Council approves general plan and downtown-code text amendments to raise height and density near Seventh Avenue stations

The Phoenix City Council voted to approve two companion planning actions — a general plan amendment (GPA CC-2-24-7) and a downtown-code text amendment (ZTA-6-24-7) — that change place types and increase permitted height and density near the Seventh Avenue light-rail stations between Adams and Jefferson Streets.

Planning staff described the changes as a shift from a medium urban center character (three to six stories with incentives to 10 stories) to a downtown-core character (six-plus stories and the highest intensity), and proposed changes to the downtown-code height and density maps for properties bounded by Adams and Jefferson between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Staff said the downtown core character is intended to concentrate the region’s greatest development intensity where transit, employment, conventions and cultural institutions are centered.

The Central City Village Planning Committee recommended approval (10–1) and the Planning Commission recommended approval (9–0). Staff recommended adoption of the related resolution and ordinance. Council members described the area as a gateway to downtown and said the timing aligned with the police headquarters relocation and other public investments. One public commenter said he supported the project but worried about state or county involvement changing the ordinance later; the council closed the public hearing and adopted the amendments by roll call vote.

Staff noted the action is the start of the planning and public-engagement process: community input will continue as individual projects and design proposals come forward. The council’s vote updates place-type designations and the downtown-code map; implementation of specific projects in the area will follow design reviews, permitting and separate project approvals.