic sites, planning what can be built where, and ensuring the safe construction of buildings and infrastructure. A host of advisory and governing bodies of citizens as well as elected officials provide input and oversight as the city grows, needs arise and technology changes. The process is governed through development and enforcement of the city's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Historic Preservation Ordinance, Phoenix Building Construction Code, and other city codes and ordinances.

Assistance is available in person and online. Walk-in counter service is available for Historic Preservation Office customers from 12:30-5 p.m., with the last appointment at 4:00 p.m., on the third floor of Phoenix City Hall. Customers seeking records, zoning, or construction assistance may obtain tickets for counter service on the second floor from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers with tickets may continue their business transaction through the close of business at 5 p.m. Appointments are typically made for more complex projects.

A wealth of information is available online. Below is a list of most frequently used content or customers can navigate using the menu, quick navigation, and search options.

Select Contact P&D for useful phone numbers and related websites. Select email P&D to submit questions or concerns.

Departmental information

Most Frequent Information or E-Service Requests

Other Planning and Development Related Links

Planning and Development Organization

The Planning and Development Department (P&D) is comprised of three divisions; Historic Preservation, Planning & Zoning, and Development.

Historic Preservation works to protect and enhance historic neighborhoods, buildings and sites in Phoenix. Staff work closely with the city's Historic Preservation Commission to identify and designate those properties and districts eligible for listing on the Phoenix Historic Property Register. The office also administers the Historic Preservation Bond Fund that supports a number of financial assistance programs for historic properties. Rehabilitation training and educational activities are offered to heighten public awareness of and appreciation for the community's historic resources.

The Planning and Zoning Division guides the physical development of the city. The Phoenix General Plan, updated and/or readopted every ten years by public vote, is the long-range growth strategy for the city which addresses issues such as energy, housing, neighborhoods, public facilities, natural resources, transportation and land use. Planning administers and updates the Zoning Ordinance, which contains regulations governing use and design characteristics of defined districts and special overlays. Rezoning requests, variances and use permits are processed by Planning staff.

The Development Division offers plan review, construction permits and inspections to ensure the safety of the city’s buildings and infrastructure. Over-the-counter permits are available for some residential and minor commercial projects. Plan review is accomplished by site, residential, and multi-disciplinary commercial teams. As each element of permitted construction is completed, inspection teams assure progress according to approved plans and all city codes, ordinances and requirements. Additionally, staff process abandonments, lot divisions and dedications.