Eloy Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - May 21, 2025

The Eloy Planning and Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at approximately 6:02 p.m. at 595 N C Street, Eloy, Arizona. The meeting was chaired by Stephen Paulson and included roll call, a Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence. All members were present, including alternate Erica Lopez via video. The meeting covered approval of minutes, a continuation request, a public hearing on a comprehensive sign plan, and a presentation on the General Plan update.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of January 15, 2025 minutes: Motion to approve with an amendment requested by Commissioner Rosettle to include his reason for voting against a data center item (RZPAD2024-006) — excessive water use in the desert. The minutes were approved unanimously.
• Continuation of CUP2025-003 (Arizona Trailers): Staff requested continuation due to the applicant's scheduling conflict with an open house. The commission unanimously approved continuing the case to a future meeting.

Discussion Items

• CSP2024-001: Exceptional Healthcare Comprehensive Sign Plan: A public hearing was held for the Exceptional Healthcare community hospital at 340 E Milligan Road. The applicant, Jared from Associated Sign Company, proposed a 50-foot freeway pylon sign (code requires a 20-acre parcel; this parcel is 5 acres) with 600 square feet of sign area (code panel limit 150 sq ft). The sign would be internally lit with a non-illuminated red background for the Emergency portion. Commissioners asked about wind safety (monsoon season), brightness, and compatibility with nearby signs. Staff confirmed that Love's had recently approved an 80-foot sign. The commission voted unanimously to approve the comprehensive sign plan.

General Plan Update Presentation

• Overview: Terry Hogan of Logan Simpson presented the General Plan update process, which began with a joint City Council and Planning Commission kickoff in April. He outlined the schedule (about 18 months), required elements (land use, circulation, open space, etc.), and elective elements (housing, economic growth).
• Public Participation: Since launch, the project website received 461 visits, nearly 2,300 people signed up for updates, and 211 completed the first questionnaire. Five drop-in events were held: Ropes & Ranch yard sale (118 attendees), Easter egg hunt (120), Cinco de Mayo (69), Food Truck at City Hall (29). An additional 27 stakeholder listening sessions were conducted.
• Interactive Exercise: Commissioners participated in a SOAR analysis (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) via mobile phone polling. Results included strengths (dedicated staff, location, skydiving facility), opportunities (roads, groceries, businesses, housing), aspirations (vibrant, thoughtful growth, job opportunities), and results (day-to-day conveniences, multiple jobs, no crime).
• Next Steps: Drop-in event at summer pool kickoff (May 23); Eloy Talks keynote event (June 21); three workshop series starting in July; draft plan by January 2026; 60-day public comment period; then legislative adoption and voter ballot in November 2026.

Informational Items

• Staff Updates: Community Development Director Dan Simer informed the commission of upcoming events and a heavy agenda for the June 18 meeting, where consent items may be grouped.
• Mayor's Remarks: The mayor thanked returning and new commissioners and noted that the RZPAD2024-006 (Southwest data center) was passed by City Council. He also confirmed that Commissioner Rosettle's water-use concern was reflected in the council report.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (unanimous) with an amendment to record Commissioner Rosettle's dissent reason.
• CUP2025-003 continued (unanimous) to a future meeting.
• CSP2024-001 approved (unanimous) allowing a comprehensive sign plan for Exceptional Healthcare with a 50-foot pylon, 600 sq ft total sign area, and specific lighting conditions.
• General Plan update: The commission, acting as the General Plan Advisory Committee, received the presentation and participated in visioning exercises. No formal action was taken.