Coastal Development: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do coastal development rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix is an inland desert city with no coastline, so coastal development regulations do not apply. The city has no coastal zone management program, coastal commission, or shoreline development restrictions. Relevant waterway regulations fall under stormwater (Chapter 32C) and floodplain management (Chapter 32B).
View full Phoenix rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe has no coastal zones, but the city manages significant waterfront development around Tempe Town Lake on the Salt River. The lake area is governed by special planning districts and overlay zones in the Zoning and Development Code. Development near the lake must comply with flood plain regulations, the Salt River Management Plan, and environmental review requirements.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Not applicable — no coastline | - |
| Geography | Inland Sonoran Desert city | - |
| Water Regulations | Stormwater (32C) and Floodplain (32B) | - |
| Nearest Coast | ~300+ miles to Sea of Cortez | - |
| Feature | - | Tempe Town Lake on Salt River (no ocean coast) |
| Planning District | - | Town Lake Special Planning District |
| Flood Plain | - | FEMA 100-year flood plain affects development |
| NFIP | - | National Flood Insurance Program compliance required |
| Overlay | - | Rio Salado overlay provisions apply |
| Environment | - | Salt River riparian habitat review may apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Does Phoenix have coastal development rules?
No. Phoenix is an inland desert city with no coastline. There are no coastal zone management programs, coastal commissions, or shoreline development restrictions. Waterway regulations are handled through stormwater and floodplain ordinances.
What about development near rivers or washes?
Development near the Salt River, canals, and desert washes is regulated through the Floodplain Management Ordinance (Chapter 32B) and the FH Zoning District (Section 657), not coastal development rules.
Tempe FAQ
Does Tempe have coastal development rules?
Tempe has no ocean coastline, but significant waterfront regulations apply around Tempe Town Lake on the Salt River, including flood plain and special planning district requirements.
Am I in a flood zone near Tempe Town Lake?
Properties near the Salt River corridor may be in FEMA-designated flood zones. Check FEMA flood maps or contact Tempe's Engineering department for your property's flood zone status.
Do I need flood insurance in Tempe?
Properties in FEMA-designated flood zones with federally backed mortgages are required to carry flood insurance. Even properties outside mapped flood zones may benefit from coverage.
Compare other topics
See how Phoenix and Tempe compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool