[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6547302,"mediaKeyId","3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3","parentId",3779525,"title","Queen Creek planners hear request for stock-dog trials, larger livestock numbers on 4.9-acre property","audioSeconds",2613,"startMs",527000,"endMs",3140000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3&start=527&end=3140","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3/thumbnail_527000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6547302/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Queen-Creek-planners-hear-request-for-stock-dog-trials-larger-livestock-numbers-on-49-acre-property","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547302-b4479ab63c3de751d2dddf649c9832a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452941&Signature=QONGr8gD6RNRQaoOgSEGw9Yt1IRwslGmHzorPzx4XMq5pQV3afqOsDG8Hzt4imOBaWCuO53vbJJYScxX8kicNcG49lnWcoIMkUqM8-n5TwElnlotvPVhHXxvWA1LNVhYugeOlAV5YlRNJpqyAxc6SB5DcszjWm3Iy9zHkN6TJ6ULoWu~PaZAdZsQgbWPV2WthPfidChEPj4k638OitihGx7wA854x3D~I~Hp9~h0KT~wispx-T3au87v5uGrBtuNe784GU8zz2RxfPsbM6W2xM-WY6-AWpq8dLYZ622O2gQpwjN3Qsh6YrbYH6LJ3mgZ1jlH2uAeZF~5iEfxgjxFXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Queen Creek","date","2025-06-11T00:00:00Z","article","The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 3 heard a public hearing on P24-48 D & D Mini Ranch, a conditional use permit request to hold stock-dog trials and to exceed the town’s animal‑unit limits on a 4.9‑acre property in the Ellsworth Mini Farms community in Queen Creek.

The applicant, Dan Sanderson, owner of D and D Mini Ranch, told the commission he and his wife moved to the area in 2020 and have been running agricultural operations that include year‑round Saint Croix sheep and, seasonally, up to roughly 65–70 calves brought in for trials. “We take it very, very important that we take care of these animals,” Sanderson said, describing feeding, shelter and fencing improvements and noting the livestock are kept in at night. He said organizers limit events to between one and three days and typically do not use amplified sound or nighttime lighting.

Eric Swanson, town planning staff presenting the item, summarized the proposal and staff’s findings. He said the site is zoned R‑1‑43 (one dwelling unit per acre) and that the applicant had been operating the stock‑dog events before staff learned of the activity via a complaint. Swanson said code enforcement met with the property owners and planning concluded a conditional use permit (CUP) was necessary; the owners then pursued compliance. Swanson described the proposed event logistics: six events annually between November and March, weekend daytime hours only, no amplified music or night lights, and typical on‑site attendance of 30–40 people (participants, judges, handlers and spectators). He also told commissioners the operation would use about 65–70 head of cattle for trials and maintain the existing sheep herd on site.

Neighbors who spoke at the hearing were largely supportive. Trevor Forbes, who lives on the parcel immediately east of the applicant’s overflow parking area, said he and his children have not experienced dust, odor or noise problems and that event participants have been respectful. Resident Ruben Valenzuela, who said he has lived in the neighborhood for 38 years, described an appreciation for animals and supported the use. Other residents, including Wendy Feldman Kerr and Al Weiss, described broad neighborhood outreach by the applicants and said most neighbors support the operation.

Swanson noted staff placed an addendum in commissioners’ packets containing one anonymous letter opposing the use and saying there are “too many animals on the property.” Swanson also summarized a neighbor’s dust concern; Sanderson described mitigation measures he’s undertaking, including a soil stabilizer (K‑31), concrete work in pens, and planting a clumping golden bamboo barrier to reduce dust and provide screening. Sanderson also said stock‑dog organizations that sanction the events (the Australian Shepherd Club of America and the Mountain State Stockdog Association) limit livestock handling during events and that judges will stop runs if they observe animal mistreatment.

On parking and capacity, Swanson displayed event parking areas and said there appeared to be room for overflow parking on the parcel’s pasture. He told the commission that staff’s draft conditions included an upper attendance buffer of 60 for events; Sanderson and staff both said the applicants typically expect far fewer attendees (30–40) and that six trials per season is a significant effort for the owners. Sanderson said livestock for trials are brought in from ranches and are kept on the site for the season to acclimate; he said animals have water, feeders and veterinary care access.

Outcome: The transcript records a motion to approve the D & D Mini Ranch CUP but does not record a full roll‑call vote or final tally in the public transcript. The record therefore lists the formal outcome and vote tally as not specified.

Why it matters: The request seeks a limited number of seasonal public events on a primarily residential, large‑lot property and would allow the parcel to host more livestock than the zoning code otherwise permits. Commissioners heard operational details, neighborhood outreach and specific mitigation measures for dust and animal care.

Next steps and conditions: Staff noted the CUP would include operational conditions (event limits, hours and attendance cap as a buffer), and commissioners asked clarifying questions about animal numbers, event duration and dust mitigation. If the commission or council moves forward, those conditions and any monitoring or enforcement provisions would be part of the permit record.

Quotes in context: \"We take it very, very important that we take care of these animals,\" said Dan Sanderson, the applicant. Eric Swanson, town planning staff, told the commission the applicants were responsive after staff contacted them and obtained the necessary permit application.

Additional background: The site is located just southeast of Hawes Road and Germann Road within Ellsworth Mini Farms; adjacent neighborhoods mentioned include LaHara Farms. The CUP request followed an initial code enforcement complaint and subsequent site visits that identified ongoing stock‑dog activities. The applicant described affiliations with national stock‑dog organizations that set rules limiting animal handling during events.

Provenance: See transcript excerpts below for the applicant presentation, staff summary, public comments and related exchanges.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Queen Creek - Planning & Zoning Commission - Jun 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Commission held a public hearing June 3 on a conditional use permit for D and D Mini Ranch to hold up to six seasonal stock‑dog trials and to keep more livestock than the R‑1‑43 zoning ordinarily allows on a 4.9‑acre property in the Ellsworth Mini Farms community.","taxTitle","Queen Creek, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",2212,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547288,"Queen Creek staff preview state housing and administrative bills that could force zoning changes",1097,4354000,5451000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3&start=4354&end=5451","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3/thumbnail_4354000.jpg","/articles/6547288/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Queen-Creek-staff-preview-state-housing-and-administrative-bills-that-could-force-zoning-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547288-429ce5b5832a85b34646afac10e8e01a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452941&Signature=lqmEwl9nA2Mvoz4Q2nQqj0DDe3dUDeKRuVlHfi~0eJNma5p3dnxmKjSrIRlacxQ9Sllg0KycMXFTsAjHxNCDjL4ZJfW4Jspdt2-VsBgaSxBYq90wjyqmqG9NVn8JArZlDgIrwzRsJNqzJud7KnAvp63A7~vBn8oBnEiK7ReGo2RmnUiNCYVtyAL9ip7pYBSMmasDMpN5WMjSrYyVMkcXBjD7NVupnjETSSYeZYSOxKa0zIHs1OC4YFJt3NA1Hpf79v6W2OwV0-RQzN1HOi7LG82ZfIBdHmXsvGkcBTkrIdyswZAVqq307zkiDfBoXLIJ1ecmor7NKhlXPxNI07pqaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town planning staff briefed the Planning and Zoning Commission on June 3 about a set of state legislative proposals and local code changes staff expects may require zoning and text amendments.

Eric Swanson, planning staff, told commissioners the town is tracking bills that would affect local review processes and land‑use rules. He highlighted several measures: House Bill 2447 (administrative review and possible self‑certification for some site plans and plats), HB 2721 (a \"middle housing\" measure that would require by‑right allowance of duplexes, triplexes and quadplexes on lots currently zoned single‑family), SB 1529 and related bills addressing landscape water allocations and pond/lake recharge usage, and SB 1529 (and companion measures) requiring municipalities to develop predesigned single‑family and attached‑housing plans to streamline approvals (sometimes called a shelf of approved housing designs).

Swanson said portions of HB 2447 reflect processes the town already applies—preliminary and final plats and many site plans are reviewed administratively in Queen Creek—while the self‑certification component (where builders certified in good standing may self‑certify compliance) would be an optional procedure to consider and might be handled in town code rather than the zoning code. On middle housing, he said the bills would expand by‑right housing options and that staff is still analyzing impacts on utilities, street design and the town’s general plan; he emphasized the distinction that middle housing bills generally address attached or small multiple units rather than larger apartment complexes.

On water and landscape bills, staff explained the bills aim to limit watering for decorative lakes and turf and that some town ponds serve dual roles as recharge features; staff are pursuing language to protect recharge uses and to reflect local practices. Swanson also described potential local initiatives staff is considering independent of the legislature—changes to lot coverage percentages for larger lots, clearer rules for outdoor storage and accessory structures (including repurposed containers), and streamlined handling of low‑impact drive‑through uses.

Commissioners asked about practical consequences. Commissioner Hill asked whether the bills remove municipal discretion over where certain housing types can go; Swanson answered that some proposals would indeed require allowing denser housing types on lots previously limited to single‑family uses and that staff will review how utilities, roadways and the general plan are affected.

Why it matters: State law changes can preempt or require local zoning adjustments and could lead to by‑right allowance of duplexes/triplexes across single‑family zones, new administrative processes and mandated plant/water standards. Staff said the town will return with draft local zoning text amendments if bills are enacted.

Next steps: Staff will continue to coordinate with an intergovernmental relations director, collect cross‑departmental feedback, and bring specific code amendment proposals to the commission and council if state bills are enacted. Staff also continues to examine local code refinements on lot coverage, outdoor storage and drive‑through requirements.

Provenance: See transcript excerpts below for staff presentation and commissioner questions.","Planning staff briefed the commission on several state bills — including proposals on administrative self‑certification, 'middle housing' (duplexes/triplexes), landscape watering limits and an optional town 'shelf' of predesigned housing plans — and said the town will propose code amendments if the measures become law.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547292,"Queen Creek reports rising code‑compliance caseload; town hires staff and tightens procedures",473,3843000,4316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3&start=3843&end=4316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3/thumbnail_3843000.jpg","/articles/6547292/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Queen-Creek-reports-rising-codecompliance-caseload-town-hires-staff-and-tightens-procedures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547292-3d22c382e0af0559877ea6390d9d2bf6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452941&Signature=aYQ5ywx7qTsYAblBYGXKGLRUyU02NJTXcw0DwBnP~-eAIzPbQ9mumYNPytJL5qICC6dCTcyDZp5oPd21GTNgBFy8bumKhMgR1BgPwHIEHRw1xbqAsrFyy4c~Ce8KuFubEFpgiVuT2hZznsly6truKXuduAxnDUgxAPPID6DuHHtczV4Dl0awXfpgIWwe68oHxvvEoFe2yQ4fCoV-Y7WgbLsU0RW1-nvyfGFgyObWjqdaHf61A4eqCtL8Qv04HkW9aB2iBGI2qJE4ii4Rr12pWGmCyqQfoLyuueubDrF9nzK6JVrkTqXmkBpXn9PKiRGGjLVHs0-37Ee7ztnJd9-RkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Victor Martinez, code compliance manager for the Town of Queen Creek, presented an activity update to the Planning and Zoning Commission on June 3 describing a growing caseload and proposed procedural changes to improve enforcement and collection.

Martinez said the division’s enforcement workload has climbed sharply: 14 notices of violation in 2022; 182 notices and 64 citations in 2023; 250 notices and 84 citations in 2024; and 144 notices with 41 citations and 24 court hearings so far in 2025 (mid‑year). \"The trend looks like it's gonna keep going up,\" Martinez said, citing town growth and increased resident reporting.

To respond, Martinez said the town is implementing an expedited repeat‑offender process that allows the division to move more quickly to citation for chronic violators, contracting two hearing officers to handle more hearings, updating court procedures for consistency, and crafting a process to address unpaid fines and liens against property. He said the division is also recruiting staff and that an additional full‑time code enforcement officer will start the week following the meeting; another hire was planned for contract renewal.

Martinez emphasized the division’s education‑first approach: staff generally begin with outreach and voluntary compliance and provide time to remedy violations before escalating to citations and hearings. \"Voluntary compliance is our main goal,\" he said. Martinez also said the department conducts proactive sign enforcement and weekend operations to reduce illegal signage.

Commissioners asked whether the code compliance division had engaged with the D & D Mini Ranch complaint; Martinez said his team had responded before his tenure began and that code compliance typically begins by educating property owners and referring them to planning for permit options when appropriate.

Why it matters: Rising enforcement activity can affect neighborhood livability, municipal court workload and the town’s administrative resources. The changes described—hiring staff, contracting hearing officers and refining processes—are intended to ensure timely enforcement and improve fine collection.

Next steps: Martinez said the division will continue hiring to reach planned staffing levels, implement the expedited repeat‑offender and unpaid‑fine processes, and coordinate with planning and the town attorney to ensure consistent procedures for hearings and citations.

Provenance: See transcript excerpts below for Martinez’s presentation and subsequent exchange with commissioners.","The town’s code compliance manager told the Planning and Zoning Commission that notices of violation, citations and hearings have risen since 2022; the division is hiring additional officers, contracting hearing officers and updating procedures to address repeat offenders and unpaid fines.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547297,"Commission approves site plan and conditional use for new First Credit Union pad at Queen Creek intersection",399,3247000,3646000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3&start=3247&end=3646","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3779525-cef9b1b2dbfdcc1e0bb0f189a79e76b3/thumbnail_3247000.jpg","/articles/6547297/Queen-Creek/Maricopa-County/Arizona/Commission-approves-site-plan-and-conditional-use-for-new-First-Credit-Union-pad-at-Queen-Creek-intersection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547297-e0bcda381b6ff5a02d075c72e651317b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452941&Signature=Eeozcnhuen2gS~T~xnnOs79mfSbF8~FkVQfldSRstMXNJw~JyPJ7m0Ocia4p2T10JmiVfYVnU4oYISPRPb3DcvFEGkXsBlCZUdr0xTU7GglatWb3fBSrig7YiC3kOqcQ2QmOGL1uzd2jQQXsN5F99yzWSjIQlZV2yTtUUdbcp8-Ui3rf-FlQ1d~cmJsIymOhVfn9Mc5gXid-EJmK3y-KXqHXVYFaDm3K61NIc1K53ByYNl3KranZa~NdxIDOQUaMh~r~h6Z4bnHitY9~UNE3gcjFyEfvfyx6ZJ22sfx5r12tNKzhWzfGpQc-Wtr8dtIZR2c8TqYVcGkWD0VoqJ7Dsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 3 approved a site plan and conditional use permit for a new First Credit Union branch planned for a pad within the Madera development at the southeast corner of Queen Creek and Signal Butte Road.

Nathan Warren, Planner I for the town’s planning division, presented the application (P24‑0063 and P24‑0064). He said the proposed building would occupy one of the commercial pads in the larger Madera center, occupy roughly 33,000 square feet of the pad area in context of the center, and include three drive‑through teller lanes, an ATM and standard teller services. Warren told commissioners the site plan meets minimum parking requirements (14 spaces for the pad), landscaping, open‑space and elevation standards consistent with the Madera design theme, and that staff had received no public comments. \"It meets planning requirements,\" Warren said during his presentation.

An applicant representative confirmed the proposal’s design intent and the three drive‑through lanes. No members of the public submitted speaker cards or addressed the commission on the item.

The commission moved to approve the site plan and conditional use permit. The transcript records a motion and that the chairman later dropped from the call, followed by staff acknowledgement that the motion carried. The public transcript records the motion and the final notation \"the motion carries\" for this item; the precise roll‑call tally is not detailed in the transcript.

Why it matters: The approval adds a banking/financial services pad to a neighborhood commercial node and includes a three‑lane drive‑through configuration, a feature commissioners and staff noted as lower intensity in this design because teller interactions are not continuous amplified operations.

Implementation and next steps: With planning approval, applicants will proceed to any required engineering, building permits and inspections. Staff noted the project must comply with the approved site plan, landscaping and parking conditions during permitting and construction.

Provenance: See transcript excerpts below for staff presentation, applicant comment and the motion.","The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a site plan and conditional use permit for a First Credit Union branch with three drive‑through lanes as part of the Madera commercial center at Queen Creek and Signal Butte Road; no public opposition was recorded.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Queen Creek planners hear request for stock-dog trials, larger livestock numbers on 4.9-acre property

Queen Creek staff preview state housing and administrative bills that could force zoning changes

Queen Creek reports rising code‑compliance caseload; town hires staff and tightens procedures

Commission approves site plan and conditional use for new First Credit Union pad at Queen Creek intersection