Bill > HB2023

This bill modifies Arizona state law regarding municipal general plans, focusing on procedures for adoption, amendment, and public participation. The bill maintains existing requirements for municipalities to develop comprehensive land use plans with robust public engagement, including disseminating proposals, holding public hearings, and consulting with various government agencies and stakeholders. A key change allows cities and towns with populations between 2,500 and 10,000 people that did not experience significant population growth (defined as less than 2% average annual growth in the previous decade) and have a voter-approved current general plan to optionally submit new general plans to voters for ratification. The bill continues to require voter ratification for larger municipalities and those with significant growth. It also preserves provisions related to land use compatibility near military airports, mandates public notice and hearing procedures, and ensures that private landowners have protections against arbitrary open space designations. The legislation maintains the requirement that general plans be reviewed and potentially readopted every ten years, emphasizing ongoing municipal planning and community input. The bill aims to balance municipal planning flexibility with democratic participation and landowner rights.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81680