Phoenix’s Planning & Development Department (PDD) handles most building, zoning, site-development, and historic-preservation applications. New permit applications are now submitted through SHAPE PHX, the city’s consolidated customer portal for residential and commercial plan review, permitting, inspections, planning and zoning, and historic-preservation applications. Projects already accepted before the April 27, 2026 transition continue through the legacy PDD Online system.
Site development is an important part of the Phoenix review process. Depending on the property and project, PDD can require separate site, civil, landscape, grading and drainage, or hillside review in addition to the building permit. Phoenix requires grading and drainage review for construction projects, while properties within designated hillside development areas receive additional review intended to limit disturbance to sensitive desert terrain.
Zoning applications—including rezoning, variances, zoning adjustments, temporary-use permits, and General Plan amendments—are also processed through SHAPE PHX. Historic properties can add another layer: exterior work affecting properties on the Phoenix Historic Property Register generally requires either a Certificate of Appropriateness or Certificate of No Effect before the related building permit proceeds.
Projects extending into streets or other public right-of-way areas may require separate approval from the Street Transportation Department. Applicants can begin with the City’s Construction Permits and Planning resources and confirm which building, zoning, site, hillside, historic, or right-of-way reviews apply.