Director updates: San Tan Valley incorporation, landscape code and Chapter 150 review underway

Town planning staff briefed commissioners on several policy items during the director’s report, including the recent Pinal County action forming an interim council for the new San Tan Valley municipality, progress on a landscape code update and a broader, comprehensive review of chapter 150 of the town code to align with pending state law changes.

San Tan Valley incorporation: Staff said Pinal County appointed seven interim council members for the San Tan Valley incorporation and that a ceremonial swearing‑in was planned for Sept. 25 at Central Arizona College’s San Tan campus. Staff noted that some service contracts — for example, fire services via Central Arizona Ground—were expected to continue under contract arrangements but said details of municipal service contracting would be determined by San Tan Valley officials.

Landscape code and Chapter 150: Staff said they are drafting revisions to the landscape code to reflect recent discussions and a desire to limit unnecessary turf in industrial areas. More broadly, staff described an “intense” work program to review Chapter 150 to implement changes required by a recently enacted House Bill that shifts many site and design reviews to administrative approval effective Jan. 1, 2026. Staff said the changes include clarifying currently “loose” language (for example, architectural compatibility) and that the department will work with the vice mayor and council on code updates. The director indicated a draft will be provided to the commission as early as the October meeting and said staff is open to a joint work session with council on code changes.

Other notes: Staff also said seven final plats are moving toward Town Council consideration on Oct. 7 and reminded commissioners of local events, including a community center and library 10th anniversary celebration.