Developers Highlight Maricopa's Development Services as a Key Partner

Published on April 29, 2024

Composite image showing a Slim Chickens restaurant facade with red accents and outdoor seating in the foreground, and a construction site with a building and machinery in the background.

Have you ever wondered what it takes for your favorite restaurant or department store to open a new location in your community? It takes a little more than a shovel and a blueprint. Whether you are building a single-story home or an entire shopping center, the City of Maricopa’s Development Services Department is vital for helping shape the landscape of the community.

“Working with any city through the entitlement and development process is challenging and time-consuming, but the City of Maricopa made it as seamless as possible. We found the staff to be communicative, responsive, reasonable, professional, and friendly. In 20+ years of developing in multiple cities throughout Arizona, this was definitely one of our best experiences,” said Brad Flahiff, VP of Real Estate for AZ Slims, dba Slim Chickens.

Restaurant exterior with a rustic design, featuring the

Cultivating an attitude of partnership leads to more than just building structures; it also leads to relationships, which is one of the key focal points of the city of Maricopa’s vision to unlock the full potential this city has to offer.

Behind the Scenes of Development Services

One of Development Services’ goals is to set the standard for design throughout the entire city while taking into account the unique history of our community. For example, the Heritage District, which is located just east of the overpass, was meticulously crafted to have a unique look and feel reminiscent of the city’s earliest years and when it was home to places such as the Rotary Club Swimming Pool.

Street scene with a tall black lamppost displaying a stop sign and street signs under a clear blue sky. Nearby, a 30 mph speed limit sign and a no parking sign are visible near a highway overpass. The tone is calm and orderly.

With those standards in place, the Development Services Department acts as a one-stop shop for developers, builders, and residents alike, streamlining the often complex processes involved in construction and land use. One of the most important steps in that process is the pre-application permit. Interested parties must submit a project narrative and a preliminary site plan for their intended project. The city is then able to share feedback on the project, giving developers a much clearer picture as to the requirements, permits and additional costs associated with their project.

"Our goal is to make the development process as smooth and transparent as possible," explains Rodolfo Lopez, Director of the Development Services Department. " Many municipalities, like the City of Maricopa, utilize the pre-application process to identify hurdles early in the development process. We advise every potential developer/business owner to always start with a pre-application before purchasing a property for development.

Architectural site plan for a pizzeria, showing the restaurant layout, parking spaces, drive-thru path, landscaped areas, and neighboring streets.

He says that of all the pre-applications the City of Maricopa receives, approximately 20-25% of those will actually move forward to the next step of the process. Those steps include zoning entitlement, construction blueprint permits, and then onwards to construction, inspections and finally issuing the certificate of occupancy.

Setting Builders up For Success

A construction site with a partially built three-story building wrapped in blue sheathing. A white truck and a crane are in the foreground under a clear sky.

In order to ensure developers undergo a seamless process, the Development Services Department has appointed a Project Coordinator who manages and facilitates the development process from inception to completion. This extra level of customer service provides tailored assistance to applicants and has been very well received.

“My primary goal is to facilitate the successful completion of projects by supporting and guiding throughout the entire development process. I work closely with staff members and developers to identify key milestones, create project timelines, and allocate resources effectively to ensure timely completion. Our one-stop shop approach offers a streamlined process making it easier and faster to obtain the necessary approvals. Project coordination services is another way that Maricopa is leading the way as a pro-business community and high level of services,” said Dania Castillo, Development Project Coordinator. “For Maricopa, your success is our success!”

As Maricopa continues to experience steady growth and expansion, the role of the Development Services Department becomes increasingly critical. With a dedicated team of professionals at the helm, the department remains committed to supporting responsible development while preserving the unique identity of the city.

"The knowledgeable and dedicated city staff provide valuable insights and timely responses to comments and questions, showcasing their commitment to our project's success and providing their residents with much-needed housing options. Maricopa's business-friendly environment has fostered a collaborative atmosphere that aligns with SAM’s goals. We extend our gratitude to the City of Maricopa for its support and look forward to continued success in our partnership,” said Don Leake, Executive Vice President of Shelter Asset Management Construction Group LLC currently working on the multi-story Home at Maricopa development.