The Future of Our
Communities
is Taking Shape
Get Involved. Learn the Process.
How do cities take shape? What does it take for a building to get built?
What are the key governing documents and tools which establish direction, guidelines, regulations, and process for shaping development?
General Plan
- Arizona State Statute (ARS § 9-461.05A) (ARS § 9-461.06) requires cities to adopt a comprehensive, long-range General Plan which guides the physical development of the city over a 10-year or more time span.
- General Plans address character and design, land use, open space, business and economics, community services, housing, transportation, infrastructure, growth, and the natural environment.
- Plans must be adopted or readopted every 10-years.
- Approved / Ratified by Public Vote
Character Area Plans
- Community area-based plans provide policy and direction for certain areas of the city or town.
- Approved by City/Town Council Vote
Policies, Regulations, Codes and Ordinances
- Policies, rules, and regulations give specific direction for compliance and enforcement of development and land use in a community. Common examples of these are:
- Building Codes
- Zoning / Land-Use
- Design Standards & Policies
- Permits
- Approved by respective County Board of Supervisors or City/Town Council Vote
I care about my community; how can I get involved in the process?
To further understand the development process, let's divide it up into digestible sections and do a deeper dive.
Arizona Development
Building in Arizona
Codes-Compliance-Community
Zoning Requirements
Arizona has more than 9 million surface acres of State Trust lands, which is approximately 13% of Arizona’s total surface land ownership. These lands provide foundational support for basic public services, such as public schools. State Trust lands provide substantial support to local communities through economic stimulation, supporting planning and development corridors.
View current State Trust lands at:
Scottsdale Development
Scottsdale General Plan 2035
