Setback Requirements in Phoenix, AZ (2026)
Front, side, and rear setback requirements by zoning district for Phoenix, AZ. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Setbacks by Zoning District
| Zone | Front | Side | Rear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE-43 | 30 feet | 20 feet | 40 feet | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Residential Estate 43,000 sqft minimum lot. Very low density. |
| RE-24 | 30 feet | 15 feet | 30 feet | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Residential Estate 24,000 sqft minimum lot. |
| R1-10 | 20 feet | 5 feet | 20 feet | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Single Family Residential 10,000 sqft minimum lot. |
| R1-8 | 20 feet | 5 feet | 20 feet | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Single Family Residential 8,000 sqft minimum lot. Common in established Phoenix neighborhoods. |
| R1-6 | 20 feet | 5 feet | 15 feet | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Single Family Residential 6,000 sqft minimum lot. |
| R-2 | 20 feet | 5 feet | 15 feet | Phoenix Zoning Ordinance — Multifamily Residential, lower density. |
All setbacks measured from property line. Verify with Phoenix Planning and Development Department (PDD) before submitting permit applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Phoenix property?
Yes. Arizona HB 2297 (effective September 2024) requires Phoenix to allow ADUs on single-family lots and removed the previous owner-occupancy requirement. Phoenix updated its local ordinance to comply. ADUs can be up to 50% of your primary dwelling floor area or 1,200 sqft (whichever is less). No additional parking is required. Side and rear setbacks cannot exceed 5 feet per state law.
What are the short-term rental rules in Phoenix?
Phoenix requires STR registration ($250/year). Arizona SB 1350 (2016) originally preempted cities from banning STRs outright, but SB 1168 (2022) gave cities back some regulatory authority including the ability to require registration, impose safety requirements, and penalize nuisance properties. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. A local contact person must be designated.
Does Phoenix have a solar mandate?
No, Phoenix does not have a solar mandate for new construction. However, Arizona's strong HOA solar protection law (ARS 33-1816) means your HOA cannot prohibit solar installations. Phoenix receives approximately 299 sunny days per year, making it one of the best solar markets in the US. Building permits are required for all solar installations.
What zoning district is my Phoenix property in?
You can look up your Phoenix zoning at the Phoenix Planning and Development Department website using the interactive zoning map at phoenix.gov/pdd/zoning. Most established single-family neighborhoods are zoned R1-6, R1-8, or R1-10. RE-24 and RE-43 are large-lot estate zones. R-2 through R-5 are progressively denser multifamily zones.
Are Saguaro cacti protected in Phoenix?
Yes. Saguaro cacti are protected under Arizona law. You cannot remove, destroy, or relocate a Saguaro cactus without first obtaining a permit from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Violating this law can result in significant fines. If a Saguaro must be removed for construction, it must be relocated by a licensed cactus moving company with a valid permit.
Source: Phoenix Zoning Code — Setback Requirements. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source