Phoenix, AZ Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)
Key Facts
- Boundary
- McDowell Rd, 7th St, Buckeye Rd, 7th Ave
- Governing chapter
- Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12 (Downtown Code)
- Approval required
- Development review under Section 507
- HP conflict rule
- Chapter 8 prevails over Downtown Code
- Adopted by
- Ord. No. G-7330 (2024)
Summary
Phoenix Downtown Code sets pedestrian-oriented design rules for the core bounded by McDowell Road, 7th Street, Buckeye Road, and 7th Avenue, with mandatory development review before building.
The purpose of the Downtown Code is to implement the vision, goals and policies of the Downtown Phoenix Plan and provide the physical environment necessary to create a pedestrian-oriented, dynamic urban center with an authentic sense of place. The intent of the Downtown Code is to address design that impacts the public realm by establishing standards and guidelines that will allow projects to develop over time in a scale and character consistent with the Downtown Phoenix Plan and with the vision and goals of PlanPHX.
B. Applicability. The Downtown Code applies to all land uses, subdivisions, and development within the boundary specifically identified in Section 1202.A and generally bounded by McDowell Road on the north, 7th Street on the east, Buckeye Road on the south, and 7th Avenue on the west. This boundary shall be hereafter known as "Downtown." The "Downtown Code" may be abbreviated as "DTC."
1. Historic Preservation. Properties with Historic Preservation (HP) zoning are subject to the provisions of Chapter 8, Historic Preservation, of the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance in addition to the provisions of Chapter 12, Downtown Code. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of Chapter 8 and Chapter 12, the provisions of Chapter 8 shall prevail.
2. If a conflict occurs between requirements of the Downtown Code and other provisions the City of Phoenix Zoning Ordinance (not including Chapter 8), the requirements of the Downtown Code shall prevail.
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 Downtown Code (Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12) implements the Downtown Phoenix Plan and PlanPHX by requiring a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use urban form within the area bounded by McDowell Road, 7th Street, Buckeye Road, and 7th Avenue. Every structure and land use inside that boundary must get development review approval under Section 507 before it can be built, reconstructed, enlarged, altered, moved, or replaced, and must meet the character-area use matrix, streetscape, frontage, and building-form standards set out in the chapter's later sections. Historic Preservation-zoned parcels answer to Chapter 8 first when the two conflict.
Violations & Fines
Building without development review approval, or violating the Downtown Code use matrix, streetscape, or frontage standards, is a zoning violation subject to the same enforcement as any other zoning noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Phoenix Downtown Code?
Do I need approval before building downtown?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Phoenix
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