Scottsdale, AZ Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- PBD Overlay District only
- Bonus categories
- Density, height, GFAR
- Approval body
- Scottsdale City Council
- Max GFAR with bonus
- 2.5 to 4.0 by area type
- Open space requirement
- Set by Table 6.1310.C
- Pre-2024 height cutoff
- March 21, 2024 rezoning date
Summary
Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance § 6.1310 lets a property in the Planned Block Development (PBD) Overlay District request bonus density, building height and gross floor area ratio above the Sec. 6.1308 base standards. City Council approval requires a zoning district map amendment, a development agreement, and public open space tied to the applicable development type.
A.Applicability.1.The City Council may approve bonus development standards for property zoned PBD Overlay upon demonstration of noteworthy investments in sustainable, high-quality urban design and other features that provide public benefits, improve the quality of life in the community, and assist in achieving the goals and policies of the General Plan, Old Town Plan and City objectives.B.Types of bonus development standards.1.Bonuses may be obtained to increase the maximums set forth above in Section 6.1308. for:a.Building height,b.Gross Floor Area Ratio, andc.Density.D.Bonus development standards for density, building height, and gross floor area ratio (GFAR).1.Bonus density shall not exceed the density set forth in the Development Plan approved by the City Council.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 1310 applies only to property carrying the Planned Block Development (PBD) Overlay zoning designation, and only when the applicant demonstrates noteworthy investment in sustainable, high-quality urban design consistent with the General Plan and Old Town Plan. Subsection B allows bonuses in three categories above the Sec. 1308 base maximums: building height, gross floor area ratio (GFAR), and density. 5, and Type 3 development areas, with public access set through a development agreement between the owner and the City. 0 for Type 3 Areas. Subsection E requires City Council approval of any bonus application, or any amendment to an already-approved bonus, through a zoning district map amendment paired with both a Development Plan and a development agreement.
That Development Plan must narrate the specific GFAR, height and/or density bonus sought and how the project satisfies the Special Public Improvements requirements of Sec. 1200, and the development agreement itself must be in a form the City Attorney finds satisfactory.
Violations & Fines
There's no separate fine schedule under Sec. 6.1310; the bonus itself is the enforcement mechanism. A project cannot exceed the density, height or GFAR figures in Tables 6.1310.D.1 through D.3, and any bonus application or later amendment must go back through City Council for a new zoning district map amendment and development agreement before it can be used, per Sec. 6.1310.E.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Scottsdale zoning district allows a density bonus?
How much extra density can a Scottsdale PBD project get?
What must a developer give the public to get the bonus?
Does the bonus require a public hearing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scottsdale
Compare Scottsdale to another location·View the Arizona zoning overlays & bonuses overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle density bonus law.