Payson council adopts two ordinances to comply with state law and continue background checks

The Payson Common Council approved two ordinances on Jan. 28 intended to keep the town in compliance with state law and preserve administrative processes.

Ordinance 2026‑100 (second reading) amends Title 15, Chapter 154 of the Payson Town Code to align the town’s design‑review and administrative approval procedures with House Bill 2447. Nicole (planning staff) told the council the ordinance is procedural and does not change building code or fire and life‑safety requirements; it formalizes an expedited review option and a limited self‑certification program for registered design professionals while retaining appeal rights. Planning & Zoning recommended approval 6–0. Following a motion and second, council approved the ordinance by voice vote, recorded as 7–0.

The council also adopted Ordinance 2026‑101, updating Title 11 (business regulations) to ensure the town’s peddler and solicitor licensing language complies with Arizona Department of Public Safety rules so Payson can continue conducting fingerprint‑based background checks. Jesse (staff) presented the existing statutory definitions for "solicitor" and "peddler" and said the ordinance does not change licensing procedures; the council approved the ordinance on second reading by a 7–0 voice vote.

In the meeting’s public‑hearing segment, the council also held the first public hearing on Resolution 2026‑003, proposing an extension of the town’s alternative expenditure limitation (home rule). Dana Ohanesian, finance director, said extending home rule would allow the town to spend revenue it collects and avoid severe cuts under the state formula; the hearing was opened and closed with no public comment recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: The adopted ordinances take effect according to statutory timelines; staff indicated documents and the award‑winning budget book are available on the town website.