Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Surprise public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in zoning
Commercial Rezone at 163rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road
A 3.11-acre parcel is transitioning from rural residential to community commercial to make way for a high-end Terrible's gas station, car wash, and additional retail or restaurant spaces. The project aims to serve the growing Asante neighborhood and surrounding area.
Establishment of Desert Rural (DR) Zoning District
Residents are pushing back against commercial development like the proposed Circle K at 163rd and Jomax, arguing it threatens the area's rural character and worsens traffic safety.
Pure Heart Church Commercial Rezone
Pure Heart Church is seeking to rezone 10.7 acres at 163rd Avenue and Dynamite Boulevard to C-2 commercial to help fund and support their new campus facilities. While commissioners support the church's community work, some expressed concern about long-term commercial uses encroaching on surrounding rural residential areas.
City Code Amendment for Agenda Placement
The council changed city rules so that any two council members can add items to meeting agendas with just 24 hours' notice.
Mesquite Mountain Ranch V Housing Density & Infrastructure
A 264-acre rezone proposes shifting land to medium-density residential, sparking fears from nearby rural residents about traffic, crowded schools, and infrastructure strain. Developers agreed to cap homes at 975 and fund roadway upgrades like shifting Deer Valley Road.
Surprise 120 Residential and Commercial Rezone
A 120-acre parcel at Deer Valley Road and 227th Avenue is being rezoned to allow housing and a small commercial corner. Neighbors spoke up about protecting local horse trails, leading the developer to include a 150-foot buffer with an equestrian path.
Home Occupation Zoning Text Amendment
City staff proposed cleanup changes to the municipal code governing home-based businesses to correct errors and prepare for future rural overlay rules.
Sierra Soul Ranch Housing Development Rezone
A developer is downsizing a 15-acre property from high-density multifamily to medium-density single-family homes, reducing overall density while providing starter homes.
State Legislative Priorities & Local Control
The council discussed upcoming state legislative threats to local zoning control, state budget deficits, and the need for funding to improve congested transportation corridors like Loop 303 and Grand Avenue.
State-Mandated Zoning Text Amendments (Administrative Approvals, Middle Housing, Construction Noise)
City code is being updated to clear up rules for townhomes, allow slightly larger lot coverage for RV garages, and ensure adequate parking and trash collection in tighter subdivisions.
Asante Trails Comprehensive Sign Program
Developers requested a unified sign program for the Asante Trails commercial center and Tavalo multi-family housing at 163rd Avenue and Pat Tillman Boulevard. Commissioners praised the design standards for maintaining a high-quality visual identity along a major northern entrance to the city.
Residential Wholesale Liquor Distribution Proposal
Residents and council members debated a liquor license application for a wholesale operation run out of a residential garage, raising concerns about code compliance, traffic, and fire safety.
Zoning Code Update for Adaptive Reuse
The city is updating local rules to comply with state law (HB 2110) making it easier to repurpose obsolete commercial buildings into multifamily housing where appropriate.
Zoning Text Amendment for Infill PUD Standards
Surprise updated its land development code to give builders more flexibility when tackling tricky infill parcels. This change aims to encourage middle housing types like townhomes across the city.
Light Industrial Rezone near Litchfield and Cactus
A 7.9-acre property was rezoned from Business Park to Light Industrial to match neighboring developments and comply with Luke Air Force Base compatibility guidelines.
Manny's Place Conditional Use Permit (Case FS24-1209)
A new beer and wine bar with outdoor patios won approval to open in an existing retail center at Bell and Citrus roads. The project met all distance requirements from schools and homes and received positive feedback regarding parking and hours.
Toll at Prasada Residential Density Increase
Toll Brothers requested an amendment to change Unit L of their Prasada development, increasing the lot count from 124 to 174 homes. Commissioners pushed back on the trend of shrinking lot sizes and packing more homes into tight spaces.