A series of significant land use proposals tied to growth near the city’s airport and along key transportation corridors moved forward on Tuesday, during the Buckeye Planning and Zoning Commission.
Commissioners unanimously backed a major amendment to the Copper Falls Community Master Plan, as well as sweeping changes tied to the West Park and Silver Rock developments—projects city leaders say will shape Buckeye’s economic future.
Copper Falls amendment moves forward
A request to modify the Copper Falls Community Master Plan, would allow multifamily housing as an option on a commercially designated parcel at the northwest corner of Miller Road and Southern Avenue.
The amendment applies to a single parcel within the roughly 267-acre master-planned community and would permit a mix of uses, including commercial, multifamily, or a combination of both. If developed residentially, the site could accommodate up to 468 units, with a maximum density of 24 dwelling units per acre.
City staff said the proposal aligns with the city’s general plan and includes design standards intended to buffer nearby single-family neighborhoods, such as increased setbacks and step-back height restrictions.
Despite multiple public outreach efforts dating back to 2023, no residents attended or spoke at neighborhood meetings or the public hearing, according to city planners.
Commissioners voted to recommend approval of the amendment to the Buckeye City Council, with conditions. A final decision will be made at a future council meeting.
West Park, Silver Rock plans signal economic shift
In a broader set of actions, commissioners also advanced a trio of proposals tied to the West Park and Silver Rock areas south of Interstate 10 and west of State Route 85.
The changes include:
- A minor amendment converting about 125 acres to a master-planned community designation.
- A major amendment reshaping nearly 2,000 acres of West Park, along with a large expansion area.
- A reconfiguration of the Silver Rock plan, reducing residential acreage and overall unit counts.
Together, the proposals reflect a strategic shift away from residential development in key areas and toward industrial and employment uses, particularly near the Buckeye Municipal Airport and along major transportation routes.
Large portions west of State Route 85 are now envisioned for light industrial and logistics uses, while areas closer to the airport would feature business park-style development designed to present a more office-oriented appearance.
Infrastructure, power and jobs
The proposals are closely tied to major infrastructure investments, including a planned 120-acre regional electrical substation by Arizona Public Service that will support large-scale industrial users.
Roadway improvements are also underway or planned, including expansions along Lower Buckeye Road and connections tied to a major distribution facility currently under construction.
That facility — valued at about $650 million and spanning 2 million square feet — is expected to bring hundreds of jobs and significant daily truck traffic once operational.
An economic analysis presented during the meeting estimates the broader development area could generate more than $60 million annually in tax revenue for the city.
Commissioners expressed general support for the proposals, citing the opportunity to strengthen Buckeye’s economic base while planning for long-term infrastructure needs.
Some concerns were raised about maintaining access along the State Route 85 corridor, particularly for emergency services, but planned roadway improvements were said to address those issues.
