By Justin Matthews | Pinal Post
The Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission approved comprehensive code amendments on October 27, 2025. The changes revise Chapter 17 and Chapter 18 of Maricopa City Code to address state law compliance, update development standards, and correct technical errors.
The commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval to City Council. However, commissioners raised concerns about transparency and requested staff review several provisions before final adoption.
State Legislation Drives Major Changes
House Bill 2547 and House Bill 2447 drive several major changes. HB 2547, passed in April 2023, mandates that municipalities consider housing impact statements for zoning ordinances or text amendments of general applicability. HB 2447 requires cities to authorize administrative approval of preliminary and final plats without public hearings.
Housing Impact Consideration Required
The housing impact statement analyzes how code changes affect construction costs. The statement must include three elements:
- Cost estimates for building housing
- Data supporting the changes
- Less costly alternatives
Most amendments show no housing impact. However, according to city staff analysis, two changes could reduce costs and timelines. Removing covered parking requirements in the Mixed-Use Heritage District should lower construction costs. The shift to administrative approval required by HB 2447 could, according to housing impact statements, reduce preliminary plat processing by three to six weeks and final plat processing by another three to six weeks.
