Commission discusses reducing Planning & Zoning meetings to once a month; staff to return with calendar options

FLORENCE, Ariz. — At the Sept. 18 meeting, Town of Florence planning staff and commissioners discussed a proposal to reduce the Planning and Zoning Commission’s calendar from two meetings per month to a single monthly meeting. Staff proposed a regular second‑Monday meeting as a starting point but said it would return with alternate dates if commissioners preferred other options.

Staff explained the recommendation reflects recent state legislation that moves many design-review and site-plan actions to administrative approval, reducing the number of hearings that typically require the commission. The staff report noted that through the current year the commission had canceled multiple meetings (staff said 8 out of 17 meetings had been canceled so far in the year), and that a single predictable monthly meeting could reduce cancellations and provide a consistent public schedule.

Commissioners expressed general support for moving to a one-meeting-per-month model but asked staff to check calendar conflicts and return with a recommended day that minimizes conflicts with other standing obligations. Several commissioners raised scheduling constraints in their own calendars (weeknight commitments, sports seasons and other recurring meetings) and asked staff to coordinate with the town clerk’s office to find a predictable weekday that works for a majority. One commissioner also noted a desire to preserve the ability to schedule special or additional meetings when significant items require it.

No formal motion was adopted; staff will return with proposed calendar options for commission consideration and, if the commission endorses a change, the matter will be forwarded to Town Council for final scheduling ordinance changes if required.