Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paradise Valley public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues
2026 General Election Canvass
The council's vote on Resolution 2026-17 makes the November 3, 2026 general election results official for Paradise Valley. It's the final administrative step in the town's election process.
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.
Mesa Police Academy Training MOU
The Town wants to formalize an agreement with Mesa Police Department so Paradise Valley officers can train at Mesa's basic training police academy.
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.
Photo Enforcement Contract Amendment
A compromise keeps photo enforcement alive: if voters pass SCR1004 in 2026, towns with existing photo enforcement contracts (like Paradise Valley) must ask their own voters in 2028 to continue it. Without the deal, a total statewide ban was headed to the ballot.
Five Star Development Bankruptcy Plan Vote
Resident and former council member Paul Dembow criticized leadership over the bankrupt project, calling for a clear plan to protect the town's interests.
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.
General Election Voting Locations
Paradise Valley voters have until 7 p.m. on Election Day to cast ballots at Camelback Bible Church or Town Hall, and both sites have ballot drop boxes. If you’re in line by 7, you still get to vote—so don’t bail if the line looks long.
Storm Cleanup and Flood Response
Weekend storms dumped up to 4.7 inches of rain on Paradise Valley, flooding roads and leaving debris that town crews will be clearing for weeks. Don't drive through standing water, and report street cleanup needs to Public Works.
Miralina Resort Special Use Permit
The resort market inside the Kimpton Miralina wants a state license to sell beer and wine in sealed packages for off-site consumption. The Council endorsed it with no opposition.
Leaf blower regulations
A 52-year resident asked the town to consider banning or limiting gas-powered leaf blowers, citing noise and air pollution, and shared municipal codes from California cities that have done so.
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.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 sustainability measures
A briefing on sustainability measures for the next fiscal year, tied to the town's General Plan. Could shape everything from energy use to conservation programs.
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.
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.
Sanitary sewer rehabilitation program
The town is wrapping up a five-year, assessment-driven sewer repair program under an IGA with Scottsdale — including the decade-long effort to locate every 'missing' manhole. This year's work comes in far under budget.
Sunset of the Town Alarm Monitoring Program
The town's own alarm monitoring program serves only about 238 homes, generates 99% false alarms, and loses money. The council agreed to sunset it and help current subscribers move to private alarm companies. Roughly 8 to 20 staff hours a week go to administering it.
Fire Service Fund
The fire service fee hasn't been raised since 2013, but costs are up 54% and the town now subsidizes about $1.2 million a year from the general fund. A one-time 67% rate hike would fix it, but most council members oppose raising fees and want more history and options first — including an automatic inflation escalator idea.
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.
Hillside development review and enforcement
A solar application exposed a gap: the town can't force a roof recoat unless the work touches 50% of the roof, leaving non-compliant reflective roofs in place indefinitely. The chair wants the Planning Commission to fix the code, and a work session is set for May 21.
Phoenix Country Day School sports field and court expansion
The school wants to renovate its baseball field, build a new Wellness Center, and add two digital information signs at its Stanford Drive campus. The council approved the Statement of Direction unanimously — the Planning Commission weighs in by April, and the council makes the final call in May.
Draft Landscape Planting Guide
Commissioners flagged towering hedges along roadways that undermine the town's open, semi-rural streetscape. Staff noted landscape design guidelines date to 1996 and aren't enforceable code, making an update a candidate for future work.