If you're planning to develop property in Phoenix—whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial—the smartest place to start is not with a full set of construction drawings. Instead, use your feasibility period to gather data, understand city requirements, and identify potential obstacles before you commit to design and permitting costs.

Fortunately, the City of Phoenix offers a full suite of planning tools and digital resources to help you assess your project’s viability upfront. Here’s how to use them to your advantage.

1. Use SHAPE PHX to Research and Track Projects

SHAPE PHX is Phoenix’s next-generation permitting portal. It allows you to:

• Submit zoning and permit applications

• Track review timelines and inspection results

• Monitor real-time project progress

Even if you're not ready to submit, SHAPE PHX is a valuable tool to see how similar projects in your area have been reviewed and what kinds of approvals they required.

2. Access Online Mapping Tools for Zoning and Land Use Research

Before designing anything, it’s critical to understand your parcel’s zoning, overlays, and neighboring land use. Phoenix offers an excellent collection of interactive GIS maps, including:

• Zoning Map Viewer

• General Plan Land Use Map

• My Community Map for parcel-level permit and activity history

• Historic Property Viewer

These tools help determine whether your project aligns with city zoning or will require a variance or rezoning.

3. Review Technical Guidance (TRT Documents)

Phoenix’s Technical Review Team (TRT) Documents provide guidance on site development standards, grading, utilities, setbacks, and submittal requirements. Use these during feasibility to:

• Validate site layout assumptions

• Estimate required clearances and fire access

• Understand drainage and water/sewer connection needs

Start with the TRT Index and browse documents by topic.

4. Check Building Code Requirements

The City of Phoenix enforces several building and development codes, including:

• 2022 Phoenix Building Construction Code

• 2021 International Building Code (IBC)

• 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC)

You can find the full list of adopted codes here:
Phoenix Building Code and Construction Codes

Review these to verify if your conceptual building type, materials, or systems comply with local regulations.

5. Estimate Permit Fees and Timelines

Before moving forward with final design, it helps to get a ballpark idea of permitting costs. Use:

• Permit Fee Schedule

• Valuation Tables

• Inspection Scheduling and Information

You can also contact staff through the PDD Contact Page for estimates and timelines based on your anticipated project scope.

6. Submit a Preliminary Site Plan or Pre-Application Review

If you're still in the feasibility phase, you can request a Pre-Application Meeting. This is your opportunity to:

• Present a basic site plan

• Get early feedback from zoning, fire, and civil reviewers

• Clarify major constraints before full submittal

This is one of the most powerful ways to avoid costly redesigns later on.

7. Book an Appointment with the Development Center

Phoenix’s Development Center offers both walk-in and scheduled appointments. During your feasibility window, this is a great opportunity to:

• Ask specific zoning or code questions

• Review property records with staff

• Confirm whether proposed uses are permitted

Appointments can be made online through the Scheduling System.

Need Help Assembling Your Feasibility Plan?

If you're looking to build in Phoenix, we can help you prepare a professional preliminary site plan and walk you through the city's planning tools to validate your project's potential. Our goal is to make sure you're set up for success before you ever break ground. Contact us today to get started.