Tempe Historic Preservation Proposal Could Make it Harder to Build New Homes

Proposed changes to the city’s preservation ordinance would make two-thirds of the city’s housing stock eligible for preservation.

1 minute read

October 2, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Newly constructed houses in Tempe, Arizona.

Newly built houses in Tempe, Arizona. | Gregory E. Clifford / Adobe Stock

It could become a lot harder to demolish buildings over 50 years old in Tempe, Arizona, according to an article by Phineas Hogan in The State Press.

“The Tempe Historic Preservation Commission is proposing to increase wait times for demolition permits for every property in Tempe over 50 years old” by making them all historically eligible,’ Hogan writes. “According to the Historic Preservation Ordinance, plans for demolition can continue if the commission deems the property not historical or if no determination is made within the period.”

The 60-day waiting period would “give the commission the time ‘to determine the potential of historic eligibility of the property’ and ‘to have time to reach out to the property owner and see ... if there might be some other options that could be worked out.’”

Housing advocates say this could compound the city’s housing crisis by delaying the construction of new buildings and adding costs for developers. “The proposed changes would mean most of Tempe's houses would be automatically designated historically eligible in the next 20 years. According to TownCharts, 67% of Tempe's homes were built before 1989.”

Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in The State Press

Aerial view of Eugene, Oregon at dusk with mountains in background.

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums

In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

December 3, 2023 - NBC 16

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30, 2023 - Texas Monthly

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

View of wetlands with lilypads at dusk.

States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling

The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.

December 5 - Pew Stateline

Rendering of white, yellow, and purple Brightline West high-speed rail train speeding along highway median with blurred cars in foreground.

Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding

The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.

December 5 - Fox 5

Rapid bus at station at night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides

The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.

December 5 - The Oklahoman

Senior Planner

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Planner II

City of Kissimmee - Development Services

Senior Travel Demand Modeler

Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.