Public hearing followed by discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding the City of San Luis Subdivision Regulations and Ordinance No. 473.  An ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Luis, Arizona, adopting "City of San Luis Subdivision Regulations" by reference which repeals and replaces Title 17 of the San Luis City Code and providing for the severability and the effective date thereof.  (Juan Tejeda, Acting Assistant Director of Development Services)

A. Staff presentation
B. Open Public Hearing
C. Call to the public on this item
D. Close Public Hearing
E. Action on Ordinance No. 473 by title only
F. Action on Ordinance No. 473

The Planning and Zoning Division has completed a comprehensive update to the City of San Luis Subdivision Regulations, which have not been substantially revised since 2002. The current regulations were originally adopted from the 1992 Yuma County standards and no longer reflect the level of growth, development activity, infrastructure needs, or planning expectations we are seeing today. Over the past two decades, San Luis has grown into one of the fastest-growing communities in Arizona, and our subdivision regulations must evolve to support that level of development in a way that is organized, efficient, and responsive to community needs.

The updated regulations modernize the City’s subdivision standards and review procedures to ensure new development is better aligned with contemporary engineering practices, infrastructure planning, and urban design principles. They strengthen expectations for roadway networks, multimodal circulation, utilities, drainage, open spaces, and neighborhood connectivity while providing clearer guidance for developers and consistency for staff. Overall, the new regulations create a more predictable, transparent, and professional framework that reflects the community’s vision for long-term growth.

INCORPORATION OF HOUSE BILL 2447:
The updated Subdivision Regulations also incorporate the statutory requirements of House Bill 2447, which changes the subdivision approval process statewide. Under this legislation, certain approvals, specifically preliminary plats and final plats, transition from the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council to an administrative review process conducted by staff. Integrating these changes directly into the updated regulations ensures compliance with state law while providing applicants with a clear, consistent, and streamlined review pathway.

Although the approval authority shifts to staff, the level of technical review remains unchanged. Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Fire, Parks and Recreation, and other reviewing departments will continue to evaluate all subdivisions for compliance with City standards. The administrative review process maintains accountability, preserves the quality of review, and ensures new subdivisions meet requirements for public health, safety, and welfare.

TIMELINE:
The update to the Subdivision Regulations followed an extensive public review and coordination process carried out by the Development Services Department in partnership with multiple City departments and the community.

• January 30, 2025: The Final Draft Subdivision Regulations were posted on the City’s website to initiate the public review period.
• February 6, 2025: The draft was distributed to stakeholders for questions, comments, and feedback.
• February 11, 2025: The draft was provided to the Planning and Zoning Commission for early review.
• March 11, 2025: Staff presented the Final Draft to the Planning and Zoning Commission at their regular meeting.
• March 13, 2025: The first stakeholder and general public meeting was held to discuss the draft and gather input.
• July 10, 2025: The second stakeholder and public meeting was held to review refinements and address community questions.
• July 30, 2025: The Final Draft was presented to the City Council during a Work Session.
• August 12, 2025: The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing, discussed the draft, and provided a recommendation.
• September-November 2025: Staff incorporated required updates related to House Bill 2447 into the draft regulations.
• December 4-5, 2025 : A third round of stakeholder and public meetings was held to present the HB 2447 updates and receive additional feedback.
• December 9, 2025. Staff provided the Planning and Zoning Commission with an update on the HB 2447 revisions included in the final draft.

This project has been a truly citywide effort, with contributions from Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Fire, Police, Parks and Recreation, Administration, Communications, Economic Development, the Legal Department, and other supporting divisions. The document also reflects the input of our outside consultants, community stakeholders, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the City Council.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The updated Subdivision Regulations represent a major step forward in modernizing the City’s development framework. They provide clearer expectations for developers, improve internal review procedures, and ensure that new subdivisions are designed to support long-term growth and community needs. These regulations reflect how San Luis has evolved and position the City to manage growth in a more coordinated, efficient, and sustainable manner.

Staff recommends approval of the City of San Luis Subdivision Regulations and adoption of Ordinance No. 473, which adopts the updated regulations by reference and replaces Title 17 of the City Code.