Public Hearing followed by discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding Text Amendment Case No. 2024-0835 and Ordinance No. 456. An ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of San Luis, Arizona, amending Title 18 of the City Code, Zoning Regulations, to revise Section 18.15.030(G) in compliance with updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes by establishing required timeframes for review of rezoning applications; repealing any conflicting provisions; and providing for severability. (Jose A. Guzman, Director of Development Services)

A.  Staff and/or Applicant presentation
B.  Open Public Hearing
C.  Call to the public on this item
D.  Close Public Hearing
E.  Action on Ordinance No. 456 by title only
F.  Action on Ordinance No. 456   

This text amendment is a response to Senate Bill 1162, enacted by the Arizona Legislature in 2024, which amends the Arizona Revised Statutes to require municipalities to establish specific review and decision timeframes for zoning applications. Key provisions of SB 1162 mandate that municipalities determine whether a zoning application is administratively complete within 30 days of receipt and that the City Council approve or deny the rezoning application within 180 days after the application is deemed complete. These requirements aim to streamline the zoning process, reduce delays, and support timely housing and development projects.

To comply with SB 1162, the City of San Luis must adopt these review standards on or before January 1, 2025. This text amendment will bring city zoning regulations in line with state requirements, creating a more structured process that benefits both applicants and staff by supporting accountability and predictability in the zoning process.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
The proposed text amendment introduces two key timelines within the city’s zoning code:

• 30-Day Administrative Completeness Review: Development Services will review all zoning applications within 30 days of receipt to determine if they are administratively complete. If an application is incomplete, applicants will be notified in writing, provided with a list of any deficiencies, and given guidance on the re-submission process.
• 180-Day Council Decision Requirement: Once an application is deemed complete, the City Council is required to approve or deny the rezoning application within 180 days.

This amendment not only aligns city regulations with state law but also facilitates a predictable and efficient zoning process, which is crucial for managing development effectively.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff has reviewed internal procedures to integrate this new requirement without disrupting our overall workflow.

SB1162 legislation imposes a maximum rezoning review timeframe of 210 calendar days, a significant reduction for many municipalities that previously had review periods exceeding 300 days. However, this regulation has minimal impact on the City of San Luis, as our current process already meets this standard, with an average review time of just 50 business days (approximately 70 calendar days).

Given the city’s rapid growth and limited resources, staff will be conducting a thorough review of all permit application timeframes. This evaluation aims to align processing timelines with departmental resources, creating reasonable expectations for applicants and supporting efficient, high-quality service delivery.

This amendment supports our commitment to customer service by establishing clear expectations and responsive timelines, essential to fostering accountability and transparency in the development process. Therefore, staff recommends approval of Text Amendment Case No. 2024-0835 and adoption of Ordinance No. 456.