Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paradise Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in zoning
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.
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.
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.
Assisted living home resident cap raised to comply with state law
A state bill targeting Paradise Valley's January vote to cap assisted living home capacity — the town lost the capacity reduction but preserved its zoning authority and health/safety standards through negotiation.
Managerial Special Use Permit Text Amendment
Another zoning ordinance would change how managerial special use permits work under Article XI.
Board of Adjustment Variance Practices Review
Resident Sean McCarrahan reviewed 41 variance cases since 2021 and asked the council to add a review of Board of Adjustment variance practice, plus a pilot of AI tools to speed and standardize reviews.
El Chorro Lodge permit amendment
El Chorro Lodge, a landmark restaurant property on East Lincoln Drive, requested a managerial special use permit amendment. The council was set to discuss and possibly act.
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.
Vista Church monument sign special use permit amendment
Vista Church wants to replace an old wall sign with a large monument sign on Scottsdale Road — bigger in total area than the town's usual guideline, though similar exceptions exist for churches on busy streets. Neighbors will get notice, and the commission decides on September 15.
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.
Rear-yard setback encroachment and neighborhood character on Camelback Manor Drive
A small master-suite addition on a triangular corner lot needed a rear-setback variance. A resident warned the neighborhood is gradually losing character as nonconforming homes keep growing, citing a 2002 case on the same house; the architect said the addition is modest and screened. The board approved.
Garage modification variance at 5506 E. San Miguel Avenue
The owners of a steep, below-grade 1961 property wanted to raise a too-short garage door and replace a failing roof on a garage that already encroaches into the front setback. The board agreed the lot's 31% slope and curved frontage create a real hardship, and the new roof will actually be lower than the old one.
Yard Clarification Appeal — 6235 E. Catesby Road
A homeowner's appeal of a yard clarification determination (Case No. BA-26-01) was set to be heard but got pushed to September 2 after the applicant had a family emergency. Neighbors in the Quail Run Manor, Silver Sky, and Finisterre subdivisions had submitted a letter of opposition, so the eventual hearing could be contested.