Phoenix, AZ Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Designation suffix
- HP-L
- Governing body
- HP Commission / City Council
- Demolition restraint (landmarks)
- 3 years
- Findings required
- Uniqueness and significance
Summary
Phoenix designates exceptionally significant historic properties as Landmarks under the HP-L zoning suffix, triggering review before any alteration or demolition.
A classification of historic preservation zoning, landmark, is created to recognize that there are some historic properties that possess historic or architectural significance, integrity, distinctive visual character and quality that is a level of exceptional significance among historic properties... A. Landmark designation can occur for a property already within an HP district or in conjunction with designation as an HP district... C. At the time of recommendation for landmark designation, the HP Commission shall adopt a set of findings documenting the uniqueness and significance of the subject building or site.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-7524, passed June 17, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Zoning Ordinance creates a 'landmark' classification of historic preservation zoning for properties with a level of exceptional significance among historic properties, marked by the suffix 'HP-L.' Landmark status can attach to a property already inside a Historic Preservation (HP) district or be designated at the same time as HP district zoning. The HP Commission must adopt written findings documenting the property's uniqueness and significance before recommending landmark designation, and once designated, any demolition, alteration, or new construction on the property goes through the same Certificate of No Effect / Certificate of Appropriateness review as other HP-designated property, with a longer three-year demolition restraint for landmarks specifically.
Violations & Fines
Demolishing, moving, or altering a designated Landmark's exterior without a Certificate of No Effect or Certificate of Appropriateness is a Zoning Ordinance violation, enforceable under Section 1004, and can trigger a Stop Work Order plus a City injunction to enforce it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the HP-L suffix mean on a Phoenix property?
Can a Phoenix Landmark be demolished?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
Compare Phoenix to another location·View the Arizona historic preservation overview
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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle historic-cultural monuments.