Zoning Code Update: What’s Changing and What It Means
What this does NOT do
Does not increase residential density beyond what the General Plan already allows Does not change what is allowed in established residential neighborhoods Does not rezone neighborhoods to more intense uses
For most properties, nothing changes about what you can build or how your property is used Category
What’s Changing
What This Means for You
Fewer Zones, Clearer
Rules
Some similar zoning districts are combined into fewer
zones
Fewer categories to sort through and easier to
understand what applies to your property
Residential zones are renamed
Zone names better reflect the type and scale of
housing allowed
Commercial and office zones are combined
Less confusion about where businesses can locate
Land use lists are cleaned up and made consistent
The same uses are treated the same way across the
City
Definitions are clarified
Less guesswork and fewer conflicting interpretations
The Code is reorganized with better tables and
graphics
Easier to find information without reading hundreds of
pages
Aligned with the General
Plan
Zoning standards are updated to match the adopted
2040 General Plan
This reflects policies the City has already adopted—no
new direction is being introduced
Parcel size rules are adjusted to match allowed density Makes it more realistic to build what is already allowed Downtown zones are combined into one mixed-use
zone
Supports a more active, walkable downtown
Easier to Use and Navigate
More projects that meet City rules can be approved by
staff
Faster and simpler approvals for straightforward
projects
Permit steps are reorganized and clarified
Easier to understand the process and what is required
Development standards are grouped in one place
No need to search multiple sections to find the rules
Updates to Development
Standards
Landscaping rules require trees, shrubs, and
water-efficient planting
Improves appearance and supports desert-appropriate
landscaping
New shade requirements are added
More shade and more comfortable outdoor spaces
Parking rules are updated
Reduces excess unused parking while still requiring
enough where needed
Lighting rules are updated
Less glare and light spill into neighborhoods
Open space rules are improved
Better usability and privacy for residents
Some setbacks and similar standards are adjusted in
limited cases
Allows better site design without changing overall
neighborhood scale
Clearer Rules for Uses
Rules are clearer about where different uses are
allowed
Helps ensure uses are located where they fit best
Updated standards for specific uses (ADUs, home
businesses, small markets, etc.)
Reflects current laws and how people live and work
today
Flexible parking options like shared parking may be
allowed in some cases
Makes better use of space in larger or mixed-use
projects
Removing Outdated Rules
Unused or outdated zoning districts are removed or
merged
Fewer unnecessary categories to deal with
Old or conflicting rules are eliminated
Reduces confusion and keeps the Code current
Bottom Line
This update makes the zoning rules easier to understand and use It implements the General Plan that is already in place For most people, there is no change to what is allowed on their property