Commission endorses public‑participation plan for Carefree zoning‑code update, asks for developer outreach and FAQs

The Town of Carefree Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 15 voted to recommend to the Town Council a public‑participation plan for a zoning‑code update presented by Michael Baker International consultant Matt Kaye.

Kaye told commissioners the update responds to the recently ratified general plan and occasional state or federal regulatory changes. The goal is to modernize the zoning code while balancing predictability and flexibility, Kaye said, and to use a mix of outreach tools including a project website, e‑notice mailing list, pop‑ups, recorded workshops and targeted surveys.

Why it matters: Updating the zoning code shapes how development is reviewed and what land uses are permitted. Commissioners said clear outreach — including FAQs and distinct outreach to developers — will help focus public comment and accelerate the process.

Kaye summarized four outreach goals: accessibility, inclusivity, transparency and continuity. He explained a modular approach that addresses zoning districts and permitted uses first, then supplemental conditions (for particular uses) and general development standards (lighting, landscaping, parking and signage). He said the process would likely take a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 16, depending on public feedback and the extent of drafting revisions.

Commissioners asked several practical questions. One suggested naming developers as a distinct target group rather than subsuming them under "landowners;" Kaye agreed to adjust the plan. Another commissioner asked for a public FAQs document to clarify likely questions and reduce repetitive comment; Kaye said that is standard practice and that the project website would include such material. A commissioner asked about recent state statutory changes (referenced in the meeting as "House Bill 24 47"); staff and Kaye said the ordinance rewrite is legislative in nature and therefore subject to referral and that they would take care to align local procedures with state law.

Kaye described tools used successfully elsewhere, including an application called Conveio that allows readers to place comments inline on draft text, which Kaye said speeds technical review. He also proposed an informal zoning stakeholder working group to vet technical items before broader outreach. Kaye said staff has kept the town code current with recent state law, so fixes are expected to be selective across topical areas rather than a wholesale rewrite.

Motion and next steps: Commissioners moved and seconded a recommendation to refer the public‑participation plan to the Town Council; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said the town will advertise recruitment for the zoning‑ordinance stakeholder group and post materials on the project web page. Kaye said the team is prepared to proceed with a flexible, community‑responsive schedule and to produce draft modules for public review.