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Maricopa County commission advances zoning-update with new BESS rules, drops proposed 500‑foot residential separation
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 6 voted 8–0 to forward a comprehensive zoning-ordinance update to the Board of Supervisors that includes modern definitions for data centers and battery energy storage systems and retains a 100‑foot BESS setback while dropping a proposed 500‑foot separation from existing residences.
The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 6 recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a modernized zoning ordinance that streamlines land‑use categories, adds definitions for contemporary uses and sets new standards for accessory dwelling units, short‑term rentals and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Planning staff presented a consolidated draft that reduced the number of land-use categories, introduced clearer development‑standard tables, moved temporary-use permits to the commission’s process for faster review, and added definitions for data centers and BESS. Staff said the draft implements the state ADU statute and includes new short‑term‑rental rules (one STR per property; owner-occupancy required when an ADU exists).
The proposal for BESS drew the most public attention. Staff proposed a…
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