Contact: Community Development
Planning and Zoning Division
928-634-5505
planning@cottonwoodaz.gov
HB 2447 To Streamline Development Review Process
COTTONWOOD, AZ – On Monday, December 15, 2025, the Cottonwood Planning & Zoning Commission discussed a future amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Design Review Guidelines. The item was referred to the Planning & Zoning Commission, by the City Council, for input on the changes necessary to comply with House Bill 2447 (HB 2447).
The City of Cottonwood would like to remind the public that HB 2447 will take effect on December 31, 2025. Under HB 2447, the City will be required to adopt an ordinance authorizing administrative personnel to review and approve site plans, development plans, land divisions, lot line adjustments, lot ties, preliminary plats, final plats, and plat amendments without a public hearing, and to review and approve design review plans, based on objective standards, without a public hearing.
The City did not initiate these changes and has previously emphasized public hearings and participation, particularly in the design review process. However, the City believes this legislation is consistent with our “open for business” mindset, which encourages strong economic development, and is working to ensure that these new rules will further such development in our city.
The City of Cottonwood is developing design standards to meet the requirements of HB 2447, and encourages the public to make their voice heard. Members of the public are welcome to share their comments or concerns on the proposed design standards as they move through the City’s approval process.
The anticipated timeline for the City of Cottonwood’s changes in regards to HB 2447 is as follows:
- January 26, 2026 – Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing of Proposed Text Amendment (Round 1)
- February 23, 2026 – Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing of Proposed Text Amendment (Round 2)
- March 17, 2026 – Council Public Hearing and possible adoption
- April 16, 2026 – Design Standards in effect (30 days after adoption)
Please check the City’s website in mid-January for a draft of the Design Review Standards: cottonwoodaz.gov/157/Community-Development. Comments may be sent to the Planning email inbox at planning@cottonwoodaz.gov.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in future public hearings, which will now occur at the Planning Level as opposed to the Project Approval level.
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