Maricopa council approves code updates to comply with new state planning law
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Summary
The council approved three ordinances to bring city code into alignment with Arizona House Bill 24‑47, moving some preliminary and final plat review authority to administrative staff while staff pledged to preserve neighborhood notification and other transparency measures.
Rick Williams, presenting for city staff, told the council the package combines three ordinances that update Maricopa’s health, safety and zoning code and bring the city into compliance with Arizona House Bill 24‑47. "There are 3 ordinances associated with this," Williams said, and the changes move some preliminary and final plat decision‑making from the council and planning commission to administrative personnel in order to conform with state statute.
The changes staff described include text reorganization and scrivener corrections, new definitions (including single‑room occupancy and food‑truck court rules), alley maintenance and a pedestrian‑art requirement for large commercial projects. Williams noted the city is already practicing some of the expedited submittal processes the state law prescribes and that staff recommended approval.
Council members pressed staff on safeguards and public notice after several members warned HB 24‑47 shifts local review away from elected bodies. Council member Manfredi said the law "mandates" changes and expressed concern about loss of local control but acknowledged the city must comply to avoid legal and funding risks. Mayor Nancy Smith and staff pointed to the city’s "What's New Maricopa" website and site signage as avenues for resident input; Williams said the city will continue neighborhood mailings and other outreach where appropriate.
Council member Gettle moved approval of ordinance 8.2 with a correction to remove an erroneous reference to city council final review; the motion was seconded and carried. Council subsequently approved the related ordinances 8.1 and 8.3 on separate motions. Staff indicated they would correct an identified oversight in exhibit text the following day.
What happens next: the ordinances were approved by the council on separate motions and will be codified into city code. Staff said they will post corrected exhibit language and continue to use multiple channels for outreach while administratively implementing the law’s requirements.
