The Town of Carefree Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday voted to recommend that the Town Council adopt ordinance amendments designed to comply with state legislation (House Bill 24‑47) that removes public‑hearing requirements for several development approvals and allows expedited, administrative reviews.

Stacy, planning staff, told the commission the law’s intent is to reduce project delays by allowing certain site plans, land divisions and preliminary and final plats to be handled administratively rather than always requiring public hearings. “The statute literally says no public hearing,” she said in describing the statutory language and the town’s effort to craft narrow, compliant local language that preserves checks where possible.

Commissioners pressed staff on limits and safeguards. One commissioner said the bill “usurps the authority of the council, the planning and zoning commission, and the public to offer input,” and asked staff to convey the commission’s dissatisfaction to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Council member Colin Rosekurty, who spoke during the public hearing, told the commission the bill “takes all the power away from the public and from government entities and puts it with one person,” and urged future legislative revision.

Staff explained two statutory elements that shaped the proposed changes: an at‑risk grading permit that can allow early site work before full building permits are complete, and an expedited review process for qualified applicants. Stacy said the town is not proposing a self‑certification program and is attempting to keep at‑risk and expedited criteria tight: “We tried to make the language as tight as possible to make it as big of a hurdle as we could while still complying with state statute.”

The commission opened and closed a public hearing on the text amendment; after discussion a commissioner moved to recommend approval of case number 25‑11‑TA (with planning director or designee modifications where applicable). The motion carried by voice vote.

What happens next: the commission’s recommendation goes to the Town Council for final action. Staff and consultants said they will continue work on zoning‑update materials and development‑review manuals to document appeals processes and to clarify how the town will implement expedited reviews and at‑risk grading.

Authorities and actions: The discussion centered on House Bill 24‑47 (state statute referenced by staff). The commission recommended approval of case 25‑11‑TA; that recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council. No specific appeal outcomes were recorded in the meeting minutes beyond staff’s assurance an appeals process will be included in the ordinance language.

The commission also asked staff to explore options to preserve public engagement where legally allowed and to report back during the zoning‑update process.