1.2.1 Growing Smarter Acts

Since 1973, when the state legislators adopted planning legislation, Arizona municipalities have been required to develop plans to consider land use, circulation, housing, public services and facilities, conservation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment issues. During the 1990s when the population of the state increased significantly, citizens once again looked to the state legislators to provide more comprehensive planning tools.

In 1998 the Arizona Legislature passed the Growing Smarter Act, which clarified and strengthened planning elements and added four new elements; Open Space, Growth Areas, Environmental Planning, and Cost of Development. In 2000 the Legislature passed Growing Smarter Plus to further enhance land use planning statutes in Arizona. The two acts were the first significant state-level planning legislation in Arizona since 1973.

Recently, the state legislators adopted legislation to require that cities over 50,000 in population adopt an Energy Conservation Element. The new element is required to identify policies that encourage and provide incentives for efficient use of energy. An assessment that identifies policies and practices that provide for greater uses of renewable energy sources is also required. In the 2008 legislative session, bills have been set forth to require a Neighborhood Revitalization Element and a stronger Water Element. 

The Surprise General Plan 2030 exceeds the general plan requirements outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 9-461.05. The plan also takes into account changes from the 2008 legislative session and includes those requirements into the document. As other changes are made to ARS, Surprise General Plan 2030 will be revised to keep pace with the evolving planning requirements.