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Planners back zoning overhaul but drop 500‑foot battery setback; keep 100‑foot property-line buffer
Summary
The commission recommended a broad zoning code update to the Board of Supervisors but removed a proposed 500‑foot separation between utility-scale battery energy storage systems and existing residences while retaining a 100‑foot property-line setback; the package also addresses ADU rules, short‑term rentals and POD timelines.
The Maricopa County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 8–0 on Nov. 6 to forward a comprehensive zoning ordinance update to the Board of Supervisors with several targeted modifications after hours of testimony from industry, energy providers, fire officials and residents.
Staff framed the update as a modernization: consolidating land-use categories, adding graphics and tables for development standards, simplifying chapters and adding clearer definitions for emerging uses such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers. The draft also incorporates changes to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and short‑term rental rules to comply…
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