The City of Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission on July 28, 2025 discussed a proposal by Walmart to expand its existing store to add an online grocery pickup area, Development Services staff said. Clarisse Mason, Development Services, presented site plans and elevations for development review permit DRP 2056 and described the proposal as an addition to the existing building to support online grocery service.

Why it matters: the expansion changes how customers and delivery vehicles will use the rear of the store and could affect circulation for nearby multifamily residents and Porter Road access, commissioners said during questions.

Mason said the expansion would add about 5,600 square feet to the existing store footprint on a property the packet described as roughly 21 acres (Pinal County parcel number 510-12-05500). She said the design includes a metal canopy over the pickup service area, crosswalk improvements, ornamental fencing in some locations, and the removal of storage containers currently on the site. Mason said the proposal intends to use existing parking spaces "about 38" for pickup operations and that elevations and color combinations "appear well integrated and complimentary." She also said staff finds the proposal meets the requirements of Title 18 of the zoning ordinance.

Commissioner Club asked whether interior remodeling shown in the packet would change exterior elevations or front signage; Mason said she did not believe exterior elevations or signage would change. Club also raised traffic and circulation concerns for the site’s north access near multifamily housing and asked about the number of pickup stalls; the packet referenced 44 pickup spaces. "That's a lot of traffic kind of coming and going," Club said, noting the potential for simultaneous vehicle movements and conflicts with delivery trucks.

Mason acknowledged the proximity of multifamily housing and an open drive to the north and said engineering staff did not foresee substantial conflicts because the site currently functions in a similar pattern, but she noted drivers may occasionally need to navigate such conflicts. She also confirmed the applicant had performed public outreach: a 600-foot notice mailed to neighboring property owners on July 3, an on-site sign posted July 7 (the sign was placed near the AutoZone area), and materials posted to the city's website on or about July 9.

The applicant on the record was Kristen Spillman of BRR Architecture; Mason introduced Spillman at the start of the item. The commission did not take a formal vote on DRP 2056; the agenda item was listed "for discussion only." Commissioners asked staff to ensure signage and circulation plans clearly direct customers and delivery vehicles and to bring any required technical clarifications back to the commission as needed.

No formal action was taken on the expansion at the July 28 meeting; the commission proceeded to staff reports after the discussion.