Planning commission approves 363‑lot Vistas at Buckeye preliminary plat, pending water certificate

The Buckeye Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the preliminary plat for Vistas at Buckeye, a proposed single‑family subdivision of 363 lots, subject to conditions A through DD and outstanding requirements including a certificate of adequate water supply.

Planning manager Ken Galika told the commission the proposal is consistent with the site's planned residential zoning and the city general plan. “The project does have 3 points of access,” he said, and staff recommended approval with conditions. He also said, “The certificate of adequate water supply has not been issued yet for this community.”

The preliminary plat covers an irregularly shaped parcel in the area of Broadway Road and 230 First Avenue and extends north to the Roosevelt Irrigation District Canal. Galika described lot sizes ranging from a minimum of 45 by 115 feet (about 5,000 square feet) to as large as 63 by 120 feet (about 7,500–7,600 square feet). He said the development would produce an overall density of roughly 3.3 dwelling units per acre and include roughly 33 percent landscaped open space, above the 25 percent landscape‑area requirement in the city code. “The proposal is exceeding that, providing almost 33%,” Galika said.

Commissioners asked about the relationship between the subdivision and adjacent uses. When Commissioner Sebastian asked if the project abutted the Hazleton Memorial Cemetery, Galika said the narrow portion of the site is across 230 First Avenue from the cemetery and that 230 First will be extended to provide access; he confirmed there will be a buffer between the cemetery and houses. Commissioners also discussed access and lot counts; Galika noted the developer must submit home elevations later for staff approval and complete required water, sewer and street improvements.

A question about water rights and supply came from a commissioner who asked why water did not automatically transfer with formerly agricultural land. Galika replied that the Arizona Department of Water Resources and state requirements control water certificates and that the certificate must be in place before final plat recordation. He also noted there is pending state legislation under consideration that could affect local setback authority, but said that legislation had not been approved or signed.

The commission moved and seconded the staff recommendation and, after a voice vote with no opposition recorded, the motion carried. The approval is for the preliminary plat only; the final plat and issuance of a certificate of adequate water supply are required before recording or construction can begin.

The applicant is Colliers Engineering and Design; representatives attended the meeting but did not give a formal presentation. Planning staff identified Sean Banda as the project lead (absent) and presented on his behalf. The commission also received no written department comments on the proposal other than the listed conditions.

Next steps for the project include submission of final engineering, issuance of the certificate of adequate water supply, submittal and approval of model home elevations and completion of required public‑infrastructure improvements per conditions A through DD.