Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

Christian Williams, Planning Manager, introduced Guadalupe Ortiz-Cortez, Principal Planner and Matthew Klyszeiko of Michael Baker International. Mr. Williams gave a brief overview of the timeline on the zoning ordinance update which was last updated in 1999. He highlighted the draft process, and that the staff is seeking direction on temporary signage in multi-family zoning, enhancing noticing requirements, permitted versus special use and use permit uses, and opportunities for new housing types. He added that staff will return to Council with comprehensive drafts in Spring 2026.

Mr. Klyszeiko reviewed temporary signage issues for multi-family properties, including types such as A-frames and banners, placement, size, duration, and permit requirements. He noted that Goodyear’s standards are consistent with benchmark cities and staff does not recommend any changes to temporary signage in multi-family zoning. In response to Coucil inquiry, Mr. Klyszeiko confirmed that the city has allowances for temporary signage for commercial businesses. 

Council discussed allowing multi-family businesses to have an extended amount of time, creativity and flexibility in having temporary signage.

Ms. Ortiz-Cortez reviewed noticing requirements and proposed expanding notification distances and formalizing Homeowners Association (HOA) outreach. Council highlighted the importance of improving access to notices on the website and enhancing sign visibility.

Mr. Klyszeiko reviewed benchmark cities, noting that notification distances fluctuate based on application type or project size. He explained that staff recommends increasing the noticing distance from 500 feet to 600 feet for all public hearing proposals and to 1,200 feet for zoning proposals requesting a land use change and formalizing the HOA notification process to a minimum of 1,000 feet from the subject site.

Council expressed support for standardizing the size of the notification area as part of the proposed notice requirements.

Ms. Ortiz-Cortez outlined potential updates to permitted and use-permit uses, recommending certain facilities be allowed by right under defined conditions. Mr. Klyszeiko summarized updates for commercial and industrial uses, adding that battery storage and data centers will be included in the update.

In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Klyszeiko explained the various housing types and noted the introduction of new dwelling categories, such as triplex and fourplex, due to recent middle housing legislation.

Mr. Williams concluded with housing findings, noting diverse housing types and forthcoming middle housing legislation.

Council discussed expanding owner-occupied, multi-generational, and executive housing options. Wynette Reed, City Manager, explained that executive housing is part of the FY2025-2028 Strategic Plan and is currently underway, with completion anticipated by the end of FY2027.