Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Surprise public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues in zoning with high priority
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.
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.
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-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.
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 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.
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.