Paradise Valley advisory committee approves revised Mill Creek Ridge zoning amendment and forwards it to planning commission

The Paradise Valley Planning and Zoning District Advisory Committee voted unanimously Oct. 9, 2025, to approve a revised zone-text amendment clarifying measurement and building-height rules for the Mill Creek Ridge subdivision and to forward the recommendation to the county planning and zoning commission for consideration next Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Vice Chair Tracy Raich summarized the changes, saying the draft clarifies natural-grade building-height calculations, distinguishes walkout basements from fully buried basements, references the most recent covenants dated 2014 and the subdivision certificate of survey, and documents a boundary realignment for Lots 1 and 2. “It also says that no design or altercation, including but not limited to exposed basement levels or fill placement, shall be employed for the purpose of circumventing the 30 foot maximum height restriction,” Raich said.

The revision preserves the existing language for the East River Road portion of the Paradise Valley zoning district and restricts any building or site alteration intended to defeat the 30-foot cap. Raich said the petitioner was not present and that the current draft was the result of negotiations with subdivision landowners and stakeholders to resolve concerns raised at a July 15 planning and zoning commission meeting, which had been tabled after extensive public comment.

A member of the advisory committee who reviewed both versions of the ordinance said the revised wording removed ambiguities in the original draft and called the compromise “excellent,” adding that the clarification “will help everybody understand what’s allowed going forward.” Ken Cochran, participating remotely, said he bought property in the district in 2008 and that the view-shed component of the zoning is appropriate; he said he tentatively agreed to the current version pending any opposition.

Raich told the committee she had been told during negotiations that if the July 15 version were adopted, “they would sue the county,” and said the revised language was intended to avoid litigation and let property owners build within their designated building envelopes while remaining respectful neighbors. Chair Cindy Smith Page thanked members and county planning staff for the work to reach a document the parties could accept.

Tracy Raich moved to approve the current version of the zone-text amendment; the motion was seconded by Kurt Gaza. The advisory committee recorded a unanimous vote in favor and agreed to forward the recommendation to the planning and zoning commission. Cindy Smith Page said the planning and zoning commission will consider the recommendation next Tuesday at 10 a.m., after which the matter will move to the county commissioners.

With no further business, the committee adjourned.