Planning Division

Upcoming Projects and Text Amendments  

Administrative Items

Public Hearing Items

  1. 2025 Amended Zoning Ordinance Section 404 and Section 201 Update.pdf
  2. 2025 Section 404 Text Amendment Quick Reference Guide.pdf
  3. ORDINANCE 766 Section 404 and 201 Update.pdf

Planning and Building Permits 

Click Here to submit for planning and building permits

We highly recommend that you use the Chrome Browser when navigating to our portal website.

Please follow the directions below.

  1. Visit our Customer Portal website and create a new account
  2. https://ci-cottonwood-az.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home 
  3. Select Sign Up in the top right-hand corner
  4. Confirm your account 
  5. Click on the GO >> button under My Portal (personal account) or Business Portal (company account)
  6. Click the Apply >> button
  7. Click on the “Select a Category” bar
  8. Select the division you need
  9. Select the permit/application you need and fill out/upload all required information

If you need help to navigate our new portal, please use the link below:

You will have access to manage your permit to pay, view and/or print. It will always be available in your customer portal once it is reviewed and issued. 

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Responsibilities

The Planning Division manages both current and long-range planning activities. Current planning involves the management of all development applications, which are reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, the General Plan and other code documents.

Development Applications

Development applications may include rezoning requests, conditional use permits, subdivision and minor land division, master planned developments and variances.

Long-Range Planning

Long-range planning includes research and development for General Plan and Zoning Ordinance amendments, and other duties which address the future interests of Cottonwood.

Programs

The Planning program is primarily concerned with building, zoning and property nuisance violations. The Code Enforcement program includes ongoing efforts to educate and inform both our new and long-term residents regarding the City Codes and Ordinances designed to protect our neighborhoods, provide safe and healthy environments, and protect and improve property values. The Planning staff works with residents, neighbors, property owners and City staff members to work out appropriate solutions to possible violations of codes and ordinances.

Reports

Quarterly Updates

  1. 2025 Annexation QTR 2
  2. 2025 Conditional Use QTR 2
  3. 2025 Design Review QTR 2
  4. 2025 Final Plat QTR 2
  5. 2025 General Plan Amendment QTR 2
  6. 2025 Preliminary Plat QTR 2
  7. 2025 Residential Devlopment Status QTR 2
  8. 2025 Re-zone QTR 2
  9. 2025 Text Amendments QTR 2
  10. Residential Development Status Report August 2025

Resources

Examples & Checklists

  1. Letter of Intent Checklist and Example
  2. Site Plan Checklist and Examples

Informational Handouts

  1. Public Hearing and Property Owners Rights Documents
  2. Sign Regulations- Political Sign Free Zone (PDF)
  3. 2021 Old Town Cottonwood Draft Design Guidelines
  4. 2020-01-08_Swimming Pool Flyer_Spanish Version
  5. 2020-01-08_Swimming Pool Flyer_English Version
  6. A Frame Sign Regulations
  7. Sign Regulations
  8. Fence Regulations & Permitting
  9. City of Cottonwood Pool Enclosure Regulations

Additional documents

  1. Affidavit of Property Posting Template
  2. 8x4 Sign Template
  3. 4x4 Sign Template

Miscellaneous

Fillable Forms

  1. Insurance Requirements and Indemnity form
  2. Vendor List
  3. Waive Claim Form (Prop 207 Waiver)
  4. Property Owners Permission Form
  5. Lumen Calculation Sheet (Residential)
  6. Lumen Calculation Sheet (Commercial)

Entertainment District

  1. Cottonwood Entertainment District Map (PDF)