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Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 9:30 AM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Maricopa County, Arizona (and the Boards of Directors of the Flood Control District, Library District, Improvement Districts and/or Board of Deposit) "The mission of Maricopa County is to provide regional leadership and fiscally responsible, necessary public services to its residents so they can enjoy living in healthy and safe communities” Board Members Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2 Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3 Mark Stewart, District 1 Debbie Lesko, District 4 Steve Gallardo, District 5 County Manager Jen Pokorski Clerk of the Board Juanita Garza Meeting Location Supervisors’/Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Board of Supervisors of Maricopa County, Phoenix, Arizona, convened in an Informal Session at 9:30 AM on Monday, December 8, 2025, in the Supervisors’/Sullivan Conference Room 301 W Jefferson, 10th Floor Phoenix, AZ 85003, with the following members present: Thomas Galvin, Chairman, District 2; Kate Brophy McGee, Vice Chair, District 3; Mark Stewart, Supervisor, District 1; Debbie Lesko, Supervisor, District 4; Steve Gallardo, Supervisor, District 5 (entered late remotely). Also present: Juanita Garza, Clerk; Mia Vargas, Minutes Coordinator; Jen Pokorski, County Manager; Brooke Worcester, Legal Counsel. Chairman Galvin asked the Clerk to call the roll. PRESENTATION 1. AMEND THE MARICOPA COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE (MCZO) Presentation and discussion regarding the process for amending the MCZO. TA250001 (MCZO Update) is scheduled for a public hearing before the Board on December 10, 2025. (C-44-26-058-X-00) Chairman Galvin asked Tom Elsworth, Director, Planning and Zoning Department, and Darren Gerard, Planning Division Manager, to come forward to present the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Update as seen in the slides below. Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 2 of 11 December 8, 2025 Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Update Tom Ellsworth, AICP Planning Director Planning & Development Department Create a moreuser-friendlyordinance Use tables, charts, and graphicsfor clarity Streamline permittingand approval processes Update development standards (heights, parking,setbacks) Support housing availability and attainability Zoning Ordinance Primary Goals 2 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 3 of 11 Zoning Ordinance Project Schedule & Timeline 3 Task Force– Development of Focus Areas Board-appointed 16-member Task Force Representing community planning, land development, and housing interests Key Outcomes: Identified 6 focus areas Developed 85 action items 39 items incorporated into this update Remaining items under review for future amendments Public Health, Safety and Nuisance Controls Development Standards and Design Requirements Residential Housing Policy Permitting and Administrative Procedures Use Regulations and Zoning Districts Rural Area and Infrastructure Considerations 4 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 4 of 11 ~ Supervisor Gallardo joined the meeting remotely ~ Citizen Outreach Efforts and Workshops Public Activity Description Dates Outreach Posting on website and E-Gov notification of MCZO Update. February- December Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program (EROP) 301 people responded 10 questions - topics included simplifying MCZO, emerging uses, setbacks, building heights, parking and housing availability. June 5th – September 12th Questionnaire 108 registered participants. 20 in-person and 56 virtual attendees. In person & virtual stakeholder workshop to introduce the project, timeline and solicit feedback. June 5th Stakeholder Workshop #1 162 registered participants. 10 in-person and 81 virtual attendees. In person & virtual stakeholder workshop to provide project progress, enhancements, sample of use tables and public review schedule. August 28th Stakeholder Workshop #2 155 commentsreceived Public comment period on konveio September 12th – October 17th Draft MCZO Version #1 5 Citizen Input Received Action Regulation Revisions included as part of MCZO Update version #3 for Board consideration. Commission removed the 500’ separation due to public input and comments received from Rural Metro and Arizona Fire and Medical Authority in support of the 100’ minimum separation from property lines in compliance with NFP 855 for fire protection. The MCZO currently allows for a standard 20’ setback, which does not account for fire protection. BESS is classified as new emerging technology currently not identified in the MCZO. Public input from industry representatives in support of the 100’ separation, support from Rural Metro and Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, the Commission agreed with 100’ separation from property line and BESS units. The Commission agreed with the request to extend POD timelines from 2 to 3 years with unlimited request for extensions based upon the timeline it takes to establish power purchase agreements. The Commission also included updated language to waive landscaping based upon the land use. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Concern with drafted regulation with the 500’ minimum separation from residential uses. Request to extend POD timeline to 3 years and waive landscaping. The regulation is intended to protect the character of single -family residential neighborhoods and to preserve long- term rental housing availability by preventing an overconcentration of STRs. Property owners may still establish two or more STR units on a lot through legislative approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP). Short Term Rentals Received 10 comments related to concern with limiting STRs and ability to use sites for income. Slated for future phase as stand-alone project amendment. Sign Regulations Received input from industry representatives regarding outdated regulations. The Scenic Corridor modifications consolidated duplicate language and condensed classes. Based on public input, the proposed modifications have been retracted at this time and will be evaluated as part of a future phase to allow additional time and input from community residents. The Planning & Zoning Commission motioned to remove the proposed modifications. Scenic Corridor Received input regarding the proposed scenic corridor modifications. 6 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 5 of 11 Key Updates to the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Standardized measurement and rounding rules to improve clarity and consistency. Clarified and expanded definitions, including emerging technologies such as Battery Energy Storage Systems and Data Centers. Moved Temporary Use Permits to the Planning and Zoning Commission to improve review timelines. 7 Key Updates to the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Introduced tables and charts to display development standards for quick reference. Consolidated 201 land uses into 137 within a single streamlined Use Table. 8 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 6 of 11 Key Updates to the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 5– Development Standards Adjusted setbacks, building heights, and landscaping standards across zoning districts. Rural-43 interior ,minimum side setback 20’ R1-18, R1-10, R1-17, R1-6 with minimum 10’ or 18’ front facing garage. Multi-family zoning changed to minimum 10’ front setback Rural, Residential and R-2 zoning increased maximum building height to 35’ C-1 Commercial zoning: Increased maximum building height to 40’. Industrial zoning: Front yard minimum setback of 20’ and increased maximum building height to 60’. 9 Key Updates to the Zoning Ordinance Modernized parking regulations to allow parking studies, shared parking, and reduced requirements for self -storage. Multi-family zoning: 2 per dwelling unit + 20% reserved for guest parking Office & Commercial: 300 sq. ft. of floor area (increased from 1:250 ratio) RV/Boat & Mini-storage (indoor/outdoor) – 4 standard spaces for office and 2 spaces for caretaker’s quarter (if provided). Special Events Venue– 0.5 spaces per maximum permitted occupancy on-site. Industrial, Wholesale & Manufacturing – 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area Warehouse Uses– 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area Zoning Inspector may approve use of a shared parking agreementbetween two or more sites. Parking Study- reduction in required parking spaces may be approved for commercial, industrial, multi-family based upon a parking study. Chapter 8- Modernized parking regulations to allow parking studies, shared parking, and reduced requirements for self-storage. 10 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 7 of 11 Key Updates to the Zoning Ordinance Chapters 9 & 12 Chapters 1-14 Updated drainage, violation, and compliance sections to align with current practice. Simplified language and formatting to improve usability and readability of the ordinance. 11 Additional Improvements to the MCZO Reduction of 17 chapters to 14, eliminates duplicate language New graphics for improved clarity Eliminate need to reference multiple chapters Utilization of word searches and quick links Aligning with current statutory requirements Document Stats 12 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 8 of 11 Development Standards– Chapter 5 Consolidation of zoning districts into single table Quick reference with development standards 13 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Chapter 6 DEFINITION:A habitable space with independent sleeping, bathing and cooking quarters either detached from or attached to and designed without interior entry into the primary dwelling. HB2928 (Counties) – signed into law May 20, 2025, requires compliance by January 1, 2026. 15 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 9 of 11 Lot greater than 1 acre in size Article 602.3 1 attached & 1 detached 1 detached ADU– deed restricted-affordable unit Number of Units No ADU can exceed the size of the primary dwelling. Size Leased or occupied independently of the primary dwelling as long-term rental housing. No familial, marital employment relationships required. Occupancy & Tenancy Detached ADU shall not occupy more than30% of the rear or side yards and must observe a 5’ setback and 18’ height limit . Single access to street with primary residence. Design Standards Accessory Dwelling Units– Lot larger than 1 acre in size– Chapter 6 17 Short Term Rentals (STRs)– Chapter 6 Prohibited: Commercial events, public assembly, special gatherings, weddings, signage, retail food service or commercial enterprise. STR may not be rented, leased or occupied by a registered sex offender. Lessee may not include such individuals as a member of the renting party. Regulation Short Term Rentals- Article 602.2 No more than 30 consecutive days. Lease or rental of single-family dwelling or ADU Owner of STR must reside on the property that contains ADU. Ownership Only one STR maybe rented per parcel Number of units DEFINITION:A single-family dwelling or an accessory dwelling leased, without signage, for a duration of 30 consecutive days or fewer to individuals other than registered sex offenders. 18 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 10 of 11 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – Chapter 6 DEFINITION:A facility that stores electrical energy in battery cells, modules or other deices for later use in providing electricity to the grid or enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the electric system. A BESS includes associated structures, equipment, and controls necessary for safe and effective operation. For purposes of this ordinance, a BESS shall be considered utility-scale when designed for energy market participation or grid services and when not primarily intended to serve on-site end-use load. Residential, commercial, and industrial systems installed behind the customer meter or serving on-site consumption shall be considered distributed generation and are exempt from this definition. Article 603.10 Battery Energy Storage Systems Include the distancing of 100’ from all lot lines. Current process:MCZO currently does not address BESS, PND has been recommending 100’ setback and 500’ separation from residential for BESS proposals. Developer has ability to request reduction/variation with demonstration of public safety being met with sign off from local fire with the IUPD overlay. 19 Setbacks Reduce residential front yard setback to 10’; garage setback is 18’. Consistent with current housing preferences. Rural-43 interior side to 20’ from 30’ Multi-family front yard setback to 10’ Building Height Rural, Residential and R-2 increased building height to 35’ Increase height of industrial buildings to 60’ ADUs Per state statute, allow for 2 detached and 1 attached ADU on lots greater than 1 acre; 2 ADUs on lots less than 1 acre Summary of Key Changes 20 Informal Meeting Minutes Monday, December 08, 2025 Page 11 of 11 The Board asked for clarifications and questions on slide content throughout the presentation. Presentation only. No action taken. 2. EXECUTIVE SESSION Vote to convene in Executive Session to consider the items on the Executive Agenda dated Monday, December 08, 2025, for Board of Supervisors and relevant Special Districts pursuant to the statutory authority listed for each item. Motion to approve by Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee, seconded by Supervisor Mark Stewart Ayes: Thomas Galvin, Kate Brophy McGee, Mark Stewart, Debbie Lesko Absent: Steve Gallardo MEETING ADJOURNED After discussion of the items listed on the Executive Session agenda and there being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned. ___________________________________ Thomas Galvin, Chairman of the Board ATTEST: ___________________________ Juanita Garza, Clerk of the Board Other Changes 100’ minimum setback for BESS facilities Measurements 0.5 or greater is rounded up to whole number, less is rounded down to whole number. Update landscaping for commercial and industrial – 1 tree and 3 shrubs every 20’, 4% of gross parking area to be landscaped. Multi-family – single building with no more than 4 units on one lot shall not require a Plan of Development, may proceed directly for permits. Based upon future street classification, updated language to reference MCDOT Transportation System Plan widths of 25 – 200 feet. Community Residence/Recovery Community – updated protection period to 1 year with single extension up to 180 days. Special Event Venues- minimum of 3 acres, regulations to address number of events, operation, amplified music, parking, traffic and catering as a SUP. Summary of Key Changes 21