City of Glendale - Planning

Major General Plan Amendments - 2008
Glendale’s 2008 Major General Plan Amendment process is underway. Two proposals are under consideration: M-GPA 08-01 – proposed addition of an Energy Element to the General Plan, and M-GPA 08-04 – proposed map amendment for Northern Parkway Commerce Center, generally located northwest of El Mirage Road and Glendale Avenue. For more information, click here (pdf).

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

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 56 square miles in 2005. 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 July 1, 2008 is 248,731. 

Design Review
Design Review is critical to promote consistent 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).