Mayor and City Council Approve Changes to Zoning Ordinance
Nov. 13, 2012 Mayor Stanton and the Phoenix City Council recently approved a text amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance related to Use Permits and Special Permits, saving businesses time and thousands in start-up costs. The text amendment, recommended by the Development Ad Hock Task Force, co-chaired by Councilmen Tom Simplot and Sal DiCiccio, provides regulatory relief for businesses, such as dance studios, in-home child care and small rental car facilities located in a retail center. “This modernizes our zoning ordinance,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “It is so critical to protect our neighborhoods while helping our businesses to start up faster. I think we have struck the right balance.” Previously, these types of businesses required Use Permits or Special Permits. Now opening a dance studio no longer requires a Use Permit, saving six to eight weeks time and $1,400. A small car rental facility now requires a Use Permit instead of a Special Permit, saving up to six months time and $5,000. “Our goal is to make Phoenix the best place in the country to do business,” said Councilman DiCiccio. “The previously passed reforms make it so businesses can walk in, turn in plans and walk out with permits that day. We’re the 24-hour city. These new changes make Phoenix even friendlier for businesses starting up here and creating jobs.” The Mayor and Council will consider other types of businesses for future regulatory relief. Media Contact: Ruben Alonzo 602-261-88236
http://phoenix.gov/news/111312zonordinance.html
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