Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - March 11, 2026

Note: The agenda listed a meeting start time of 5:45 p.m., but the transcript indicates the meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. This discrepancy is noted.

The Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to review a consent agenda item for a conditional use permit and receive a status update on the General Plan update. Commissioners also received informational updates on recent City Council actions.

Consent Calendar

• Case No. CUP2025-011 (Park 8-10 Freeberg Outdoor Storage): A request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor storage on property zoned Light Industrial (I-1) at 5610 North Sunland Gin Road. Following discussion, Commissioner Lopez requested that Condition of Approval No. 3 be changed from a six-foot fence to an eight-foot fence (the maximum height allowed). The commission approved the motion unanimously with that amendment.
  • Vote: Commissioners Lopez, Whitman, Gunn, Facetto, Crawford, Tolson, and Chairman Paulson voted aye. Unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak. No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• General Plan Update - Status Update and Public Review Period: Community Development Director Dan Symer, AICP, presented an update on the General Plan revision process. Key points included:
  • The draft General Plan was released for a 60-day public review period on the city's website, using an online comment platform (Crones) allowing live comments.
  • Public outreach statistics: over 7,500 engagements (interviews, website visits, workshops, email), 10 community events (budgeted for 2), approximately 56 people attended the fall open house, and direct mailings reached 4,000 residents. Community demographics: 55% spending, 40% self-reporting on display.
  • The plan is structured into four main chapters: Purposeful Growth, Prosperous Economy, Balanced Environment, and Resilient Infrastructure, all guided by a community vision statement: "...we remain a city that honors a small town charm while embracing opportunity."
  • A mobile immersion lab (3D virtual reality) will be held in March in the community room. After the 60-day review, the Planning Commission will make a formal recommendation, followed by City Council adoption and voter ratification in November 2026.
  • Commissioner Whitman expressed concern about language in the plan that he characterized as "green new deal" in nature, specifically regarding prioritization of environmental issues and references to canal and waterway connectivity (which Symer clarified is based on existing trail master plans and washes). Commissioner Whitman acknowledged this was not the time for detailed critique.
  • Symer offered to meet individually with commissioners and provide printed copies for markup. He noted that staff may poll commissioners about whether to hold a group discussion next month.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The February 18, 2026, meeting minutes were approved with Vice Chair Tolson abstaining (not present at prior meeting).
• Consent Agenda Approved: CUP2025-011 was approved with the fence height condition changed to eight feet.
• Informational Item: Mayor reported two recent City Council approvals: (1) Rezoning of 338 acres (northwest of Battaglia and Frontier) from R1-12 to R3 (Cohen Van Lu) passed unanimously; (2) CUP2025-010 for an ATT Cell Tower also passed.
• Next Steps: The 60-day public review period runs through early May. A virtual reality lab is planned. Staff will potentially meet individually or as a group with commissioners on the General Plan.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.