What is the Surprise Heritage District and does it change my zoning?

The Surprise Heritage District (SHD) is an overlay covering the city's Original Town Site (bounded by Bell Road, Greenway Road, El Mirage Road, and Dysart Road), approved by City Council in June 2016 to preserve historical character while allowing compatible development. It applies two overlay zones on top of prior base zoning: the Residential Overlay (SHD-RO, consolidating the former RL-5 and RM-6 districts) and the Commercial Overlay (SHD-CO, consolidating prior commercial and industrial districts). Comprehensive design standards, including required front porches and a limited palette of historic architectural styles, apply to all Original Town Site properties regardless of overlay election. Property owners could opt out of the overlay zones within three years of the rezoning notice using a signed Opt-Out Letter, retaining their prior zoning and standards instead of the new SHD dimensional standards. Confirm whether a specific Original Town Site property is in SHD-RO, SHD-CO, or opted out, with Community Development, Planning and Zoning (623-222-3000). This pack covers incorporated Surprise only.