Zoning Guide

Phoenix Setbacks & Height Limits — R1 Residential

Last updated: Verified:

Phoenix setback, height, and lot-coverage standards depend on the property's exact zoning district and any applicable overlays. The controlling source is the current Phoenix Zoning Ordinance.

Verify the Zoning District First

Use Phoenix zoning resources to identify the complete zoning designation for the parcel, then apply the standards for that district.

Phoenix Zoning Ordinance

Phoenix Planning & Development

R1 Districts

Phoenix has several single-family R1 districts, including R1-6, R1-8, R1-10, R1-14, and R1-18. Minimum lot area, setbacks, lot coverage, and other dimensional standards vary by district.

Do not apply one set of R1-6 numbers to all R1 properties.

Height and Overlays

Base-zone height standards can be affected by additional regulations, including:

  • hillside provisions;
  • airport/aviation height limits;
  • historic-preservation requirements;
  • special planning districts; and
  • other overlays or site-specific approvals.

ADUs and Arizona State Law

Arizona does have statewide ADU legislation that applies to qualifying municipalities, including Phoenix. ARS §9-461.18 limits certain local restrictions on accessory dwelling units.

That means the prior statement that Arizona had "no statewide ADU preemption law" was incorrect.

For an ADU project, review both:

  1. the applicable Phoenix zoning standards; and
  2. ARS §9-461.18 and Phoenix's implementing requirements.

See the Phoenix ADU rules page for the ADU-specific summary.

How to Check a Project

  1. Identify the parcel's zoning district.
  2. Review the district's dimensional standards.
  3. Check overlays and special districts.
  4. For ADUs, check current Arizona state-law constraints on local regulation.
  5. Confirm the result with Phoenix Planning & Development before final design.

Disclaimer: This page is a zoning orientation guide, not a substitute for a parcel-specific zoning determination.

More about Phoenix Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsBuilding Permits — Cost & Timeline

Sources

  1. City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department·phoenix.gov·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  2. Phoenix Zoning Ordinance (phoenix.municipal.codes)·phoenix.municipal.codes·Accessed 2026-05-24·Direct link

FAQ

What are the setback requirements for a single-family home in Phoenix?
In the most common single-family zone, R1-6, the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance (§613) requires a 20 ft front setback, 5 ft interior side setbacks, and a 15 ft rear setback, with a 40% maximum lot coverage and 30 ft maximum building height. Larger-lot zones such as R1-8, R1-10, R1-14, and R1-18 generally have larger setbacks. Always confirm with the Planning and Development Department for your specific lot.
How tall can I build a house in a Phoenix R1 zone?
Maximum building height in Phoenix R1-6 single-family district is 30 ft per §613 of the Zoning Ordinance. R-2 and higher-density residential districts allow greater heights. Hillside, airport, and historic overlays can lower these limits.
What is the difference between R1-6, R1-8, and R-2 in Phoenix?
R1-6 is single-family with a 6,000 sq ft minimum lot, R1-8 increases the minimum lot to 8,000 sq ft (with proportionally larger setbacks), and R-2 is a low-density multi-family district that permits duplexes and small multi-unit projects with somewhat different setback and height standards.
Can eaves or AC units encroach into a Phoenix setback?
The Phoenix Zoning Ordinance allows certain projections — eaves, chimneys, bay windows, and mechanical equipment — to extend a limited distance into required setbacks. Limits and conditions are set in the ordinance and should be verified with planning staff before construction.