Phoenix Council's New Zoning Ordinance: What it Means for Local Residents

Phoenix City Council has approved a new zoning ordinance, which will affect the way housing and commercial developments are built in the city. The ordinance, which was passed on June 15, 2026, is expected to impact over 10,000 Phoenix residents, particularly those living in the downtown and central city areas.

The reason this matters now is that Phoenix is experiencing rapid growth, with a population increase of 15% over the past five years, according to the US Census Bureau. This growth has put pressure on the city's housing market, with rising rents and home prices making it difficult for low- and moderate-income residents to afford housing. Policy analysts say that the new zoning ordinance is an attempt to address these issues by promoting more dense and mixed-use development, which could help to increase the supply of affordable housing.

So what does this mean for local residents? For starters, the new ordinance allows for increased housing density in certain areas, which could lead to more apartments and condos being built. This could be good news for renters, who may see more options become available in the coming years. For example, the ordinance permits developers to build up to 20 units per acre in certain areas, compared to the previous limit of 10 units per acre. Local advocates note that this could help to reduce the city's affordable housing shortage, which currently stands at over 20,000 units, according to a report by the Arizona Housing Coalition.

Data from the city's planning department shows that the new ordinance is expected to result in the construction of over 5,000 new housing units in the next five years, with a significant portion of those units being affordable to low- and moderate-income residents. The city has also allocated $10 million in its 2026 budget to support affordable housing initiatives, including the development of community land trusts and rental assistance programs. According to the city's budget documents, this funding is expected to support the development of over 1,000 affordable housing units in the next two years.

The government says the policy will also help to promote more sustainable and walkable neighborhoods, by encouraging mixed-use development and reducing the need for lengthy commutes. The ordinance includes provisions to support the development of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation. For example, the city plans to invest $5 million in the next year to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in the downtown area, including the installation of new crosswalks and bike lanes.

What happens next? The city's planning department will be responsible for implementing the new ordinance, which is expected to take effect on January 1, 2027. The department will be working with developers, community groups, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and to address any concerns or issues that may arise. The city council has also established a committee to monitor the ordinance's effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. Residents can expect to see more information about the ordinance and its implementation in the coming months, including public meetings and community outreach events.