Stacey Bridge-Denzak
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Division plays a vital role in shaping the future of Carefree by guiding development in accordance with the community’s vision and values. Through careful planning, coordination, and enforcement of regulations, the division strives to maintain Carefree’s distinctive character while fostering responsible growth and economic prosperity.
Division Overview
The Planning and Zoning Division oversees all aspects relating to both short-range and long-range planning and development in the Town of Carefree. This responsibility includes managing and implementing the Town’s General Plan. The Carefree General Plan, which was last updated in 2024, outlines the general policies for development in the Town. The Zoning Ordinance, Town Code, Subdivision Ordinance, and Building Code provide the local regulations. For more information on the General Plan, click HERE.
A hard copy of General Plan 2030 (PDF) may be viewed at Town Hall for free or purchased for $30 to recoup copy fees. If you have any questions, you may call the Planning and Zoning Staff at 480-488-3686 or visit the Carefree Administrative Offices, located at 8 Sundial Circle.
Certain developments require approvals from different review boards such as the Planning and Zoning Commission, Development Review Board, Board of Adjustment, and/or the Town Council, depending on the type of proposal. The members of the Planning & Zoning Commission also serve on the Development Review Board and Board of Adjustment. Prior to developing a property, applicants are encouraged to discuss the project with Town Staff to ensure the project and process comply with all applicable regulations.
General Plan
What is a General Plan?
The General Plan acts as the primary foundation for advancing the Town into the future. Centered on a desired community vision, the General Plan is supported with subsequent Goals, Policies, Actions and Framework Plans to help inform decision-making in a manner that is consistent with the long-term aspirations of the Town. The General Plan also informs the development and management of various Town codes, regulations, departmental plans, initiatives, and areas of focus to further ensure near-term decisions are aligned with the 10-20 year planning horizon of this plan.
Why do we need it?
As established by Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS §9-461.05), the primary purpose of a general plan is to institute guiding policies for the management and future growth of the Town across a series of required elements (i.e. topics). Shaped by extensive public engagement this plan serves as the community’s expressed foundation for land use and zoning decisions while also providing an outline for public investment and private development. State Law requires every community to have a General Plan and to update it every 10 years. The Carefree General Plan was adopted by its Town Council on July 2, 2024, and subsequently ratified by the Carefree voters on November 5, 2024.
How will it be used?
Per Arizona law, the General Plan guides land use and zoning decisions by the Town. While the General Plan does not change existing zoning, future zoning changes must conform to the General Plan. The public is encouraged to consult the General Plan, as it provides specific information concerning the types of land use, transportation, and open spaces the Town encourages, as well as provides information and recommendations to Town decision-makers regarding the existing quality of life and lifestyles enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Beyond the Town’s government, the General Plan may also be used by various other stakeholders such as residents, local businesses, and community groups to understand the future vision for the Town.
In order to achieve this vision and emphasize the importance of the community’s values, the General Plan utilizes a comprehensive theme approach to organize the document. This approach integrates traditional General Plan Elements to better highlight the true interconnected facets of the community that go beyond individual topics and speak to the inherent values of the Town:
Scenic Community Character (Land Use Element, Growth Element, Circulation Element)
Open Space & Environmental Stewardship (Open Space Element, Environmental Planning Element, Water Resources Element)
Prosperity & Fiscal Stability (Economic Development Element, Public Services and Facilities Element, Cost of Development Element)
Special Projects
Special Projects/Projects of Interest, in essence, are long-range planning efforts that address the vision, values, and goals of Carefree, typically as it pertains to its physical development. Often these Special Projects are in association with the Economic Development Division to assist with Economic Development initiatives that will ultimately help diversify and enhance the community's ability to provide core municipal services.
A key component to such efforts is community outreach at every level of the planning process. Often times key stakeholder groups made up of interested citizens, property owners, and local businesses are formed to provide staff and/or consultants feedback and direction based on their perspectives and roles in the community. Staff encourages a meaningful public participation and engagement process for all projects, plans, and implementation programs.
Working in conjunction with Stakeholders, Town Boards and Commissions, and Town Council, special projects currently underway today include the approved Wayfinding Signage Plan for Town Center and the latest presentation to the Signage and Circulation Plan Stakeholder Group regarding circulation.
(COMING SOON) Click HERE for the recent draft of the Circulation component of the plan, discussed by stakeholders and the Planning & Zoning Commission on November 18, 2024.
Related Links
Carefree Town Ordinances (Town Code)
