Commission recommends approval of Goldhawk at the Preserve rezoning; tribes and neighbors warn on water, septic, fire and roads

The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission on May 8 recommended approval, by a 7–1 vote, of Z240006 — a zone‑change and REPD overlay for approximately 1,940 acres in the Goldfield Ranch area that would cap future development at roughly 696 lots and establish an average density of about 0.36 dwelling units per acre.

The applicant, represented by Wendy Riddell for Greyhawk Development, described the request as a down‑zoning from entitlements considered in past approvals and emphasized preservation commitments: “approximately 70% of this project is preserved as open space,” Riddell said, and the proposal would use on‑lot building envelopes, limit on‑lot disturbance and dedicate open‑space tracks. The applicant also noted an assured‑water‑supply analysis and proposed requirements for fire protection, road improvements, septic system standards and tribal notification procedures.

Public testimony from multiple tribal governments and local organizations focused on groundwater and river resources, septic systems, and emergency service capacity. Paul Russell, vice…