Phoenix City Commission approves zoning change for 8.9 acres in Deer Valley area

The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss several key zoning matters, including a zone change and a special use permit. The meeting began with a review of the consent agenda, which included a zone change to Industrial 2 IUPD for an 8.9-acre site located at the southwest corner of Happy Valley Road and Seventh Avenue in the Deer Valley area. The area is designated for industrial use in the general plan, and there was no known opposition to the change. The commission recommended approval of the zone change, subject to specific conditions, which will help resolve an existing zoning violation related to the current use of storage yards.

Following the consent agenda, the commission moved to the regular agenda, where they discussed case SU240008, concerning the Keith Storage Yard. This case involved a request for a five-year special use permit for an interim industrial use on a 1.8-acre site in the Chandler Heights area. The proposed use includes the storage of clean, empty commercial trucks and waste bins. The site is designated for residential use in the municipal plan, and while there were six letters of support, there were also three letters of opposition from local residents. Despite the concerns from the town of Gilbert, which indicated it would not approve this use within its jurisdiction, the commission recommended approval of the special use permit, subject to revised conditions.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of both agenda items, reflecting the commission's support for the proposed developments while addressing community concerns. The next steps will involve the implementation of the approved conditions for both the zone change and the special use permit.