Goodyear Ranks Top in Nation for Its Development Process by Developers

Who better to rank a city’s development process than other developers? The city of Goodyear has been recognized as a top performer in the development approval process, ranking ninth in the nation and first in the state. The prestigious ranking was awarded by the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, which evaluated jurisdictions across the country for their transparency, accountability and consistency in development services.

One of the key factors contributing to Goodyear's success is its convenient online system for submitting site plans, building permit applications and scheduling site inspections. This user-friendly platform streamlines the development approval process, reduces paperwork and saves valuable time for both developers and the city.

"We are proud to be recognized as a leader in the development approval process,” said Mayor Joe Pizzillo. “Being a city people want to work with brings in more development, creates more job opportunities and keeps our growing city thriving with a diverse business community.”

Goodyear's top ranking in the state of Arizona highlights its commitment to providing a business-friendly environment that fosters economic growth. The city's strategic location, excellent infrastructure and strong workforce make it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand or relocate.

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The Administration division coordinates the activities of all divisions within the department, ensures that activities and programs are consistent with the department's mission, provides necessary resources and information services support, and provides staff support. This division also prepares monthly reports, manages the city’s Kiosk Signage Program, responds to public records requests, and manages the department budget.

The Building Safety division ensures quality construction for the city's residents by regulating building construction and building occupancy. Building Safety encompasses both plan review and inspections to enforce the city's building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and zoning ordinances. This division also enforces other applicable state and local laws and ordinances.

The Civil Plan Review division is responsible for the examination and approval of development and construction plans for improvements in the city right-of-way and site improvements on private property including construction drawings, and water, sewer, traffic, and drainage master plans. This division is also integral to the review and approval of cases and entitlement documents processed through the Planning & Zoning division, e.g., site plans, preliminary and final plats, rezoning requests, and special use permits. Lastly, the division is responsible for maintaining the City of Goodyear Engineering Design Standards.

The Civil Inspections division inspects the construction of new public and private infrastructure to ensure that construction of city right-of-way and private site improvements meet the requirements of the Engineering Design Standards and Policies Manual, and other applicable standards. This division reviews and approves traffic control plans, manages temporary control devices placed in the city right-of-way, oversees the construction and maintenance activities of private utilities installed in the public rights-of-ways, and monitors newly accepted improvements through the end of the warranty period. In addition, this division assists the Public Works Department with monitoring storm water pollution prevention on construction sites and provides construction site inspections.

The Code Compliance division’s goal is to keep our neighborhoods beautiful. Code Compliance works to educate citizens on city property code requirements, build relationships, and facilitate mediation when necessary. Code Compliance conducts proactive field inspections, encourages voluntary compliance, and responds to city code violation complaints.

The Permitting division serves as a one-stop shop to city residents and business owners by providing information over the phone, via email, and at the Engineering & Development Services counter, about development review processes and permitting requirements. This division is also responsible for accepting all development applications for review, as well as collecting fees and issuing construction permits. In addition, staff processes and releases all Certificates of Occupancy.

The Planning & Zoning division is responsible for preparing and implementing various zoning and development related codes and ordinances, such as the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Design Guidelines, and General Plan. Specific duties include reviewing and processing general plan amendments, rezone applications, variances, subdivision plats, use permits, special use permits, site plans, and development agreements to ensure compliance with city ordinances. Planning staff is also responsible for reviewing development plans, analysis of population and socioeconomic data, and providing support to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment. This division also maintains all planning and zoning records.