The City’s Hillside Ordinance was adopted in 1972 to preserve the visual integrity and character of hillside areas, and to ensure development is safe and functional while minimizing disturbances and scarring to the sensitive desert soils and their unique varnish. The type, scale, and specific natural environment of each development project must be evaluated individually for how it integrates with its natural adjacent surroundings to maintain the integrity of the natural assets the are visible and valuable for the entire city.
The City of Phoenix requires the review of hillside plans for any project in a hillside development area, i.e. those properties having a
10 percent or greater slope. Staff reviews the height of the building over natural grade, lot coverage and the area of disturbance
outside of the roof.
Please email pdd.hillside@phoenix.gov for all inquiries on hillside lots including scheduling an appointment with a Hillside reviewer.
Please note: Hillside appointments cannot be made through the Development Center Appointment Scheduling portal.
Development Process:
- Email pdd.hillside@phoenix.gov to receive hillside determination, all possible requirements and for the next steps for the property.
- Optional Hillside Fact-finding Process is available for any type of Hillside lot to receive feedback on conceptual plans. No approvals are granted in this step.
- Begin the Development Review Process for Hillside/Grading and Drainage Plans for Single Family Residential, Preapplication for Commercial.
- Obtain any required entitlements including Variances and Hillside Grading Waivers.
- Receive Hillside/Grading and Drainage Plan approval and the issuance of a CHG permit.
- Submit Building Plans for Review and Approval
