Zoning 101/FAQs | Goodyear Zoning

Zoning 101 & FAQs

ZONING 101

What is Zoning?

Zoning refers to the laws and regulations that organize land into clearly defined districts based on the type and intensity of use. These rules help ensure that land uses (like residential, commercial, and industrial) are harmonious with each other. In addition to uses, zoning also regulates site layout and design details, including lot size; density; building placement, height, and bulk; setbacks; provision of adequate light and air; parking; landscaping; and signage.

What is a Zoning Ordinance?

A zoning ordinance or code is the legal document that specifies the regulations governing land use within a community. Adopted by a local governing body, such as a city council, it outlines various zoning districts and the permitted uses within each (e.g., single-family homes, apartments, restaurants, retail). The Zoning Ordinance also details application requirements, review criteria, approval authority, and enforcement procedures associated with administering these regulatory control measures.

Types of Zoning?

Residential Zoning: Areas designated for homes and apartments. This can include single-family homes, multi-family units, and sometimes mixed-use developments.
Commercial Zoning: Areas for businesses, such as retail stores, offices, and restaurants.
Industrial Zoning: Areas for manufacturing, warehouses, and other industrial activities.
Mixed-Use Zoning: Areas that combine residential and commercial uses.

What Zoning CAN Do...

Establish compatible and balanced development patterns (e.g. manage the transition of land uses)
Allow for a healthy mix of housing types, jobs, retail services, open space and public buildings
Protect existing neighborhoods
Preserve property investments and the city’s tax base
Protect community aesthetics and development quality
Regulate particular land uses of concern (such as activities with noise or dust)
Protect identified natural resources (e.g., scenic areas, hillsides)

What Zoning CANNOT Do...

Supersede State or Federal Law (in most cases)
Prevent development, it can only control it (within reason)
Directly change or correct land uses already legally in existence
Address or foresee all possible issues/situations
Enforce the Code
Create a market

FAQs

What is the relationship between the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance?

The General Plan is a broad, long-term policy document that sets forth a community's vision for its future development, guiding decisions on land use, housing, transportation, open space, and more. It outlines goals, objectives, and policies to achieve that vision, usually over a 10-20 year timeframe.

The Zoning Ordinance is a set of specific rules and regulations that governs land use and development within a community. It dictates what activities are allowed in various zones, building heights, densities, setbacks, parking requirements, and more.

Consequently, the General Plan serves as the foundation for the Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance then translates the broad policies and goals of the General Plan into enforceable rules. Although the purpose and intent of zoning is different from the General Plan, state law requires that zoning be consistent with the maps and policies in the General Plan. For example, if the General Plan designates an area for mixed use, the Zoning Ordinance should not allow industrial development in that same area.

Where can I view the current Zoning Ordinance?

To view and/or print the current zoning ordinance, go to the City of Goodyear website.

What are central elements of a zoning ordinance?

Zoning Districts - contain required standards for the design of sites and buildings, as well as a list of the uses allowed in each district. Zoning Districts are typically grouped and organized into divisions such as residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use districts. Each division can contain any number of districts with different rules and development standards (i.e. lot size, setbacks, height, etc.).

General Standards - are rules that generally apply to all development in all districts. These standards set requirements for things like vehicle parking, landscaping, signage, and outdoor lighting.

Administration and Procedures - lays out the processes for applying the rules in the ordinance. This section also typically includes common review procedures for zoning decisions such as site plan review, text amendments, rezonings, or variances, and provides rules for enforcement of the code.

What are some of the general changes that can be expected as part of this Zoning Ordinance Update?

Examples of specific areas the Zoning Ordinance may address include:

Changes in state and federal planning-related laws;
Reorganization and reformat of the document to make it easier for all users;
Certain development topics that are currently regulated but where additional consideration is warranted (i.e. specific use types, public notification requirements, parking standards, etc.);
Response to issues and concerns that have been identified by the City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Staff, and the public (i.e. housing affordability, water conservation; energy technology, etc.)
Review of permit and approval processes.

We will also learn more as we work through the zoning code update process with the community.

How will my property taxes be affected by the Zoning Ordinance Update?

Property taxes, which are by state law based on actual property use and not on zoning, will not be impacted by zoning changes. Thus, updates to the Zoning Ordinance will not impact property taxes for owners who have no plans to redevelop or change the use of their property.

Will new zoning standards be customized to Goodyear’s unique needs?

Yes, one of the biggest challenges today is that some zoning regulations within Goodyear’s current zoning ordinance contain standards that bear outdated and inconsistent relationships to Goodyear’s existing development patterns and conditions. The zoning code update process includes a detailed assessment of development trends that are occurring in the city today, which will then be used to inform potential changes to the Zoning Ordinance. This approach is designed to identify regulations that are a best fit for Goodyear rather than utilizing generic applications that may not be appropriate to achieve the city’s desired development outcomes.

Will the Zoning designation of my property change?

No, unless a specific zoning designation (district) change is requested by a property owner and evaluated as part of the overall update process, no current zoning designations on private property will be changed in association with this Zoning Ordinance update. However, it is possible that the zoning development standards of various zoning designations (districts) may change.

Can any property be zoned to another classification in the future?

Yes, any property in the city can be rezoned by following the procedures outlined in the current Zoning Ordinance. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Planning & Zoning Commission is required to hold a public hearing (after city staff provide proper public notice) before making a recommendation to the City Council, which has the final say on rezoning decisions.

Are there special zoning considerations for land located near airports?

The development regulations for land near airports in Arizona are crucial to ensuring safety, compatibility, and minimal disruption in the surrounding areas. Consequently, Goodyear zoning regulations dictate the parameters within which developers can operate, specifically concerning building height, land use types, and environmental considerations around the Phoenix Goodyear Airport. These regulations are designed to mitigate the impact of airport operations on adjacent land, thereby sustaining the overall quality of life for area residents.

Further, in 2001 Arizona’s Revised Statutes were amended to require all cities in the vicinity of a military airport to adopt land use plans and enforce zoning regulations to assure development compatible with the high noise levels and accident potential generated by military airports. In Goodyear, there are many land uses incompatible with high noise levels surrounding Luke Air Force Base, particularly within the high noise zones defined as the 65 Ldn and higher. These include, but are not limited to, places where people normally sleep, such as residences, hotels, and hospitals. It is for this reason that Arizona law does not consider single-family residential uses compatible in any of the hazard or noise zones that surround Luke Air Force Base. Uses such as schools, libraries, theaters and concert halls are similarly incompatible.

Where can I find a zoning map to see the current zoning districts?

The Zoning Map divides the city into zoning districts and indicates the parcels that fall within each district. The zoning district development standards determine the urban form and land uses allowed on each parcel. A map of Goodyear's current zoning can be found here (Zoning Map).

How will the updated Zoning Ordinance impact developments in-progress?

Development projects approved and entitled before the adoption of the updated Zoning Ordinance will remain subject to the rules of the previous Ordinance. Development projects that have not been approved and entitled before the updated Ordinance's adoption, will be subject to the rules of the updated Ordinance.

Are there opportunities for public involvement during the Zoning Ordinance Update?

Absolutely! The Zoning Ordinance Update process is designed to include public participation. Community members can attend in-person meetings, visit educational pop-up booths at select city events, review and provide feedback on surveys and draft proposals online, or participate in more detailed focus group discussions as needed. Your input is crucial in shaping zoning regulations to reflect the needs and values of the community. Check the project’s official website for upcoming events and ways to participate (external link).

How will my input be used to inform updates to the Zoning Code?

Your input will be used to help the project team identify challenges and improvements for the updated Zoning Ordinance. Ongoing public input builds on input received as part of the General Plan update and will be critical to evaluating new and revised rules.