New Phoenix Building Code Enhances Historic Preservation Protections

As part of the newly adopted 2024 Phoenix Building Construction Code (PBCC), effective August 1, 2025, the City of Phoenix has strengthened its approach to historic preservation – a policy shift long advocated by Preserve Phoenix, Downtown Voices Coalition, Arizona Preservation Foundation, and numerous neighborhood associations and concerned citizens. 

The most notable change is the extension of the demolition hold period from 30 to 60 days for properties already identified as eligible for historic preservation. This added time gives preservation advocates and the community a greater opportunity to explore alternatives before demolition proceeds. Eligibility is determined and publicly displayed on the City’s My Community Map, which includes both residential and commercial properties.

Additionally, the code supports community participation in identifying historic resources. Residents can submit City Historic Preservation Office (CHPO) inventory forms to nominate properties for historic eligibility, with new submissions continuously reviewed and added to the eligibility map. While eligibility does not equate to formal designation, it lays the groundwork for future protections, often requiring property owner support and City Council action.

These updates improve transparency, promote public engagement, and provide stronger safeguards for Phoenix’s historic resources – aligning with broader goals of sustainability, safety, and long-term community value. For more information, visit the City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office. 

A look back at the 30-day demolition hold...

On January 10, 2018, the Phoenix City Council voted 7–2 to approve an important amendment to the city’s demolition permit process – Ordinance G-6404 – strengthening protections for historic single-family and duplex homes within the Downtown Code Area.

The amendment expanded the existing 30-day demolition hold (already applied to commercial buildings over 50 years old) to include single-family and duplex residential properties of the same age in the Downtown Code District. Fewer than 100 properties are affected by the change, but for preservation advocates, the decision marks a major step forward in protecting Phoenix’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The change built on a 2016 ordinance and was championed by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, several advisory boards, and a group of citizens led by local advocate, Stacey Champion.

City staff confirmed that existing resources, including a dedicated Planner I, would handle the additional workload, and the $300 application fee already in place for commercial demolitions would be extended to applicants in the expanded category.

Support from multiple city bodies was unanimous prior to the Council vote, including a 9-0 endorsement from the Development Advisory Board and a 4-0 recommendation from the Downtown, Aviation, Economy, and Innovation Subcommittee. The public was encouraged to participate by submitting comment cards or contacting their Council Members ahead of the vote, demonstrating the value of community engagement in local preservation policy.

For those interested in revisiting this pivotal moment in Phoenix preservation history, the Council discussion, and vote can be viewed here (starting at the 11-minute mark).