Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paradise Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in zoning with high priority
Zoning Code Update: Pickleball Courts and Construction Signs
The town is working on a significant update to its zoning code — the rules governing what can be built and where. This study session gives the council an early look at the draft and a chance to steer staff before any final action.
Managerial Special Use Permit Text Amendment
Another zoning ordinance would change how managerial special use permits work under Article XI.
Franciscan Renewal Center solar proposal
The Franciscan Renewal Center wants four solar shade structures over its parking lot — a major SUP amendment because it adds over 40% to the site's floor area. Council wants the Planning Commission to focus on height, setbacks, and neighbor impacts; the SOD vote is May 14.
Elimination of temporary use permits in residential areas
A zoning code overhaul of temporary use permit rules goes to public hearing — this affects how short-term events and uses are permitted around Town.
Pickleball court noise and lighting
A resident urged the council to adopt zoning-based pickleball noise rules, citing an American Planning Association article with model ordinances requiring setbacks of 60 to 600 feet and public hearings before permits.
Banning construction yards from residential properties
Multiple members reported contractors parking on both sides of narrow streets despite promises to park on-site, calling it a safety hazard. Staff said it's a constant battle handled with police ticketing and towing, and town attorney said capping permits per street would likely violate Arizona law.
Alleged zoning violations at 8335 North Lillian Lane
A resident delivered a demand for a stop work order at a new construction site, alleging FAR, height, setback, and drainage violations — and said a building official threw her demand in the trash. She asked for access to the zoning appeal process.
Assisted living home occupancy limits
New assisted living homes in Paradise Valley will now be capped at 6 residents instead of 10, with all parking required on-site. Existing homes are grandfathered at 10 residents. Supporters say it protects the town's single-family character; opponents say it makes new senior care homes financially unworkable and limits options for aging residents.
Codification of Zoning Ordinance Interpretations
The Town has issued 47 zoning interpretations over three decades, and builders complain the rules are scattered and inconsistent. The council directed staff to fold all of them into the Zoning Code with redline drafts and fix conflicts, including one between roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar rules.
Temporary use permits for construction staging
A 21,424-square-foot home is proposed on a lot with an existing cut, but the four families on the narrow, dead-end private street worry about construction trucks, egress, and street repair. Staging will be worked out during permitting.
Phoenix Country Day School special use permit amendment
The school wants to renovate its baseball field, add a wellness center, and install two digital signs. Neighbors care about noise, construction traffic, sign lighting, and the campus growing denser. The commission will recommend to council after an April 7 public hearing.