Phoenix Walkable Urban Code

The purpose of this policy is to implement the vision and policies of the Transit Oriented Policy Plans to promote public health and to mitigate the effects of congestion and pollution, among other goals. It regulates development in proximity to light rail stations to encourage walkability in high-density developments and include heat-mitigation measures such as the requirement for 75% shade around all new developments. Relevant code sections are 1304 general site development standards, 1309 landscape standards, and 1310 open space improvements. These sections encourage use of permeable paving in pedestrian ways and areas adjacent to treewells to reduce urban heat island and allow natural drainage and filtration. These sections include requirements related to the use of permeable pavers and shade trees standards, like guidelines for tree species, planting in the public right-of-way, soil volume requirements, and use of hardscape around trees. Code specifies removal of noxious or invasive plants and minimizes the removal of existing trees of four-inch caliper or larger and cacti of varying heights.

Section 1311 design development considerations requires that developments should be designed to 1) protect public’s safety in relationship to a transit supportive urban environment; 2) limit urban heat island effect by increasing access to light and air; 3) regulate the public realm to support cool streets, sidewalks, and buildings through the use of trees and landscaping to improve air quality, provide seasonal shade, sun and temperature regulation; reduce reflected light; provide a permeable barrier between sidewalks and vehicular lanes; reduce hot pavement; reduce runoff by intercepting and percolating rainwater; conserve soil and prevent erosion through vegetative cover, root growth, and windbreaks; and conserve water through xeriscape and design strategies. (Ord. No. G-6047, 2015; Ord. No. G-6962, § 14, 2022)