Tempe Pioneers Polycule-Friendly Neighborhoods with Rezoning Ordinances
Tempe, Arizona — The Tempe City Council, in collaboration with the Urban Innovation Office, is redefining urban living by enacting rezoning ordinances to accommodate new and emerging family structures, including polycules. “Single-family zoning was built to serve the needs of an atomic family unit—a model that is increasingly outdated and sexist,” said Taylor Morgan, spokesperson for the Urban Innovation Office. “In a queering, postmodern metropolis like Phoenix, housing must evolve to reflect diverse family structures, shared economies, and inclusive communities. We need zoning policies that embrace the flexibility and creativity of postmodern expressions of love and family, building neighborhoods where everyone, regardless of family structure, can thrive.”
Since 2021, the city has rezoned select neighborhoods to blend single-family and multi-family housing, creating spaces that reflect the evolving dynamics of modern families. New developments feature clustered housing units with shared communal areas, ideal for polycules seeking a balance between private and collective living. These changes have been met with enthusiasm from residents and urban planners, showcasing Tempe’s leadership in fostering inclusive, adaptable communities on a national scale.
“We’re embracing polycule-friendly rezoning not just to meet the needs of current residents but to position Tempe as a destination for young, progressive individuals from places like Portland, San Francisco, Brooklyn, and Silverlake,” said Casey Nguyen, Inclusive Housing Strategist. “These ordinances will create spaces where all types of polyamorous relationships—whether hierarchical, non-hierarchical, solo polyamory, relationship anarchy, or other forms of ethical non-monogamy—can thrive. By fostering neighborhoods that prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and community, we’re ensuring Tempe stays at the forefront of modern urban living.”
Tempe’s rezoning initiatives go beyond housing to prioritize polyamorous well-being. Ordinances require designated “safe spaces” within these neighborhoods, offering communal gardens, wellness hubs, and conflict-resolution centers. “Having a dedicated safe space makes a huge difference,” said Sock, a local resident. “It gives me a place to decompress and feel supported when I get frustrated by my roommates exploiting their neurotypical privileges.” By reshaping its urban landscape, Tempe is setting a powerful example for other cities, proving that inclusivity and sustainability can go hand in hand in creating vibrant, future-ready communities.
