Maricopa County Board of Adjustment approves most variances, continues two cases after public discussion

The Maricopa County Board of Adjustment on June 19 approved a slate of variances and two temporary-use permits related to seasonal fireworks sales, and continued two variance requests so applicants can revise plans.

The board voted 4-0 to approve eight variance requests and two temporary fireworks sales permits and to continue two other variance cases to the July meeting, following presentations from county planners and applicants and limited public comment.

Why it matters: The board’s decisions alter zoning controls on individual parcels across Maricopa County — including permitted backyard coverage, rear-yard encroachments and lot-width minima — allowing several property owners to build garages, add patios or install accessory dwelling units where existing zoning would otherwise block those additions. Approval typically memorializes a new, site-specific condition (for example, an approved maximum lot coverage or recorded lot width) that will be reflected in county records and that a future building permit must follow.

Most substantive actions - BA250025 (Sunset Cove Investments LLC): Approved to establish a maximum lot coverage of 28% for APN 300-81-016K to accommodate a primary residence and two accessory structures, including an ADU connected by a porte-cochere. Member Ward made the motion; Member Carden seconded. Vote: 4-0.

- BA250028 (Biollante property, Sonoran Ridge Estates Unit 2): Approved a request for 64.66% lot coverage where 40% is the maximum allowed under the zoning district, and for limited grading and a pool barrier outside the recorded development envelope. The applicant’s materials and staff discussion noted existing riprap and landscape work placed to manage off-site flows; the applicant said some disturbed decomposed-granite areas were installed at the homeowner association’s request. Motion: Member Carden; second: Member Clapp. Vote: 4-0.

- BA250027 (Chavez parcel): Approved a variance memorializing a 136-foot lot width where 145 feet is normally required in Rural-43 zoning. The applicant told the board he tried — unsuccessfully — to purchase 10–15 feet from a neighboring lot to meet the standard. Motion: Member Ward; second: Member Clapp. Vote: 4-0.

- BA250031 (Bender residence, Rio Verde): Approved side- and rear-yard setback reductions and a lot-coverage increase to allow a golf-cart garage, storage and a…