Board approves GoldHawk at the Preserve rezoning with conditions after weeks of negotiation and public opposition

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously May 21 to approve a major comprehensive plan amendment (CPA 2024) and a rezoning request (Z24006) for the development called GoldHawk at the Preserve, subject to revised conditions labeled A–X negotiated since the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing.

The actions approve changing the Goldfield Area Plan land-use designation and rezoning approximately 1,940 acres to allow a maximum of 696 dwelling units under an RUPD overlay; the applicant and staff said that figure reduces potential density from prior entitlements and that a southern portion of roughly 200 acres will be limited to standards consistent with rural 190 zoning.

County planning staff described the request as a “downzoning” from earlier entitlements that at one point had capacity for many more lots, and said the rezoning includes new conditions on septic systems, water supply, disturbance envelopes and archaeological protections. The board’s approval followed extended public comment, a late executive session to address an attorney conflict, and hours of testimony from tribal governments, neighborhood groups and experts.

Why it matters: The decision alters long-standing assumptions about allowable development on roughly 1,900 acres of Goldfield Ranch land. Supporters said the conditions reduce potential impacts and create enforceable restrictions; opponents warned that approving zoning before infrastructure (water, wastewater, fire and roads) is secured leaves uncertain…