Public Hearing followed by discussion and possible action on any and all matters regarding Text Amendment Case No. 2025-0420 and Ordinance No. 474.  An ordinance of the Mayor and City Council of San Luis, Arizona, amending Title 18 of the City Code, Zoning Regulations, to revise Section 18.10.020 (C) and Section 18.70.040 (A) & (B) in compliance with updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes by authorizing administrative personnel to review and approve site plans, development plans, land divisions, lot line adjustments, lot ties, preliminary plats, final plats and plat amendments without a public hearing; repealing any conflicting provisions; and providing for severability.  (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 Reading of Ordinance No. 474 by title only
F. Action on Ordinance No. 474

This text amendment is a response to House Bill 2447, enacted by the Arizona Legislature in 2025, which amends the Arizona Revised Statutes to require local governments, by ordinance, to authorize administrative personnel to review and approve site plans, development plans, land divisions, lot line adjustments, lot ties, preliminary plats, final plats and plat amendments without a public hearing. These requirements aim to streamline the subdivision process, reduce delays, and support timely housing and development projects.

To comply with HB 2447, the City of San Luis must adopt these review standards on or before January 1, 2026. This text amendment will bring city zoning regulations in line with state requirements, creating a more objective review and simplified process that benefits both applicants and residents.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:

• Remove Section 18.10.020 (C)(5) from Title 18 of the City Code. Planning and Zoning Commission Duties. "To serve as the advisory body to the City Council on such matters as applications for protected development rights plans, subdivision final plats, and any other permit or review process in accordance with the provisions of this title;"
• Remove Section 18.10.020 (C)(7) from Title 18 of the City Code. Planning and Zoning Commission Duties "To hear, review, and decide on subdivision preliminary plats in accordance with the provisions of the City’s subdivision ordinance; and"
• Revise Section 18.70.040 (A) from Title 18 of the City Code. Revise authorization from City Council to the City.
• Revise Section 18.70.040 (B) from Title 18 of the City Code. Revise authorization from City Council to the City.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Implementing these updates shall provide a more objective review and predictable approvals without the time and resources spent on public hearings. Staff has reviewed internal procedures to accommodate this new requirement without significant disruption to the overall workflow, including revisions to the Subdivision Regulations to be adopted by the end of the year. This amendment upholds high standards for customer service by providing applicants with clear expectations and prompt responses.

Therefore, staff recommends approval of Text Amendment Case No. 2025-0420 and adoption of Ordinance No. 474.