City of Glendale - Planning

Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update
The Planning Commission has initiated a comprehensive update of the Zoning Ordinance. The current Zoning Ordinance needs to be updated to address current development trends in Glendale and the shift in development that has occurred since it was last updated in 1993. Staff is looking to create an ordinance that will allow projects that are more compatible with our recent developments while still maintaining the character of the residential areas.  Another key part of this update will be updating processes to allow more flexibility in facilitating the development process. The update is being done in sections. Should you have specific comments, please email them to Maryann Pickering, AICP, Zoning Administrator and project manager for the comprehensive update, at mpickering@glendaleaz.com.

Articles 1 and 3
Draft Sections: Articles 1 & 3  (PDF)

The second section (Articles 4 and 5) of the Zoning Ordinance revision is ready for review.  When you open the draft document, you will see that Article 5 is in a new format.  It would not be user friendly to provide these changes in legislative format.  In order for you to provide us with your best comments, you will need to use the following three documents when reviewing both articles, especially with Article 5.

Articles 4 and 5
Instructions/Summary Matrix (PDF)
Proposed Draft (PDF)
Existing Ordinance (PDF)

Articles 6 and 7
Summary Matrix (PDF)
Proposed Draft (PDF)
Existing Ordinance (PDF)

Article 2
Proposed Draft (PDF)

Accelerated Entitlement & Design Review Application Process
The Planning Department is offering an Accelerated Application Process to facilitate timely review and application processing. All applications that meet certain criteria will be reviewed and scheduled for Planning Commission public hearing within ninety days. Entitlement process is a team effort and applicants/developers are part of this team. Timely submittals of revised plans and other material is expected to ensure Planning Department’s objective of completing entitlement process within ninety days. Please email Jim May AICP, Deputy Director for Current Planning if you have any questions at jmay@glendaleaz.com. Click on the following links to get additional details and application procedure.

Entitlement and Design Review Process

Entitlement and Design Review Process Flowchart

Planning Commission and City Council Tentative Schedules

Glendale Avenue and Loop 101 Fast Facts
Get quick information about Westgate City Center, Jobing.com Arena, Marriott Renaissance, Conference & Media Center, Cable Studio & Parking Structure, Zanjero, Cabela’s, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale Municipal Airport and Glendale Airpark. Click here (pdf)

Planning Information Contact System
In an effort to provide citizens with optimal customer service, the Planning Department has created a dedicated telephone number and email address for planning related inquiries.   Citizens who opt to leave a voice/email message can expect a staff response within a 24 hour period.  Inquiries can be left at 623-930-3689 or via email at planninginfo@glendaleaz.com

Planning Department Newsletter
If you would like to subscribe and receive the Planning Department's quarterly newsletter by email, please send an email to mpickering@glendaleaz.com. Please include 'Newsletter Subscription' in the subject line.

You can view a copy of the Summer 2009 issue by clicking here (pdf) .

Glendale 2025 - The Next Step
The City Council adopted on May 28, 2002, and the voters ratified the city’s General Plan, which is the City Council’s official policy statement to guide the physical development of the community. It is adopted by resolution and sets the vision of how the community should physically grow in the future. Any future rezoning request must be consistent with the General Plan. The City’s Capital Improvement Program must also be consistent with the General Plan.

Glendale Zoning Ordinance
This Ordinance controls the land uses allowed for property and implements the General Plan. The Ordinance establishes many zoning districts that control the use and property restrictions such as height of buildings and structures, required building setbacks, density, coverage, and lot sizes. Processes are established for amending the Zoning Map or text, conditional use permits, sign review, and when there is need to apply for a variance to the property standards.

Glendale Subdivision Regulations
The Subdivision Regulations are for the purpose of the division of property, urban design, and designating responsibility for various improvements. The process requires the submission of a preliminary plat for planning review, construction documents, and a final plat for City Council Approval.

Annexation & Population
The City of Glendale has grown from one square mile in 1910 to over 58 square miles in 2009. This has been done through annexation of property from unincorporated Maricopa County to the city. State statues sets forth a general procedure and the Planning Department helps to facilitate the process for property owners. The city has an adopted annexation policy to guide this process.The estimated population in Glendale as of April 1, 2009 is 248,865. 

Design Review
Design Review is critical to promote quality development that meets city’s goals and is compatible with surrounding areas. In general, any single-family, multi-residence, office, commercial, or industrial project would be subject to Design Review.

Historic Preservation Plan and Ordinance
The Plan sets forth the policy for historic preservation and the Ordinance establishes the Historic Preservation Commission, historic district, and administration.

New Information

Banner Display Program
New information on the city of Glendale's banner display program.
Click here for more information (PDF).