Safford, Arizona Development News
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Council meeting 07-13-2026
Published: Jul 13, 2026
City Council Holds First Reading of Ordinance to Update Building and Construction Codes
The council discussed a request to amend Title 15 of the City of Safford Municipal Code, which pertains to buildings and construction. The current adopted codes are outdated and need updating in alignment with the International Code Council (ICC) and other agencies. Staff worked with local jurisdictions to ensure code consistency for local contractors. A public meeting was held with contractors, and work sessions were conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. The council held the first reading of Ordinance 26-004, which amends Title 15. A separate item regarding the 'tiny homes appendix' will be brought back later.
City Council Approves 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, Tables Budget Amendment on 'Ghost Vehicles'
The council reviewed and conceptually approved the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2027-2031. Several changes were made since the previous review: the recreation facility and field house were pushed to 2031 and shifted to grant funding; the municipal court project was partially moved to 2031; the municipal admin building was also pushed to 2031 and will be debt-funded. Additional carryover funds were added for cemetery expansion and commercial air hanger number one. The golf course sprinkler system was moved to wastewater projects, and new carryovers were added for entry updates and the driving range. Fire station architectural renderings were approved for 2027, with the rest of the project debt-funded in 2028. In streets, pavement preservation funding for 2027 was increased, and new projects for CDBG sidewalks and First Street and 14th Avenue were added. Wastewater projects now include the irrigation system, with design in 2027 and possible debt funding in 2028. Electric projects saw reduced carryover amounts due to staff limitations. The overall CIP is now approximately $186 million over five years. The council also discussed an amendment to the tentative budget concerning 'ghost vehicles,' which are vehicles used operationally but not officially in the budget for replacement. Concerns were raised about justifying replacement costs for these vehicles, leading to a motion to table the item for further departmental justification.
City Council Approves Closure of 1 AZ Credit Union Accounts to Free Up Funds
The Finance Director, Troy Bingham, presented a request from 1 AZ Credit Union for a specific resolution to close a Certificate of Deposit (CD) and a savings account. The city is requesting to close these accounts as part of its Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) strategy to dissolve investments by 2027. Although the CD's rates were not bad, Bingham noted better rates were available nationally. The accounts were not closed early, and no penalties were incurred. The funds will be moved to the general checking account to cover yearly bills for the next 12 months, including potential CIP project expenses. The council approved the request.
Board of Adjustment Approves Variance for Private Road Access to New Residential Lots
The council heard a request for a variance for Forest Wright regarding paving standards for a parcel zoned R1-10. The variance would allow a private road to access three 10,000 sq ft lots. Staff recommended granting the variance with the condition that a fire hydrant be installed as requested by the fire chief. The variance was sought because strict adherence to paving standards would create unnecessary costs for a short access road that would not connect to other streets. The property has special circumstances due to its location in an unincorporated part of Graham County and past intentions for commercial use. The council approved the variance request.
City Council Approves Rezoning of Commercial Parcels to Single-Family Residential
The council considered Ordinance number 026-003 for a rezone request concerning parcels 103-09-041 and 103-09-042. The ordinance proposed rezoning these parcels from C2 Highway Commercial District to R1-6 Single Family Residential District. All required public hearings had been completed, and no further public or neighboring property comments were received. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. The council approved the second reading of the ordinance, enacting the rezone.
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The Safford News archive
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Planning and zoning meeting 06-15-2026
Council meeting 06-08-2026
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Council meeting 05-18-2026
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