Committee members reviewed provisions to speed permitting and implementation if the workforce-housing policy moves forward.
Amber explained that a recently passed state law (identified in discussion as Senate Bill 1353) requires 15-day reviews for certain single-family residential building permits; the policy's expedited-review language was reworked to reflect that statutory timeline while preserving additional staff prioritization where possible. Amber told the committee: "the state did pass a law that said for, single family residence buildings, they have to be the reviews have to be done within 15 days."
The draft also encourages use of model plans (sometimes called "block submissions") so developers may submit a single preapproved plan that can be used at multiple sites; staff said model-plan reviews reduce repetitive reviews and improve consistency. The committee discussed prioritization thresholds and whether administrative staff could approve small projects while larger code concessions or zoning changes should go to council. Amber recommended bringing the city attorney and legal staff to further define which items must legally go to council (for example, zoning-code amendments and impact-fee modifications).
On implementation, Community Development presented project updates and consultant work. Michael McGinnis said Pollock and Company is drafting a strategic plan and regulatory amendment recommendations under an Arizona Department of Housing grant; he said the grant contract totals about $130,000 in used funds and roughly $60,000 remaining, and that Pollock will present further work in the coming weeks. McGinnis also reported that the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) allocation in Arizona has not been renewed for 2026, a development staff said was a notable state-level change. Amber said the county’s Home of My Own preapproved plans meet the state requirement for multiple plan options and will be used initially.