06. TA250001 MCZO Update PZ Report
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TA250001 Page 1 of 2 Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department Case: TA250001 – Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Update Date: June 12, 2025 Supervisor Districts: All Applicant: Staff-initiated Request: Update the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Support/Opposition: None known Recommendation: Initiate and Approve Proposed Amendment: This item is being processed through the County’s Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Program (EROP). The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance was originally adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 1969. It serves as the primary regulatory instrument to manage growth and development in the unincorporated parts of the County. The Zoning Ordinance is an essential tool to implement the broader land use goals of the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan. Although the ordinance has been amended multiple times over the years, the County is embarking on a comprehensive update and modernization of the Ordinance to better serve current and future citizens. When completed, a new reformatted ordinance will focus on clarity, accessibility and user friendliness. Duplicative, conflicting or confusing language will be removed; and illustrations, graphs, and charts will be added to clarify standards and procedures. Additionally, changes to the Zoning Ordinance will include new standards and incentives that advance housing opportunities for the County. Upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors, the updated Zoning Ordinance will be a more useful and effective tool for directing future growth and development in unincorporated areas of the County. Staff introduced the update at the May 22, 2025 ZIPPOR meeting. The Commission is now being asked to formally initialize the Zoning Ordinance update in anticipation of future hearings at the end of the year. Discussion 1. Throughout 2023 and 2024, Planning staff conducted an internal review of all chapters of the Zoning Ordinance. The review was provided to Matrix Design Group, a consultant hired in early 2025 to assist the County with developing a new and reformatted Zoning Ordinance TA250001 Page 2 of 2 2. In fulfillment of EROP, public stakeholder meetings are scheduled for June 5, 2025, and August 28, 2025, at which time the public will have opportunities to comment on future changes to the ordinance. Staff is presenting a summary of the first stakeholder meeting at the June 12 P&Z meeting. 3. A Task Force met with staff and consultants at two meetings in May to consider new ideas and approaches in the interest of modernizing and improving the Zoning Ordinance. The Task Force will meet again this month, July and possibly in August before a new Zoning Ordinance draft is presented. 4. The public may comment and sign up for updates to the Zoning Ordinance Update by accessing the County’s webpage MCZO Update, or by submitting public comments on the County’s EROP web page Regulatory Process. Next Steps: 5. Staff recommends the Commission adopt a motion to initiate and approve TA250001 for consideration at a future Planning and Zoning Commission hearing. Presented by: Ron Quarles, Senior Planner Adam Cannon, AICP, Senior Planner Reviewed by: Rachel Applegate, Planning Supervisor Attachments: May 22, 2025 ZIPPOR Powerpoint Name : Title : Date 1. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance 2. Goal of the Update 3. Timeline 4. Focus Topics Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. • The MCZO is one of the primary regulatory documents in the County – regulating land use and development on property. • Originally adopted in 1969, the zoning ordinance has only received a substantial overhaul once in the 90s. • Reformat and Reorder was accomplished in 2001. • Multiple Amendments were made over the past 15 years, with the group home text amendment being the most recent amendment in 2021. • County staff is always looking at ways to improve processes. • A comprehensive internal review of the ordinance included department staff organized into work groups who conducted a chapter-by-chapter analysis of the ordinance. Staff completed this review in 2024 • In accordance with direction from the Chair, the staff proceeded in hiring a consultant, Matrix Design Group, to assist with the update. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. Goal of the Update Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Overall Goal – To make the ordinance easier to read, understand and utilize. Focus Areas • Modernization and reformatting of the ordinance • Making the code more user friendly through the addition of tables, charts and graphics • Streamlining processes • Updates to development standards to match current practices (i.e. height limits, parking standards, etc.) • Updates to definitions • Addressing housing needs Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. Timeline Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Timeline ZIPPOR Focus Topics Staff and consultant, Matrix Design Group, will address focus topics with the Task Force In addition, stakeholder meetings will be held with the public as part of the Enhanced Regulatory Outreach Process (EROP). Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. ▪Development Standards & Design Requirements • Setbacks, building heights, lot coverage, landscaping, parking standards ▪Residential Housing Policy • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), affordable housing, multifamily standards, density transitions ▪Permitting & Administrative Procedures • Use permits, variances, public notification, process clarity, and efficiency Focus Topics Please raise your hand if you wish to speak, you will be contacted through the chat box. To listen to the hearing dial 1-631-992-3221, when prompted enter Audio Access Code 199-252-170. Framework 2040 – Comprehensive Plan visit www.Framework2040.com to participate. Focus Topics ▪Use Regulations & Zoning District Updates • Allowed uses, new and emerging use types, mixed-use, district modernization ▪Rural Area & Infrastructure Considerations • Zoning needs for unincorporated and rural areas, land splits, and infrastructure constraints ▪Public Health, Safety, and Nuisance Controls • Lighting, code enforcement and quality of life Adjournment • The Chair will adjourn the ZIPPOR meeting. Other Matters