The San Tan Valley Town Council discussed the formation of a municipal code at their November 5, 2025, meeting. Town Attorney Allen Quist presented an overview of the code development process. The newly incorporated town currently relies on Pinal County ordinances for municipal functions but is beginning from scratch to create its own code.
What is a Municipal Code?
A municipal code is a comprehensive body of local laws. It serves as the organized collection of general ordinances adopted by the Town Council. The code provides legal clarity for town operations and residents.
Municipal codes typically include ten major titles. These cover general provisions, administration, finance and revenue, business regulations, and public health and safety. Other common sections address regulations and offenses, public works and utilities, building and construction, zoning and subdivisions, and parks and recreation.
Current Code Status and Future Requirements
San Tan Valley currently relies on Pinal County ordinances for municipal functions. The town has no municipal code of its own. It will need to develop its own comprehensive code as it moves toward full operational independence.
Quist explained that no comprehensive model code exists for municipalities. However, other jurisdictions can provide guidance and examples. The town can reference model sections for specific areas like taxation and building standards.
Quist emphasized that San Tan Valley is unique. The town will form its own identity through the code drafting process. While neighboring cities like Queen Creek and Gilbert offer examples, San Tan Valley is not those communities.
Code Evolution and Development Philosophy
The attorney stressed that codes can change and evolve over time. He encouraged the council to avoid “code paralysis” during development. He cautioned that while striving for perfection is important, it should not delay progress.
“Codes adapt, they evolve, and if there’s something in that code that needs to be updated, it can be and it will be,” Quist said. He noted that provisions not operating as envisioned can be modified later.
Mayor and Attorney Discuss Adoption Options
Mayor Daren Schnepf asked about flexibility in code development. He presented a scenario for council consideration.
“Ideally, we’d like to make our own code and build that framework up, but in certain circumstances, we could try adopting certain codes, say the county has like the Special San Tan Plan area, or something of that effect. Maybe not all of it, but we could try to adopt it and massage it a little bit and move it into the way the town would want. What’s your thoughts on that?” the mayor asked.
Quist explained that the Special San Tan Plan is a subset of the county’s comprehensive plan. Municipalities develop something similar called a general plan. The process is lengthy and could take a year or more to complete. Given the town’s size, voters must approve the final general plan.
In the interim, Quist said the town might reference the county’s special area plan. The town could work with the company that developed the county’s plan to expedite creation of a general plan for San Tan Valley. He noted that zoning will likely be in place before the general plan is finalized.
Schnepf acknowledged the substantial workload ahead. He told the council to prepare for significant work moving forward. Piecemealing the process will be the ideal approach rather than tackling everything at once.
Timeline for Municipal Code Development
Quist proposed beginning the process in December 2025. The town would present one to two titles per month to the Council. He noted this represents a substantial amount of code for review.
The town would prioritize foundational titles establishing administrative and governance frameworks. It would fast-track adoption for codes needed for immediate operational needs. Staff and consultants would be onboarded to assist with technical codes like zoning, building, and public works.
Quist explained that most code adoption or effective dates might align with July 1, 2026. This date marks the town’s full operational independence from the county. The timing would prevent premature transfer of service obligations from the county to the town before San Tan Valley is ready.
The town will continue recruiting key positions including a town manager and finance director. Quist said these staff members will be essential to the code formation process. Formal drafting of early titles will begin soon with council review and feedback at future meetings.
