Phoenix City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1
Purpose and Applicability
1Editor’s note—Ord. No. G-5599, (TA-4-11), § 1, adopted March 23, 2011, effective April 22, 2011, amended portions of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, to reflect the consolidation of the Planning Department with the Development Services Department and change all references to the department name to Planning and Development Department.
Section 101. Title.
These regulations shall be known as "The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Phoenix."
Section 102. Authority and purpose.
This Zoning Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the requirements and authority granted to the City of Phoenix by the Arizona Constitution, article XIII, § 1 (1984) and A.R.S. § 9-461 et seq. in order to carry out the purposes stated therein.
The purpose of this Zoning Ordinance is to establish standards and regulations to govern the use of land and structures in the City and for review and approval of all proposed development of property in the City, and to provide a development review process that will be comprehensive, consistent, and efficient in the implementation of the General Plan and other adopted goals, policies and standards of the City.
In order to conserve and promote the public health, safety and general welfare, and to aid in the harmonious, orderly, and progressive development of the City, it is the intent of this ordinance that the development process in the City of Phoenix be efficient, in terms of time and expense, effective, in proposed development and equitable, in terms of consistency with established regulations and procedures, respect for the rights of property owners, and the consideration of the interests of the citizens of the City. It is also the intent of this ordinance to preserve and enhance aesthetic values, to encourage the most appropriate use of land, and to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewage treatment systems, schools, parks, and other public requirements throughout the City.
Section 103. Applicability.
A. General applicability. Except as otherwise provided in this section, or as provided in chapter 9 (Nonconformities), these regulations shall govern the development and use of lands and structures within the corporate limits of the City. No building, structure, or land shall be used or occupied, and no building, structure, land shall be developed unless in conformity with all the provisions of these regulations for the zoning district in which it is located and other applicable regulations.
B. Exceptions. (Reserved.)
C. Development review of exceptions. (Reserved.)
Section 104. Transition rules.
(Reserved.)
Section 105. Newly annexed lands.
A. Newly annexed territory. All areas which are annexed to the City after the effective date of this ordinance shall be classified into the zoning district or districts that allow densities and uses that are no greater than those permitted by Maricopa County immediately prior to annexation.
B. Land use map. Upon the annexation of any area, the Planning and Development Department shall prepare a land use map which shall be prima facie evidence of the manner in which a building or land was being used at the time of annexation. The map shall be certified by the Zoning Administrator, after notice by mail to owners of property within the area of annexation and an opportunity for such owners to supplement the information in the map prior to certification.
C. Status of existing uses. Any use or activity conducted contrary to County zoning regulations on the effective date of annexation and not constituting a nonconforming use under the County’s zoning regulations shall not be entitled to be considered a nonconforming use under these regulations. Any use or activity conducted lawfully either as a nonconforming use or as a permitted use shall not be rendered unlawful because of annexation to the City. The City Council may authorize the acquisition of private property by purchase or condemnation for the removal of nonconforming uses and structures in accordance with applicable procedures and regulations established from time to time.