Planning commission recommends denial of Carefree Highway rezoning (Z250009)

The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 11, 2025 voted 8‑0 to recommend denial of case Z250009, a request to rezone a 10‑acre parcel at the intersection of Carefree Highway and Central Avenue in the Desert Hills area from RU‑43 (one‑acre rural) to C‑2 CUPD to allow neighborhood commercial uses and self‑storage.

The commission’s recommendation followed a staff presentation, a statement by the applicant and extended public comment in which residents and nearby property owners raised concerns about traffic, flood control, water supply and compatibility with the area’s scenic and rural character.

Staff planner Darren Martel summarized the request and its alignment with county plans, saying the applicant proposed a C‑2 CUPD “to accommodate future offices, self service indoor storage, and neighborhood focused convenience retail” and that the request “supports the commercial node land use designation outlined in the Daisy Mountain New River Area Plan.” Martel also said the CUPD would limit some uses, cap building height at 30…