501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Index Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
SUBMITTAL FORMS INDEX
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
APPLICATION
VARIANCE PROCESS & TIMEFRAME
VARIANCE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
INTERPRETATION SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT HEARING DATES
TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL SITE PLAN
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ONE STOP SHOP
*Note: As of December 31, 2012, all Variance and Interpretation applications are subject to ARS §11-1605.
- As of September 13, 2013 all Residential uses are excluded per ARS §11-1605 M.2
Planning & Development
Department
VARIANCE
Can also be used for Interpretations
Planning & Development Department
VARIANCE & INTERPRETATION
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Instructions Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
A PRE-APPLICATION MEETING IS RECOMMENDED PRIOR TO SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION.
PRE-APPLICATION MEETING PACKET CAN BE DOWNLOAD FROM
http://www.maricopa.gov/2206/Pre-Application-Meeting
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR SUBMITTAL
1. COMPLETED APPLICATIONTWO (2) COPIES:
a) The application must be TYPED or PRINTED LEGIBLY IN BLACK INK.
b) The application must be signed by the owner of the subject property.
2. SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRETWO (2) COPIES:
a) Additional information may be attached to the supplemental questionnaire as
needed.
3. MOST CURRENT DEED (unofficial copy is acceptable)ONE (1) COPY
If the application is for a Variance for substandard lot area or width, a copy of the first
recorded instrument creating the parcel, must be submitted as well.
Copies of patent or recorded easements on the property must also be submitted, if
applicable. Patent Easement information can be obtained through the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) (602) 417-9200.
4. SITE PLAN TWO (2) COPIES (folded if 24” x 36”, no plans drawn on a sheet size larger
than 24” X 36” will be accepted) of the property, indicating the following (this may not
be applicable for Interpretation):
a) The site plan must be drawn to a recognizable scale, i.e. 1” = 20’.
b) North arrow and scale (written and graphic scale) shown on plan.
c) All property lines must be clearly shown and dimensions indicated.
d) Location and dimensions of all existing and proposed structures (including
fences, signs and pools) from property lines and distance between structures.
e) Location and width of dedicated streets, recorded easements, (provide
recording number) and patent easements on or adjacent to property (include
names of streets if applicable).
f) All existing and proposed structures must be shown and dimensioned on the
site/plot plan, even if the structure is not a part of the variance requested.
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Instructions Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
g) If the Variance application is related the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance
(MCZO) Hillside Regulations in Chapter 12, SEE ITEM #9 FOR ADDITIONAL
INSTRUCTIONS.
5. FLOOR PLAN AND ELEVATIONS TWO (2) COPIES (folded if 24”x36”Show ALL existing or
proposed buildings or additions pertinent to the request (this may not be applicable for
Interpretations).
a) Include elevations of any other structures pertinent to the Variance (e.g., signs,
fences, etc.). If the Variance is for lot coverage, a roof plan with exterior
dimensions is also required.
6. SITE PLAN REDUCED COPY (8½”x11”) of any site plan, floor plan and/or elevation is
REQUIRED if plans are submitted on a sheet of any other size. No plans drawn on a sheet
size larger than 24”x36” will be accepted (this may not be applicable for Interpretation).
7. ELECTRONIC COPY OF APPLICATION MATERIALS 1 CD or jump drive. Example a
Narrative Report should be saved as NARR-RPTS-1.pdf
Electronic Copies of Application Materials
Required Naming Convention for
the Adobe PDF documents.
_____ A.
Completed Application from
APPL-FORM-1
_____ B.
Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
QUES-DETL-1
_____ C.
Official recorded deed or unofficial deed
DEED-DETL-1
_____ D.
Site Plan
SITE-PLAN-1
_____ E.
Floor Plan
FLOR-PLAN-1
_____ F.
Photographs of Property
PHOT-DETL-1
8. PICTURES OF THE PROPERTY (this may not be applicable for Interpretation) including:
a) Neighboring properties looking out from all sides of the property.
b) The subject property looking in from all sides of the property.
c) Provide any additional pictures that may assist the Board of Adjustment in making
their decisions.
Pictures should be formatted as follows:
Digital photographs are preferred and may be submitted in disk or printed
format.
Conventional photographs are to be mounted on 8½"x11" sheets.
Each photograph shall be labeled indicating which direction the picture faces
and from what location the picture was taken.
A site-plan or key map may also be used in conjunction with the pictures; please
include the proper notations.
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Instructions Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
9. HILLSIDE REGULATIONS:
If the Variance application is related the MCZO Hillside Regulations in Chapter 12, the
following information is required with submittal of the variance application:
a) Site Plan must be signed/sealed by an Arizona Registered Civil Engineer or
Registered Land Surveyor with topographic plans/exhibits.
Contour interval not exceeding five foot intervals. Graphically depict all
portions of properties having a natural slope of 15% or greater.
Scale shall not be less than 1” = 20’-0”.
Graphically depict all disturbed areas and proposed method of final
treatment (restoration).
Hillside
Show location of all proposed utility lines and septic tank or sewage
disposal areas.
Legal description and property dimensions.
Hillside calculation table with existing, previous and proposed
disturbance and percentages. Identify area of hillside disturbance
outside of the building envelope.
Identification of all structures/buildings existing or proposed dimensioned
from all property lines.
Restoration Area
Proposed Hillside Disturbance
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Instructions Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
a. Provide elevation details of proposed buildings, structures, retaining walls on lots
with 15% or greater shall not exceed 30 feet from natural grade through any
building cross section measured vertically from any point. Show all structures at
25’ intervals perpendicular to slope, give the maximum building and structure
height in each cross section.
b. Provide fencing and retaining walls elevation details showing dimensions from
lowest finished grade to the top of the wall.
c. Provide Slope Stabilization and Restoration Plan Identify on the plan slope
stabilization and restoration. Identify the type of vegetation to be reestablished
on all exposed fill slopes, cut slopes, graded areas, or other areas disturbed.
Reference the type of restoration (example: mixture of indigenous grasses,
shrubs, trees or cacti.)
In lieu of indigenous vegetation, all cut slopes shall be riprapped with
stone or chemically stain treated materials.
See MCZO Hillside Regulations - 1201.6.2
Hillside Table
Sq. Ft.
Percentage of Gross
Area of the lot
Gross area of lot (sq. ft.)
-
Area of hillside (sq. ft.)
% hillside / Gross area of
lot
Previous hillside disturbance
(sq. ft.)
% previous hillside
disturbance / gross
area of lot
Proposed hillside disturbance
(sq. ft.)
% proposed hillside
disturbance /gross area
of lot
Total hillside disturbance
(sq. ft.)
% of Previous + % of
Proposed / gross area
of lot
Total Hillside disturbance
(sq. ft.) outside building
envelope
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Instructions Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
10. FEES:
Residential Variance fees are $250.00 for the first Variance request and $50.00 for each
additional Variance request.
Non-residential Variance fees are $750.00 for the first Variance request and $100.00 for
each additional Variance request.
$300.00 per Interpretation
All applications are subject to a Drainage Plan Review fee of $100.00 and an
Environmental Services Department fee of $25.00 in addition to the base Variance
fee(s).
All applications are subject to an Addressing fee which will consist of either $10.00 to
confirm an existing address or $50.00 to issue a new address.
Variance fees are doubled if the variance is the result of a code violation case.
All fees are separate, but can be combined with the planning fee. All fees are non-
refundable.
All fees must be paid in full by the owner or owner’s authorized agent at time of
application.
All outstanding fees and fines against a property owed to the department shall be
current and paid in full before any application will be scheduled for hearing.
Note: If an applicant has not made a resubmittal of application materials in either
administrative or substantive review periods after three (3) months, the application will
be closed due to inactivity.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT PROCESS
1. After it has been determined that the initial submittal is complete, the filing fee per
Zoning Ordinance requirement is to be paid by the owner or owner’s authorized gent
(checks should be made payable to “Maricopa County Planning and Development”).
A receipt will then be issued and a case number assigned.
2. As of September 13, 2013, the Variance and Interpretation process shall be subject ARS
§ 1605, a State statute that mandates establishment of timeframes to either approve or
deny a “license” as defined by the statute. The full statute may be viewed at:
http://www.azleg.gov/arstitle/
The statute sets up two types of review timeframes: Administrative and Substantive. The
Board of Supervisors (BOS) through the P-30 Licensing Timeframes Ordinance has
adopted a 25 day administrative timeframe and a 75 substantive timeframe for
Variances and Interpretations. Notwithstanding these maximum legislative timeframes,
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Instructions Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
the Department has established a maximum 75 day timeframe for scheduling a Board
of Adjustment case for a hearing from time of application. An application related to a
residential use is not subject to the statute. An application that is part of design build
project may establish negotiated time process during the pre-application meeting.
Administrative Review Period
The statutes allow for multiple reviews during the administrative review period.
Substantive Review Period
Only one review is allowed for the substantive review period. The County can amend
the substantive review comments to address legal requirements not identified on the
original substantive review comments.
The applicant can authorizes a 50% time increase. This authorization can be given at
time of application or at any time during the process.
After receipt of an application, the administrative review period begins and Planning
will review for administrative completeness. The applicant will receive a formal response
from their assigned planner for all reviewing agencies and may be required to submit
additional information. Once administrative comments have been given to the
applicant, the timeframe clock will stop and will resume upon resubmittal of the
application materials. Once the application is deemed administratively complete, the
planner will formally notify the applicant that the project has entered the substantive
review period and technical comments will be given to the applicant within a
reasonable timeframe. The substantive timeframe clock stops from receipt of comments
until the applicant makes a formal resubmittal.
At any time during the process, an applicant can check the status of their application
by viewing the Citizens Access Portal on the Planning and Developments website:
https://accela.maricopa.gov/citizenaccessmcoss/
The applicant’s assigned planner can also be utilized as a resource for checking
application status. If at any time comments are given to the applicant, a notation will
be made as to the administrative or substantive timeframe frame remaining which will
not resume until a resubmittal is made. Note: It is very important to return the planner’s
comment memo upon resubmittal so that the appropriate statutory timeframe can
resume.
3. Depending on the comments received, the application materials may need revisions.
The owner or authorized agent must submit revised materials to the OSS. The applicant’s
resubmittal must meet the County’s technical requirement or it will be denied.
Additionally, an administrative decision of denial can be made if the Director finds that
it is not possible to grant the application within the timeframe or the applicant has not
provided additional or supplemental information within 90 days (not working days) of a
written or electronic request for said information.
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Instructions Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
4. Once staff is satisfied that technical requirements have been met, staff will schedule the
request for hearing at the first available Board of Adjustment meeting. At this time, the
substantive timeframe clock will stop. The Owner or owner’s authorized agent will be
given the staff’s written recommendation to the Board approximately 5 days prior to
the hearing. The Board of Adjustment meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors’
Auditorium at 205 West Jefferson Avenue, unless otherwise noted.
5. It is the owner’s or owner’s authorized agent’s responsibility to provide supporting
information and/or evidence to the Board of Adjustment explaining why a request
should be granted. This information/evidence should be submitted as a part of the
application. Additional information may also be presented at the Board’s hearing on
the matter.
6. Unless continued, a letter indicating the Board’s action on the request will be sent to all
applicants within one week after the Board’s hearing on the matter.
INTERPRETATIONS
Any person who feels that there is an error or doubt in the interpretation of the Ordinance, or
that due to unusual circumstances attaching to the person’s property an unnecessary
hardship is being subjected on the person. The application shall state whether it is a plea for
an interpretation or a Variance and the grounds for the interpretation or Variance.
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Variance Application Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 7/31/2018
Planning & Development
Department
VARIANCE / INTERPRETATION
APPLICATION
ALL FEES ARE DUE AT TIME OF APPLICATION AND ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Is this Design Build? Yes No Is this Residential? Yes No
Please select the type of Board of Adjustment application from the checkboxes below.
Residential Variance Non-residential Variance Interpretation BA Blanket Variance
Is this subject property within an area of 15% or greater hillside slopes? Yes No
REQUEST
Description of Request:
Existing Use of Property:
Existing Zoning District:
Related Case Number(s):
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Address (if known):
General Location (include nearest city/town):
Size in Acres:
Square Feet:
Legal Description:
Section:
Township:
Range:
Assessor’s Parcel Number:
Subdivision Name (if applicable):
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name:
Contact:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone #:
Fax #:
E-mail Address:
PROPERTY OWNER INFORMATION
Name:
Contact:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone #:
Fax #:
E-mail Address:
PROPERTY OWNER AND APPLICANT AUTHORIZATION
I (property owner)
authorize (applicant’s name)
to file this application on all matters relating to this request with Maricopa County. By signing this form as the property owner I hereby
agree to abide by any and all conditions that may be assigned by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Maricopa County
Planning and Zoning Commission, or Maricopa County Planning and Development Department staff as applicable, as part of any
approval of this request, including conditions, development agreements, and/or any other requirement that may encumber or
otherwise affect the use of my property.
PROPOSITION 207 WAIVER
The property owner acknowledges that the approval being sought by this application may cause a reduction in the existing
rights to use, divide, sell or possess the private property that is the subject of this application. The property owner further
acknowledges that it is the property owner who has requested the action sought by the filing of this application. Therefore, with
full knowledge of all rights granted to the property owner pursuant to A.R.S1§12-1132 through 1138, the property owner does
hereby waive any and all claims for diminution in value of the property with regard to any action taken by Maricopa County as
result of the filing of this application.
Property Owner Signature:
Date:
INSPECTIONS
By submitting this application, I am inviting County staff to conduct all site inspections they deem necessary.
VERIFICATION OF APPLICATION INFORMATION
I certify that the statements in this application and support material are true. Any approvals or permits granted by Maricopa
County in reliance upon the truthfulness of these statements may be revoked or rescinded.
Owner or Authorized Agent Signature: Date:
ARS § 1605 TIMEFRAME EXTENSION
I authorize a 50% timeframe extension for the review of my application as adopted by the Board of Supervisors per ARS § 1605
and as amended.
Property Owner Signature: Date:
501 North 44
th
St, Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301 (602) 506-3711 fax
Variance Process Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
* Approximate timeframe to Board of Adjustment hearing is 2 months
* 30 days
Planning & Development
Department
VARIANCE PROCESS & TIMEFRAME
PROCESS FLOW CHART & PROJECTED TIMEFRAME
Submittal of application at front counter (One Stop Shop)
Posting of site 10 day public notice required
Assigned to planner & routed to reviewing agencies and
stakeholders
(Approximately 1 week of application submittal date)
Board of Adjustment
hearing
Review comments
(approximately 2 weeks
following resubmittal)
Sign-off (approximately 2
weeks)
Application resubmittal
(within 2 weeks)
501 North 44
th
St, Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-1472
Variance Supplemental Questionnaire Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
ARS §11-816 B.2
The Board of Adjustment may allow a variance from the terms of the ordinance
when, owing to peculiar conditions, a strict interpretation would work an
unnecessary hardship, if in granting such variance the general intent and purposes
of the zoning ordinance will be preserved.
1. Please discuss and explain what is/are the peculiar condition(s) facing the property and
include reference to the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance Regulation(s) or
Development Standard(s) to be varied. Explain the proposed use of the property with the
variance request. Identify and explain all peculiar conditions on your property in regard to
the following areas: slope, narrowness, shallowness, irregular shape, location, washes,
vegetation, and easements, etc. Explain how enforcement of the Zoning Regulation(s) or
Development Standard(s) would impose a hardship on the property.
2. Please explain the unnecessary hardship the peculiar condition(s) on the site create with
respect to existing Regulation(s) and Standard(s) of the Maricopa County Zoning
Ordinance. Please discuss and explain that the unnecessary hardship facing the property
is not self-created in the line of title.
3. Please discuss and explain how the granting of the requested variance would not cause
a negative impact on the general intent and purpose of the Zoning Ordinance.
Planning & Development
Department
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
VARIANCE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
501 North 44
th
St, Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-1472
Variance Supplemental Questionnaire Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
4. Provide evidence of the ability and intention to proceed with construction work within 120
days (4 months) after Board of Adjustment decision. Discuss if there are building permit(s)
or as-built permit(s) currently filed with Planning and Development Department and the
current review status. Specify the permit number(s). If no permit(s) have been filed, please
provide a timeline for building permit(s) submittal and projected timeframe for
construction. Conversely, indicate if the variance request(s) is/are not related to a specific
development proposal.
*Additional sheets may be attached.
** DO NOT USE THIS FORM IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING AN INTERPRETATION
501 North 44
th
St, Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301 (602) 506-3711 fax
Appeal Supplemental Questionnaire Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
Section 303.2.1. Interpret upon appeal the terms of this Ordinance when the meaning of any word,
phrase, or regulation is in doubt, when there is dispute between the appellant and the Zoning
Inspector or when the location of a zoning district boundary is in doubt.
1. Explain in detail your r request for interpretation.
2. Provide justification for your request for interpretation.
3. Identify the applicable Ordinance sections under which you feel that your interpretation would be
justified.
4. Attach any additional comments regarding your request that you would like to provide.
DO NOT USE THIS FORM IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING A VARIANCE.
Planning & Development
Department
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
INTERPRETATION
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
501 North 44th St, Suite 200 ▪ Phoenix AZ 85008 ▪ (602) 506-3301 ▪ (602) 506-3711 fax
www.maricopa.gov/planning
2020 Filing Deadlines and Hearing Dates 11/8/2019
2020 FILING DEADLINES AND HEARING DATES FOR THE
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
Hearings are held in the Board of Supervisors Auditorium,
205 West Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Application Submittal
Deadlines
County Agency Sign-Off
BOA Hearing Dates
(Thursdays)
December 23, 2019
December 30, 2019
January 23, 2020
January 21, 2020
January 27, 2020
February 20, 2020
February 18, 2020
February 24, 2020
March 19, 2020
March 16, 2020
March 23, 2020
April 16, 2020
April 20, 2020
April 27, 2020
May 21, 2020
May 18, 2020
May 26, 2020
June 18, 2020
June 15, 2020
June 22, 2020
July 16, 2020
July 13, 2020
July 20, 2020
August 13, 2020
August 17, 2020
August 24, 2020
September 17, 2020
September 14, 2020
September 21, 2020
October 15, 2020
October 12, 2020
October 19, 2020
November 12, 2020
November 16, 2020
November 23, 2020
December 17, 2020
Requests will not be scheduled for a hearing until the application is deemed complete,
all reviewing County agencies have signed off on the proposal, all applicable fees are
paid, and all outstanding technical comments are addressed.
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301
Residential Site Plan-3012 Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 3/25/2013
SAMPLE ONLY (DRAWING SHOWN IS NOT TO SCALE)
ADDITIONAL DETAILED PLANS MAY BE REQUIRED.
Planning & Development
Department
TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL SITE PLAN (Variance)
Planning & Development Department
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE ONE STOP SHOP
501 North 44
th
St., Suite 200 Phoenix AZ 85008 (602) 506-3301 (602) 506-3711 fax
What to Expect at One Stop Shop Internet: www.maricopa.gov/planning 10/30/19
Purpose: Provide customers with information about what to expect when submitting a variance
application. This information sheet includes the application material checklist, fee schedule,
and a three step process for application submittal.
Location: Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
501 N. 44
th
Street, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85008
Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays (new application submittals
must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m.)
STEP 1 - Reception
: Proceed to the One Stop Shop Reception desk to obtain a call ticket for the application
submittal. Provide the receptionist your name and specify the type of planning application.
STEP 2 - Intake Counter:
One Stop Shop customer service will call your ticket number and evaluate the
application materials for completeness. Once the application materials are accepted a tracking number will be provided
and staff will advise you to proceed to the cashier to process application payment. The following is a list of required
application materials: (Please note, if any documentation is missing your application may not be accepted
during the intake process, please be sure to follow this checklist).
STEP 3 - Cashier - Processing Payment:
The cashier will call your ticket number, request your application tracking
number, advise you of the total application fees and request your method of payment. Maricopa County accepts cash,
check, or credit card. Please make checks payable to: MARICOPA COUNTY. We currently accept Visa, MasterCard,
Discover, and American Express for credit card payment. Please note that proper payment in full, based upon
the following fee schedule, is required at the time of application:
Variance Planning application fees will be DOUBLED if variance request is the result of a Code Violation case.
Variance & Interpretation Application Submittal Documents
2 copies Application
2 copies Supplemental Questionnaire
1 copy Recorded deed or unofficial deed
2 copies Site Plan 24x 36FOLDED
(not applicable with Interpretation)
2 copies Floor Plan & Elevations 24” x 36” FOLDED
(not applicable with Interpretation)
1 copy Reduced copy of site plan 8 ½” x 11”
(not applicable with Interpretation)
1 CD or jump drive Electronic copy of application materials
1 copy Photographs of property
Variance & Interpretation Application Fee Schedule
Residential
$250 for first Variance request and $50 for each additional Variance request
Non-Residential
$750 for first Variance request and $100 for each additional Variance request
Interpretation
$300 per request
Drainage Plan Review
$100
Environmental Services
$25
Addressing
$10 to verify address or $50 to assign address