Tempe Land Use Records & Zoning Maps

Tempe, Arizona property owners, developers, and designers need reliable sources for land use records and zoning maps to plan compliant projects. This guide explains where to find official Tempe zoning maps, parcel records, planning cases, and GIS layers, how to request zoning verifications, and which city departments handle review, permits, and enforcement. Use the step lists and links below to obtain records, confirm permitted uses, and start permit applications for building, site plan review, or variances.

Where to find land use records and maps

Start at the City of Tempe Planning and Development resources and the Tempe GIS portal for interactive maps and downloadable parcel and zoning layers. For code text and ordinance language, consult the Tempe Municipal Code.

Key online starting points include the City planning pages, the municipal code, and the mapping/GIS site. Use the interactive zoning map to confirm base zone designations and overlays for a parcel; contact Planning for historical case files or zoning verification letters.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Common records and what they show

• Zoning map - base zoning, overlays, overlay districts and special plan areas.
• Parcel and ownership records - assessor parcel numbers and links to county records.
• Planning case files - rezoning, conditional use permits, variances, site plan reviews.
• Historic permits and building records - prior approvals, conditions, and recorded documents.

How to request official zoning verification and records

Contact the Planning Division or Development Services to request a formal zoning verification letter or copies of planning case files. Provide parcel APN, property address, and the specific record or timeframe you need. Many basic maps and layers are available online via the GIS portal; formal letters or certified copies may require an application or fee as listed by the department.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of land use, zoning, and building regulations in Tempe is handled by the City of Tempe Planning and Development and Code Enforcement functions within Development Services. Civil penalties, stop-work orders, and corrective remedies are applied under the municipal code and permit conditions.

Monetary fines and specific penalty amounts are not uniformly listed on the planning pages; specific fine amounts or per-day penalties are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the municipal code or Enforcement staff.^[2]

• Fines - not specified on the cited page; consult municipal code or Enforcement for amounts and calculations.
• Escalation - first, repeat, and continuing offences may lead to higher fines or daily penalties; specific ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions - stop-work orders, revocation/suspension of permits, abatement orders, and referral to municipal court.
• Enforcer - City of Tempe Planning and Development / Code Enforcement; complaints accepted via the city contact pages.
• Appeals - appeals and administrative reviews follow procedures in the municipal code or established hearing officer/city council timelines; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited planning pages and should be confirmed with the Planning Division or municipal code.

Applications & Forms

The Planning Division publishes permit and application forms for zoning verification, rezoning, conditional use permits, variances, site plan review, and building permits. Where a specific form or fee is not published on the planning pages, that information is not specified on the cited page and must be requested directly from the department.^[1]

• Zoning verification / letter request - name and fee: not specified on the cited page; contact Planning.
• Rezoning and variance applications - see Planning Division for submittal checklists and fees.
• Building permits and plan review - submitted via Development Services; fees published on permit fee pages when available.

FAQ

How do I find the zoning for a specific address?

Use the City of Tempe interactive zoning map on the GIS portal or contact the Planning Division for an official zoning verification letter.

Where can I get planning case files or prior approvals for a property?

Request planning case files from the Planning Division; many recent case records are available online or by public records request.

Who enforces zoning and building compliance in Tempe?

The City of Tempe Planning and Development and Code Enforcement sections within Development Services enforce zoning, land use, and building code requirements.

How-To

1. Identify the parcel APN and address using county assessor records.
2. Check the interactive zoning map on Tempe GIS to confirm base zone and overlays.
3. Contact the Planning Division to request a formal zoning verification letter or obtain planning case files; follow any submittal checklist and pay required fees.
4. Submit required permit applications through Development Services for building permits, site plan review, or variances and track reviews online.
5. If you receive a violation, read the notice carefully, contact Code Enforcement to schedule inspections or file an appeal within the listed time period.

Key Takeaways

• Use Tempe GIS and Planning Division as primary sources for zoning and land use records.
• Formal zoning verifications and some case files require a request to Planning and may include fees.
• Enforcement actions can include stop-work orders and fines; confirm appeal deadlines with Planning or the municipal code.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Tempe Planning and Development
• Tempe Mapping and GIS
• Tempe Municipal Code (official)
• Tempe Development Services / Permits

1. [1] City of Tempe Planning and Development - Planning Division and applications
2. [2] Tempe Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances
3. [3] Tempe Mapping and GIS - interactive maps and data