Surprise City Council Meeting - September 2, 2026

The Surprise City Council held a regular meeting on September 2, 2026, addressing multiple agenda items including rezoning proposals, a battery energy storage system ordinance, a development agreement, a tourism fund budget amendment, and public comments on the DHS facility, Flock cameras, and Whitman incorporation. The meeting began with opening ceremonies and reports from the Surprise Youth Council. Key decisions included approval of two major rezoning projects, adoption of a BESS text amendment with a 100-500 foot separation range, and approval of a commercial development agreement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda consisting of seven routine items without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony (Call to the Public)

• Multiple speakers addressed the proposed DHS processing facility, demanding stronger action and transparency. Residents expressed frustration with the city’s response, citing lack of a safety plan and legal boundaries.
• A speaker criticized the mayor’s initial openness but claimed the council has since restricted public input.
• Residents from Whitman requested the council place incorporation on the next agenda, emphasizing the community's financial expertise and desire for self-governance.
• A speaker warned against replacing Flock cameras with more advanced ALPR systems and questioned campaign contributions to councilmembers.
• Concern was raised about police department transparency and potential adoption of Axon technology.

Discussion Items

Surprise 160 Rezone (Ordinance 2026-14)

• Staff presented a rezone of approximately 160 acres from Rural Residential to R2 Medium Density Residential at the southwest corner of Deer Valley Road and 231st Avenue. The project, called Surprise 160, is consistent with the General Plan and located within the 0-6 band of the Luke Air Force Base graduated density concept. Maximum potential units: 960, but actual yields will be lower due to development constraints.
• A development agreement approved in August requires the applicant to contribute to traffic signals at Sun Valley Parkway, provide two access points, and construct water/wastewater infrastructure including a well site and 12-inch water line on 231st Avenue.
• A citizen participation meeting on January 14, 2026 had one attendee; concerns included transportation, drainage, and growth.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with stipulations. Council discussion centered on preserving the open space wash area and the role of development agreements in ensuring off-site improvements.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote).

Buena Vista Ranch Rezone (Ordinance 2026-15)

• Staff presented a rezone of approximately 422 acres at the northwest corner of 227th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak from Buena Vista Ranch PAD and Rural Residential to multiple current LDO districts (R3, R2, R1, Open Space, I2). The site spans all three bands of the graduated density concept.
• The development agreement (approved in August) requires contributions to Foothills Boulevard, 227th Avenue, a traffic signal, water infrastructure (SPA3 recharge basin, well site), and wastewater capacity.
• A citizen participation meeting on January 28, 2025 had 10 attendees; concerns included density, access, trails, and infrastructure.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. The applicant noted that the rezone aligns with existing entitlements and that development will occur in phases as Surprise Foothills Boulevard extends north.
• Council discussion clarified that the council’s zoning discretion is limited to categories; a development agreement expands city benefits beyond code requirements.
• Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote).

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Text Amendment (Ordinance 2026-10)

• Staff presented a proposed overlay district for utility-scale BESS facilities. The draft ordinance included definitions, a rezoning process with site plan approval, development standards (8-12 foot wall, 150-foot internal setback from property line to wall), and separation distances from existing residential dwellings.
• Three separation options were presented: 100 feet, 500 feet, and 1,000 feet from existing residential property lines (in addition to the 150-foot internal setback).
• Public comment was extensive: speakers from Vets Forward, Solar United Neighbors, the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, Western Way, Key Capture Energy, and individual residents overwhelmingly supported the 100-foot recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission, citing improved technology, safety, grid reliability, and economic benefits. An APS representative suggested a 100-500 foot range to allow the industry to earn trust over time.
• Council debate focused on legal risk, consistency, and protection of existing homes. Some members favored a variable range (100-500 feet), while others preferred a fixed number. A motion to amend to a 100-250 foot range failed 2-5.
• Vote: The original motion for a variable separation distance of 100 to 500 feet passed (voice vote).

Alexandria Way Development Agreement (Resolution 2026-118)

• Staff presented a development agreement for Prasada East, approximately 10 acres south of Waddell Road and east of Sarival Avenue. Proposed tenants include a specialty grocer (likely Whole Foods), Flower Child, and Barnes & Noble.
• The city will construct Alexandria Way and 161st Drive improvements costing up to $4 million (budgeted FY25-27), with the developer reimbursing the city over 10 years with interest. Improvements include a traffic signal at Alexandria and Sarival and 900 linear feet of roadway.
• Construction mobilization is expected within 60 days, with the first tenant opening late 2026 and the grocer in early 2028.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Tourism Fund Budget Amendment – Desert Fall Festival (Resolution 2026-124)

• Staff requested a $30,000 budget amendment from general contingency to the tourism fund to support the Desert Fall Festival, a seasonal event at Surprise City Center scheduled September 25 to November 1, 2026.
• The festival is expected to attract 50,000–60,000 attendees from multiple states, generate over 1,000 hotel room nights, and have an economic impact of $3–5 million. The applicant is investing over $1 million of their own funds. Reimbursement is tied to verified hotel nights and attendance.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Liquor License Recommendation (Agenda Item 13)

• Council voted to recommend approval of liquor license application #404665 by Eurosaba Macris to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
• Vote: Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved two rezonings (Surprise 160 and Buena Vista Ranch) with development agreements requiring significant off-site infrastructure.
• Adopted a BESS text amendment allowing battery energy storage facilities through an overlay district, with a 100-500 foot separation distance from existing residential (in addition to a 150-foot internal setback).
• Approved the Alexandria Way Development Agreement for a major commercial project in Prasada East.
• Approved a $30,000 tourism fund budget amendment for the Desert Fall Festival.
• Recommended approval of a liquor license.
• Council directed staff to schedule a work session on parks code updates and a review of the Land Development Ordinance, including planned area developments (PADs).
• Whitman residents formally requested incorporation; staff will provide additional information for future discussion.