Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Although the agenda listed the meeting start time as 5:00 PM, the meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM. The main focus was an informational session on proposed code amendments to reduce barriers for mobile food vending, including discussion of current permit timelines and residential buffer restrictions. No votes were taken on this topic. The commission also approved the consent agenda for a Master Sign Program and the previous meeting minutes with a typographical correction.

Consent Calendar

• Case MSCP2026-001 (Maverik Master Sign Program): Approved unanimously via roll call vote. The program covers a 4.25-acre site zoned General Commercial (C-2) with Planned Area Development Overlay at 1120 South Sunshine Boulevard.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public appearances segment. During the food vending discussion, Commissioner Bakht expressed support for a "common sense" approach and thanked staff for addressing the long-overdue issue. No other public testimony was offered.

Discussion Items

• Information Session on Mobile Food Vending Code Amendments (Ch. 12 Art. III & Ch. 21-3-1.31): Senior Planner Samuel Leonard presented an overview of current barriers, including the requirement for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) which takes an average of 3.5 months under best circumstances and can double, a 250-foot residential zone buffer that severely limits available vending locations, and restrictions on parking space size. He noted there are only about 19 restaurants in Eloy, including fast food and chains; removing those leaves roughly 8 sit-down restaurants. The goal is to encourage commercial use, reduce barriers, increase community options, and lay groundwork for gathering spaces. Proposed reforms may replace the CUP with a temporary use permit for sites already developed, reduce the buffer to perhaps 50–150 feet, and streamline approval to an afternoon process. A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2026, with further outreach to the community and City Council, aiming for a final code submittal in October. Commissioners asked about defining "local" vendors, the buffer zone, and how Casa Grande's more streamlined approach works (they use a week-long administrative temporary use permit). Staff emphasized that the process is still early and input is being sought.

Informational Items

• Staff announced a public open house on July 29, 2026, at the Senior Center from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM regarding the Airpark work session. A preliminary land use plan for the Airpark area (designated as a planned community in the General Plan) will be presented, based on public and commission comments. Staff noted that the General Plan update will go to voters for ratification in November 2026, and commissioners are encouraged to act as champions since city staff cannot promote the plan once it is adopted.
• Commissioner Gunn reported on progress of "tiny houses" and "autumn cottages" developments: 10 tiny houses have been placed on foundations on Fourth Street, with 10 more expected, and autumn cottages have gone vertical. He credited the commission's prior zoning recommendation for enabling this progress.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approval: The May 20, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously with a correction to a typo ("financing" corrected).
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously via roll call.
• No Action Taken on Food Vending: The discussion was informational only; no vote was taken. Next steps include a stakeholder meeting on August 5, 2026, and further public and council outreach.
• Future Meetings: The August meeting may be canceled; the next possible meeting is in September.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.