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Goodyear council adopts comprehensive zoning overhaul, adds rules for battery energy storage systems
Summary
The council adopted a modernized zoning ordinance (Ord. 2026‑1652) after an 18‑month review, updating standards for housing, data centers and battery energy storage systems and allowing reduced setbacks through a technical plume study; the measure passed 7–0.
The Goodyear City Council on July 6 adopted a comprehensive rewrite of the city zoning ordinance, replacing the 1999 code with Ordinance No. 2026‑1652 to modernize development standards and add rules for emerging uses including battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers.
Planning manager Christian Williams and principal planner Guadalupe Ortiz Cortez told the council the 18‑month process included public workshops, surveys and multiple work sessions with the planning and zoning commission. Staff said the goal of the update is to protect neighborhoods, support development and ensure compliance with state law while providing clarity for developers and residents.
The ordinance sets baseline setback measurements for BESS facilities measured from the battery module footprint: 100 feet from industrial uses, 150 feet from commercial uses (with the ability to reduce via a special‑use permit), and 330 feet from residential or other sensitive uses such as schools and churches. Staff said a plume study and toxic‑fume analysis presented through the special‑use‑permit process could justify reducing that distance to 150 feet on a case‑by‑case basis.
Supporters at the public hearing, including representatives of the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, praised the city’s engagement and urged flexibility for individual projects. Multiple council members commended staff for stakeholder outreach and said the annual‑review provision will keep the ordinance current as technology and state law evolve.
Council members also asked staff how the ordinance applies to existing and in‑progress projects; Williams said completed projects are grandfathered and existing approvals can remain in effect, while staff will work with applicants on clarifications related to noise and other site‑specific issues.
The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance, with the city clerk reading the title of Ordinance No. 2026‑1652 and recording a 7–0 vote. Staff said it will maintain a log of unintended issues and clarifying questions and establish an annual review cycle to address future changes.
What happens next: The ordinance takes effect as adopted; staff will implement the review process and remain available to advise applicants on special‑use permits and required technical studies.
