Maricopa County, AZ — rezoning & P&Z cases
47 past case(s) tracked in Maricopa County (Maricopa County). 2 upcoming hearings in Maricopa County (next on 2026-09-10) are visible to subscribers now. Start a free trial to see them.
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MCP260002 — Truck freight and logistics operation with light truck maintenance, short-term storage, loading docks, and administrative office
This Military Compatibility Permit (MCP) application proposes a truck freight and logistics operation on approximately 4 acres in an unincorporated County area adjacent to the City of Glendale, involving an 8,500 sq. ft. facility with 24/7 access for truck pickup and drop-off in a rural residential neighborhood. The site is located within Luke Air Force Base's high noise and accident potential zone (70 LDN noise contour) and immediately adjacent to single-family residences to the north, east, and west. Staff has recommended denial citing concerns about the 24/7 access, proximity to residential neighbors, and conflicts with County land use policies emphasizing coordination with adjacent municipalities and community interests.
ZON21-13 — Truck freight facility with warehouse, maintenance shop, and indoor storage for trucks and trailers
This 80-acre industrial warehouse site on W. Myrtle Avenue is proposed for a truck freight logistics operation with 1.15 million square feet of warehouse space and trailer parking. The property is located within the 70-75 LDN noise contours from Luke AFB, which may impact adjacent residential properties to the west. Site development includes a 26-foot building height, 6-foot CMU screen walls, 24/7 access operations, and truck circulation routed via N. Alsup Ave and Loop 303.
CPA26-0003 — Industrial development
This comprehensive plan amendment seeks to reclassify approximately 42.5 acres of the 75-acre Tonopah 75 property from Rural to Industrial land use, with concurrent rezoning from RU-43 to IND-2 to match the existing 31.9 acres already designated for industrial use. The development is strategically located along the I-10 corridor near existing and planned industrial projects, and the applicant proposes buffering measures including enhanced landscaping, screen walls, and building articulation to minimize impacts on nearby residential properties south of McDowell Road. This project is part of an emerging industrial and employment corridor that the County has been supporting through recent land use changes and infrastructure investments.
CPA260003 — Industrial uses including offices, warehouse flex spaces, manufacturing, and other uses allowed within the IND-2 zoning district
This comprehensive plan amendment and concurrent zone change will convert 42.5 acres from Rural Densities to Industrial along the I-10 corridor near 355th Avenue and McDowell Road, enabling warehouse, office, manufacturing, and industrial uses on the 74.51-acre site. The project aligns with regional industrial development plans and adjacent land use designations, with the IUPD overlay limiting uses to those compatible with on-site septic systems until municipal sewer becomes available. No opposition is known, all reviewing agencies support the proposal, and future development will be subject to multiple conditions including archaeological review, flood plain compliance, and infrastructure agreements.
Z2020052 — specific_use_permit
A wedding venue use is being permitted for 20 years with operations limited to September through May and more frequent events than previously allowed. The proposal includes use of a portable restroom trailer for 5 years and bottled water service instead of a drinking water system, with strategic landscaping for screening.
C-44-26-088-X-00 — Outdoor event venue
This case seeks approval for a Special Use Permit to operate an outdoor event venue at Gambel Field in the Tonopah area, limited to 49 attendees per event and restricted to weekends during the October-April season with a maximum of 40 events annually. The approval includes detailed conditions requiring temporary structures to be erected per manufacturer specifications for no more than 96 hours and removed after each event, with the site restored to pasture. Developers should note the strict operational limitations and ADA accessibility requirements that may affect similar venue proposals in Maricopa County unincorporated areas.
SU240001 — Outdoor wedding and event venue
This Special Use Permit request seeks approval for an outdoor wedding and event venue on 8.8 acres in the Rural-43 district, with operations extending to midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends, creating potential noise and traffic impacts. The project has generated significant community opposition (44 letters) regarding late-night noise and traffic congestion, though 22 letters of support favor having a venue in the area. Staff recommend approval with conditions, contingent on applicant commitments regarding sound travel mitigation.
250041 — Lure coursing events and dog athletic activities
This case concerns whether Gambel Field will remain in its current natural state for lure coursing events or be required to add infrastructure such as concrete, asphalt, septic systems, and wells. Public comments support maintaining the field as-is without additional development, citing its value as a clean, low-impact community asset for nonprofit dog sports organizations. The outcome will determine operational costs and feasibility for lure coursing clubs using the venue.
Z2019016 — Event space with portable toilets
This case seeks approval for a 5-acre event venue in Tonopah operating for up to 60 events annually with portable toilet facilities, conditioned on compliance with noise, lighting, and operational restrictions. The property's location in a FEMA floodplain with high water table and erosion concerns may affect future development plans. Conditional approval would allow expanded community use while managing impacts through strict event caps, operational hours, and sanitation requirements.
Z2020068 — specific_use_permit
This case involves a special use permit for events at Amadio Ranch and Farm with minimal infrastructure requirements including portable toilets, non-solid fencing, and non-paved walkways. The permit appears limited to similar event days with no permanent facilities or utilities. Developers considering event venue development should note the approval parameters and infrastructure limitations.
36-601 — Outdoor dog event venue
Applicant is seeking a Special Use Permit to operate an outdoor dog event venue on rural property with challenging site conditions including high water table unsuitable for septic systems, no existing electrical service, and an unresolved access issue regarding 331st Avenue. The case involves disputes over road dedication requirements, sanitary facilities alternatives (chemical toilets vs. septic), and allegations of inconsistent staff treatment compared to similar applications.
HGIS-26901 — Mixed industrial uses including warehouses, manufacturing, and data centers
This 320-acre comprehensive plan amendment and zone change would convert rural residential land south of I-10 at Wintersburg Road to heavy industrial zoning, enabling warehouses, manufacturing, and data centers. The project affects undisturbed Sonoran desert scrub habitat and requires coordination with Arizona Game & Fish and State Trust Land adjacent properties.
45-029R — Warehouse, data center, manufacturing, and energy production
This case involves a rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment in the Wintersburg 313 area to facilitate industrial and commercial uses including warehouse, data center, manufacturing, and energy production. The project is subject to Arizona Game and Fish Department coordination regarding potential wildlife impacts. Developers in the industrial/logistics sector should monitor this case as it may affect land use availability in this Maricopa County location.
Z250034 — Warehousing, manufacturing, energy production, and data center
This 316.39-acre rezoning from Rural-43 to IND-3 IUPD will enable large-scale industrial development including warehousing, manufacturing, energy production, and a data center on previously undeveloped land in the Tonopah area. The project includes a 20-acre commercial reserve and requires road dedications and floodplain compliance, with subsequent Plans of Development to be submitted for administrative approval. Developers should note the modified development standards (80' building height for industrial, 150' for energy production, 75% lot coverage with solar/battery storage exclusions, and reduced parking/loading requirements for data centers) and significant engineering conditions including floodplain re-delineation, roadway dedications, and traffic impact analysis requirements.
Z260002 — Residential development (approximately 700 homes, referred to as Mordo Ranch or MorDo development)
This rezoning case seeks to convert rural zoning (R-43, currently 1 acre minimum lots) to denser zoning to accommodate approximately 700 new homes on the Mordo Ranch property in Rio Verde Foothills. Residents oppose the project citing critical concerns including insufficient water resources (the area already experiences water shortages), inadequate road infrastructure (single main evacuation route), and compatibility with the rural character and ranch-lifestyle community. The development would also raise wildfire evacuation risks, impact natural drainage and floodplain areas, and strain existing septic systems in a region without municipal sewer service.
26-0330 — comprehensive_plan_amendment
This case involves a comprehensive plan update for Maricopa County with multiple stakeholder comments, particularly from the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) regarding the treatment and designation of approximately 11.5% of county land comprised of State Trust Land. Key issues include correcting inadvertent mapping errors on approximately 2,780 acres of State Trust Land in the White Tanks/Grand Avenue Area Plan, ensuring appropriate land use designations that allow development at 1 DU/acre or greater consistent with state law, and requiring coordination with ASLD on area plans, zoning changes, and transportation improvements that may affect State Trust Land.
11-806D — comprehensive_plan_amendment
This case establishes the public participation procedures that the Board of Supervisors must follow when adopting or amending the Comprehensive Plan in Maricopa County. Developers proposing comprehensive plan amendments will need to comply with these mandatory public participation requirements, including stakeholder notification, multiple stages of public input, and submission of detailed participation reports before formal hearings can occur.
11-804 — comprehensive_plan_amendment
This case requires Maricopa County to prepare and adopt a long-term Comprehensive Plan for unincorporated areas. The plan must address multiple topics as directed by Arizona Revised Statutes. Developers should monitor this case as it may establish planning policies and requirements affecting future development in unincorporated Maricopa County.
28-8481 — text_amendment
This case involves adoption of the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan (Framework 2040), which establishes long-range policy guidance for unincorporated areas of the county and must ensure development compatibility with military airport operations per Arizona state law. The plan sets development frameworks, growth strategies, and policies that will guide zoning decisions and land use approvals throughout unincorporated Maricopa County for the next 10-20 years.
CPA260002 — comprehensive_plan_amendment
This case involves adoption of the Framework 2040 Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan, a county-wide planning document that establishes goals and policies for land use, transportation, environment, economic growth, and other planning elements across unincorporated Maricopa County. The plan guides future development and policy decisions across the county and affects all property owners and developers working in unincorporated areas.
28-873 — High-frequency, late-night outdoor event venue (weddings, etc.)
The Rancho Bravo proposal seeks approval for a high-frequency, late-night outdoor event venue (weddings, etc.) operating up to seven days per week with hours extending past midnight on rural/residential land near Goodyear. The proposal raises significant concerns regarding noise pollution, traffic impacts, wildlife disruption, and incompatibility with the quiet, peaceful character of the surrounding residential area.
SU290001 — Outdoor wedding and event venue
Rancho Bravo is seeking a Special Use Permit to operate an outdoor wedding and event venue in a Rural 43-zoned area near residential neighborhoods in Goodyear. The proposal involves events operating up to 2:00 AM daily with anticipated traffic of 250-300 vehicles, raising significant concerns from nearby property owners about noise, traffic impacts, parking adequacy, and incompatibility with the rural residential character of the area.
SU420001 — Outdoor event venue for weddings, family functions, equine events, parties, corporate events, rodeos, and other gatherings
Rancho Bravo seeks approval for a special use permit to operate as an outdoor event venue accommodating weddings, family functions, equine events, and other gatherings. The facility is located in the far west valley near Estrella Mountains on relatively isolated property with minimal neighbors. Approval would enable a new commercial entertainment use in an area currently lacking event venue infrastructure.
SU240015 — specific_use_permit
A specific use permit request for The Ranch at Salt River that includes variances from standard requirements: non-paved parking, non-solid fencing, and no screening are being permitted. Developers should monitor this case if they have similar projects requiring flexibility on parking surfaces, fencing materials, or landscape screening standards in Maricopa County.
Z2024027 — other
TRB Range is an approved special use facility in Tonopah occupying 10 acres of a 40-acre parcel, operating for approximately 30 days annually with minimal infrastructure including unpaved parking, porta potties, and generator-powered lighting. The facility is similar to the Justice Brothers Ranch Desert Farm Lights but with lower event capacity and more limited annual operating days, requiring monitoring of operational compliance with approved conditions.
Z2019034 — specific_use_permit
This case involves a 20-year renewal of a specific use permit for an event venue on 10 acres with significant operational impacts: 22 events per year with guest occupancy up to 1,600 in a banquet hall and 800 for other events, supported by 584 parking spaces. The approval includes waivers for parking surface requirements except for ADA-compliant spaces and allows temporary toilets on the property.
Z-95-52 — RV park with park models
This application seeks to modify the conditions of an existing Special Use Permit for an RV park to allow park models on the site. The modification is intended to align the property's entitlements with current operational needs while maintaining compliance with County requirements. Approval of this modification would permit the addition of park models to the existing RV park facility.
SU250033 — RV park with park models
The applicant seeks to modify conditions of an existing Special Use Permit for an RV park in an R1-8 zone to allow park models on the 2.4-acre site near Crismon and Broadway Roads in east Mesa. This modification could affect the character and density of the RV park use and may impact neighboring residential properties in the R1-8 district.
AZ-5292 — Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) - 109' tower with antenna array
Vertical Bridge is seeking a Special Use Permit to install a new 109-foot wireless communication tower in a 50'x50' compound on a 40-acre parcel near Tonopah. The tower will be subject to strict conditions including setbacks, height limitations, and a 30-year permit term expiring in 2056. This case is relevant to developers considering tower projects or properties in unincorporated Maricopa County, as it establishes operational standards and approval procedures for wireless infrastructure.
SU250037 — Wireless communication facility (WCF)
This case involves a special use permit request for a wireless communication facility on a 2,500 square-foot site in the Rural-43 zoning district in the Tonopah area. The county staff recommends approval with conditions, indicating this is a permitted use type that can move forward subject to standard safeguards. There is no known support or opposition to the project.
28-8461 — RV/Boat/Vehicle storage and/or self-storage facility
This case approves a Military Compatibility Permit for approximately 33 acres of RV/Boat/Vehicle and self-storage facility development near Luke Air Force Base, requiring modifications to standard Rural-43 zoning standards including reduced setbacks, adjusted parking provisions, and increased signage allowances. The project's compatibility with LAFB operations has been determined by the Air Force, and the proposal includes phased development starting in Q1 2026. Key variances from rural zoning standards include commercial-level setbacks (10' front/side vs. 40'/30'), an 8-foot chain link fence instead of required masonry walls, and signage increases (36 sq. ft. wall signs at 20' height and 50 sq. ft. freestanding signs at 26' height).
RU-190 — 800-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and ancillary facilities to support photovoltaic (PV) solar energy generation
This rezoning application seeks to convert 65 acres of rural land to industrial zoning to develop a large-scale battery energy storage facility (800 MW) that will support existing and future solar projects in the area. The applicant is requesting multiple modifications to standard county development standards through an Industrial Unit Plan of Development overlay, including reduced parking and landscaping requirements, alternative fencing options, and increased setbacks (100 feet on all sides) to accommodate the remote, unmanned nature of the facility. The project is anticipated to begin construction in 2026 with commercial operations by 2028 or later, creating a small operational workforce but requiring minimal routine vehicle traffic once operational.
Z250031 — Battery energy storage system (BESS) facility with power generation and distribution uses; 800-MW storage system with approximately 15 acres reserved for power transfer substation use
This rezoning request would convert 65 acres from Rural-190 to IND-2 IUPD to enable an 800-MW battery energy storage system facility, part of the larger Sun Basin regional energy project. The site is ideally positioned adjacent to existing power infrastructure and industrial uses near Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, with no known public opposition and no outstanding agency concerns. The applicant has requested modified development standards including reduced setbacks, no parking requirements, and chain-link fencing instead of masonry walls to accommodate the BESS facility design.
12-1132 — pd_amendment
This case involves a stipulation modification to the Riverwalk Planned Development to remove an age requirement for residents. The modification addresses deed restrictions governing resident eligibility at this 15.3-acre residential development in Maricopa County.
Z2021003 — Single-family residential (89 lots)
This case modifies the terms of a previously approved Planned Development by removing the age-restriction requirement (55+ resident requirement) for the 89-lot Riverwalk subdivision. The removal of the age-restriction condition allows the subdivision to accommodate residents of any age, unlike the adjacent Senior Citizen Overlay district in Sun City.
Z250035 — Single-family residential subdivision (89 single-story homes, 1200-1500 sq ft)
Lennar requests removal of age-restriction stipulation (55+ requirement) from the originally approved 2021 Riverwalk subdivision to allow sale of homes to buyers of all ages, citing updated 2023 Area Plan guidance and changed market conditions. The modification would remove the deed restriction requirement while maintaining all other original design standards including single-story-only construction and extensive amenities.
50-400 — Recreational open-air facility for community events and large assemblies (Gambel Field)
Applicant seeks a Special Use Permit for Gambel Field, an 8-acre recreational facility in a rural R-43 zone designed to host community events and private gatherings accommodating up to 400 people on grass space with natural surface parking. The facility requests waivers for standard parking, screening, and site enclosure requirements to preserve the natural desert landscape, with operations limited to fewer than 60 days annually and minimal traffic impact on the surrounding agricultural and rural area.
SU250041 — Special use permit for event space and outdoor events, up to 60 events per year with maximum 400 guests per event
This case involves a Special Use Permit for an outdoor event venue (Event Space at Gambel Field) in rural Maricopa County designed to host up to 60 events per year with 400 attendees maximum per event. Staff recommends denial due to the applicant's refusal to provide permanent water, wastewater, and electrical infrastructure, instead proposing portable toilets, bottled water, and generator power, which staff views as unsustainable and contrary to orderly growth standards. If approved, the SUP would be conditioned on extensive requirements including permanent utility connections, paved parking and driveways with dust control, and various operational restrictions.
28-8482 — RV, boat, vehicle and self-storage facility
This is a Military Compatibility Permit with a precise Plan of Development for a 32-acre RV, boat, vehicle and self-storage facility in the Surprise area, requesting variations to Rural-43 zoning standards including reduced setbacks (front yard from 40' to 10', side yard from 30' to 10'), increased lot coverage (from 25% to 65%), and modified screening and parking requirements to accommodate the outdoor storage use bisected by a wash. The facility will operate 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with minimal employees and is recommended for approval with conditions.
PS25-0578 — Storage and distribution of hay in accessory to a single-family home
Applicant seeks a Special Use Permit to operate a hay storage and distribution business accessory to a single-family home on a 1.175-acre rural residential parcel currently zoned Rural-43 in unincorporated Maricopa County, though the property lies within the City of Surprise's planning area. Neighboring property owners object to the proposal, citing excessive hay storage (400-600 bales stacked above the 6-foot fence), heavy truck traffic at all hours of the day and night, equipment noise, fumes, dust, and safety concerns; they argue the operation violates stated business hours (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM) and substantially exceeds what is permitted under rural residential zoning ordinances. The staff notes that while single-family residential use aligns with the City of Surprise's Neighborhood designation, the proposed home occupation would not comply with City standards if the property were annexed in the future.
SU250021 — Cottage industry home-based hay distribution business
This case requests a special use permit for a hay distribution business on a 1.2-acre rural residential property, with significant neighbor opposition regarding noise, dust, and traffic impacts on a private easement road serving four residential parcels. The approved permit is limited to two years with strict operational conditions, including hay squeeze use limited to weekdays 8AM-4PM and mandatory easement maintenance, reflecting concerns about intensity of use in a single-family rural neighborhood.
Z250032 — Cottage Industry Home Occupation - Sale of water tanks (rainwater, septic, and water storage tanks)
Mike and Beverly Herman are requesting a Cottage Industry Home Occupation Special Use Permit to legally operate their water tank sales business from their residential property in rural Maricopa County. The business has operated for three years with minimal impact: only 3-5 vehicles per day (maximum 8), quiet operations during 6am-3pm weekday hours, and no complaints from neighbors. The use requires relief on a few minor requirements (outdoor equipment operation and storage height) but is consistent with the rural character of the area where at least 25 other commercial operations exist among the 121 surveyed parcels.
PAB-0323 — other
A patent easement abandonment (PAB-0323) was filed to permit a fence and gate on the property, which is a prerequisite for the Special Use Permit (SU250032) for a cottage industry home occupation involving on-site tank sales. The easement abandonment is a procedural requirement with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation to clear title constraints on the parcel.
SU250032 — Home-based cottage industry, septic and water tank sales
Herman's Tank Sales seeks a Special Use Permit to formalize an existing home-based tank sales operation (septic, water, bulk containers) on 2.5 acres in Rural-43 zoning, requiring modifications to lot coverage, height, parking, screening, and vehicle weight limits. The property is a County Island within Phoenix's jurisdiction and has received 11 letters of support and 1 opposition, with staff recommending approval subject to conditions. Developers should monitor this case if they are considering similar cottage industry operations or rural commercial uses in Maricopa County islands within Phoenix.
TU250049 — Temporary caretaker quarters (RV camper trailer for live-in caregiver)
This temporary use permit request seeks to allow an 8'x18' RV camper trailer on a residential property in a single-family neighborhood to house a full-time caregiver for a severely disabled family member. The application has generated neighborhood opposition citing existing code compliance issues at the property, including alleged illegal room rentals, multiple unlivable trailers, and environmental violations, with neighbors concerned about property values and safety impacts.
BA96-85 — RV park
A 1996 Board of Adjustment variance established a reduced front yard setback of 10' instead of 20' from Crismon Road's ultimate right-of-way and waived solid screen wall requirements on north and east boundaries for an RV park development. Planning staff is now proposing to incorporate these modified development standards directly into site plan conditions rather than rely on the now-void variance, which affects ongoing development standards for this approximately 2.4-acre RV park property.
11-805 — text_amendment
Maricopa County is adopting the Framework 2040 Comprehensive Plan, a decennial update to guide growth and development across unincorporated County territory. The plan updates land use, transportation, environment, growth areas, and infrastructure policies to reflect significant changes since 2016, including rapid industrial growth, population density increases, and housing availability concerns affecting development patterns and approval standards.
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