At the April 15 meeting, the Queen Creek Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance P25-0153, updating animal regulations for large-lot properties to provide greater flexibility while maintaining standards for proper animal care.
“This Council is very cognizant that we are different – we are different by design, and this process has really provided an opportunity to preserve our agricultural heritage,” shared Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley. “We are so appreciative of the feedback we’ve received from members of the public, how much staff time and effort has gone into this, and the thoughtful input from our Planning & Zoning Commissioners. It took us a long time to get here, and that’s okay, this is the democratic process in action. Thank you to everyone who has been involved – this is another example of why I love our Town and our community.”
The amendment process began in 2025 after inconsistencies were identified in the existing code. Town staff conducted a comprehensive review and worked with stakeholders, including the Planning & Zoning Commission and community members, through a series of meetings and work sessions to refine the proposed changes.
- November 2025, item introduced during the Planning & Zoning (P&Z) work session
- December 2025, item reviewed with stakeholders, with adjustments made based on input
- February 2026, updated item presented during the P&Z work session, with additional adjustments made based on input
- February 2026, updated item reviewed with stakeholders (additional adjustments made)
- March 2026, updated item presented at P&Z, recommended for approval with adjustments based on input
- March 2026, updated item reviewed with stakeholders (minor adjustments made)
Throughout the process, the proposed amendment was adjusted based on feedback received from interested members of the public and the P&Z commissioners. For example, removing minimum square footage for animal pasture area, adding landscape as an acceptable form of shade, etc.
At the April 15, 2026, Town Council meeting, the updated item was presented during a public hearing. Council made additional adjustments based on feedback received leading up to and during the public hearing. Ultimately, the Town Council unanimously approved the following text amendments related to Animal Regulations:
- Remove animal unit count allowances for all lots one-acre and larger
- Permit the keeping of swine on lots one-acre and larger
- Remove the language pertaining to educational exemptions
- Require access to pasture area for animals (no specific size requirements)
- Require access to shade (structure or landscaping)
- Adjust the public nuisance section for on-site waste to bring it into conformance with service provider pick-up requirements
The Council’s action is consistent with the Town’s mission of honoring the past and embracing the future in being the best place to live and do business. It also reflects the Town’s value of being responsive to input from the community…