HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__05-08-23_0814_468
NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Chairman Peter Gray
Vice Chairman Scott Schlossberg
Commissioner Patrick Dapaah
Commissioner Clayton Corey
Commissioner Susan Dempster
Commissioner Dan Kovacevic
Commissioner Rick Watts
TIME:6:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023
WHERE:FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Commissioners of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s Council, various Commission, Committee or Board members may be in attendance at the Commission meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child. Meetings
of the Commission are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present may be subject
to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town Clerk to such
recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may be made. If a
child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents pursuant to A.R.S.
§1-602.A.9 have been waived.
REQUEST TO COMMENT
The public is welcome to participate in Commission meetings.
TO SPEAK TO AN AGENDA ITEM, please complete a Request to Comment card, located in the back of
the Council Chambers, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion of that item, if
possible. Include the agenda item on which you wish to comment. Speakers will be allowed three
contiguous minutes to address the Commission. Verbal comments should be directed through the
Presiding Officer and not to individual Commissioners.
TO COMMENT ON AN AGENDA ITEM IN WRITING ONLY, please complete a Request to Comment card,
indicating it is a written comment, and check the box on whether you are FOR or AGAINST and agenda
item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion, if possible.
REGULAR MEETING
1.CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE – Chairman Gray
2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Gray
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(H), public comment is permitted (not required) on matters NOT listed on the
agenda. Any such comment (i) must be within the jurisdiction of the Commission, and (ii) is subject to reasonable
time, place, and manner restrictions. The Commission will not discuss or take legal action on matters raised
during Call to the Public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. At the conclusion
of the Call to the Public, individual commissioners may (i) respond to criticism, (ii) ask staff to review a matter, or
(iii) ask that the matter be placed on a future Commission agenda.
4.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: approving the regular meeting minutes of the
Planning and Zoning Commission April 10, 2023.
5.PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Zone Change for a dual-zoned
parcel from R1-35H and OSR to a uniformly zoned R1-35H parcel, located at 16134 E.
Tombstone Ave. in Firerock Parcel F, Lot 5 (APN 176-11-069). RZ23-000001
6.PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: SPECIAL USE PERMIT request to
allow 16 licensed beds at a home for the aged on a 0.37-acre parcel located at the northeast
corner of Palisades Blvd. and Westby Drive (16602 E. Palisades Blvd.: APN 176-05-993) in the
R-3 Multifamily Zoning District. SUP23-000002
7.HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: A request for approval
of a Special Use Permit for residential use of commercially zoned property at 12800 N. Saguaro
Boulevard, the northwest corner of Saguaro Boulevard and Paul Nordin Parkway, to allow
conversion of the existing hotel in to apartments and four short-term rental units.
SUP23-000004
8.HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION: A request for
approval of a Special Use Permit to permit up to 10 apartments in three buildings on a .33
acre parcel located at 16741 E. Glenbrook, the southwest corner of Glenbrook Boulevard and
Fountain Hills Boulevard. SUP23-000001
9.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION: Modifications to Chapter 6, Sign Regulations, of
the Zoning Ordinance
10.COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
11.SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
12.REPORT from Development Services Director.
13.ADJOURNMENT
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 8, 2023 2 of 3
13.ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing notice was duly posted in accordance with the statement filed
by the Planning and Zoning Commission with the Town Clerk.
Dated this ______ day of ____________________, 2023.
_____________________________________________
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5199 (voice) or
1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or to obtain
agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Commission with this agenda are
available for review in the Development Services' Office.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 8, 2023 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/08/2023 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
Staff Contact Information: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE ACTION: approving the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission
April 10, 2023.
Staff Summary (Background)
The intent of approving meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account of the discussion and action
that took place at the meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed on the Town's
website and maintained as permanent records in compliance with state law.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
N/A
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff recommends approving the meeting minutes of the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and
Zoning Commission April 10, 2023.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission April 10, 2023.
Attachments
Summary PZ April 10, 2023
Verbatim PZ April 10, 2023
Planning and Zoning Commission April 10, 2023 1 of 3
DRAFT
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2023 1. CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Chairman Gray called the Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and
Zoning Commission held on April 10, 2023, to order at 6:01 p.m. and led the
Commission and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.
2. ROLLCALL
Commissioners Present: Chairman Peter Gray: Vice Chairman Scott Schlossberg;
Commissioner Clayton Corey; Commissioner Susan Dempster; Commissioner
Dan Kovacevic (telephonically); Commissioner Rick Watts, Jr.
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Development Services Director John Wesley, Senior Planner Farhad
Tavassoli, and Executive Assistant Paula Woodward
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
The following residents addressed the Commission under the Call to the Public:
Larry Meyers
Crystal Cavanaugh
4. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: approving the regular meeting minutes
of the Planning and Zoning Commission March 13, 2023.
MOVED BY Commissioner Dempster to approve the regular meeting minutes of the
Planning and Zoning Commission March 13, 2023, SECONDED BY Commissioner
Corey.
Vote: 7 - 0 passed – Unanimously
5. PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Ordinance 23-06, Site Plan Review Ordinance, repealing and replacing Zoning Ordinance Section 2.04, Site Plan Review Regulations.
John Wesley, Development Services Director provided a PowerPoint Presentation
regarding the proposed text amendment changes to the site plan review regulations.
Chairman Gray opened the item up for public comment. MOVED BY Commissioner Watts to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve the repealing and replacing Zoning Ordinance Section 2.04, Site Plan Review Regulations with changes from: “F.1.a. A change in landscape area or open space less than 10%” to “A change in landscape area or open space less than 25%. “SECONDED BY Commissioner Dapaah. Vote: 7 - 0 passed – Unanimously
Planning and Zoning Commission April 10, 2023 2 of 3
6. PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Ordinance 23-05,
Parking Ordinance, repealing and replacing Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 7, Parking and Loading Requirements.
John Wesley, Development Services Director provided a PowerPoint Presentation
regarding the proposed text amendment changes to the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 7,
Parking and Loading Requirements.
Chairman Gray opened the item up for public comment.
MOVED BY Commissioner Corey to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve the Ordinance 23-05, Parking Ordinance, repealing, repealing, and replacing Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 7, Parking and Loading Requirements with the amendment to
remove the fifty or more vehicles requirement under J.1. and add “at staff’s discretion” to section J. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. SECONDED BY Commissioner Watts. Vote: 6 - 1 passed Commissioner Corey Aye Commissioner Dapaah Aye
Commissioner Dempster Aye Commissioner Kovacevic Nay Commissioner Watts Aye Vice Chairman Schlossberg Aye Chairman Peter Gray Aye
7. PUBLIC HEARING, CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 6, Sign Regulations. MOVED BY Chairman Gray to continue Agenda Item # 7, Chapter 6, signs regulations to the May 10, 2023, Planning and Zoning meeting. SECONDED BY Commissioner Watts.
8. COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff. Discussion ensured regarding direction on a text amendment to provide zoning allowances for tattoo and body piercing shops. 9. SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
10. REPORT from Development Services Director.
Mr. Wesley stated that May’s meeting would include Rezone of Plaza Fountainside Hotel to C2 as a Special Use Permit to convert to apartments; Special Use Permit for multi-family at Glenbrook Blvd and Fountain Hills Blvd; Cell Tower Special Use Permit;
Residential property rezone to allow a bigger house; and the General Plan annual report. 11. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Gray adjourned the Regular meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning
Commission held on April 13, 2023, at 8:14 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Commission April 10, 2023 3 of 3
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Chairman Peter Gray
ATTESTED AND PREPARED BY
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting held by the Planning and Zoning Commission, Fountain Hills in the Town Hall Council Chambers on April 10, 2023. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present.
DATED this day of April 10, 2023.
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
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Post-Production File
Town of Fountain Hills
Regular Meeting
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
April 10, 2023
Transcription Provided By:
eScribers, LLC
* * * * *
Transcription is provided in order to facilitate communication accessibility and may not
be a totally verbatim record of the proceedings.
* * * * *
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GRAY: All right, 6:01, let's go ahead and call this meeting to order. This is the April
10th, 2023 version of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission, that you
would all rise with us for the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
ALL: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic
for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
[MOMENT OF SILENCE]
GRAY: Thank you. All right. Paula, roll call, please.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Corey:
COREY: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Dapaah.
DAPAAH: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Dempster.
DEMPSTER: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Kovacevic.
KOVACEVIC: Here.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: Here.
WOODWARD: Vice Chairman Schlossberg.
SCHLOSSBERG: Here.
WOODWARD: Chairman Gray
GRAY: Here. Thank you, Paula. Agenda item 3, Call to the Public. Paula, do we have
any speaker cards?
WOODWARD: Yes, Chairman, two speakers.
GRAY: Thank you.
WOODWARD: In order of appearance, Larry Meyers and Crystal Cavanaugh.
MEYERS: Chair, Commissioners, what else is new? So we have a new business coming
to town, Fountain Hills, Imani Wellness LLC. Actually, they're a new property owner,
17100 East Shea, FireRock Business Center. They bought two parcels. No problem with
that, right? To be a property owner here in Fountain Hills.
Big problem with their business. They're licensed as an outpatient treatment center with
the state, quote, intensive outpatient treatment programs, IOP, for substance abuse and
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mental health disorders in Arizona, as the main headline on their webpage.
So this is a full-blown detox facility. That would make three, if you count Angel Heart,
Fountain Hills Recovery, and this one. And they're run by nurse practitioners who can
prescribe and administer drugs; so we know what that's all about.
So simple enough, they fall under the new ordinance, C2-C3, provided they meet all the
parameters to serve the community and whatever. 17100 East Shea is not C2-C3, it's C1.
So let's see if we can get any boxes checked for C1. And I only bring this up because we
seemed to have a tendency to sort of make some things up as we go along with some of
this stuff. Certain council members like to see if they can manipulate the town
ordinances.
"Neighborhood, commercial, and professional district is established to provide a location
for modest, well-designed commercial enterprises to serve the surrounding residential
neighborhood." Doubt it. "As well as to provide services to the community." Maybe.
"And to provide for the appropriate location and professional offices throughout the
community. The intent of the district is to integrate limited commercial activity and
professional offices with residential land uses in a climate favorable to both." Hardly
think that's going to happen with a bunch of imported drug addicts to Fountain Hills.
"Particular attention is to be paid to the interface between these uses within the same
neighborhood."
So they're not going to serve the surrounding neighborhood, I guarantee. I know most of
the people down in the Monterey condos and townhouses and I didn't know any drug
addicts down there. So we'll just check that box off, that's not happening.
I don't know how many drug addicts these group think we have in Fountain Hills, but we
already have Fountain Hills recovery, so do we need two? Do we need three, because
there's Angel Heart sitting in the wings over there?
And I can't see how any of these integrate with a climate favorable to both residents and
the commercial -- surrounding commercial, so I just want to make my case for a case
closed, no license to be given to these people in that location. And then I'd ask the same
question. How many detox facilities do we need in Fountain Hills? Thanks.
GRAY: Thank you.
CAVANAUGH: I would say some of the same things, no doubt. But for the record, I
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would like to repeat some of them. That Imani Wellness provides intensive outpatient
program services to clients who struggle with mental health and substance abuse
disorders. It's an intensive outpatient addiction program. And the treatment structure is
such that they go there for treatment and it's allowing the person to live at home.
Some begin with intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment. Or it could be a step
down care, following inpatient treatment. And according to their own website, both can
be life-changing to a person's recovery journey.
I also want to reiterate what Larry says, that -- well, he didn't tell you, but the founder and
the clinical director are mental health nurse practitioners. So that is very important
because that's a clear step in outpatient drug treatment programs.
The C1 office building in this Red Rock business center is located behind MCO Realty
office near Desert Title, near our visitor center. And among other small businesses.
And like he said, it was recently sold to this Imani Wellness. And C1 is zoned in such a
manner as to serve the surrounding residential neighborhood. It's not meant to be
detrimental in any way. And it does not include behavioral health.
And what's happening in Fountain Hills? Why is there such a surge in behavioral health
businesses from elsewhere attempting to set up shop in these nonconforming zones? And
like he said, they're zoning indicates, they're outpatient treatment centers.
And I don't understand even why the realtors are selling these places to these businesses.
Are they completely unaware of our zoning ordinances here? I mean, it's their job as
professionals to know this, I would think. And if they do know this and hope that they
can get special use permits, that's just not the way to go about it. I don't know if we need
some realtor education about our zoning.
And I will end on this, that I'm not really sure what they plan to do. Maybe they're just
buying up office space. But if they do want to practice behavioral health and import
more and more people with substance abuse problems, that's not going to benefit our
community. In fact, we don't even have a sufficient number of people who need this
level of treatment.
And like Larry also said, we have an ordinance just recently passed that covers most of
this. And so I, too, would urge any denial of any future business application for
behavioral health in this zone. Thank you.
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GRAY: Thank you. Okay. Let's move to agenda item 4, Consideration and possible
action to approve the regular meeting minutes from the March 13th venue.
Commissioners, any comments or a motion, please. Commissioner Dempster.
DEMPSTER: I would like to make a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of
the Planning and Zoning Commission, March 13th, 2023 meeting.
COREY: Second.
GRAY: Thank you. All in favor.
ALL: Aye.
WOODWARD: 7 - 0
GRAY: Thank you. Okay. Agenda item 5, Public hearing and consideration and
possible action on Ordinance 23-06, the site plan review ordinance, repealing and
replacing Section 2.04 Site Plan Review Regulations. Mr. Wesley.
WESLEY: Commissioners, good evening. I hope we can go through this one very
quickly. We reviewed this two months ago and you gave me some initial input at that
time. We scheduled it for public hearing last month, but due to the lateness of the
meeting, we continued it on to this one.
So just quickly again, we are looking at going through each of the section in Chapter 2 of
the Zoning Ordinance, which deals with the various procedures for rezone, site plans,
special use permits, so forth. You've previously reviewed, and council's approved
amendment with regard to the special use permit process. And this is the section that
deals with site plans and how those are proposed.
Overall, we're attempting to develop greater consistency with the different sections
within this chapter so that it's easier to administer them. And for people looking for
information to follow them and find what they're needed and what's needed with each
one.
So in Section 2.04 the Site Plan, section A of that deals with the purpose and applicability
provisions. It has been amended to provide some additional reference to Chapter 19, the
architectural review guidelines require site plan review prior to construction plan review
and highlight the benefit of the reviewing of the compliance with zoning early on. And
amended to include requirement for redevelopment on expanding or existing businesses.
In Section 2.02, there's -- in what I provided to the Commission earlier, I failed to catch a
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change to make it consistent with the special use permit, which I added here after our
meeting and discussion a couple of months ago with regard to the electronic application
submittals. And so that's been provided.
Going on, too, some of the things that were discussed at your meeting a couple of months
ago that we have changed. So in Section B 3 c vi and then in d v, vi, and xv, we added
references as requested to some of the other sections of the code so it'd be easier to find
where those provisions are located.
In section C 1, we change the word "review" to "evaluate" to get rid of the duplication of
the overuse of the word "review."
In section F we added some language to clarify, the site plans or buildings which -- pre --
side plan review will require submission of site plan amendment. And then, add to G
clarification that we had the special use permits that would include the Planning and
Zoning it wasn't just going straight to council.
So those are some of the things that the commissioners identified in your previous review
as needed and some clarification. So we made those modifications.
Any questions or comments that the Commission has with this Ordinance that's been
revised?
GRAY: Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: Two things. In Section B, I think I'd suggest adding, "or authorized agent of
the owner." Quite often the contractor or developer, whoever is actually doing the work
isn't the actual owner and they're the agent. So adding that type of a verbiage gives you a
little bit of latitude to allow for submission.
WESLEY: Chairman and Commissioner, the way we address that is, if it's somebody
acting on behalf of an owner, we still have them -- have the owner provide us a letter
saying they've authorized the person. So we're still getting something from the owner.
WATTS: Yeah. I just didn't see anything in there that suggested that, so. Okay. The
other question I had was, I thought that in Section F 1 a, b, and c, it seemed to me that in
order of egregiousness, so to speak, a seems to be the most minor and yet it's a 10
percent penalty, so to speak of -- for, if I added one piece of landscaping, the change in
the footprint of the building, it could be nominal , it could be a small utility room. So it's
pretty, pretty ticky-tack, in my estimation.
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The height of the building, I think, is a problem. But it seemed that the penalties that are
imposed, even though, they are, I mean, they're half, is really what it comes down to for
something that could be fairly minor.
Do we really want to be that aggressive with penalties, so to speak?
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner, so we're defined here -- a minor site plan, that
could be reviewed administratively versus having to -- or that, because it's a minor, that
we're not going to charge the full review fee because it's not going to involve so much
change.
And so there are things that are -- we will look at are even so minor than that that we'll
say, no, you just go straight to the building permit and we won't even do the site plan
modification. So I think that will really handle those really very minor things. But if
you'd like us to go back and look at this and see if we can't maybe add a third category --
WATTS: It's just a suggestion. I mean, if you have your coffee in the morning, you're in
a good mood, waive it by. And if you don't, maybe it's going to cost you a fortune. So
I -- could be -- little facetiousness, maybe. So I think I'd like to see it --
GRAY: You apply it as a penalty. I see it as a discount.
WATTS: It's half of -- they charge one half for amendments. And if you have a minor
change of 10 percent in the landscaping, you have to pay ten -- one half of the original
permit fee. That's how I read it.
WESLEY: Site plan review fee.
WATTS: Site plan -- okay, site plan review fee, right. So I -- if I was a contractor, I
would not even submit it if I had a landscaping issue and I'm going to put a bush in or
move something and just marginally change it. Then I'd let it up to site inspections. And
I don't know that I would make a big stink out of the footprint if I was just going to add a
utility room. But I think that some of those are a bit aggressive.
WESLEY: It's a landscape area, not landscaping. So just changing out landscaping
wouldn't matter if you're only changing landscape area. Reducing the amount of
landscape area.
WATTS: Still.
WESLEY: I'm open for thoughts, arguments, support.
GRAY: I don't see it as monumental as you do, but --
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WATTS: I don't know what the fee is. I think it changes based upon the actual
development, doesn't it? The scope, size?
WESLEY: Yeah. Chair, Commissioner, I'm sure if you remember but there is a base fee
of an amount plus then so much per care over five cares but I don't remember what those
numbers are without looking them up. I don't see them often enough to remember
exactly what they are. But it does go up with the size of the site.
WATTS: Um-hum.
WESLEY: So another option here is, if it's a 50 percent change in landscape are versus a
10 percent, or make it 25 percent -- or if you want to increase those percentages, some of
those are revised --
GRAY: Is review time tracked, John? I mean, could it be done on level of effort?
WESLEY: I mean, that's certainly possible, Chairman. We don't really track our review
time that closely currently. We require fees be paid up front before we do the review.
COREY: So on that note, it may be where he is going with this is, does the fee -- do we
need to have the fee -- I would almost rather than, let us know if there was the 10 percent
change, but maybe not the fee.
WESLEY: That's another option, we can discount it even more if it's a minor change.
WESLEY: No fee or ten percent, half, or anything, whatever you'd like to do.
GRAY: Site plans always done administratively or do they go third party?
WESLEY: The planning portion of site planning has already administrated by staff to
this point.
GRAY: I don't know what you think but I'd be amenable to level of effort or at cost if
done through a third party.
WATTS: If you can stipulate what level of effort is, based on what -- an hourly rate,
then, I'm fine with that. I just --
GRAY: How much coffee did you have.
WATTS: Really, exactly.
WOODWARD: Chairman, would you be interested in knowing what the fees are,
charged?
GRAY: Yes, ma'am.
WOODWARD: So for commercial, industrial, and multifamily site plan review, it's
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$680 for the first 5,000 square feet of the property. And then $130 for every 1,000 square
feet thereafter.
GRAY: Okay. So it's nominal in the grand scheme of things.
WATTS: Well, if you're the contractor paying it, it's not nominal. It adds up. Each of
those items add up. And it's -- when you walk up and you've got a 5 acre piece of
property and, you know, I get to pay $300 because I want to move my landscaping
around a bit.
COREY: So I would say for the hundred bucks, it might be worth it for them to just let
us know of the changes but are we really going to charge them that fee? Make it simple
and not have that.
WATTS: Well, if it was John making the decision, he wouldn't charge it, I'm sure.
Again, it's just a comment. And it's just one of those things that jumped out at me and
said, seemed like a penalty for what could be a very minor change.
GRAY: So if we just take the first one, change in landscape area, open space of less than
10 percent, so at 11 percent, you're into full resubmission fees, right?
WESLEY: Right. Again, there's no magic to these numbers --
GRAY: Yeah.
WESLEY: -- just like a no --
GRAY: Then I go with Commissioner Watts. I can be okay with -- with nothing below
10 percent, but 10 percent being the cut off, then you go full fee above that. I don't have
an objection to that. Unless it's done by third party and the town incurs costs for those
reviews.
COREY: And do we want to clarify if it's increasing or decreasing because if there
increasing, their open space, obviously, we wouldn't -- we would encourage that, versus
have them come and pay a fine for that, right?
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner, I see where you're going with that, possibly, but
anything that's -- the more there's something changing then on the side something has
been paid -- area -- now, it's becoming landscaping area and so it's affecting parking and
circulation. So we're looking at something with -- even though it's used in theory --
COREY: So if they had an opportunity to put a little more landscaping and they said,
you know what, let's not do it, it's going to cost us a hundred bucks, let's just make an
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extra parking space -- I don't know. Sounds kind of funny to me, but.
GRAY: I think we're trying to create and make something out of something that's really
simple.
WATTS: What happens if it's more than 10 percent?
GRAY: Full fee.
WATTS: You go full fee?
WESLEY: Full site plan review and full fee, yes.
WATTS: For all three situations?
WESLEY: Yes.
WATTS: I think the landscaping, if it was -- I wouldn't even include the landscaping
component because it's -- that's fairly minor. The building size, you know, the footprint,
and the height, I think are the ones are more concerned about and to be, I guess, more
tolerant of. They should have known that up front. But the landscaping can change, once
you start doing infrastructure and your site work. Change marginally but, you know, 10
percent is pretty easy to get to. So I think I'd eliminate 10 percent --
GRAY: In change or in area change? Because this is just specific to area.
WATTS: It's area. It depends on when the site guy is there and they're making
modifications, changes, what they run into underground. The types of soils that they run
into. That type of thing. So it could change. So I just don't think that a 10 percent
threshold for landscaping is -- warrants a 50 percent, you know, call it a penalty for trying
to accommodate the conditions of the site. But I'm fine with the 10 percent on the
footprint and the 10 percent on the height.
GRAY: And I'm not going to get in the way of it. If you feel strongly about that.
WATTS: I qualified that. I said it's a suggestion, I think I said. How often does it
happen? Do you have any idea, John?
WESLEY: So under the current ordinance, it's one of the challenges, we don't have any
provisions for how to handle modifications to site plans. And so basically everything is
a new site plan.
WATTS: So this is actually, you could consider it a savings if you had to go back in for
a site plan review, you would save money --
WESLEY: That (indiscernible) today because you won't have to charge the full fee.
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GRAY: See how he just spun that psychology on you.
WATTS: He did, he did. Just ruined my argument, so.
GRAY: Well, your argument's valid. Your argument is valid. I just --
WESLEY: Mr. Chairman, and I agree, you know, changing that -- now that I look at it,
up that one to 25 percent or 50 percent instead of 10 percent. I think they're --
WATTS: Then I'd go 25 -- support 25. I think 25 you could actually calculate. 10
percent, I think it would be a little bit of struggle. And I don't know if I was a contractor
if I would come back in for the 10 percent and say, look if they see any -- and I don't
think that the inspector may or may not catch it. Yeah, I don't know. But I think 25
percent would give you a lot more latitude.
GRAY: Specifically, on F 1 a --
WATTS: Just on 1, yes. Yeah, 1 A.
GRAY: I'm supportive of that. Commissioner Kovacevic, thoughts.
KOVACEVIC: Yeah, I think 10 percent cuts it too narrow. I would support 25 percent.
GRAY: Commissioner Watts, it's your motion.
WATTS: I would move to approve with the consideration that -- should we put in --
question again. Should we make it clear that the owner's agent is responsible or allowed
to submit on behalf or --
WESLEY: That's our standard procedure.
WATTS: Is it.
WESLEY: As long as we have something from the owners --
WATTS: Yeah. I would move to approve with the consider -- with the change in
percentage for the landscaping component for 25 percent instead of 10.
GRAY: Second, Commissioners?
DAPAAH: I will second that.
GRAY: All right. The motion from Commissioner Watts is for the recommendation for
approval with the modification to 6.1 A to increase that to 25 percent. Seconded by
Commissioner Dapaah. All in favor.
ALL: Aye.
WOODWARD: 7 - 0.
GRAY: Thank you. Okay, moving on to number 6, Ordinance 23-05, Parking
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Ordinance. Repealing and replacing Chapter 7, parking and unloading requirements.
WESLEY: Again, we've been talking about this one for I think over a year. Kind of start
and stopping with a little bit. We reviewed it couple months ago and the Commission
was fairly satisfied with most things. We had to -- a few minor items the Commission
wanted to -- some adjustments on, which we were prepared to talk about last month,
again, until we took a little longer on the other agenda item.
So I'll move through this fairly quickly. But certainly, you can slow me down where
needed. The overall goal here was to remove some errors in consistencies between
various portions of Chapter 7, Parking. To improve the overall readability and flow of
the ordinance, updates and standards, and add a few new provisions where needed.
This shows the existing or current layout of the ordinance versus the revised layout. And
so, one of the discussions we had last time with regard to the introductory provisions was
trying to allow a little bit more creativity and flexibility with regard to permeable paving
and shared parking. So we added some additional language there in the purpose
statements with regard to that, compared to what it had been in the previous draft.
Section 7.02 C, this wording in this Section has been adjusted slightly to comfort with the
new ordinance. And again, this section as we looked at it and talked about the engineer's
ability to look at alternative paving, it was suggested we add some language there. And
so we have that in revisions or use of alternative paving, but still not violate the county
environmental ADEQ regulations.
And then this Section we also added, with regard to maintenance of parking areas as
wording that must be consistent with the approved plan. I think that came from a staff
contact -- comments as I was reviewing this with our code officers, that having that
reference back to original approval would be helpful in their enforcement capabilities.
Going on in 7.03, which is General Regulations, again, this provides some of the basic
paraments for all parking lots. And things here were moved around a little bit to -- as
they apply to both standard residential and commercial parking lots, to keep things clear.
Different illustrations were outdated as well.
Section 7.04 now addresses design standards for residential uses. So this is up through
four units on a property. We talked about this last time. One of the provisions being
added is the requirement for covered parking spaces. And one of the impacts of this is
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that may limit garage conversions if you don't have another place on site to have covered
parking in a residential area, single family residential area.
Section 7.05 deals with standards for multi-residents and non-residential uses. Again,
most of the things were kept the same, but there were a few things that were added and
things that we discussed previously. Again, requiring the covered parking for
multifamily and for business office uses.
One of the things that we discussed before is, in trying to look at the design of the
parking lot, where we should have cross aisles and spaces would back into the entry
drive. The draft ordinance had had a 50 foot separation, based on discussion from
Council, and this shows what that was before -- or based on discussion from the
Commission, Commission suggest we reduce that to 30 feet. And so that was done in
revised Ordinance that you have.
Going on in that one, again, the information with regard to landscaping was a little bit
scattered in the previous ordinance, so we consolidated it into one place and updated
some of the graphics provided with that. We also looked at the opportunity to better
utilized the shared parking. And there's a provision for shared parking in the Town
Center Code, so we decided to reference that in order to provide the same information.
One of the comments that came up last time was that we didn't -- we covered driving
ranges and maybe we didn't have quite enough spaces allowed for golf courses. So made
this amendment after looking at several other ordinances to see how they handle them.
So six spaces, separate tee, plus driving range, and driving ranges 2.5 per driving tee. So
that addresses what those concerns were.
Then going through, there were no other changes in any of the other updated parking
standards that were discussed.
The last section that we had, had some discussion, had to do with providing a
requirement for getting some infrastructure in place, electrical for electric vehicle
parking. And so again, after looking through a variety of other ordinances, they're not
too many that cover this topic, but I did come up with this option that's included in the
draft ordinance that would again -- it's mostly aimed at encouraging the -- in these
situations we have 50 more parking spaces that some electrical vehicle capacity be put in
place. In this case, minimum of ten required parking spaces. And this would be the
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working about wat they would include with their building plans, to show how they could
then provide for that electrical service in the future. But it doesn't necessarily require
anything be put in up front.
I believe that was -- it's kind of the main one, as we talked about this one, is it something
we really need to do at this time or not. Things like, being beneficial, but again, maybe a
challenge, I think Commissioner Watts, you brought it up last time, you know, trying to
calculate that electrical load and providing for it up front when you may or may not need
it. It may be too much to ask. If you want to get -- if you want to include this, this is, I
guess this current staff recommendation, if you want to include it is this type of language.
But also, we don't have a concern, if you want to not include it in the ordinance.
GRAY: Commissioner Corey.
COREY: Yes, thank you. I wasn't sure if it was our turn yet. I would like to include this
because I think, you know, we're planning, we should start to incorporate this kind of
stuff. John, where did we come up with the 50? Just curious. Is that, like, an average --
is that the average parking lot size for a large business or something or?
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner Corey, I think I probably saw it in a couple other
codes or something, in the range of 50. It's trying to look at something that would be a
large enough development that the cost of doing this would start to make sense.
Is that too high? Too low? Is it -- no rule, scientific basis define 50, so we're flexible to
move that up or down depending upon how the Commission felt it should go.
COREY: The way this is worded, if they came in -- if there was a new development with
40 spaces, would this apply? Or is the -- it's the 50 is the minimum?
WESLEY: Um-hum.
COREY: Okay. Yeah, I'm not sure. I'm just questioning if maybe it could be worded in
a different way that doesn't -- this way it makes them get to that 50 minimum in order for
this to be applicable.
GRAY: You're suggesting the threshold be removed or lowered?
COREY: Yeah. Because I'm trying to think about different business in town and 50 is a
lot. How many places do we have where there's 50 spaces.
WESLEY: If we go back up here to our table, just a second, let me just look, I can find it
quickly. Standard office space is 1 per 250 square feet. So 50 times 250 is -- is 12,000
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square foot office space.
COREY: Okay.
WESLEY: My quick math, is that correct? It would be that size of an office before they
would be required to do this. So it would be a large office. Typical retail I think is 1
per -- yeah 1 per 350. So it's going to be a little bit larger developments.
COREY: Okay.
GRAY: I agree with Commissioner Corey. I mean, I like the intent behind it. I have a
little bit different take. I think that the market will drive the placement of EV charging
stations on its own. And I think it's an evolving market. We started at -- we started at
garage chargers. Then we went to level 1 chargers. I think that's wat we got installed
here in town. And now vehicles are requiring level 2 chargers. And God knows we're
going to get to Level 3 or 4 or 5.
I just think that. I just don't want to constrain what becomes a good business decision
anyway. So I'm not opposed to keeping it in there. I just -- I wonder if we actually do
ourselves a disservice by including it because the market should ultimately want -- should
want to do that anyway at the point in time when that becomes legitimate or legitimized.
Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: Well, I'm of the opinion you got to start somewhere. So if you start at 50, it is
a rather large, you know, you'd preclude somebody like a Walgreens or CVS. I don't
think they quite hit 50. They'd probably, something slight smaller than that. So maybe,
maybe 40. But I think if you put a proviso in there that said, there's an opportunity for
waiver. Because if you had a large building and it was simply storage and you've got two
or three people that are working storage, then you don't have the need for 50 or for 5 or
even 4 if you put 40 in there instead.
So I think you have to look at it from a commonsense standpoint. And I think this is
going to be changing. It's going to be real dynamic over time. So it's going to grow.
Start somewhere. Maybe move it down to 40 with that proviso that said you've got an
opportunity for waiver if you can justify it. You can provide some validation.
GRAY: Well, on that basis, why not eliminate the threshold altogether and just go to a
ratio like we do with the rest of our requirements? You got 10 spaces, you provide one
EV charging point.
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COREY: It's kind of along the lines I was thinking.
GRAY: Yeah. It gets what you're looking for. It scales the works. I just think we have
to be careful that the technology and the need is going to outpace our words here. So we
need to be able to -- we need to allow you the flexibility to apply what's relevant five
years from now.
COREY: It's not a requirement, the 1 for 10, but it's the recommendation.
WESLEY: So the requirement -- and two, really is that there are construction documents
provide for it put in the equipment that doesn't necessarily require them to install it until
they have an actual need for it. Have a plan for it up front.
COREY: Yeah. I just want to share. I had a friend visit me from California recently and
we went to Lunch at Euro and he has Tesla. And there's no place for him to charge it.
And he was heading back to California after breakfast. We had to leave Fountain Hills
and go to Kierland Commons and walk around just so he could charge his car to be able
to get back home. It's so inconvenient. He should have been able to do it right here. But
we only have two level 1 chargers and there's no place for him to possibly even charge.
So just a comment. I don't think it goes here but just something to think about, you
know.
WESLEY: What is the final thought here for this Commission?
WATTS: I don't know how you can create a schedule at this point. I think you've got to
put something in there. Maybe just the 10 percent of the site's work, the allocated spaces,
10 percent will be required for -- but I still think you need that provision in there that says
there's a waiver based upon the practicality of the parking spaces that are actually going
to be used.
GRAY: Sure.
WATTS: So that's one comment. I had one other comment before we go too far. And
that is, how do we notify those that have visibility obstructions today. We've addressed it
in the code, the regulations. How do we advise the infractor?
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner, as we identify -- our code enforcement officers
will go by the property and talk to property owner.
WATTS: And they give them a grace period to rectify it?
WESLEY: Yes.
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WATTS: Okay.
GRAY: Commissioner Kovacevic, any input?
KOVACEVIC: Yeah. I just -- I know when we looked at it about five years ago, I want
to say, shopping center in North Scottsdale, I know one thing, to put in Tesla charger, the
Tesla brand chargers, you had to pay Tesla to get them into your parking lot. Now, there
were other third party vendors that would pay you to put their chargers in the parking lot.
But you had to put in the infrastructure, which was, you know, it could be expensive, it
could be very inexpensive, depending on how close to the power source you happened to
be.
What I don't want us to -- I don't think that the parking should drive the construction or
the feasibility of building the building. And so I would prefer to see some minimum
level before the charging stations were required. And I also agree with Chairman Gray
that the economics will drive it at, you know, at some point if the office building, if
enough people are driving electric cars, that the office building, that that's a real benefit
for people to lease space in the office building, then the owner of the office building will
put it there whether we require it or not. So I'm really okay with being silent on it.
GRAY: And I think that's where I'm also comfortable. As long as there's some wiggle
room for staff within the language, I guess the language doesn't bother me. But I'm kind
of in that same vein of the market will drive it. And this language to me is more about
master plan development, you know, anchor type scenarios and/or public development.
You know, it's more guidelines for plat 208 and, you know, Fountain Hills to develop
over time. So I'm indifferent.
WATTS: I still think you got to start somewhere. I think you have to have something
that it -- because you don't have to put the charging stations in. You have to put the
structure in for the charging stations so when they requirement is there, you have the
ability without tearing anything up. It actually is a benefit to the owner, long term,
because you've got the underground in.
I don't think the calculations are right at a 40 amp circuit being nearby. They may
support one unit. But it's not going to support multiples. So just advising a contractor
upfront to me seems to be more prudent. I'd like something in there to establish a
baseline. And then, let's fix the baseline as things continue to change.
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SCHLOSSBERG: I'll agree. I happen to have an EV and I can talk to several points.
The charging stations we have in town, honestly, are a joke. And it would take hours to
charge, even marginally charge a car. So putting infrastructure in that might not even be
worthwhile, as you're saying, doesn't necessarily make sense. It needs to be a
supercharger, which is what Tesla has, or like an Electrify America Charger. And I don't
know what's involved in the conduit to be able to wire it --
WATTS: It's the same.
SCHLOSSBERG: -- it is the same, so. That's kind of where I am on it as well.
GRAY: 40 to 48 amps.
SCHLOSSBERG: Per unit.
GRAY: Per unit. Well, Commissioners, a motion?
COREY: I would just say one last comment. I think having it in here shows that we're
aware of it and we're thinking about these things and we're trying to be inclusive of
having this kind of infrastructure, so --
SCHLOSSBERG: For sure.
COREY: Yeah.
GRAY: And I'm fine with it with staff discretion. Your motion. Oh, sorry, I guess I
should ask Paula, do we have any speaker cards?
WOODWARD: No Chairman.
GRAY: Sorry. Got excited there for a second. Agenda item 6, 23-05.
COREY: All right. I'm looking for 23-05. Okay. So I'll guess we'll -- I'll make a
motion to recommend approval of the Ordinance 23-05, the parking requirements with
the amendment of removing the 50 minimum threshold parking lot size.
GRAY: Staff discretion.
COREY: With staff discretion. Thank you.
GRAY: A second Commissioners?
DAPAAH: Second.
GRAY: Any Amendments. Everybody good? Okay. Commissioner Corey's motion on
Ordinance 23-06 is to forward a recommendation to approve with the modification to
allow for staff discretion and to remove the minimum space threshold from the language.
Let's do a roll call vote, Paula.
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WOODWARD: Commissioner Corey.
COREY: Yes.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Dapaah.
DAPAAH: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Dempster.
DEMPSTER: Aye.
WOODWARD: Commissioner Kovacevic.
KOVACEVIC: Nay
WOODWARD: Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: Aye.
WOODWARD: Vice Chairman Schlossberg.
SCHLOSSBERG: Aye.
WOODWARD: Chairman Gray.
GRAY: Aye.
WOODWARD: 6 - 1.
GRAY: Thank you, Paula. Okay. Agenda item 7. Another public hearing and
consideration and possible action on amendments to the Zoning Ordnance Chapter 6,
Sign Regulations.
WESLEY: Okay. Chairman and Commissioners, The Town Council has asked staff and
the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider possible amendments to the sign
ordinance. The Town Council has through some input and discussion at the council
retreat a couple of months ago identified some things they believe might be beneficial to
make as amendments to our current sign regulations. Their goal is to remove some
obstacles or impediments that might happen with businesses that could be more
successful if they had opportunities for some better signage. Particularly in terms of
some of the temporary signage options that are available.
So I have received and included in the draft that's been provided to you that's in the report
and discussion some suggestions, recommendations from the Town Council. In addition
to that, staff has worked with the Ordinance and looked through the suggestions. We've
identified a few things that we think you ought to consider also.
As you go through this, and sort of the public may have some -- Commission may have
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some ideas, too, as long as we're making changes. So what we have here to start with this
evening are some of those things that have already been identified, but I'll be seeking
your further direction for any additional modifications or adjustments from where we're
at.
And so I'll be going through each section. Most of them fairly quickly where there have
not been any identified changes. But bringing them all up because the entire code has
been put out there as a possibility for modification, so I don't want to miss anything if
somebody has comments.
So Section 6.01 of the Ordinance is introductory chapter. This slide lists the topics
covered in this particular chapter. We have not identified any proposed changes in this
particular section. And so Commissioners, as you have looked at it, have you seen
anything that you think should be considered for amendment or modification in Section
6.01?
Hearing none, okay. We can move on to the signing Section 6.02, Definitions chapter of
the Ordinance. And here we have one fairly simple and very good suggestion that was
made. Concern was is, somebody not really familiar with the sign ordinance as reading
through this and they see a definition, in this case for awning or canopy sign and they
read that and they don't realize they're more detailed regulations elsewhere and they think
that's it. So for each of these sign types, I'll just use this simple one right here as an
example, but for each one, we've added a reference to where you go in the later part of
the code where they see the details on that sign type.
So that's the suggestions and only modification for each of the sign types at this point in
Section 6.02. Any questions, comments with that?
Okay. Section 6.03 -- let me turn some pages here so I can keep up. Section 6.03 deals
with the building permits and fees. And here, as staff was going back through this,
Section 6.03 B is about building permit are not required for certain things. They're not
required for temporary signs. Building permits aren't required for banner signs either. So
that was -- we think that should come out because permits are required for banner signs
but not a building permit. So just making that clarification by taking out the "except
banner sign." That's our only suggested change in 6.03. Anybody have anything else
they want to bring up with 6.03?
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Okay. And 6.04 deal with violations and penalties. We have not identified any particular
changes there. Anybody have any questions, comments on 6.05 -- 6.04?
6.05, Enforcement and Remedies, no proposed changes in this section. Commissioners,
anything you've identified?
Okay. 6.06, Sign Plans. This allows for some flexibility and modification of the
requirements. If somebody wants to submit a sign plan. And we again, have not
identified any changes to this section. Any from the Commissioners in this section? I'm
going to slow down here in just a second.
Okay. 6.07, General Regulations. So this section provides a lot of background
information about different issues related to signs. On this slide you see the different
topics covered in this particular section. And there are several modifications that are
proposed as we go through this Section.
So the first one is in Section 6.07 B 1. Section 6.07 B deals with sign location and
prohibited locations more particularly. Because of some changes being proposed later on
in the ordinance in 6.08 with regard to signs, temporary signs in the right-of-way, you
know, it was felt some slight changes were helpful here to work better with the language
later on in terms of the exceptions, or what the basic requirement is, that signs be placed
on the property where the business is versus being offsite. But then explaining the
exceptions that would be allowed.
GRAY: I don't know if here is the proper place to talk about it or later. But I guess I, if
we're going to modify this, I would be in favor of a carve out for adjacent right-of-way
but not the -- not the removed right-of-way. And I think the Laser Drive example was
made. You want to talk about that later or here? Later, okay.
WESLEY: Later -- different types. So hold on to that.
GRAY: Commissioner Dempster.
DEMPSTER: Thank you. John, is this the area where -- I couldn't tell if this is just
resident, commercial, but for the homeowner that wants to sell their house and put a sign
up in the right-of-way.
WESLEY: So this starts it. But that, again, will be when we specifically talk about the
post-and-board signs.
DEMPSTER: Okay.
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WESLEY: And what's allows are there. I assume that's what you're --
DEMPSTER: Yes.
WESLEY: -- referring to, is that type of sign.
DEMPSTER: Thank you.
WESLEY: So this doesn't really change much but the feeling was this slight
readjustment of the language we think will make it more clear later on.
Okay. So the next part of the section, Section 6.07 B 2 describes prohibitive locations for
signs. And the concern here was that it was a lot of technical language that was maybe
hard to follow. Things kind of seemed to bounce around a little bit in terms of the types
of locations. And so what we've done here to try to clarify this a little bit more is to
group the prohibitive locations into the types listed so that then you can see them a little
bit better and how they work together.
There's nothing changed in any of these. It's just reordering them. There might be some
slight wording changes because of the way the order was changed, but really no
difference in the regulations, except for the very last one. And that's -- currently the code
says, "Temporary signs within the Shae Boulevard right-of-way are prohibited." This
starts to allow the except that we'll talk about again a little bit more in detail when we get
to specific signs types.
Any questions on these changes in 6.07?
Let's see -- well, I've already covered this? Oh, yes we did, also look at adding one more
provision in here in 6.02 A I. As we learned in the last election cycle, there's a lot of
confusion between our local ordinance and the state statutes and what they allow for
political signs, which are -- start as a challenge because they still refer to political signs,
which is regulation by content, which we really can't do. But to try to help clarify it a
little bit, we thought if we added this other provision more directly in here that during
election times, that those signs would be allowed as provided for in the state statutes.
GRAY: Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: John, what is the definition of stop and start times? 30 days before? 60? 90? I
know it's -- I think you have to clean them up after 14 days after the election, I think.
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner Watts, as I recall, it's 70 days prior to the primary.
I think it's changes a little bit, but it used to be 60, now it's 70 days prior to the primary.
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And then 15 days after the general election, I believe are the dates.
WATTS: Okay. Do we stipulate that anywhere in here or is it just --
WESLEY: Just by referencing state statutes --
WATTS: Okay.
WESLEY: -- that way if it changes in the state statute, we're still good.
WATTS: All right. Thank you.
GRAY: So this modification is opening up what are currently sign-free zones during
the -- during that window of time?
WESLEY: Sign-free zones would still be sign-free zones. Sign-free zones may change.
There's been some efforts on the state legislature to modify those in what they can be,
maybe, coming back to change those at some point. Let me go back and find the actual
place in here.
Right, so it's -- again, in 6.07 B 2 A i 3, so that section is, "Signs are prohibited for the
following locations. Prohibited in town, rights-of-way, or public property, except, then
as allowed by state statutes during elections or the town sign-free zone."
Any questions? Okay with that?
Okay. Let's see here. Yeah, already covered this one. Says change to except as
provided. Share right-of-way -- Shae Boulevard right-of-way. So again, we talked about
this a bit more specific later, but I just wanted to cover here as we are looking for these
opportunities to help businesses with their signage. The reasons why we have limited the
temporary signs on Shae Boulevard. There's been three main reasons -- or four. The
aesthetic reason. Maintain the beauty of this corridor through town, but more specifically
for some safety reasons. The signs, they are placed on or maybe no very securely in the
right-of-way, so there's some danger as cars whiz by at 50-plus miles per hour or other
wind conditions of blowing the signs into the right-of-way.
Most of these signs are smaller signs and so the printing on them is fairly small. They're
meant to be viewed at slow speeds, or even more particularly by pedestrians. And so a
car going that fast, a driver will have a hard time reading the signs without potentially
slowing down. And then also, a person placing these signs by the roadway with the high
traffic speeds.
So again, those being the reasons why we've had the provisions on Shae Boulevard. We
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just wanted to keep those in mind as we look at the allowances that are being considered
at this time.
In 607.E, did it for some clarity and consistency. Added in this Chapter to a couple of
provisions. And then also in E 12, we're not sure why we had the "except as specifically
permitted," because they're never specifically permitted on somebody's property without
the property owner's -- you can have them in the right-of-way adjacent to the -- not on the
property. So suggest we take out that language.
So in 6.07, General Regulations, any other things any Commissioners have identified that
you want to talk about? With that, we're going to get into the more specific sign types
and the proposals there that have been discussed.
So Section 6.08 deals with all the specific regulations for the different sign types starting
in A. So number 1, and that is the A-frame signs. So we had this, several suggestions
here for modifications. Currently, we allow one sign, one A-frame sign per business. It's
suggested we increase that to two at one per entry. We also suggested that currently the
largest sign is 6 square feet. That increasing it to two, we don't necessarily double that to
allowing you 12 square feet, but that we -- if you're going to have a second sign, it's got
to be a little bit smaller so that the aggregate between the two is either 8 or 9 square feet,
we discussed at the council.
As I look back at standard A-frame sign sizes out there, it seems like the extra 3 square
feet is more of a standard size. And so staff would suggest doing 9 as aggregate.
Next item was again for commercial areas along Shae to allow signs in the right-of-way
adjacent to commercial areas. Council discussed allowing the A-frame signs within 90
feet of the property in commercial areas. And up to 1,000 feet in industrial areas. We'll
come back and talk about those two things in just a moment.
And then to allow them on sidewalks as long as there was at least 4 foot clearance around
the sign and 2 foot from curb. Currently it's 3 foot from the curb. And that the sign be
removed when business is closed. So those are the basic changes that were proposed as
we discussed this with Council with regard to A-frame signs.
Before we go on to some of the next examples that I have, any other things with regard to
A-frame sings? Any of the Commissioners have identified that --
GRAY: Just an opinion. I think that the provision for A-frames on sidewalks should not
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be a provision at all. I just -- I think get them into the softscape or elsewhere but not on
the sidewalk, even if there is 4-foot clearance. And then just a facetious comment. And
A-frame is technically two signs. So each A-frame is 12 square feet on its own, right?
WESLEY: They're back to back, still count as one. Certain angle that's needed between
them before it --
GRAY: Is that going to be your comment?
WESLEY: No, it's an interesting comment.
GRAY: Technically, I'm right.
WESLEY: Chairman, with regard to on the sidewalk. I can understand that in maybe a
more suburban location. But when we're downtown, the town center area, a lot of time
sidewalk is the place it needs to be -- sidewalk is usually mostly wider to accommodate
that.
GRAY: So the reason I don't like it is, if you trip into one, you're going to go over the
top of the A-frame sign and it's going to collapse as you're going over it and you're going
to land flat. I mean, I'm not one to be overly safe and cautious here, but I just -- I don't
agree with putting signs out on -- if a sidewalk was placed, a sidewalk is placed for
walking, it's not a place for signage. That's just my thought. Commissioner Dempster.
DEMPSTER: Just to comment on that. When you walk down the Avenue of the
Fountains, that whole area, and it's, I don't know, I've never measured it, it's close to 8
feet, probably 6 to 8 feet with -- that's all sidewalk. And that's the only available space
for business to put an A-frame sign. So I don't like signs on the sidewalk either. But
there's plenty of room. And with some of the nooks and things that -- they can be placed
in a very safe manner. But just for those businesses on the Avenue, I think that's
important to have.
GRAY: Commissioner Corey.
COREY: Thank you. And yeah, I was just going to call out again. So if I'm
understanding this correctly, it says "allow in right-of-way, including Shae," is the
amendment. Okay, but I think the points that we brought up with the safety on Shae is
really important. And I know that I've done, like, cleanup on Shae with cleaning trash
and what not and just trying to cross the road is very dangerous.
So that, in combination with, "the signs must be removed at the end of the day when the
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business is closed," at that time, it could get a little dark, too. So I think there's a lot of
safety issues there. I don't know about Shae right-of-way. And I would also include,
maybe, I mean, there's a lot of place along Saguaro that aren't really safe to be walking in
the middle of that either. So Shae for sure.
GRAY: So John, I'll amend my comment after Commissioner Dempster's feedback to
say I'm not in favor of A-frames in the walking path on a sidewalk but if the condition is
that there's a sidewalk and then it butts out around a tree well or there's pockets, I'm all
for that. But not in the primary walking path of a sidewalk, even if it is 6 or 8 feet wide.
WESLEY: Let's look at some examples here of distances. So here's -- we kind of started
as we talked about this with Counsel and hadn't had a whole lot of time to look at it
beyond this at that point. So here's an example. On the Avenue, you've got this building
back in the back. And if they wanted to have an A-frame sign really out on the Avenue
so that it's visible to somebody walking on the Avenue to help direct them to their
business back there, that building is about 85 feet, plus or minus, back. So that's where
we came up the 90 feet. That's kind of a starting number.
See a similar thing over on Parkview where we've the businesses set back. There's the
parking between them and getting out to Parkview. And those are about the same
distances from those businesses to get something out into the right-of-way. So that,
again, is 85, 90 feet is kind of that minimum distance if we're going to let them go out
through the right-of-way. Again, at that point, you're not on premise. You're off premise
because you're in the right-of-way.
So then some other examples. Another spot that may benefit from having some
additional signage out at the Fry's (ph.) on West Shae. Given the topography and that site
wall that's along Shae, in order to get something at where motorists can see it, you're
going to need to be at least 125 feet from the property line if you want to get over to the
various intersection. You've got greater distances, but certainly at least 125 feet out to
get past that wall so a sign can be visible.
Another example, commercial center along Saguaro Boulevard here, that back building.
If it wants to get -- well, first of all, again, by the code, you can -- when you're in the
common commercial zone as this is, any business within that common commercial area
can put a sign anywhere in the common area. So right behind the property line, along the
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right-of-way would be fine for that business in the back. But if they really need to be out
closer to the sidewalk or on the sidewalk with their sign so it could be visible, now we're
talking about 280 feet for that back property to be able to get their sign out right along the
street.
Same way, if you go up this commercial area at that Glenbrook and Fountain Hills
Boulevard, pick some of those further-back businesses, and you can see the distances out
to the corner up at Fountain Hills Boulevard. So if we want to be able to accommodate
businesses in that location and help them be more successful and get signage out where
people can see it, you can see the types of distances that we need to include in the
ordinance to allow for that. 90 feet really won't get them what they would be after.
So now we're going to look at a couple different situations here with the Target Center.
Again, leave a little bit more closely than that. About three different zones we're going to
look at. Let me see here. We've got -- well, the purples are property lines. So here is the
property line for these businesses in here.
And so if we're talking distances from the property line, we're talking about what can
happen there, what can happen there, what can happen there, based on different
scenarios. So again, from the property corner here, if we went out 90 feet, these
businesses, all these businesses back in here, there are about 17 of them, could put some
signs right here just past the driveway into the bank. We wanted to allow them to go all
out here to this corner. We'd need to go out to about 195 feet. Or if we came over to this
location in through here. That's the shortest, about 130 feet, again, similar to what we
had over there at the Fry's parking lot. If we were allowing that kind of distance they
could be putting sings in there to help get people into that driveway.
And so here's some examples of what that could look like, first over at the corner with
that number of businesses, if they were putting out signs. This one is the driveway going
into the bank. And this one's up at the corner itself.
Then if we go on over to the area here along the middle, then signs could be out along the
sidewalk there.
GRAY: The sidewalk's not 6-feet wide.
WESLEY: It's 8-feet wide.
GRAY: Is it?
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WESLEY: Yes.
GRAY: That's terrible.
WESLEY: And then we get on over again across the corner of that property comes up
into here. So measuring from there, here's kind of a 90-foot area from that corner where
signs could go. Or if there's an interest in giving an opportunity to get signs over here to
the main driveway, we'd be talking about a 195 to 270 feet. And here's, again, what those
could look like, This one's along this main area in here. And the other's kind of at the
corner.
Any comments, questions on those? I'm going to go back to one that you may not have
noticed here. And that's this sign. That sign. This is challenging to understand but we
can't review content. If we put in a provision such as this and we say you can put it 90
feet from your business, if we can read the sign so we can identify the exact business,
then we're free to measure that distance and see if they're within than distance.
Otherwise, we can't really judge the content of a sign.
So while it's not likely, again, people aren't really just going to go out and create crazy
signs to put out and use up their sign allowance to advertise, you know, whatever. But
they could. Or in this example, somebody doing the garage sale, open house, could take
advantage of the fact we can't really judge content and put those signs in with the others.
So again, I don't know if that's a reason not to approve any of these things we're talking
about. But I just want to make sure the Commission is aware of some of the impacts or
some of the code challenges we may have and enforcement going forward with the
provisions that are being considered.
GRAY: So I'll take the first stab here and we can get the conversation going. But I just
have a macro-statement. And I think it's -- we're trying to be all things to all businesses.
And if a -- whatever happened to business complexes putting out their monument signs
out at the street that says, hey I've got Farmers Insurance inside this building. Or you
know, business A, B, C, D, or E, that's a -- Commissioner Kovacevic's responsibility as
a -- as, you know, someone in that industry to bring that development and deploy that as
a part of the asset. Some businesses at some locations, and a lot of these in these
examples in the last few slides -- if your business needs the visibility and a street
presence, it's probably not the location for your business. So we don't need to -- this is
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my opinion, right, but we don't need to accommodate the $12 a square foot rent business
way back on Laser Drive with street-front visibility on Shae. Because if that business
needs that, if that business is in the business of selling clothing or shoes or whatever it is,
then they go up in the Bashes Complex. They go where they get that foot traffic. They
go where they get that visibility. They go where they get that branding with the location
and it comes as a component of the square foot that they ultimately pay.
So I wholeheartedly disagree with trying to be all things to all businesses. Now, having
said that, where I think the line is for me is to say, if I can visibly see your front door
from where that A-frame sign is placed, and it's within whatever we said, 75 feet or 90
feet, then I'm good with it. I think I can deal with that. But to have to be 200 feet away
and go around the corner, it's never going to happen. And we're just opening the door to
something that's in nobody's interest I think. So those are my thoughts.
Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: So first I agree with you that the A-frame, to me is two signs, you know, we
may have to classify it differently, but seems like it's two signs. In that spirit, though,
does that eliminate a second sign because every A-frame is more than the -- if we go with
9 feet, does that eliminate the second sign?
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner Watt, Section 6.07 describes how we measure
signs and calculate the area and basically it says if they're parallel faces, we don't count as
two signs. They have to be a certain angle between the signs this way before we count
them as two signs.
WATTS: But if it's 3 x 3, does that eliminate the second sign? If an A-frame, both sides
are 3 x 3, it's 9 square feet per sign.
WESLEY: I believe one sign can be no larger than 6, still.
WATTS: Okay. So it would eliminate the second sign, though, from an ingress and
egress.
WESLEY: So if you have one at 6, you can have another one at 3 square feet.
WATT: Oh, to get to the 9.
WESLEY: It's aggregate is 9.
WATTS: Okay. Secondly, I think when permits are polled, there is a cost for signs that
are on the buildings already. Does that count as a sign? Targets? Fields? Fells? Streets
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of New York? They all have signs out front and there's a cost for those. Does that
preclude them from being able to put up an A-frame or any other sign, other than maybe
a monument sign out on the rights-of-way?
WESLEY: As the ordinance is currently crafted, did not. They're all considered
independently.
WATTS: But we have a two sign, well, we do have a two sign -- we have a square
footage limit, too. And each of those would be the large than the square footage allowed.
So would it by default preclude them from a sign -- an A-frame?
WESLEY: Not the way it's currently worded, no.
WATTS: Really. And, jeez, I hate the clutter that's sitting there on the corner, but it
seems to me that the signs generally related to businesses are geared more towards small
businesses as opposed to larger businesses that have their own marketing, they have their
own flyers, they do a lot of advertising and so on. How about distance between signs?
Can we set a distance between signs? We're 90 feet from the property line, or whatever
we come up with. Could we put distance between them so it doesn't get so cluttered?
WESLEY: Chair, Commissioner Watts, we're actually going to talk about that a little bit
later. We have a current provision in the ordinance that addresses that, but it's a
challenge, particularly in a common commercial center such as this to implement it or to
enforce it. You come out here and we say you're supposed to be, you know, 20 feet
between signs and you have three signs and their 5 feet apart. Well, who put the one out
first. So which one created the violation. Okay, we've got to take them all in and go talk
to all three and whatever and anyway, it just become difficult to enforce.
WATTS: I brought the wrong notes, so I'll stop right there. Thank you.
GRAY: Commissioner Dempster.
DEMPSTER: May I ask, too, about the signs will need to be removed when the business
is closed. I would think that would be difficult to enforce as well if different hours of
operation.
WESLEY: Chairman, yes that would be a challenge to code staff to be out those hours to
ensure that it happens. Could be addressed over time, I think, as we would get
complaints about it, to know which businesses and then go to try follow up with. We do
it currently, I guess, same thing with lighting complaints. We get those, so good officers
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come in when it's dark, which in the summer is late hours for them. So a similar thing
could happen.
GRAY: Commissioner Corey.
COREY: I was just going to say I think could help to ensure that the signs that do end up
out there are purposeful and not just left behind, you know. So when we say the business
is closed, it's closed for the day. I don't know if we need to clarify that or not. We went
out of business, so -- is there more to this, John? I had a couple of other comments but I
don't want to touch them unless we're continuing.
WESLEY: So the next thing I have, which is just a --
COREY: Okay.
WESLEY: -- the similar thing down here on Laser Drive. The Chairman's kind of
brought this up before already, what was discussed at the Council meeting was 1,000
feet. But when we came back and actually measured it to get that rear property all the
way out to something a little bit visible and technology would really be 1,250.
And just as a point of information, there are 21 businesses currently along that street.
And here's the area at the end of the street where, you know, potential signs could go that
limited -- again, it's unlikely that more than a few of the businesses would put signs out at
the same time. It's not really likely to get as cluttered as some of these images were put
out look. So I don't want to be overly dramatic or seem like I'm trying to thwart the idea.
But I did want the commission to be aware of the potential that's there as you're giving
consideration for this.
With that, I think it's -- from there, I just get in, again, repeat the numbers in case we need
them again and get some of the challenges that we see that may come from the changes.
COREY: Okay. Thank you. You know, I try to think about this. I don't own a business
but if I did, I try to think about it from their perspective, you know, and I think that the
signs, if you're walking, if you're a pedestrian, if you're on foot, that kind of bring a sense
of community and I understand that. And I hope that people also consider what it's going
to make the town look like if there's too many. So I really hope that we can find a good
balance here.
I had a question around illumination. Can I ask that or --
WESLEY: Sure.
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COREY: -- okay. So signs shall be illuminated only during the hours that the associated
establishment is up for -- is open for business. I had this note from last time, so I don't
know if that was changed. But that is in here, right?
WESLEY: So with regard to electronic message center signs, we'll get to, we have that
discussion to have. But I don't recall it's anyplace else.
COREY: Okay. Maybe I'll clarify, so is that in this? That's a different area? It's a
different section?
WESLEY: Yes --
COREY: Okay.
WESLEY: -- have to go back in the 6.07 for the general illumination requirements.
Temporary signs are not allowed to be illuminated at all. And then we have the provision
for electronic message center signs and when they can be on and off. But for just a
general wall sign, I don't recall if there's anything that limits those.
COREY: Okay. Well, I see -- I don't know what section that is, "When a business is
closed, a sign may continue to be lit but may only display a static message, except on the
weekend."
WESLEY: Right. That's the electronic message center sign. We'll get there in a little
while.
COREY: Okay. And then it was no later than sunset, I believe, for removal of the
temporary signs. Is that still in there?
WESLEY: So with regard to the -- again, we'll talk about each of these individually,
both the --
COREY: Okay.
WESLEY: -- A-frame, that's when the business was closed, they're supposed to be
removed.
COREY: But if they close after sunset, maybe it should be sunset or closure because
what if -- if it's dark and they're out there trying to collect their signs, that could be a
safety issue.
WESLEY: Then I think we'd have to talk again about different areas, because if you're in
the town center area, you've got more light along the --
COREY: I see.
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WESLEY: -- sidewalk and a pedestrian setting where people are still reading the signs.
COREY: It's a tough one. And then are we going to talk about the electronic message
signs later as well?
WESLEY: We'll get there.
COREY: Okay. Thank you.
GRAY: Anything else on these? Again, I don't expect that we will necessarily get the
answers tonight, but certainly want to see what comments you have and questions and
direction you want to give us for adjustments if any to what's been proposed, so.
Anything else at this time? Okay.
WESLEY: So moving on through Section 6.08 like the other section, we'll just touch on
each of these. Most of them we don't have any comments, but just to see if anybody else
did. So 6.08 A 2 is on canopy signs. 3 is balloons, we had no proposed changes to those
sections. I don't see anybody.
Okay. Banner signs is next in 6.08 A 4. So some suggested changes here, mostly about
increasing some of the display time. Currently, they're limited to 30 days in a calendar
year. They don't all have to be at once. It could be 10 days here and 10 days there. A
permit is required so we can track the number of days. The recommendation is that we
increase that to 90 days per calendar year. And then add a seasonable waiver for
nonresidential uses in residential districts. So I think I put in the staff report a list of what
those uses could be. The only one we really have or haven't any degree is churches. And
we do know that church's often have seasonal kind of activities, whether it's Christmas
program or the summer vacation school type things that they, like, advertise for through
temporary signage. A number of churches in town have permanent frames out along the
street where those temporary banner signs can be added. Certainly the current code has
been a bit restrictive on that. And so that's the idea there. The way it was worded in the
Counsel's discussion was providing a waiver. My interpretation of that way, we typically
do that is to administrative temporary use permit process to be able to track that type of
waiver.
Another suggestion or recommendation that was made through the Council is if it's a new
business, it might not be ready to invest in the cost of permanent signage. That we allow
for a banner sign for a longer period of time. Discussion was for anything from 180 days
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to a year, 364, 365 days. And so we're looking for direction on how long that would be.
GRAY: I'm supportive of that but I think that on the new business, in the new business
area, I think we might consider requiring a change in messaging across that period of
time. The now open sign for 365 days is -- yeah, it's almost kind of like helping a
business with its marketing by saying, hey, change your messaging over. Just a thought.
You know, saying, you can throw the banner up for 365 days but over that 365 days, the
message needs to change at least one time or two times.
Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: I'm opposed to 365. I think 180 days is more than sufficient for new business
to establish itself if it hasn't established -- I'm not sure it's 300 -- an additional 185 days is
going to do much for them. I'd also like to know what the length of the waiver is. What's
the time on the wavier?
GRAY: Your mic's not on.
WATTS: Again?
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: The red one.
GRAY: He doesn't have a red one.
WATTS: Well, nice try. Nothing's working.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: There you go.
WATTS: Now there is -- I don't know. All right. Anyway, what's the length of the
waiver? Okay, you -- what's the length of the waiver, John?
WESLEY: That wasn't specified.
WATTS: Okay. Shouldn't there be a duration?
WESLEY: We couldn't do that by prescribing the maximum waiver lengths here? Or we
could just let it be up to the individual situation that's up to the Commission, hopefully
the Counsel and what they adopt.
WATTS: And what constitutes a seasonable waiver? Because if I'm Hallmark, I've got
one every month.
WESLEY: That's a good question. By any definition as we work on this.
GRAY: They're not in business anymore.
WATTS: I still buy Hallmarks from them. Oh, so anyway, 180 days is what I would
support. And 90 calendar days a year in addition to the seasonal waivers without them
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being define just seems to me to be problematic. So I'd be concerned about that.
DEMPSTER: Just a comment on the seasonality. Because our residents, we have many
winter residents. I would actually be in favor of a longer period of time to have a sign.
And I know there was some discussion about the maintenance because a banner sign
could -- also pretty ratty after a long period of time as well. But in fairness, because of
the seasonality of our residents, I (audio interference) -- what's happening. Did you catch
that? With maintenance and a longer period of time.
COREY: Can you clarify a longer period of time? Longer than 180 -- 180 days?
DEMPSTER: Yes. Longer than 180 because if someone opens a business in June and
they have to take their sign down, you know, they'll miss the seasonal folks that come in
February or March. So longer than 180 days.
COREY: I mean, it's a good point that you raise, but that's like six months. So they
would still have enough time to get them through the end of November. Hopefully, I
think people are back by then. I'm not arguing with you I'm just considering that.
GRAY: Clear as mud?
WESLEY: Absolutely, as always.
WATTS: So I'm not clear.
WESLEY: No, I'm not either.
WATTS: We were talking about, Commissioner Dempster was talking about seasonal
waivers but you were really talking about new businesses having a longer duration than
180 days?
DEMPSTER: I was talking about seasonality of our residents, but in regards to banners.
WATTS: Okay.
DEMPSTER: So we were talking about banners and I stated that having them up for a
longer period of time would accommodate our seasonality of our residents. And also
would like to see a provision about general maintenance, having a sign up for an
extended period of time.
GRAY: That's why I like the messaging refresh, is that kind of -- it does allow that
period of time, but it's, you know, now open for 365 days is tired. I'm already tired, you
know.
WESLEY: Okay.
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WATTS: So where do we land? Anywhere? Or are we just -- is comments where --
food for thought and you're going to consider each of these?
GRAY: It's more (indiscernible) comments, I think.
WATTS: Okay.
GRAY: Go ahead.
WESLEY: Just jumping ahead a little bit but what will happen from here is, I'll go
through and make changes that are clear changes. Otherwise, some of these things are
still open. Then a report will come back with some of your discussion, and here are
some additional options to consider based on your discussion. And sometime, either the
next meeting or after, you are going to have to come to a conclusion but you don't have to
make it tonight.
So moving on then in 6.08, here's, again, a list of some of the sections in line of types of
signs. There are no proposed changes from the Council or staff on any of these sections.
Any comments or suggestions on any of these sections from any of the Commission?
DAPAAH: Yeah, John, under the section on balloons. You made mention of it not being
any higher than 6 feet from the ground. I've seen balloons hanging -- that were mounted
up on top of roofs right down here on Avenue of the Fountains on Park Place. They were
running a special or whatever and hung a balloon up, they literally went up to their roof
and hung it up with -- should we have something in here stating something to that effect?
Was that something that is allowed or --
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner Dapaah, I guess I'd have to see it to know for sure,
but from the sounds of it, it sounds like something that would have been in violation.
DAPAAH: Okay.
WESLEY: If it's happening currently, however, we're not doing any kind of enforcement
of the currently assigned provisions --
DAPAAH: Yeah.
WESLEY: -- until we get it redone.
DAPAAH: All right. Thank you.
WESLEY: Next in line here we have the sections of the code that currently have no
provisions but Commissioner Dempster, I believe you might have some comments or
questions with regard to number 12, post and board signs, so.
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DEMPSTER: Yes. I think we need to include this in the ordinance for our residence
here that decide to sell their home. They should be allowed to have a post and board sign
stating their home is for sale.
WESLEY: Right, which we do back -- I guess --
DEMPSTER: Well, but --
WESLEY: -- the current provisions doesn't allow it to be in --
DAPAAH: -- not in the right-of-way because no one knows where the right-of-way is.
WESLEY: Right.
DEMPSTER: So it has to be more friendly for the homeowner.
WESLEY: Okay. Comments, questions there? Okay. That was easy enough.
Then we get to yard signs is the next one with some changes. So again, these are your
pretty typical political sign, that's one way to look at it. Contractor comes and does some
work in your yard or whatever and they leave a little yard sign, little pegs that go into the
ground. That's one of the main differences between an A-frame and a yard sign is these
actually penetrate the ground versus sitting on top of the ground.
So here it was suggested, currently the code is one per lot. And the suggestion was we
change that to two per lot. As we're talking about efforts to assist businesses and
commercial areas, you might have a lot of businesses on one lot as we just saw I in a
couple of situations. And if you're allowed, whether it's one or two or three per lot, if you
got two businesses, which businesses get to do that. So this hasn't come up before, but
I'm wondering if we should modify this in commercial areas. So make the distinction
residential areas two for lot and commercial areas it's one per business, two per business,
whatever the Commission wants to recommend on that.
DEMPSTER: I like the idea of separating residential and business. And on a side note, a
question. What would take precedent in an HOA that as rules about this versus the town?
Would the HOA rules supersede what the town states?
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner Dempster, yes, the HOA rules could supersede, but
they have to enforce, the town wouldn't.
DEMPSTER: Right. Thank you. And this would be a temporary sign advertising the
business or --
WESLEY: Could have any message it wants.
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DEMPSTER: Okay. Well, right. But a temporary sign?
WESLEY: We're talking yard signs currently.
DEMPSTER: Okay. Thank you.
WESLEY: The council didn't specifically discuss it this way but I went ahead and
amended the ordinance to be similar to the A-frames in terms of the separation from the
property lines and so forth. That may be overstepping what the council was looking at.
But the gist of the discussion sounded to me like I order to provide as much opportunity
to assist businesses as we could, I included the same types of language here in terms of
the 90 feet from the property line for a commercial, 1,000 feet from industrial zoned
property. So it's depending on what we do with the other, we may or may not want to do
the same thing here.
UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: Yeah. I agree in theory.
WESLEY: Okay. Now we get to electronic message centers. So this is section 6.08 B
of the Ordinance. So a few changes were suggested here. Currently the code requires
that there be an 8 second hold for any sign message before you change a message. That's
to try to avoid animation and something holds a driver going by at whatever speed gets a
chance to see it, not distracted by a lot of changes. The proposal is that we reduce that to
4 seconds.
So I looked around at other codes, they do vary somewhat. I have seen some less than 8,
but most of them seem to be around that 8 second kind of timeframe. But they're starting
to go no set standard or a reason why it couldn't be reduced to the 4.
One of the challenging pieces we had from the previous code, because it was based on a
message and how to handle the message when a business was closed. We came up with
language, which in the current code, when a business is closed, a sign may be continued
to be lit but display only a static message. That's been a little bit of a challenge with one
particular entity. And that's been the Chamber of Commerce. They represent a lot of
businesses in town that are open a lot of times. And while they came into an off-premises
advertising their events going on and so forth that they're trying to assist with in part of
what they're doing, even though their office is closed. They have those activities. So that
has already been a bit of a challenge.
The suggestion here was to add, except on the weekend. So a business may be closed on
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the weekend, could still advertise. So that's what we put in here, but I believe I put in the
staff report, staff's not sure exactly what all that would mean. When does the weekend
start and stop. What about a holiday? Should that be included in addition to weekends?
Looking for some further ideas and direction from the Commission on how we might
handle that one to achieve the goal there. I think we'll wait for the next bullet point to
amend that discussion because it takes us in a different direction.
Any comments there or other ideas or comments about electronic message centers and
regulations?
GRAY: What drove the message, interval reduction?
WESLEY: Just an opportunity to get more messages out there, I believe.
GRAY: I guess I'm in favor of holding at the 8. And then on the second point, I'd
actually go the opposite direction. I would say the message board needs to go dark at
the -- coinciding with the end of business hours for the zoning district. If it's a 10 p.m.,
close of business doors, to me the message board needs to go dark. No static message.
Commissioner Dempster.
DEMPSTER: Do you have a comment on Chairman Grace? I have this --
WESLEY: I do.
COREY: And I think we have -- what are we referring to here? We have how many in
town, two? We have the theater --
WESLEY: No. We have about a half dozen.
COREY: Oh, do we.
WESLEY: We just had a new one just turn on today.
COREY: A new one at MCO. Okay.
DEMPSTER: And the church.
COREY: I think it's just important to consider, you know, what these are going to look
like at night and I was recently at the Chamber and I was blinded by the light. It was so
bright that it just, you know, it just kind of distracted everything around. So I think we
just have to be really careful if we start to allow more and more of these, you know, what
that impact can be.
WESLEY: Chairman --
DEMPSTER: I --
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WESLEY: Before you make your comment for just a second. I want to --
DEMPSTER: -- sure.
WESLEY: -- one of the questions or issues that we wrap up with before we did this is
other businesses that have wall signs that are lit, we don't require them to be turned off at
night. And so, you know, that may do it, but they're not required to be turned off. And
so signaling these out versus those was an equity question that we had.
GRAY: I see them as different.
DEMPSTER: My comment has to deal with Dark Skys. And I know you contacted them
but these are not Dark Sky compliant, correct?
WESLEY: Yes, they are.
DEMPSTER: They are?
WESLEY: Yes. The values are put on the -- the light levels we changed, day versus
night and the night-time levels are Dark Sky compliant. Now they can't seem very bright
as Commissioner Corey just pointed out. We've had the Chamber sign monitored several
times for their compliance and it is compliant.
GRAY: Commissioner Watts.
WATTS: I think I'm in agreement with the 8 seconds. If we look at the flashing stop
signs, they're designed to get your attention. But they're a distraction at the same time.
And if I'm driving down the road, I don't really want a distraction, to have something
catch my attention so that I'm not paying attention to traffic as much. So the proximity of
the stop signs is one thing and the flashing. But I'm a proponent of sitting with the 8
seconds.
And is the building code establish a specific lumen output on the lights?
WESLEY: The zoning ordinance does.
WATTS: The zoning does?
WESLEY: Yes.
WATTS: Okay. Yeah, as long as it's compliant. But, yeah, 8 seconds.
WESLEY: So Commissioner Corey, going back to one of your comments, the other
thing that came up at the Commission was, yes, maybe we want to make these
adjustments that are existing, but maybe also want to prohibit any additional signs. And
so that's kind of the next piece of that that we had to discuss. I guess I got a little bit
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ahead of myself there a little bit here again, some of the comments we had.
If we were to do that, we'd have to think about how we handle electronic fuel message
signs. Because those are basically electronic message signs. They display one message.
Currently there's only one in town. But otherwise, if we were to make that change, staff
would propose that we do two things to the code. One is to go into 6.07 C, add a new
number 4, you know, this is the section on nonconforming signs, to make existing signs
non-conforming and they can continue as those nonconforming signs and then add
electronic message centers to the list of prohibited signs in 6.07 E.
So that's what we would do if the Commission and Council want to go that way, to
prohibit future signs.
GRAY: I have no opinion.
COREY: I do have an opinion that I think that is something we should look into because
over time, if we have more of these come into town it's not going to be -- I don't think it's
the direction that we want our town to head into when you, you know, for a business it's
great because you're getting more visibility and people are able to see your sign. It's lit
up and you can do some very creative things with it. But from as aesthetic standpoint, for
residents and other people that may not own businesses, there's other, I think there's many
other more creative and beautiful ways to highlight a business and to advertise a business.
And I would just really like us to consider not having provisions and to allow more of
these to come into town. And if we have an opportunity now to say that this is the limit,
then I think we should.
DEMPSTER: I agree with Commissioner Corey as far as the aesthetic and I think about
the town of Carefree, you know, you drive by and they don't have any neon sing and it
does create a certain look. On the other hand, I think that, you know, visibility for
businesses is extremely important but when I see some of these signs, it tells me the time
of day and it tells me the weather and I don't need an illuminated sign to tell me the
weather and the time. So my two cents.
COREY: Yeah. Just something else to consider, like, whose the audience of these signs?
So I could see if we were in a place where there's a lot more transient people that were
kind of coming and going from different places and it was new to them to see that. Oh,
wow, look what they have to offer, I should take a look at that. But we all live here. And
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we know what they offer. Like when I drive by the theater sign or the Chamber sign, I'm
not looking at it because I know what's going on. So, you know, something else to think
about.
WESLEY: Any thoughts or comments here?
GRAY: So I didn't -- nobody objected to the -- or nobody commented I should say on
turning signs off at the end of the business hours for that commercial district. I'm just
curious if anybody else has thoughts on that? I actually really like that -- static message,
scrolling message, no message, I'm -- there' s no businesses open, especially in C0, C1,
even C2 environments. There's no reason those signs need to be illuminated.
WESLEY: Okay. So one of the signs we have is for church. I'm not sure --
GRAY: It does time and weather --
WESLEY: -- when and when they're open. Just as an example, you know, what their
hours --
GRAY: Well, but I'm not saying it has to coincide with the businesses hours. I'm saying
with the zoning restrictions, you know, start to finish of the business day. So what's C1
is --
WESLEY: C1 and C2 are the only ones that have the hours. Nothing else has hours
attached to it.
GRAY: Okay, then I'm --
WESLEY: You have that church sign in residential.
GRAY: I don't think they need to stay on past the C1, 11 p.m. or 10 p.m., whatever it is.
WATTS: There's no traffic con the road anyway. You know, about after 8 o'clock.
Initially, I was a proponent of prohibiting any additional electronic signs, but I think kind
of a middle ground is to say the hours, if you restrict them even 8 o'clock, I mean, how
many people are in town after 8 o'clock driving? The streets roll up around here. There's
no activity. So stop them from 8 o'clock until 6 in the morning, anyway.
GRAY: Yeah. And add to that, Dark Skys. No street lights. You don't need distractions
after dark around here. You need to be looking ahead.
DEMPSTER: I don't dislike that idea, but there's a part of me that feels like that's
controlling content and, you know, we're turning off their content. I don't know, if that
falls under that category, but --
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UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER: You have to pick up you're A-frame.
DEMPSTER: I have to pick up my A-Frame, yes. Just --
WATTS: But the reality is, they're not even there. Those businesses have all closed. So
even if you tied it to closing, it would be sequential. Some businesses would be closing,
they'd be shutting their signs down and you may have kind of a median number of 8
o'clock, maybe it's 8:15, but, you know, fundamentally, I don't think there's much traffic
after about 8 o'clock.
SCHLOSSBERG: I'll agree with my Commissioner to the right here. This is tough for
me as a business owner, also, that has a sign that illuminated at night and stays on all
night. But I do have compassion and I've read all the comments. But I think on this
particular -- with the electronic sign, I think that would be just fine to have those off,
depending upon what the time is because -- I'm in agreement with it, nobody's out at
night, not even me. And yeah, I don't think that would be a big deal.
WESLEY: Okay. So what I'm hearing is if relates to the time, then maybe the issue of
the business being closed for on the weekends, go ahead and have it illuminated during
the day on the weekends as long we turn them off at night from whatever time we come
up with, 8 o'clock, 10 o'clock, 12 o'clock, until 6, 7 in the morning. We'll look at
something along that line to bring back to you then.
So we mentioned this earlier.
KOVACEVIC: I'm sorry, I just want to reinforce the most important thing to me here
would be the 8 second, too. I really don't want to see that cut to 4. And I'm okay with the
rest of the direction. I've only heard Commissioner Gray and Watts talks about the 8
seconds and I would throw my hat into that ring, too.
WESLEY: So the next thing I have on my list is Section 6.08 C 1 with regard to the
temporary sign allowances. We we've touches on this briefly earlier, Chairman, with
regard to provisions to control the aggregate number and size of sings. So this is what we
have currently in the code, but it's been a challenge to try to enforce. In fact, we haven't
used it at all because it's really -- it would work if you had one business on one property.
But we have multiple businesses on one property, such as over here at Fountain Plaza
side. Then each business needs it's sign along Saguaro to try to then get the separations
and limit the numbers and who's signs is here and which is first and so forth. It's really
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been -- at least this way of doing it has been impossible to do.
So we're proposing at this point to remove this from the ordinance. But we could look at,
a we limit these other changes, if Commission wants to keep this and look for ways to
tweak it to try to limit clutter, we could see if there are some other options, but it's very
challenging to enforce.
GRAY: I think this is where we transpose, and I don't begin to understand how we do it,
but I'm -- I guess I'm in agreement with deletion of this but in replacement, this is where
we really push for development monument signage.
WESLEY: So along that line, Chairman, when we did this code, we did increase the
allowance for monument signate with that idea in mind. If we can increase that, then
maybe there'd be less need for temporary signs. We have talked about it, we skipped
over it, nobody brought it up as we went past it. We could look at -- do we need even
more of that potentially as a way to facilitate the necessary signage.
The challenge, of course, with that is that's a lot more expensive than these alternatives.
GRAY: Agreed. But it's the tasteful way to advertise.
WATTS: I think you get into potentially some problems because of the size and the
obstruction that -- if it conflicts a bit with line of sight again. So you have to be careful
about that. But -- are all of the signs that we're talking about, do they require a permit or
they're just ad hoc, they can put out the signs?
WESLEY: Chairman, Commissioner Watts, currently the only temporary sign that
require a permit as a banner sign.
WATTS: Okay.
WESLEY: We previously had, prior to my being with the town, permit requirements, A-
frame signs. And they were in place for a number of years and became increasingly
difficult to implement and to monitor and whatever, what all the challenges were. But it
may be an option we'd want to look at again to help keep rogue signs out where they
don't belong or --
WATTS: It does seem like you have to have some mechanism to be able to enforce.
And there's nothing here. So if you had a permit while its owner is on -- the person
putting the sign out, if you had an annual permit so to speak, and then you would have
some, just like we have on the building permit, you can call in and you can pull a permit
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over the internet, you could call in and trigger your sign permit. But you're going to have
this period of time. And then the compliance officer could look at it and say, okay, he
was here, he was here, he was here, he wasn't here. That sort of thing. I don't want to
make it more onerous, but finding a simple mechanism for enforcement. Because right
now, what we're talking about, we've got no way to measure or manage.
WESLEY: But typically what happens with that, Commissioner Watts, is they get some
kind of decal. The put the decal on the sign. Then the code officer -- it's about decal --
it's about decal and go from there. Sign that decal then they deal with that.
WATTS: But you still don't have the time component. So when you have the
proliferation of signs, you don't have who was here first. You would if you had an online
mechanism to say, here's my time period where I'm going to put it in and I'm going to
trigger it to that point, so.
WESLEY: Sounds good. That may still be a bit of a challenge because a lot of them put
them on every day.
WATTS: Right.
WESLEY: Anyway --
WATTS: Something to think about.
WESLEY: Right. So are we reluctant to go there again based on the challenges we've
had in the past but I thought that maybe a direction we're going to need to go. We can
look at that if the Commission would like for us and bring back some ideas with regard to
permits.
DAPAAH: John, I'm just curious about this. That large screen sitting on the corner of
Beeline and Shae, is that within the Town limits? Okay.
WESLEY: Okay. Last one. 6.08 D, basically residential directional signs is what they
were originally called. They changed the name a little bit. This has to do with
replacement for garage sale or open house kind of signs. You can see the proposed
changes that were suggested there. The main thing is to increase the number allowed
from one on the lot plus three to one on the lot plus five to provide more opportunity.
And then currently they are limited to daylight hours and only on weekends. And the
proposal was to take that out so that they can be out anytime and in the right-of-way
except for Shae Boulevard, and 2 feet from the curb instead of 3 feet from the curb.
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DEMPSTER: I am definitely in favor of the increase from three to five here in town for
open house signs.
GRAY: I think this is the one area of signage that's well policed anyway. So I'm not
concerned here.
WATTS: I'm not concerned, other than proximity. You know, if there's one on every
corner and there's garage sales that compete and there's houses that are for sale. If we
had some distance requirement between the open house signs, then to me, that would
make a little bit more sense for, you don't get that clutter going on. Just like we have on
Shae, like we were looking at earlier.
DEMPSTER: Those weren't real pictures.
WATTS: I know they weren't.
DEMPSTER: Okay.
WATTS: I know they weren't. Are you testing? I mean, it's okay.
DEMPSTER: Just saying. But the reality is, we don't often have a lot of sign clutter.
And here's the test. This sign ordinance was repealed in January. And so it was a free for
all for months. And during our busiest time. And we didn't, in my opinion, and I do
drive around, I do have open houses and attend them. And I didn't see a huge amount of,
I mean, there's always going to be someone that's going to put it on the median. They
don't know the town, they don't know our ordinance, they come from out of town or
whatever the case may be. But I didn't see a lot of clutter and a lot of breaking the
potential rules or whatever.
WATTS: I think I disagree a little bit. I didn't see a quantum leap, but I've seen an
increase in the proliferation of signs. So I don't know that the for sale signs or the open
house signs are going to be the problem there. So I, you know, three, five -- I can see
where you're back in further in town coming of off Shae, then five makes a lot of sense if
you're close. But I don't think you can discriminate and say, well you can have three and
you can have five, so -- but I'd go with the five, I'd be fine with that.
WESLEY: Okay. Anybody else?
COREY: No. But I just want to comment. It is an interesting point that I hadn't
considered just until Susan brought it up that realtors can come in from out of town and
not know what our ordinance is and just put them wherever they want, so I would say we
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probably wouldn't want to be too different from what other towns typically do.
GRAY: Susan, does it help to say three from two different directions, does that help
mitigate Commissioner Watt's perspective?
DEMPSTER: I don't think so because -- so recently I had a listing on Cholula, way up in
North Heights. So you go from Palisades and Golden Eagle, that corner. You have to
turn on Sierra Madre. You have to -- I mean there are so many turns, it's not possible to
properly provide direction to someone that's looking for the location. And that would be
just trying to get the quickest way. And you could go Sunridge, but even if you come
down Sunridge and it's, you have to have some along the way so people don't kind of go
off in a different direction not knowing where they're supposed to turn. Just the
practicality of how it's spread out. Things are --
WATTS: I think as we talked about it. It's going to come down to commonsense. No
realtor is going to put out more signs than is necessary to get traffic there. Not generally
speaking. So if it becomes a problem -- let's not fight something that isn't a problem
today and wait until becomes a problem and then address it.
DEMPSTER: And may I mention, we do have Rebecca Grossman (ph.) with SAAR,
Scottsdale Arizona Association of Realtors, has been so supportive with this and when
agents talk with her, she does educate the agents. So we do have some assistance there.
WESLEY: Okay. Anything else on this one. We're almost done. I just have a reminder
again that we can't really regulate the message that are on the yard signs. They get out on
the right-of-way, at least in theory, advertising yard sales or open houses. Most people
are pretty good about it.
So with that, we're done with this review. We will take these comments and before we
totally end this session, because we're going to need a motion from you to continue it, the
question is to when, whether it will be your May or your June meeting. We'll talk about
this a little bit when we get down to that item, like we usually do. But we have four or
five items already for your May meeting in terms of rezoning special use permit
applications. Although I'm not sure how much you'd want to do. We could continue it to
the May meeting and then just continue it from then if it's too much would be one
approach. Or go ahead and continue it to June. Up to you. Up to you. The longer we do
it, the more time we'll have to respond to comments. But several of these are going to
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take two or three meetings to kind of talk through before we're really going to get to final
decisions -- argue it the other way, so assume we kind of tackling it the better, but --
GRAY: I think we would just motion to continue to May but give staff discretion to push
that out to June if --
WESLEY: Yeah. Once we do that, we'll need to have it on the agenda. It may be with
another continuance.
GRAY: And you could just request a continuance at that point if needed. Would you
prefer that or just prefer to go June?
WESLEY: That probably is better, that we do it that way so that that way we can
continue the discussion, even if it's just a few pieces of the whole thing.
GRAY: Okay. I'll go ahead and just make the motion then. Agenda item --
WESLEY: Sorry, Chair, for interrupting you again, could you check to see if we have
any comment cards?
GRAY: Do we have any comment cards?
WOODWARD: No, Chairman.
GRAY: Thanks, John. Okay. Go ahead and make the motion to continue agenda item 7,
amending Chapter 6, signs regulations to the May Planning and Zoning venue. Second
Commissioners.
WATTS: Second.
GRAY: All in favor.
ALL: Aye.
WOODWARD: 7 - 0.
GRAY: Thank you. 8, Commission Discussion/Request for Research to Staff.
WESLEY: We had one item on here that we need to see if you want us to research or not
or work on. We had a recent inquiry for a business license for a tattoo shop, parlor in
town. It's not a specifically listed use in our zoning ordinance.
I could go -- only administrative fairly easy, determine it's a C2 use and we could proceed
with that in mind. But given some of the general concerns we've had in town about
various uses, I wanted to at least come here and see if the Commission felt this was
something that ought to have more regulation than that. I've done some look at other
communities. Mostly don't find any regulations that other communities have for this
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particular industry. There are a few that have some minor qualifiers.
So the option would be make it a special use permit, given some criteria, whatever those
may be. Or even by right with some criteria, make it with that. Just want to test the
waters here.
GRAY: I didn't know you were branching out. Really good for you. Commissioner
Dapaah.
DAPAAH: What are the normal hours of business for tattoo parlors? I don't know, I've
never --
WESLEY: Commissioner Dapaah, I would think most of them are, maybe mid-morning
to late evening kind of operation, but --
DAPAAH: Okay. So it's never 24 hours? It's never opened on a --
WESLEY: It would never be 24 hours. I would say it would be -- unlikely to be 24
hours in a community such as this, but --
GRAY: Mr. Watts.
WATTS: I thinks it's going to be hard pressed to allow a rifle range in town and not a
tattoo shop, so I think, from an administrative standpoint, simplest thing is to use your
staff discretion and if it fits, because if it doesn't, then it's going to be -- it's not going to
be compliant with other issues. It's not going to be, like -- and I hate to specify parts of
town, other parts of other cities, but there's some rough neighborhoods that there's tattoo
shops. But on the other hand, there's some really elegant tattoo shops and they're nice.
So what we going to do? A hookah shop is not going to be approved or a tattoo shop,
what -- I think it's administrative.
GRAY: I would agree. We have a lot of smoking vape shops.
WESLEY: Okay. Thank you.
SCHLOSSBERG: And a question if we're still on the research part, the hotel, whatever
it's called, Fountain Side Hotel, is that coming to us?
WESLEY: Yes, it is.
SCHLOSSBERG: It is. Okay, that was my question.
WESLEY: It's on the May agenda.
SCHLOSSBERG: On the May agenda. Okay, thanks.
GRAY: How do we get involved in town logo design? Can that come through the
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS Page 50 of 50 APRIL 10, 2023 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
Page 50 of 50
Zoning Commission? Can it, please? Scott has impeccable taste. We've got two guys up
here in designer shirts.
DEMPSTER: Or how about realtor education. I think we might need realtor education,
too.
GRAY: Shall we keep going. I'm kind of serious, though. I'd like -- I'd like that logo to
come through the Zoning Commission. All right. Summary of Commissioner's request
from John.
WESLEY: I didn't hear you. I was about to jump to 10 because I was going to combine
those report. So I just kind indicated a moment ago and by share, so what items that
you'll have next month if everything continues as currently anticipated, Plaza Fountain
Side Hotel being rezoned to C2 as a special use permit to make it apartments. And then I
also have a special use permit for multi-family at the southeast corner for Glenbrook and
Fountain Hills Boulevard, that vacant corner lot for ten units.
Farhad as a special use permit for a cell tower. That will be -- oh, that's not one. A
special use permit for elderly care facility. And rezone for some property on Tombstone
where they -- residential lot, they want a little bit bigger house than would fit on the lot
and they couldn't do that without buying more land. So they did that, the piece they
bought needs to zoned the same as the rest of the lot to make it work. So those are your
two items. And hopefully, the annual report for the general plan.
GRAY: So signs are going to June? Okay. We're adjourned. Thanks John.
WESLEY: Thank you.
[MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:14 p.m.]
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/08/2023 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: Farhad Tavassoli, Senior Planner
Staff Contact Information: Farhad Tavassoli, Senior Planner
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): PUBLIC HEARING,
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Zone Change for a dual-zoned parcel from R1-35H and
OSR to a uniformly zoned R1-35H parcel, located at 16134 E. Tombstone Ave. in Firerock Parcel F, Lot 5
(APN 176-11-069). RZ23-000001
Staff Summary (Background)
Wellborn Ventures is requesting a zone change for a 0.86-acre dual-zoned property from R1-35H and
OSR to a uniformly zoned R1-35H property. The property was replatted in March 2023 to expand the lot
from 29,548 sq. ft. to 37,284 sq. ft. as part of a transfer of ownership with the Firerock Country Club.
This was the first step in a process to make way for some proposed additions to the existing home
without exceeding the 20% lot coverage limit for the lot, including a garage addition, a first-floor laundry
room addition and a second floor addition. However, the lot coverage allowed by the zoning ordinance
assumes that the property is uniformly zoned. Under current zoning conditions, construction on the
R1-35H portion of the lot is precluded because the coverage limit has already been exceeded. Although
the subject property is one tax parcel, the added area portion is still zoned for Open Space Recreation
(OSR). This zone change request is to remediate the split-zone configuration into one uniformly zoned
R1-35H property.
Citizen Participation
Early in the review process, the applicant notified neighboring landowners within 300 feet of the subject
property of their filing for the zone change. Letters were sent out informing the neighborhood of their
intent to establish a consistent zoning designating throughout the property. To this date, the applicant
received one positive letter in response to the proposal. A Citizen Participation Plan and corresponding
Report is attached to this staff report.
Analysis
The zone change would be to unify the zoning throughout the property to allow the proposed additions.
Should the zone change be approved, the applicant is expected to submit a building permit application
for the proposed additions. The zone change would still be consistent with the Large Lot Residential of
the area as designated by the 2020 General Plan.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Zoning Ordinance Section 2.01
Zoning Ordinance Chapter 10, Single Family Residential Zoning Districts
2020 General Plan, Thriving Neighborhoods and Character Areas
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff supports a recommendation for approval of this zone change request as presented.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to approve the zone change request as presented.
Attachments
Case Map
Narrative
Zone Change Exhibit
Citizen Participation Plan
Citizen Participation Report
CASE:
RZ23-001
SITE / ADDRESS:
16134 E. Tombstone Ave.
APN 176-11-731
REQUEST:
Zone Change for a dual-zoned parcel from
R1-35H and OSR to a uniformly zoned R1-
35H parcel, located at 16134 E. Tombstone
Ave. in Firerock Parcel F, Lot 5
Site Location
7548415.3
Zone Change Narrative
March 10, 2023 Property: 16134 E Tombstone Avenue Fountain Hills, AZ
Lot 5A, APN # 176-11-069 This property consists of approximately 37,284 sf. The property has a residential home existing on the property. The property currently has two separate zones that exist within a single lot (OSR and R1-35H). A small portion of the property (Approx. 7,754 sf) on the
north side currently has a planning zone designation as “OSR” and the southern larger portion of the property (Approx. 29,530 sf) has a designation as “R1-35H”. The owner wishes to change the zoning to reflect consistency within the lot as residential and consistency with surrounding lots. This portion of the property will have no physical change. The application requests the entire lot be consistently zoned Residential Single
Family/Low “R1-35H”. This zone change request will not change the use or appearance of the area currently designated as “OSR”. The restrictions for open space will remain in place therefore maintaining consistency with the General Plan.
APN Property Address Owners Mailing Address
176-11-070 16146 E Tombstone Ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Papanikolas Living Trust 16146 E Tombstone Ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
176-11-074 N/A Firerock Community Assosiation 8360 E Via De Ventura Ste L 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85258
176-11-072 16152 E Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Crus Michael/Francie 6942 S 855 E Midvale, UT 84047
176-11-073 16164 E Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Robert and Pamela Lee Family Trust 16164 E Saguaro Blvd. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
176-09-384 16210 E Tombstone ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Stricker Family Trust 16210 E Tombstone ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
176-09-520 16145 E Tombstone Ave Fountain Hills, Az 85268 Jeffrey Moore 16135 E Tombstone Ave Fountain Hills, Az 85268
176-09-519 16135 E Tombstone Ave Fountain Hills, Az 85268 Jeffrey Moore 16135 E Tombstone Ave Fountain Hills, Az 85268
176-09-162 16123 E tombstone Ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Edward Roh and Kim Roh 16123 E tombstone Ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
176-11-067 16110 E Tombstone Ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Gordic Family Trust 781 N Explorer Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85234
176-11-068 16122 E Tombstone Ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Viking Construction LLC 2605 W Hayden Ave. Hayden, ID 83835
176-11-030E N/A Firerock Country Club 9281 N Shadow Ridge Trl. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
176-11-144 9735 N Red Bluff Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 SG Blasting LLC 1544 Valley Bluff Dr Minot,ND 58701
176-11-143 9745 N Red Bluff Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Warren Family Trust 9745 N Red Bluff Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
176-11-142 9755 N Red Bluff Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 Ruple Scott/Hessian Ruple Deah 9755 N Red Bluff Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
16134 E Tombstone Ave. Community Plan Contacts
Community Plan:
The applicant plans to send out a letter to each of the above interested parties within the public hearing noticearea. The letter will state:
" You are recieving this letter because your property is within the public hearing notice area for a minor zone chage application located at the property 16134 E
Tombstone Ave. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. The current propery has a portion within the property lines that is zoned OSR "Open Space" and the owner is applying
to change this to Residential Single Family "R1-35H" in order for the property to have a consistent zoning within its limits. For any updates and questions you may
contact Darren Welborn via email at Darren@welbornventures.com. "
The letter will include the submitted site plan.
Applicant will submit this community plan along with the contact list to the City of Fountain Hills.
Community Outreach Response Report
Date: 05-01-2023 Report of Community Involvement:
Overall, there were not many parties reaching out with questions or concerns. A few neighbors had asked about some details of what the remodel would entail. We had one neighbor reach out via the community notice we sent out asking if the garbage cans would have an enclosure or be located in the garage. Since currently they are visible on the side of
the house. (see below email) Our response stated that the added garage space will now allow the resident to store the garbage/recycling containers inside and out of view from the street. The neighbor seemed happy with the response and the level of communication that we were providing to the neighbors in the affected area of the zone change.
This was the extent of the questions/concerns we received from the neighborhood. All questions were answered and further details of the planned remodel were provided to neighbors who had asked about it. We will continue to provide the neighborhood answers to any questions/concerns that may come up as the process continues.
From:kimroh@cox.net
To:Austin Welborn
Subject:Zone change request
Date:Monday, May 1, 2023 9:35:20 AM
Austin – I’m your neighbor across the street and to the West of your property. We bought the home
from the Ward’s a little over 2 years ago and I met Darren shortly after we moved in. My husband,
Ed and I are long time Fountain Hills residents, close to 30 years. We did get the notification of the
Zone change request from the town and appreciate that you also dropped off a copy in our mailbox.
One of the best ways to have good neighbors is to communicate! My understanding is that this
request will allow you to add an additional garage space and a 2nd floor living space. You have a
beautiful home, so I’m confident that your plans will be well executed to compliment the existing
property. My only question is regarding the garbage cans – will you have a place to roll them back
behind an enclosure or into the garage? I know it’s minor, but thought I’d ask. If you do have any
questions for me or need to reach me, you can always call or text me on my cell phone, 602-300-
2561.
Warm regards,
Kim Roh
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/08/2023 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: Farhad Tavassoli, Senior Planner
Staff Contact Information: Farhad Tavassoli, Senior Planner
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): PUBLIC HEARING,
CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: SPECIAL USE PERMIT request to allow 16 licensed beds at
a home for the aged on a 0.37-acre parcel located at the northeast corner of Palisades Blvd. and Westby
Drive (16602 E. Palisades Blvd.: APN 176-05-993) in the R-3 Multifamily Zoning District. SUP23-000002
Staff Summary (Background)
The owner of the Fountain Manor assisted living home has filed for a special use permit (SUP) to
increase the number of licensed beds from 10 to 16. The facility has been operating as a 4,259 sq. ft.,
state-licensed, assisted living home since 2005 with a total of 10 patient beds and 2 to 3 live-in
caregivers. The Town has allowed these facilities, now known as community residences, by right in all
residential zoning districts so long subject to certain limitations and requirements. The requested
increase to 16 beds moves this out of the community residences category would require a special use
permit, as the operation would be characteristically commercial in nature. Furthermore, a facility
containing more than 10 beds must meet different licensing prerequisites by the state Department of
Health. One such prerequisite is approval for the use from the governing municipality.
The home currently consists of 7 bedrooms, a den, living room, family room and a study room. The
home originally had a garage, but that was converted to one of the bedrooms.The increase of 6 beds
does not entail an expanded building footprint, but does require an expanded parking area to
accommodate the increase to 3 or 4 live-in caregivers, depending of the level of care needed. Access to
the home is provided by a 17-foot wide (approx.) driveway from Westby Drive. The driveway currently
has enough space for at least 2 parked vehicles. The driveway would be expanded to include 4 marked
parking stalls, including one ADA stall. Parking is currently allowed along Westby Drive, should there be
any need for additional short-term parking.
Citizen Participation
The applicant held a virtual meeting on March 7, 2023 at 5:30 p.m., following their posting of
notification letters on February 20. The meeting was attended by one person, who was concerned that
the building footprint would increase, which it is not. They also received three emails of opposition. Staff
also received three letters of opposition. In addition, staff received two phone calls from residents
expressing their opposition. Attached for your review are the applicant’s Citizen Participation Plan,
Citizen Participation Report, and all emails received in regards by both the applicant and Town staff in
Citizen Participation Report, and all emails received in regards by both the applicant and Town staff in
regards to the SUP request. Concerns summarized include increased traffic, parking on the street and
neighborhood safety.
Analysis
The zoning ordinance Section 11.03 allows consideration of certain uses within the multi-family zoning
districts with approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP). Section 2.02 of the zoning ordinance establishes
the process and criteria for consideration of a SUP. Section 2.02 F. 1. d. of the Zoning Ordinance states:
d. In order to recommend approval of any use permit, the findings of the Commission must be that the
establishment, maintenance, or operation of the use or building applied for will not be detrimental to
the public health, safety, peace, comfort, and general welfare of persons residing or working in the
neighborhood of such proposed use, nor shall it be detrimental or injurious to property and
improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the Town.
The Town Council may consider additional details such as visitation hours, traffic impacts, separation
from neighboring uses.
The property is located in the Neighborhoods character area, under the subarea of "urban residential",
an area characterized by a mix of multi-family and small single-family residential development. Such
areas "may also contain schools, churches, parks, small office and retail uses at collector and arterial
intersections, and other neighborhood serving uses" and are "typically located at arterial and collector
intersections." The property is adjacent to Palisades Blvd, an arterial, and is surrounded by mostly
commercial and multi-family development. Although Westby Dr. is a local street, it serves a number of
condominium homes to the north of the subject property.
Given its proximity to Palisades Blvd and neighboring land uses, it is staff's opinion that the bed increase
would have minimal impact to the neighboring properties. Furthermore, the applicant will be expanding
its on-site parking area to accommodate the increase of live-in caregivers. There will be no expansion to
the existing building footprint.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Zoning Ordinance Section 2.02 - Special Use Permits
Zoning Ordinance Section 2.08 Citizen Participation
Zoning Ordinance Section 11.03, Uses Subject to Special Use Permit in an M-1, M-2, M-3, R-3, R-4, and
R-5 Zoning District
General Plan 2020, Section III: Thriving Environment
General Plan 2020 Character Areas, Table 1 Character Area Plan
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff supports a recommendation for approval of this Special Use Permit.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to approve the Special Use Permit to allow a home for the aged at 16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
Attachments
Case Map
Project Narrative
Site Plan
Citizen Participation Plan
Citizen Participation Report
Good Neighbor Statement
Emails of Opposition
CASE:
SP23-002
SITE / ADDRESS:
16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
APN 176-05-993
REQUEST:
SPECIAL USE PERMIT request to allow 16
licensed beds at a home for the aged on a
0.37-acre parcel located at the northeast
corner of Palisades Blvd.and Westby Drive
(16602 E.Palisades Blvd.:APN 176-05-993)
in the R-3 Multifamily Zoning District.
Site Location
KONTEXTURE architecture | interiors | urban planning
3334 N. 20th Street, Phoenix AZ 85016 T:602.875.6221 F:602.875.6239 www.kontexture.com
February 9th, 2023
Project Narrative
RE: Fountain View Manor ALH
16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
The proposed project at 16602 E. Palisades Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 is a single-family
residence operating as an Assisted Living Home for the Elderly. We are looking to increase the number
of residents from 10 residents to 16, while keeping the residential status and feel of the home. We are
providing additional parking to meet the requirements of one parking spot for every four residents.
All the residents currently housed are elderly and most of them need assistance with their daily living
tasks. The proposed Special Use Permit request is necessary in order to provide the same opportunity
to more elderly individuals needing care.
Increasing the number of residents will not adversely impact the community since the it will keep it’s
residential function and appearance.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this design narrative, please contact Daniel Istrate, AIA
at 602.875.6231 or daniel.istrate@kontexture.com or Denisa Istrate at 602.875.6235 or
denisa.istrate@kontexture.com.
Sincerely,
KONTEXTURE
Denisa Istrate
E PALISADES BLVD.
R.O.W.
55' - 0"
E WESTBY DR.
R.O.W.
30' - 0"
APN: 176-05-993
R-3
N 69º 21' 52" W 125'
N 20º 38' 08" E 110'
N 69º 21' 52" W 144.70'
N 20º 38' 08" E 75'
N 02º 19' 24" E 15'
N
2
4
º
3
6
'
4
3
"
W
2
8
.
2
7'
BUILDING SETBACK
30' - 0"
BUILDING SETBACK
30' - 0"
BUILDING SETBACK
10' - 0"
BUILDING SETBACK
30' - 0"
APN: 176-05-994
APN: 176-05-695
27' - 6"
COVERED
PATIO
364 SF
RESIDENCE
4,229 SF
COVERED
ENTRY
133 SF
EXIST.
GATE
7' - 6"
7' - 9"
21' - 3"
19' - 6"
18' - 5"
EXIST.
GATE
103
TYP
363 TYP
103 TYP
104
TYP
155
155
TYP
TYP
104 TYP
104 TYP
103 TYP
103
122
150 TYP
150
TYP
155 TYP
W
141 TYP
S107
TYP
70' - 1"
76' - 8"
46' - 8"
46' - 5"
31' - 6"
45' - 2"
MECH
ROOM
45 SF
158
1
2
3
122
1
1
10' - 0"
11' - 0"
18' - 0"
4
10' - 0 "1 1' - 0"5' - 0"
1
8
'
-
0"
113
1
159
159
160
17' - 0"
ISTRATE
DANIEL
53898
.............
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DRAWING NUMBER
PROJECT NUMBER
SCALE
DRAWING TITLE
KEYPLAN
SEALS AND SIGNATURES
ISSUED FOR REV DATE
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KONTEXTURE, LLC
ARCHITECT
3334 E. 20TH STREET
PHOENIX, AZ, 85016
602.875.6221
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SITE PLAN
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PROJECT INFO
1" = 10'-0"1 SITE PLAN
103 PROPERTY LINE.
104 BUILDING SETBACK.
107 EXISTING SEWER LINE.
113 CONCRETE DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE/EXIT.
122 VISITOR PARKING.
141 WATER METER.
150 EXISTING SIDEWALK.
155 EXISTING 6'-0" BLOCK FENCE.
158 EXISTING STREET CURB.
159 CURB CUT.
160 EXISTING LANDSCAPE.
363 METAL FRAME GATE.
KEYNOTES
VICINITY MAP
PROJECT LOCATION
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHEASTERN MOST CORNER OF LOT 4; THENCE N 69-21-52 W,
125.00 FEET; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY 31.42 FEET ON A CURVED ARC CONCAVE TO
THE NORTHEAST HAVING A RADIUS OF 20.00 FEET; THENCE N 20-38-08 E, 75.00 FEET;
THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 15.00 FEET ON A CURVED ARC CONCAVE TO THE EAST
HAVING A RADIUS OF 370.00 FEET; THENCE S 69-21-52 E, 144.70 FEET; THENCE S
20-38-08 W, 110.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
CONTAINING 15,862.64 SQUARE FEET MORE OR LESS, SUBJECT TO ALL EXISTING
EASEMENTS.
APN: 176-05-993
ZONING:R-3
STR:15 3N 6E
PUC:1960
MCR:378-09
LOT:4A
SUBDIVISION:FOUNTAIN HILLS AZ FP 102 LOT 4 BLK 2 REPLAT
SETBACKS:
FRONT:-30'-0"
SIDES:-10'-0" STREET SIDE: -30'-0"
REAR -30'-0"
BUILDING HEIGHT ALLOWED -30'-0"
BUILDING HEIGHT PROPOSED -25'-0" @ 1 STORY
SITE INFORMATION
LOT AREA:= 15,952 SF
COVERAGE:-Covered Entry = 133 SF
-Covered Patio = 364 SF
-Livable = 4,229 SF
-Mech Room = 45 SF
-Total building footprint : 4,771 SF / 15,952 (x100) = 29.90% lot coverage
MAX LOT COVERAGE ALLOWED: 50%
CITY COMMENTS 1 03.29.2023
KONTEXTURE architecture | interiors | urban planning
3334 N. 20th Street, Phoenix AZ 85016 T:602.875.6221 F:602.875.6239 www.kontexture.com
February 9th, 2023
Citizen Participation Plan
RE: Fountain View Manor ALH
16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Fountain View Manor ALH Special Use Permit
Purpose: The purpose of this Citizen Participation Plan is to inform citizens, property owners,
and nearby neighborhood associations of the special use permit application to increase the number of
residents at this Assisted Living Home from 10 residents to 16. This plan will ensure that those affected
by this application will have an adequate opportunity to learn about and comment on the proposal.
Applicant:
Simona Tolan
16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
480-886-1761
tolansimona@gmail.com
Location: The property being considered for this SUP is located at the northeast corner of E.
Palisades Blvd. and E. Westby Dr.
Action Plan: In order to provide effective citizen participation in conjunction with this application,
the following actions will be taken to provide opportunities to understand and address any real or
perceived impacts of the development that members of the community may have.
1. A contact list will be developed for citizens and HOA’s within 300’ of the project
location.
2. All persons listed on the contact list will receive a letter describing the project, site plan
and invitation to a neighborhood meeting to be held virtually.
• The meeting will be an introduction to the project, and opportunity to ask questions and
state concerns. A sign-in list will be used and comment forms provided. Copies of the sign-in list and
any comments will be submitted with the Citizen Participation Report.
3. Presentations will be made to groups of citizens or neighborhood associations upon
request. Copies of the sign-in list and any comments will be submitted with the Citizen Participation
Report.
4. An email will be sent to the case planner following the scheduled meeting, and at any
other time there is significant input, to inform the staff of the progress of implementing the Plan.
Schedule:
Mail letters by February 20, 2023
First neighborhood meeting March 7th, 2023
KONTEXTURE architecture | interiors | urban planning
3334 N. 20th Street, Phoenix AZ 85016 T:602.875.6221 F:602.875.6239 www.kontexture.com
March 10th, 2023
Citizen Participation Report
RE: Fountain View Manor ALH
16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Fountain View Manor ALH Special Use Permit
Overview: This report provides results of the implementation of the Citizen Participation Plan for
Fountain View Manor ALH. This site is located at 16602 E. Palisades Blvd. This report provides evidence
that citizens, neighbors and interested persons have had adequate opportunity to learn about and
comment on the proposed plans and actions addressed in the application. Comments, sing-in lists, and
emails are attached.
Applicant:
Simona Tolan
16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
480-886-1761
tolansimona@gmail.com
Contact:
Kontexture, LLC
Denisa Istrate
3334 N. 20th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-875-6235
denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
Neighborhood Meeting:
1. March 7th, 2023 – Virtual, GoTo, at 5:30 PM – 2 citizens in attendance
• Simona Tolan, Owner – 16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
• Bob Jensen, Neighbor – 16616 E. Palisades Blvd. #206; Their only concern was
if the building is increasing in size, which is not.
Correspondence:
1. Letters mailed to contact list (82) on February 17th, 2023 to all property owners within 300’.
KONTEXTURE architecture | interiors | urban planning
3334 N. 20th Street, Phoenix AZ 85016 T:602.875.6221 F:602.875.6239 www.kontexture.com
Results:
There are 82 persons on the contact list as of the date of this Citizen Participation Report.
Emails received are attached.
1.Summary of concerns:
•Increased traffic
•Parking on the street
•Increase in square footage of the home.
•Congestion and safety for the condos nearby.
2.How concerns, issues and problems were addressed:
•The increase in residents will have very little impact on the traffic. Since we are only
adding 6 more residents, live-in staff will increase, which means that they won’t be
commuting every day to add to daily traffic. Also, the same nurses and medical staff
that needs to come in sporadically, will be providing for the new 6 residents.
•We are providing 4 parking spots on our property, and that will suffice for the
number of visitors we have.
•There is no increase of the building footprint or square-footage of the home.
•The proposal of the addition of 6 new residents will have very little impact on the
congestion of the nearby area. These residents do not travel or are in and out of the
home. They all need care and supervision and most of them are disabled or bed-
bound, therefore they will mostly be inside, getting care from the live-in staff.
3.Concerns, issues, and problems not addressed and why:
•Applicant has very little control over the traffic and vehicles parked on E. Westby Dr.
We will post a sign for our visitors to park in the available parking spots on our
property, but there are condos on Westby Dr. that also have visitors or residents that
park on the street.
1
denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
From:Paul & Sharon Fogtmann <psfogtmann@shaw.ca>
Sent:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 8:40 AM
To:denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
Cc:sandigundberg@gmail.com; ssarle@juno.com; cbulg7@aol.com
Subject:Sup23-000002 16602 E Palisades Blvd
Flag Status:Flagged
Hello,
We are owners in Windstone Casitas that is adjacent to the property in question.
We are opposed to the Special Permit being filed with the Town of Fountain Hills (SUP23‐000002 with the property in
question located at 16602 E Palisades Blvd in Fountain Hills.
Our reasons are as follows:
1. There are already numerous vehicles parked on E WESTBY Dr that belong to caregivers currently working at this
residence. Not only will there be more cars for residents but there will be additional cars for added caregivers at this
residence.
2. The footprint would change as this higher density proposal is not in line with current zoning of this area
3. We are very worried about congestion and safety as this is a corner lot close to our condo.
We are therefore OPPOSED to this Special Use Permit.
We just received this notice today in the mail and were stunned to see the meeting was today. We are unable to attend
this meeting as we are busy at that time.
Please acknowledge that you have received this email.
Regards
Paul & Sharon Fogtmann
16631 E WESTBY Dr Unit 201
Fountain Hills, Az. 85268
Ph: (403)795‐7013
1
denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
From:Cheryl Bulger <cbulg7@aol.com>
Sent:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 9:01 AM
To:Paul & Sharon Fogtmann
Cc:denisa.istrate@kontexture.com; Sandi Gundberg; Steve
Subject:Re: Sup23-000002 16602 E Palisades Blvd
Attachments:image0.jpeg
We as Homeowners at 16631 e Westby #207 never received a letter!
But 100% agree with the above letter from the Fogtmann's
Not a spot for a business in a place that was built for a family. Not an overcrowded business
John & Cheryl Bulger
On Tue, Mar 7, 2023, 8:40 AM Paul & Sharon Fogtmann <psfogtmann@shaw.ca> wrote:
Hello,
We are owners in Windstone Casitas that is adjacent to the property in question.
We are opposed to the Special Permit being filed with the Town of Fountain Hills (SUP23‐000002 with the property in
question located at 16602 E Palisades Blvd in Fountain Hills.
Our reasons are as follows:
1. There are already numerous vehicles parked on E WESTBY Dr that belong to caregivers currently working at this
residence. Not only will there be more cars for residents but there will be additional cars for added caregivers at this
residence.
2. The footprint would change as this higher density proposal is not in line with current zoning of this area
3. We are very worried about congestion and safety as this is a corner lot close to our condo.
We are therefore OPPOSED to this Special Use Permit.
We just received this notice today in the mail and were stunned to see the meeting was today. We are unable to attend
this meeting as we are busy at that time.
Please acknowledge that you have received this email.
Regards
Paul & Sharon Fogtmann
16631 E WESTBY Dr Unit 201
Fountain Hills, Az. 85268
Ph: (403)795‐7013
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.
1
denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
From:Farhad Tavassoli <ftavassoli@fountainhillsaz.gov>
Sent:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 4:36 PM
To:denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
Subject:FW: Special Use Permit
Flag Status:Flagged
Denisa,
You may want to reach out to Ms. Sarle, as she says her email to you had bounced back. Below is her email to me.
Thanks,
Farhad Tavassoli, AICP, CFM
Senior Planner
Town of Fountain Hills
(480) 816‐5139
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Marla Sarle <marlawing2000@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 4:27 PM
To: Farhad Tavassoli <ftavassoli@fountainhillsaz.gov>
Subject: Special Use Permit
EXTERNAL EMAIL
To the Fountain Hills City Council:
I would like to state my strong disapproval of this permit. The traffic on E. Westby is already very busy and way too fast
with no traffic control. Too Many cars parked on the street make it difficult to exit driveways. The fact that there is NO
CROSSWALK y yHighpointe hacross Palisades at Westby is a very dangerous situation (this situation is a disaster waiting
to happen). We do not need more traffic and cars parked in this area.
Sincerely,
Marla Sarle
16651 E. Westby, Unit 201
Sent from my iPad
________________________________
Disclaimer: All messages created in this system are the property of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona and should be
considered a public record subject to disclosure under the Arizona Public Records Law (ARS 39‐121). Town employees,
town public officials, and those who generate email to them, should have no expectation of privacy related to the use of
this technology.
April 25th, 2023
Good Neighbor Statement
RE: Fountain View Manor ALH
16602 E. Palisades Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
My name is Simona Tolan, owner of Fountain view Manor ALH, located at 16602 E. Palisades
Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. My cell phone number is 480-226-1761 and my email address is
tolansimona@gmail.com. I am available to answer any questions you might have about my business at
this phone number and email.
Through this letter, I commit to place emergency contact information on the property in a location that is
visible to the public. I am the emergency contact and the number and email above apply here as well.
There will be designated four parking spots on the property, to address the parking issue that was raised
by the neighborhood and ensure to let our visitors know that they need to park either on our driveway or
the designated parking spots to avoid any negative impact to the neighborhood.
We are open and available to answer any questions or concerns and thrive to accommodate any
suggestions from the neighbors in the eventuality of any conflict. The neighbors can contact me at my
cell phone number or through email and we will answer to the best of our abilities.
The home has been open to elderly residents at this location for twenty years and we are integrated in
the neighborhood. The addition of 6 more residents will not impact the surrounding neighborhood. The
steps we are taking to mitigate any concerns are to provide parking spots on our property and ensure
that our visitors park in the designated parking spots.
Sincerely,
Simona Tolan
Fountain View Manor ALH - Owner
From:Steve
To:Farhad Tavassoli
Subject:SUP 23-000002
Date:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 9:24:37 AM
EXTERNAL EMAIL
I’m a resident of Condos two doors down from this property. I strongly object to this request.
Traffic parking and overall congestion near the corner will be overwhelming to local residents and visitors.
Thanks in advance for considering my concerns.
Steve and Marla Sarle
16651 E Westby 201
Fountain Hills
Sent from my iPhone
From:Marla Sarle
To:Farhad Tavassoli
Subject:Special Use Permit
Date:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 4:27:10 PM
EXTERNAL EMAIL
To the Fountain Hills City Council:
I would like to state my strong disapproval of this permit. The traffic on E. Westby is already very busy and way too
fast with no traffic control. Too Many cars parked on the street make it difficult to exit driveways. The fact that
there is NO CROSSWALK y yHighpointe hacross Palisades at Westby is a very dangerous situation (this situation
is a disaster waiting to happen). We do not need more traffic and cars parked in this area.
Sincerely,
Marla Sarle
16651 E. Westby, Unit 201
Sent from my iPad
From:Paul & Sharon FogtmannTo:denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
Cc:sandigundberg@gmail.com; ssarle@juno.com; cbulg7@aol.com; marlawing2000@gmail.comSubject:Re: Sup23-000002 16602 E Palisades BlvdDate:Wednesday, March 15, 2023 8:22:06 AM
EXTERNAL EMAIL
Hello,
Simply said this is a for profit business. From what I’ve checked online Fountain View Manor located at 16602 E Palisades Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 currently takes care of ten residents atapproximately $3200/month for each resident resulting in gross income of $32,000 per month. You are looking to increase your return on investment and would prefer to take in $51,200 based on sixteenresidents. Graph attached below.
You have no concern for the community around you as simply put this is a business for you.
Your comment about about control of traffic and cars on E Westby makes no sense. Yes, as you say caregivers do stay the night but they have to get to your care facility and need to park.
Increasing resident numbers from 10 to 16 will impact our community. That is an increase of 60% and for you it is the bottom line. The bottom line is PROFIT!
As a resident of Windstone Casitas we are against your special use permit.
Paul & Sharon Fogtmann
On Mar 13, 2023, at 5:49 PM, denisa.istrate@kontexture.com wrote:
Hello,
Thank you for sending in your concerns.
I would like to respond to your concerns as follows:
1. The caregivers working at this home are live-in and do not drive or park on the street. Also, if they own a car, there are available spots on our property for them to park their cars. We are providing 4 car
parking spots on our property, to avoid anyone parking on the street. The increase in residents will have very little impact on the traffic. Since our staff is live-in, they will not be commuting every day to add
to daily traffic. Also, our residents do not leave the home, unless is for a doctor appointment, which is very rarely. They do not move in with cars that will need to be parked.
2. The footprint of the home will not change. We are not making any additions or changes to the residence.
3. We have very little control or impact on traffic and vehicles parked on E. Westby Dr. We will post a sign for our visitors to park in the available spots on the property, but there are condos on Westby Dr.that also have visitors or residents that contribute to the traffic or the issue of parking on the street.
I just want to mention that this is not a business in the traditional sense and is a care home that provides care and housing to the elderly. The elderly are most often disabled or bed-bound. This is allowed in the
current zoning. We are not asking to change the zoning, or increase the size of the home. The owner will be able to provide for 6 more residents without having to add to the size of the house or impact traffic
patterns.
I hope that I was able to respond to your concerns and clarify the nature of our request.
If you have any more questions, we are happy to respond!
Thank you,
Denisa IstrateOffice managerKONTEXTURE, LLC3334 N. 20th StreetPhoenix, AZ 85016P.602.875.6221D.602.875.6235F.602.875.6239www.kontexture.com
From: Paul & Sharon Fogtmann <psfogtmann@shaw.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 8:40 AM
To: denisa.istrate@kontexture.com
Cc: sandigundberg@gmail.com; ssarle@juno.com; cbulg7@aol.comSubject: Sup23-000002 16602 E Palisades Blvd
Hello,
We are owners in Windstone Casitas that is adjacent to the property in question.
We are opposed to the Special Permit being filed with the Town of Fountain Hills (SUP23-000002 with the property in question located at 16602 E Palisades Blvd in Fountain Hills.
Our reasons are as follows:
1. There are already numerous vehicles parked on E WESTBY Dr that belong to caregivers currently working at this residence. Not only will there be more cars for residents but there will be additional cars for
added caregivers at this residence.
2. The footprint would change as this higher density proposal is not in line with current zoning of this area
3. We are very worried about congestion and safety as this is a corner lot close to our condo.
We are therefore OPPOSED to this Special Use Permit.
We just received this notice today in the mail and were stunned to see the meeting was today. We are unable to attend this meeting as we are busy at that time.
Please acknowledge that you have received this email.
Regards
Paul & Sharon Fogtmann
16631 E WESTBY Dr Unit 201
Fountain Hills, Az. 85268
Ph: (403)795-7013
<image001.jpg>
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/08/2023 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Staff Contact Information: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING,
CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION: A request for approval of a Special Use Permit for
residential use of commercially zoned property at 12800 N. Saguaro Boulevard, the northwest corner of
Saguaro Boulevard and Paul Nordin Parkway, to allow conversion of the existing hotel in to apartments
and four short-term rental units. SUP23-000004
Staff Summary (Background)
The northwest corner of Saguaro Boulevard and Paul Nordin Parkway is zoned C-2, Intermediate
Commercial District, and has been developed with a hotel since 2006. In recent years the hotel has
struggled to receive the amount of occupancy needed. A new owner of the property is proposing to
convert the hotel into apartments. The current zoning designation does not allow residential only
buildings by right.
Options included a rezone to a multi-family designation or a Special Use Permit to allow the residential
use. The most intense multi-family zoning district, R-5, would allow 80 dwelling units on this parcel.
Base on the current hotel rooms in the building, the plan is to convert the existing building to 90
apartment units, therefore, the R-5 zoning would not be sufficient. The other option to achieve the goal
is to obtain a Special Use Permit to allow the residential use; this is the option chosen by the applicant.
General Plan
The General Plan includes the following Goals and Policies:
Neighborhoods Element
GOAL 2: Support a housing strategy that encourages a broad range of quality housing types to
address current and future housing needs and to support long-term economic vitality.
POLICIES
1. Encourage a broad range of housing types affordable to all income ranges and age
groups in a manner compatible with adjacent development.
2. Encourage a range of housing types and residential densities and maintain consistency
with the existing character of infill areas in conformance with criteria provided in Table 1:
Character Areas Plan.
5. Direct higher-density residential and mixed-used development to the Town Center and
redevelopment areas such as Shea Corridor as opportunities arise.
redevelopment areas such as Shea Corridor as opportunities arise.
Character Areas Element
GOAL 1: Encourage future development, redevelopment and infill in a manner that will
maintain and protect existing neighborhoods, the Town’s economic health, community
well-being, and natural environment.
POLICIES
1. Achieve and maintain a diverse and sustainable land use mix consistent with our small-town
character that supports thriving neighborhoods, environment and economy by attracting and
retaining revenue-generating uses that:
Enhance the Town’s economic vitality; anda.
Increase the Town’s revenue base to maintain quality infrastructure, services and amenities.b.
GOAL: 2: Development, redevelopment and infill support Fountain Hills' small-town identity and the
distinct character of each area while fostering long-term viability.
POLICIES
3. Support a mix of residential, employment, and commercial uses at densities and intensities and
in the development form that reflect the small-Town character of Fountain Hills.
5. Strongly encourage a wide range of housing types, densities and prices to support the current
and projected populations (particularly families and working professionals) and to ensure the
future stock of affordable housing for all income ranges.
6. Require that development, redevelopment, and infill conform with Exhibit 2, Character Aras
Plan map, and Table 1.
The Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 designates this area as part of the Town Center character
area. This area is designed to have a highly integrated mix of uses to provide a vibrant town
center. Active ground floor uses are encouraged to provide activity on the street level. Office
and residential uses are encouraged on upper floors.
GOAL 4: Allow the Town Center to achieve its full potential.
POLICIES
1. Market the Town Center to attract a variety of employment, office, cultural, institutional,
mixed-use, lodging, commercial, entertainment and recreational opportunities.
2. Attract and retain small and medium sized businesses to mixed-use projects in the Town Center
to promote day and evening activities.
3. Require mixed-use development within Town Center to incorporate commercial or office uses
at the street level, with high-density residential on upper floors.
Downtown Area Specific Plan
The Downtown Area Specific Plan provides direction on development within the town center area. This
Plan divides the downtown area into nine districts, each with its own vision for development. This
property is part of the Avenues District. The Plan states the following with regard to this District:
The Avenue District: The Avenue District is envisioned as the core of the downtown with a
wonderful and comfortable atmosphere for strolling, sightseeing and shopping. This corridor is
designed to evolve into Fountain Hills’ premier shopping destination for residents and
a “must-see” magnet for visitors. A variety of unique eating experiences that reinforce the
one-of-a- kind nature of Fountain Hills is intended to compliment the range of specialty shops and
one-of-a- kind nature of Fountain Hills is intended to compliment the range of specialty shops and
boutique stores. These restaurants will be of a quality that not only caters to local residents but
also attracts the attention of visitors and guests. The Avenue District is designed to accommodate
a degree of other uses including second story office space, condominiums and small-scale
businesses along with limited neighborhood services. If designed appropriately, a small
percentage of brownstone style housing could be integrated into The Avenue District. Traffic
calming measures such as crosswalks, additional on-street parking, and narrower travel lanes are
planned to provide easy and safe access to all areas of the downtown for both vehicles and
pedestrians.
Zoning
The property is zoned C-2 and has been from the beginning of development of Fountain Hills. Section
12.01 of the Zoning Ordinance states the following with regard to the purpose of this zoning district:
D. C-2. Intermediate Commercial Zoning District: The principal purpose of this Zoning District is
to provide for the sale of commodities and the performance of services and other activities in
locations for which the market area extends beyond the immediate residential neighborhoods.
Principal uses permitted in this Zoning District include furniture stores, hotels and motels,
restaurant, and some commercial recreation and cultural facilities such as movies and instruction
in art and music. This Zoning District is designed for application at major street intersections.
This zoning district is the primary commercial zoning district in Town and allows a wide variety of uses.
Residential uses, however, are allowed only through approval of a Special Use Permit. There are no
specific parameters put on the design and development of residential uses approved through a Special
Use Permit.
Application
The applicant is proposing to remodel and use the existing building for a total of 90 studio and
one-bedroom apartment units and four short-term rental units. There will be no changes to the
exterior of the building. There will be a need to add five parking spaces which can be done to the west
of the loading area on the north side of the building.
The ordinance requires the submission of a Good Neighbor Statement, as applicable, with the
application. In this case, staff did not see the need for a statement and did not require one to be filed.
Analysis
The zoning ordinance Section 12.03 allows consideration of residential uses in all commercial zoning
districts with the approval of a SUP. Section 2.02 of the zoning ordinance establishes the process and
criteria for consideration of a SUP. Section 2.02 F 1 d of the zoning ordinance states:
d. In order to recommend approval of any use permit, the findings of the Commission must be
that the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the use or building applied for will not be
detrimental to the public health, safety, peace, comfort, and general welfare of persons residing
or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, nor shall it be detrimental or injurious to
property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the Town.
The goals of the General Plan and the Downtown Area Specific Plan are to have an active and vibrant
town center. Having a hotel to house visitors in this area is an important part of the overall mix of uses
desirable in a downtown area. A hotel in this location provides a convenient place for visitors to stay and
enjoy the town center, local festivals and events, and Fountain Park. With the pending development of
enjoy the town center, local festivals and events, and Fountain Park. With the pending development of
the remaining portions of Park Place, there are no other large sites in the town center to accommodate
a full-service hotel.
Information provided by the applicant (attached Best and Highest Use Report) states the property has
struggled over the years as a hotel. However, the market studies support the need for smaller
apartments that will meet the needs of local workers and for potential new residents before the find a
permanent home.
The General Plan encourages a wide variety of housing options. One concern that has been discussed as
staff has worked to develop an economic development plan is the lack of housing in town that is
affordable to some of the lower wage workers in town. The primary employers in Fountain Hills are
service-based with the average service worker making less than $40k. Additionally, the town currently
has a supply and demand challenge with diverse housing availability. The lack of housing affordable to
these workers has made it difficult for some local businesses to hire and retain workers.
The Town Center area has some vacant buildings and several vacant properties. More residents living in
the nearby area, within walking distance, will help bring vitality and vibrancy to the area on a continuous
basis.
A preferred option may be to have some or all of the building used as retail and office space. The
placement and design of the current building does not lend itself to retail uses. The town would have a
challenge to absorb this much office space.
Approval of a SUP for residential uses in the C-2 zoning district has been done several times previously
in the Town Center area. Examples include The Village at Towne Center, Villa Estates and Town Center
Condominiums, Town Center Crossing Condos, The Enclave, and Thunder Ridge Condos.
Good Neighbor Statement
Given the nature of the use, staff did not require a good neighbor statement.
Citizen Participation
The Citizen Participation Plan included mailing letters to all property owners within 300 feet inviting
them to a meeting at the hotel on April 3 to learn about the project. The Plan included the option for a
follow up meeting on April 19, if needed. Eleven people attended the April 3 meeting and all questions
were addressed. The applicant received no other inquiries regarding the request so the second meeting
was not held.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Fountain Hills General Plan 2020
Downtown Area Specific Plan
Zoning Ordinance Section 2.02, Special Use Permits
Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12, Commercial Districts
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff finds that the proposal meets the criteria in the ordinance for approval of the requested SUP. The
additional housing geared to workers in the Town Center area will add a needed housing type
envisioned in the General Plan.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to recommend approval of Case SUP23-000004 allowing up to 94 dwelling units.
Attachments
Vicinity Map
Project Narrative
Site and Building Plans
Highest Use statement
Citizen Participation Plan
Citizen Participation Report
Meeting Sign-in
CASE: SUP23-000004
SITE / ADDRESS:
12800 N SAGUARO BLVD
APN 176-25-560
REQUEST:
A Special Use Permit for multi-family
residential.
All that is Ariz on a
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Vicinity Map
2233 East Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Office: (602) 955-3900
rkaa.com
1151 Dove Street, Suite #175
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Office: (949) 954-8785
Licensed in:
Alabama
Alaska
ArizonaArkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
NebraskaNevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
PennsylvaniaSouth Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Principals:
Robert W. Kubicek, CEO
Neil A. Feaser, President
Steve Nosal, Executive VP
Kathleen D. Rieger, VP
Randy E. Haislet, VP
NARRATIVE
FOUNTAIN PARK HOTEL – RE-ZONING
FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ 85269
1. Reason(s) for the re-zoning application
The soon-to-be new owner, Fountain Park Apartments, LLC would like to
convert the existing hotel into residential apartments for lease. The existing,
vacant restaurant space would also be converted to (4) separate suites for
lease.
2. Proposed Scope of Work
The proposed work under this application would be to add kitchenettes to
the studio units and to convert some studios to 1-bedroom units. The new
ground floor suites will require very limited exterior site modifications.
TO FROM
City of Fountain Hills
Engineering & Development Services
PLANNING & ZONING
16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
(480) 816-5138
Attn: John Wesley
RKAA Architects, Inc.
Michael Bayless
2233 E Thomas Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 955 – 3900
mbayless@rkaa.com
RE
Re-Zoning Application
APN #: 176-25-560
3. List of Document Names for Planning & Zoning
Cover Sheet
Site Plan
First Floor Plan
First Floor suites
Second floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
Citizen Participation Plan
Citizen’s Mailing List
March 28, 2023
BEST AND HIGHEST USE
The question has been posed to me, why I think converting this particular building from a hotel to an
apartment community is the best use of this property.
I recently obtained an appraisal that contained 128 pages of documentation on history and life of this
property, as well as a 156-page CoStar report on the property and surrounding areas and history of
the property compared to other multifamily properties in the surrounding communities. Both
reports identified struggles with the use of this property being successful. Those reports identified
that at least three different facelifts and marketing strategies were performed to try to increase
traffic and revenue, each without enough success.
The charm that the community of Fountain Hills provides to the area has both good and bad impact.
The good impact is the charm of the city being desirable and popular and seems to be sought after
by people all over the country. In my opinion, however, the challenge presented by the seasonal
visitors is that it is difficult to maintain a hotel and a restaurant when the traffic reduces significantly
in the off-peak months.
There is a housing need in the community that still has challenges, and the goal of operating this
building as an apartment community is to serve that need. There are several apartment
communities that display a beautiful mix of floor plans that include large one-bedroom and two-
bedroom units, but there is a shortage in Fountain Hills of housing with studio or efficient one-
bedroom floorplans.
This building will fill that need perfectly. Smaller square footage offerings in a beautiful building that
serves the needs of workers in the Fountain Hills area will allow businesses to find better and more
abundant workers to serve the needs of businesses in the community and will allow those tax
dollars from people living where they work, to remain here.
In addition, many of the prospective residents of these apartments that I have spoken to express the
desire to move from other areas of the country but are hesitant to purchase and want to reside here
before making a commitment to a large purchase. This building will also fill this need.
Roy Brown
2233 East Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Office: (602) 955-3900
rkaa.com
1151 Dove Street, Suite #175
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Office: (949) 954-8785
Licensed in:
Alabama
Alaska
ArizonaArkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
NebraskaNevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
PennsylvaniaSouth Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Principals:
Robert W. Kubicek, CEO
Neil A. Feaser, President
Steve Nosal, Executive VP
Kathleen D. Rieger, VP
Randy E. Haislet, VP
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR FOUNTAIN PARK HOTEL, SPECIAL USE PERMIT
NWC of N. SAGUARO ROAD & E. PAUL NORDIN PARKWAY
FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ 85268
Date: March 20th, 2023
Purpose: The purpose of this Citizen Participation Plan is to inform citizens, property owners, and
nearby neighborhood associations of the special use permit application to re-zone the current
property from a TCCD to a C-2. By doing so, we would like to change the use from a hotel to
apartments and convert the old restaurant space to (4) AirBnB units. This plan will ensure that those
affected by this application will have an adequate opportunity to learn about and comment on the
proposal.
Applicant:
Fountain Park Apartments, LLC
Roy Brown
9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 489-0249
Email: rbrown@ulassets.com
Location: The property being considered for this SUP is located at the Northwest corner of N.
Saguaro Rd. & E. Paul Nordin Pkwy. (See attached location map)
Action Plan: In order to provide effective citizen participation in conjunction with this application,
the following actions will be taken to provide opportunities to understand and address any real or
perceived impacts of the development that members of the community may have.
1. A contact list will be developed for citizens and HOA’s within 300’ of the project location.
2. All persons listed on the contact list will receive a letter describing the project, project
schedule, site plan and invitation to a series of two neighborhood meetings to be held at
the Fountain Park Hotel. The letter will also include access information for anyone wanting
to attend the meetings virtually.
1. The first meeting will be an introduction to the project, an opportunity to ask
questions and state concerns. A sign-in list will be used and comment forms
provided. Copies of the sign-in list and any comments will be submitted with the
Citizen Participation Report.
2. The second meeting will be held two weeks later and will include responses to
questions and concerns of the first meeting. A sign-in list and comment cards will
be provided to the Town with the Citizen Participation Report.
3. Presentations will be made to groups of citizens or neighborhood associations upon
request. Copies of the sign-in list and any comments will be submitted with the
Citizen Participation Report.
4. An email will be sent to the case planner following each of the scheduled meetings,
and at any other time there is significant input, to inform the staff of the progress of
implementing the Plan.
Schedule:
Mail letters by March 17, 2023
First neighborhood meeting: April 03, 2023 1:00 PM
Second neighborhood meeting: April 19, 2023 10:00 AM
2233 East Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Office: (602) 955-3900
rkaa.com
1151 Dove Street, Suite #175
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Office: (949) 954-8785
Licensed in:
Alabama
Alaska
ArizonaArkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
NebraskaNevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
PennsylvaniaSouth Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Principals:
Robert W. Kubicek, CEO
Neil A. Feaser, President
Steve Nosal, Executive VP
Kathleen D. Rieger, VP
Randy E. Haislet, VP
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION REPORT FOR FOUNTAIN PARK HOTEL, SPECIAL USE
PERMIT
NWC of N. SAGUARO BLVD. & E. PAUL NORDIN PARKWAY
FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ 85268
Date: May 2nd, 2023
Overview: This report provides results of the implementation of the Citizen’s Participation Plan for
Fountain Park Apartments and AirBnB. This site is located at the Northwest corner of N. Saguaro
Blvd. & E. Paul Nordin Pkwy. This report provides evidence that citizens, neighbors, and interested
persons have had adequate opportunity to learn about and comment on the proposed plans and
actions addressed in the application. Ther sign-in sheet and mailing list are attached. There were not
any comments.
Contact:
Fountain Park Apartments, LLC
Roy Brown
9375 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 489-0249
Email: rbrown@ulassets.com
Neighborhood Meeting: The following date and location of the initial meeting where citizens were
invited to discuss the applicant’s proposal (sign-in sheet is attached);
1. April 3rd, 2023 - Fountain Hills Community Center located at 13001 N. La Montana Dr. 1:00 -
3:00 pm. 11 citizens were in attendance including the applicant and architect.
Correspondence & Telephone Calls:
1. 1st letters mailed to the contact list (38) on March 17th, 2023.
2. Project published in the “Fountain Hills Times” newspaper the week beginning 4/176/2023
& 4/24/2023.
3. April 3rd, 2023; met with citizens to discuss the project and to address any concerns.
Results:
There are 38 persons on the contact list as of the date of this Citizen’s Participation Report 9see
attached)
1. There were not any concerns, comments, or issues.
2233 East Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Office: (602) 955-3900
rkaa.com
1151 Dove Street, Suite #175
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Office: (949) 954-8785
Licensed in:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Citizen Participation Meeting #1 – 04/03/2023
Guest Sign-In
NAME PHONE # EMAIL ADDRESS
Roy Brown 480-489-0249 rbrown@ulassets.com
Michael Bayless 619-675-9080 mbayless@rkaa.com
Judy Gelden 480-216-2434
PJ Selby 480-385-8633
Mike D 480-620-5423
Tricia Manara 480-273-6884
Jim Manara 480-273-0934
Karla Foltz 480-729-1111
Donna Schaefer 303-506-8430
Marie Roebling 480-406-4654
Dan Roebling
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/08/2023 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Staff Contact Information: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING,
CONSIDERATION, AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION: A request for approval of a Special Use Permit to
permit up to 10 apartments in three buildings on a .33 acre parcel located at 16741 E. Glenbrook, the
southwest corner of Glenbrook Boulevard and Fountain Hills Boulevard. SUP23-000001
Staff Summary (Background)
The property at the southeast corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook Blvd. is zoned C-C, Common
Commercial. This zoning district is the same as the C-1, Neighborhood Commercial and Professional,
zoning district, but allows for common parking areas rather than parking on individual lots. This
property was platted in 1973 for this type of development and includes the area down to El Pueblo. The
building along El Pueblo Blvd. and a portion of the parking along the street were constructed prior to
January 1986. Additional buildings and parking were slowly added over the years. The development as
it exists today has been in place since 2004. Council approved a Special Use Permit to allow residential
use of the lot at the southeast corner of this subdivision last year.
The lot at the corner of Fountain Hills Blvd and Glenbrook Blvd. is just under 30,000 sq. ft. The applicant
is proposing to construct up to ten dwellings on the property. A concept plan has been submitted to
illustrate how the lot could be developed. Residential uses are allowed in the commercial zoning
districts only through approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP). Following approval of the SUP the
applicant will prepare a final site plan as required by Sec. 2.04 of the Zoning Ordinance for review and
approval by staff.
General Plan
The General Plan includes the following Goals and Policies:
Neighborhoods Element
GOAL 2: Support a housing strategy that encourages a broad range of quality housing types to address
current and future housing needs and to support long-term economic vitality.
POLICIES
1. Encourage a broad range of housing types affordable to all income ranges and age groups in a
manner compatible with adjacent development.
2. Encourage a range of housing types and residential densities and maintain consistency with the
existing character of infill areas in conformance with criteria provided in Table 1: Character Areas
existing character of infill areas in conformance with criteria provided in Table 1: Character Areas
Plan.
5. Direct higher-density residential and mixed-used development to the Town Center and
redevelopment areas such as Shea Corridor as opportunities arise.
Character Areas Element
GOAL 1: Encourage future development, redevelopment and infill in a manner that will maintain and
protect existing neighborhoods, the Town’s economic health, community well-being, and natural
environment.
POLICIES
1. Achieve and maintain a diverse and sustainable land use mix consistent with our small-town
character that supports thriving neighborhoods, environment and economy by attracting and
retaining revenue-generating uses that:
a. Enhance the Town’s economic vitality; and
b. Increase the Town’s revenue base to maintain quality infrastructure, services and
amenities.
GOAL: 2: Development, redevelopment and infill support Fountain Hills' small-town identity and the
distinct character of each area while fostering long-term viability.
POLICIES
3. Support a mix of residential, employment, and commercial uses at densities and intensities and
in the development form that reflect the small-Town character of Fountain Hills.
5. Strongly encourage a wide range of housing types, densities and prices to support the current
and projected populations (particularly families and working professionals) and to ensure the
future stock of affordable housing for all income ranges.
6. Require that development, redevelopment, and infill conform with Exhibit 2, Character Aras
Plan map, and Table 1.
Section III of the general plan includes the information on the Character Areas in the Town. This small
commercial area at Glenbrook and Fountain Hills Boulevards was included as part of the surrounding
Neighborhood character type. More specifically, this area is considered a Mixed Neighborhood with
smaller lots and a mix of non-residential uses. This existing commercial area is intended to remain a low
intensity area with any further development or redevelopment consistent with the surrounding
neighborhood. Allowing the proposed residential use within this commercial area would be consistent
the intent of the Plan for this area.
Ordinance Requirements
The zoning ordinance Section 12.03 allows consideration of residential uses in all commercial zoning
districts with the approval of a SUP. Section 2.02 of the zoning ordinance establishes the process and
criteria for consideration of a SUP. Section 2.02 F. 1. d. of the zoning ordinance states:
d. In order to recommend approval of any use permit, the findings of the Commission must be that the
establishment, maintenance, or operation of the use or building applied for will not be detrimental to
the public health, safety, peace, comfort, and general welfare of persons residing or working in the
neighborhood of such proposed use, nor shall it be detrimental or injurious to property and
improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the Town.
This area has been zoned and platted prior to incorporation of the Town for commercial uses. It is still
the desire of the Town to have this be a successful commercial center. The questions become:
the desire of the Town to have this be a successful commercial center. The questions become:
Would allowing residential use of this prominent corner be detrimental to the desired commercial
activity?
1.
Would the residential use be detrimental to the public health, safety, peace, or comfort of the
neighborhood?
2.
Is the residential use being designed and established in a manner that creates a desirable living
environment in a manner compatible with the adjacent development and meets the goal of
providing a recognizable entry to the Town?
3.
A review of this property shows that over its almost 50-year history it has not fully developed and has
largely been underutilized. Facilitating the development by allowing a mix of uses will help to improve
the overall quality of the development by introducing new buildings and additional activity on the
property. More people living nearby can provide customers to the businesses. Two SUP's have already
been approved in this development to allow residential in mixed use buildings. This would be the first
consideration of a residential only development.
The C-C zoning district allows buildings up to 25' tall. The adjacent property to the east and south is
zoned C-C and built with commercial buildings and a parking lot. Further east along Glenbrook Blvd. are
residential uses. While none of the other properties are currently developed with two-story buildings,
they are permitted on this property and all the surrounding properties. The property west across
Fountain Hills Blvd is zoned R1-8 and to the northwest is zoned R1-35, both are developed with
churches. The property to the north across Glenbrook Blvd. is zoned C-1 and developed with
commercial buildings.
The conceptual design has access to the apartments from both streets. Each dwelling has a
ground-floor, two-car garage. The developer of this project is the same as the one for the property on
Saguaro Blvd. at Trevino and the same type of unit is planned for this location. Given the small size of
the parcel, the applicant is having difficulty meeting some of the ordinance requirements with the
attached site plan. For example, the drive aisle through the property does not meet the minimum width
and the three guest parking spaces do not meet the parking stall depth requirements. Further, there are
no on-site amenities shown in the development. A gate is provided to allow access to the commercial
area, but it is unclear whether there will be any sidewalks or paths on the commercial side to connect to
the gate. Further refinement of the site plan will take place through the site plan review process and it
is possible a unit will need to be removed.
Addressing the third question above with this proposed Special Use Permit is the most challenging. As
stated above, the General Plan envisions a gateway feature somewhere in this general area to welcome
people into the Town and help provide wayfinding to Town destinations. This function is more easily
provided in a commercial setting than in a residential development. This intersection is the first major
intersection when entering the Town from the north. This is the only undeveloped intersection at this
corner. Care should be taken with the design amenities at this corner to provide interest and set a high
standard for the community. A block wall and the back of two-story residential units may not provide
the look desired for this location.
This small pocket of residential use will be located at a busy intersection and surrounded by parking lots
and non-residential uses. Each unit will have a small private outdoor space, but the interior of the
development is all driveway without any amenities. This setting for the homes is not ideal and will have
a challenge in providing a "desirable living environment" for the residents.
Good Neighbor Statement
Given the nature of the use, staff did not see a need to require this statement.
Citizen Participation
The applicant provided a Citizen Participation Plan as part of his application. That plan included sending
letters to all property owners within 300' and holding a meeting on February 21, 2023. The letter
described the project, provided contact information for any residents who had questions and offered to
meet with residents if desired.
A Citizen Participation Report was received on March 21, 2023. Two property owners from the adjacent
commercial development attended the meeting. Those individuals asked questions for clarification and
information was provided. There was some concern that residents of this development would use the
parking on the adjacent properties. The report states that after the discussion both were in favor of the
project.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Fountain Hills General Plan 2020
Zoning Ordinance Section 2.02, Special Use Permits
Zoning Ordinance Section 12.03, Uses Subject to Special Use Permits in Commercial Zoning Districts
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
This commercial property has been zoned and plated for 50 years and has not developed with
commercial development. In general, the Town is over zoned and built for commercial uses and needs
to convert some commercial properties to residential uses to provide place for more residents to utilize
the existing businesses. The General Plan supports a mix of neighborhood scale uses in this location.
Despite the reasons for support listed above, staff has some concerns with the approval of the SUP for
this location. These concerns stem from the setting and the challenge it will have in addressing the need
to provide a desirable living environment. There are several issues that will need to be resolved in the
concept plan and it is likely at least one unit will need to removed to provide for the required parking
and an amenity area.
If the Commission is supportive of allowing the residential use at this location staff can recommend
approval and work with the applicant on the site plan to address the issues raised.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to recommend approval of case number SUP23-0000001.
Attachments
Vicinity Map
Location and zoning map
Project Narrative
Site Plan
Example Elevations
Vicinity
CASE: SUP23-000001
SITE / ADDRESS:
16741 E GLENBROOK BLVD
APN 176-04-687
REQUEST:
SUP FOR MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UP
TO 10 UNITS ON COMMERCIAL ZONED
PROPERTY.
All that is Ariz on a
FO U N TAIN HIL
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RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com 13440 North 44th Street, #2031 ph: 602.318.0100
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Project Narrative
Glenbrook Condominiums
16741 East Glenbrook Blvd.
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
Project Overview
The Glenbrook Condominium project is a 10-unit, 3-bedroom Condominium project consisting of (3) separate buildings.
The development will have one 5-unit building, one 3-unit building and one duplex building. All 3 buildings will be 2-
story structures with a 2-car garage, powder room, kitchen, dining area and family room on the ground level. The 2nd
level will have 3-bedrooms with closets, 2-bathrooms and a laundry room.
Site Context
The site is a 29,921 sf parcel located on the southeast corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook Blvd. The Fountains
United Methodist Church is located on the Northwest corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook Blvd. with a small
retail building in located on the Northeast corner. A parking lot is located adjacent to the south property line and an
alley borders the east property line. Access to the site will be provided from both Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook
Blvd. The interior circulation will be a single driveway which connects both Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook Blvd.
Each of the individual units will have direct access from the driveway to their 2-car garages. Three additional guest
parking stalls will also be provided on the site. An aerial image of the surrounding area is below.
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com 13440 North 44th Street, #2031 ph: 602.318.0100
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Imagery
The buildings will consist of a combination of exterior stucco, veneer stone and metal accents. The massing of the
structure will be broken up to provide and interaction of the shades and shadows. The stucco will have multiple colors
which will also break up the wall plains and provide an interesting visual effect. The Landscaping will emphasize the use
of drought resistant vegetation and will conform to Fountain Hills guidelines.
Site Utility Providers
Water for the project will be provided by EPCOR (Chaparral) Water.
Sewer will be provided by Fountain Hills Sanitary District
Electricity is provided by Salt River Project.
There is no gas provided to the property.
Project Timeline
The project is currently going through the Fountain Hills Development process. An initial Use Permit Hearing with the
Planning and Zoning Department and City Council will be held within the next couple of months. Once the Use Permit is
approved, drawings will be submitted for the Site Approval process. This process will take an additional couple of
months. After Site Plan approval, construction documents will be submitted to the Building Department for purposes of
obtaining the necessary building permits. All together, we anticipate construction to begin in approximately six months
from the time of approval of this Use Permit request.
Project Contact
At any time during the development of this project, you can contact the Architect for any information you may request
or to state any concerns you may have with the project. The Architect will provide pertinent information for assist in
your understanding of the project.
The Architect’s contact information is:
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC – Robert Lepore, Architect
13440 North 44th Street, #2031
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
602-318-0100
Email: rleporearchitecture@gmail.com
Citizen Participation Plan
See Citizen Participation Plan on adjacent sheet
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com 13440 North 44th Street, #2031 ph: 602.318.0100
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Citizen Participation Plan for Glenbrook Condominiums
January 2, 2023
Purpose: The purpose of this Citizen Participation Plan is to inform citizens, property owners,
And nearby neighborhood associations of the special use permit application for a new
10-unit condominium project. This plan will ensure that those affected by this application will
Have an adequate opportunity to learn about and comment on the proposal.
Applicant:
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
Robert L. Lepore – Architect
13440 North 44th Street, #2031
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
ph: 602-318-0100
email: rleporearchitecture@gmail.com
Location: The property being considered for this SUP is located at the Southwest corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and
Glenbrook Blvd.
Action Plan: In order to provide effective citizen participation in conjunction with this
application, the following actions will be taken to provide opportunities to understand and
address any rreal or perceived impacts of the development that members of the community
may have.
1. A contact list will be developed for citizens and HOA’s within 300’ of the project location.
2. All persons listed on the contact list will receive a letter describing the project, project
schedule, site plan and invitation to a series of two neighborhood meetings to be held at
a location to be determined. The letter will also include access information for anyone wanting to
attend the meetings virtually.
· The first meeting will be an introduction to the project, and opportunity to ask
questions and state concerns. A sign-in list will be used and comment forms
provided. Copies of the sign-in list will be used and any comment will be submitted with the
Citizen Participation Report.
· The second meeting will be held two weeks later and will include responses to
questions and concerns of the first meeting. A sign-in list and comment cards will
provided to the Town with the Citizen Participation Report.
3. Presentation will be made to groups of citizens or neighborhood associations upon
request. Copies of the sign-in list and any comments will be submitted with the Citizen
Participation Report.
4. An email will be sent to the case planner following each of the scheduled meetings, and
at any other time there is significant input, to inform the staff of the progress of
implementing the Plan.
Schedule:
Mail letters by (TBD)
First neighborhood meeting (TBD)
Second neighborhood meeting (if necessary) (TBD)
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com 13440 North 44th Street, #2031 ph: 602.318.0100
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com 13440 North 44th Street, #2031 ph: 602.318.0100
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Project Narrative
Glenbrook Condominiums
16741 East Glenbrook Blvd.
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
Project Overview
The Glenbrook Condominium project is a 10-unit, 3-bedroom Condominium project consisting of (3) separate buildings.
The development will have one 5-unit building, one 3-unit building and one duplex building. All 3 buildings will be 2-
story structures with a 2-car garage, powder room, kitchen, dining area and family room on the ground level. The 2nd
level will have 3-bedrooms with closets, 2-bathrooms and a laundry room.
Site Context
The site is a 29,921 sf parcel located on the southeast corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook Blvd. The Fountains
United Methodist Church is located on the Northwest corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook Blvd. with a small
retail building in located on the Northeast corner. A parking lot is located adjacent to the south property line and an
alley borders the east property line. Access to the site will be provided from both Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook
Blvd. The interior circulation will be a single driveway which connects both Fountain Hills Blvd. and Glenbrook Blvd.
Each of the individual units will have direct access from the driveway to their 2-car garages. Three additional guest
parking stalls will also be provided on the site. An aerial image of the surrounding area is below.
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com 13440 North 44th Street, #2031 ph: 602.318.0100
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Imagery
The buildings will consist of a combination of exterior stucco, veneer stone and metal accents. The massing of the
structure will be broken up to provide and interaction of the shades and shadows. The stucco will have multiple colors
which will also break up the wall plains and provide an interesting visual effect. The Landscaping will emphasize the use
of drought resistant vegetation and will conform to Fountain Hills guidelines.
Site Utility Providers
Water for the project will be provided by EPCOR (Chaparral) Water.
Sewer will be provided by Fountain Hills Sanitary District
Electricity is provided by Salt River Project.
There is no gas provided to the property.
Project Timeline
The project is currently going through the Fountain Hills Development process. An initial Use Permit Hearing with the
Planning and Zoning Department and City Council will be held within the next couple of months. Once the Use Permit is
approved, drawings will be submitted for the Site Approval process. This process will take an additional couple of
months. After Site Plan approval, construction documents will be submitted to the Building Department for purposes of
obtaining the necessary building permits. All together, we anticipate construction to begin in approximately six months
from the time of approval of this Use Permit request.
Project Contact
At any time during the development of this project, you can contact the Architect for any information you may request
or to state any concerns you may have with the project. The Architect will provide pertinent information for assist in
your understanding of the project.
The Architect’s contact information is:
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC – Robert Lepore, Architect
13440 North 44th Street, #2031
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
602-318-0100
Email: rleporearchitecture@gmail.com
0 10 20 40
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Glenbrook Condominiums
DEVELOPER:
Harr Family Homes
15871 East Eagle Rock Drive
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
contact: Kirk Harr
ph: (602) 826-8655
email: k.harr@me.com
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC
13440 North 44th Street, #2031
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Robert L. Lepore - Architect
ph: (602) 318-0100
email: RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com
ARCHITECT:
16741 E. Glenbrook Blvd
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
A Multi-Family Project:
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APN:
S/T/R:
MCR:
Zoning:
Subdivision:
Lot #:
Lot Area:
Gross:
Net:
Occupancy Group:
Construction Type:
Maximum Height:
Allowed:
Proposed:
BUILDING SETBACKS:
Front:
Rear:
Side:
AREA CALCULATIONS:
5-Plex Unit Area Calcs:
1st Floor Livable:
1st Floor Garage:
1st Floor Rear Patio:
1st Floor Entry Patio:
2nd Floor Livable:
2nd Floor Rear Balcony:
2nd Floor Front Balcony:
4-Plex Unit Total Livable:
4- Plex Building Total:
Tri-Plex Unit Area Calcs:
1st Floor Livable:
1st Floor Garage:
1st Floor Rear Patio:
1st Floor Entry Patio:
2nd Floor Livable:
2nd Floor Rear Balcony:
2nd Floor Front Balcony:
Tri-Plex Unit Total Livable:
Tri- Plex Building Total:
Du-Plex Unit Area Calcs:
1st Floor Livable:
1st Floor Garage:
1st Floor Side Patio:
1st Floor Side Patio:
2nd Floor Livable:
2nd Floor Balcony 1:
2nd Floor Balcony 2:
2nd Floor Balcony 3:
Du-Plex Unit Total Livable:
Du- Plex Building Total:
Lot Coverage:
Allowed:
Provided:
Parking:
Required:
Provided:
176-04-813
10 3N 6E
162-40
C-C
Fountain Hills Arizona No. 106 AMD
N/A
x,xxx
29,921 sf (+/- 0.68 acres)
Residential
V-B Sprinklered
25'
25'
0
0'
0'
Livable Non-Livable Livable Non-Livable
675 sf x 5 = 3375 sf
436 sf x 5 = 2188 sf
172 sf x 5 = 860 sf
112 sf x 5 = 560 sf
1028 sf x 5 = 5140 sf
134 sf x 5 = 670 sf
100 sf x 5 = 500 sf
1703 sf 954 sf
8515 sf 4778 sf
675 sf x 3 = 2025 sf
436 sf x 3 = 1308 sf
172 sf x 3 = 516 sf
112 sf x 3 = 336 sf
1028 sf x 3 = 3084 sf
134 sf x 3 = 402 sf
100 sf x 3 = 300 sf
1703 sf 954 sf
5109 sf 2862 sf
743 sf x 2 = 1486 sf
426 sf x 2 = 852 sf
178 sf x 2 = 356 sf
178 sf x 2 = 356 sf
1132 sf x 2 = 2264 sf
114 sf x 2 = 228 sf
47 sf x 2 = 94 sf
49 sf x 2 = 98 sf
1875 sf 992 sf
3750 sf 1984 sf
(100%) 89,878 x 1 = 89,878 sf
5-Plex = 6287 x 1 = 7,312 sf
Tri-Plex = 4675 x 1 = 4,675 sf
Duplex = 2997 x 1 = 2,997 sf
Total Building Coverage: 14,984 sf
(2) Stalls per 3-bedroom units = 20 stalls required
(23) Stalls provided.
PR
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E. Glenbrook Blvd.
N. Founta
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E. McDowellMountain Rd.
Project
Location
REGIS T E R ED ARC
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Expires 12-31-2023
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Site Plan &
Project Data
1" = 10'-0"1 Site Plan
0 10 20 40
NO
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BACK OF CURB
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18' - 0"
6' - 0"Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3Unit 4Unit 5Unit 6Unit 7
Unit 8
Unit 9
Unit 10
95' - 8 25/32"
26'
-
0
"
2-Car Garage
2-Car Garage
2-Car Garage
2-Car Garage
2-Car Garage
2-Car Garage
PLAZA
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
LA
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LA
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LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE
ASPHALT PAVING
TRASH
ASPHALT PAVING
FIRE DEPARTMENTTRAVEL ROUTE
RE
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PATIO /REAR YARD PATIO /REAR YARD PATIO /REAR YARD PATIO /REAR YARD PATIO /REAR YARD
PATIO /REAR YARD
PATIO /REAR YARD
PATIO /REAR YARD
6' -
0
"
12'
-
0
"
18'
-
0
"
BEN
C
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BENCH
TABLE
16' - 0 5/32"
2-Car Garage 2-Car Garage 2-Car Garage 2-Car Garage
18' - 0"22' - 2"
6' -
0
"
6' -
0
"
VIC
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Glenbrook Condominiums
DEVELOPER:
Harr Family Homes15871 East Eagle Rock DriveFountain Hills, Arizona 85268contact: Kirk Harrph: (602) 826-8655email: k.harr@me.com
RLeporeArchitecture, LLC13440 North 44th Street, #2031Phoenix, Arizona 85032Robert L. Lepore - Architectph: (602) 318-0100email: RLeporeArchitecture@gmail.com
ARCHITECT:
16741 E. Glenbrook Blvd
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
A Multi-Family Project:
PR
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C
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APN:
S/T/R:
MCR:
Zoning:
Subdivision:
Lot #:
Lot Area:Gross:Net:
Occupancy Group:
Construction Type:
Maximum Height:Allowed:Proposed:
BUILDING SETBACKS:Front:Rear:Side:
AREA CALCULATIONS:5-Plex Unit Area Calcs:1st Floor Livable:1st Floor Garage:1st Floor Rear Patio:1st Floor Entry Patio:2nd Floor Livable:2nd Floor Rear Balcony:2nd Floor Front Balcony:4-Plex Unit Total Livable:4- Plex Building Total:
Tri-Plex Unit Area Calcs:1st Floor Livable:1st Floor Garage:1st Floor Rear Patio:1st Floor Entry Patio:2nd Floor Livable:2nd Floor Rear Balcony:2nd Floor Front Balcony:Tri-Plex Unit Total Livable:Tri- Plex Building Total:
Du-Plex Unit Area Calcs:1st Floor Livable:1st Floor Garage:1st Floor Side Patio:1st Floor Side Patio:2nd Floor Livable:2nd Floor Balcony 1:2nd Floor Balcony 2:2nd Floor Balcony 3:Du-Plex Unit Total Livable:Du- Plex Building Total:
Lot Coverage:Allowed:Provided:
Parking:Required:Provided:
176-04-813
10 3N 6E
162-40
C-C
Fountain Hills Arizona No. 106 AMD
N/A
x,xxx29,921 sf (+/- 0.68 acres)
Residential
V-B Sprinklered
25'25'
00'0'
Livable Non-Livable Livable Non-Livable
675 sf x 5 = 3375 sf 436 sf x 5 = 2188 sf 172 sf x 5 = 860 sf 112 sf x 5 = 560 sf1028 sf x 5 = 5140 sf 134 sf x 5 = 670 sf 100 sf x 5 = 500 sf1703 sf 954 sf 8515 sf 4778 sf
675 sf x 3 = 2025 sf 436 sf x 3 = 1308 sf 172 sf x 3 = 516 sf 112 sf x 3 = 336 sf1028 sf x 3 = 3084 sf 134 sf x 3 = 402 sf 100 sf x 3 = 300 sf
1703 sf 954 sf 5109 sf 2862 sf
743 sf x 2 = 1486 sf 426 sf x 2 = 852 sf 178 sf x 2 = 356 sf 178 sf x 2 = 356 sf1132 sf x 2 = 2264 sf 114 sf x 2 = 228 sf 47 sf x 2 = 94 sf 49 sf x 2 = 98 sf1875 sf 992 sf 3750 sf 1984 sf
(100%) 89,878 x 1 = 89,878 sf
5-Plex = 6287 x 1 = 7,312 sf Tri-Plex = 4675 x 1 = 4,675 sf Duplex = 2997 x 1 = 2,997 sfTotal Building Coverage: 14,984 sf
(2) Stalls per 3-bedroom units = 20 stalls required(23) Stalls provided.
PR
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C
T
D
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E. Glenbrook Blvd.
N. Fountain Hills Blvd
E. McDowellMountain Rd.
ProjectLocation
REGIST EREDARCHIT
ECT
CERTI FICATE
NO
A
RIZONA U.S.A.Signed
Date
.
-2022
-
,
Expires 12-31-2023
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A1.1
Site Plan &Project Data
1" = 10'-0"1 Site Plan
2nd Flr F.F,
12' -1 1/2"
2nd Flr F.F,
12' -1 1/2"
T.O.P.
21' -2 1/4"
T.O.P.
21' -2 1/4"
Tri Plex 1st Flr F.F.
0' -0"
Tri Plex 1st Flr F.F.
0' -0"
24
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12' -1 1/2"
T.O.P.
21' -2 1/4"
Tri Plex 1st Flr F.F.
0' -0"
8'
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25
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12" EIFS BAND
EIFS OVER WOOD
FRAMING
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REGIS T E R ED ARC
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Tri-Plex
Exterior
Elevations
1/4" = 1'-0"1 Tri Plex Front Elevation
1/4" = 1'-0"2 Tri Plex Left Side Elevation
No
.Description Date
ITEM 9.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 05/08/2023 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission
Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services
Prepared by: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Staff Contact Information: John Wesley, Development Services Director
Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language): CONSIDERATION AND
POSSIBLE DIRECTION: Modifications to Chapter 6, Sign Regulations, of the Zoning Ordinance
Staff Summary (Background)
The Commission held a public hearing at their April meeting to begin discussion and consideration of
possible amendments to Chapter 6, Sign Regulations, of the Zoning Ordinance. The review is being
done in response to Town Council direction to consider possible modifications that can assist businesses
in having effective sign options. At the April meeting Staff presented several items that had previously
been identified by the Town Council and staff as possible areas for amendment. Staff continues to
solicit comment from the Commission and public as we conduct this review and begin to make the
changes needed to address the concerns raised by the Council.
This report is going to focus on a few of the items previously discussed to obtain clarity and direction
from the Commission to guide staff efforts in preparing specific recommendations for modifications to
the current ordinance.
Should A-frame and Yard signs have the same allowances for use in the right of way? Council is
wanting to provide businesses with increased visibility to help them be successful. In this regard,
Council specifically provided direction on some modifications to A-frame signs but were not as
specific regarding Yard signs. Both A-frame and Yard signs are easy and convenient for a business
owner to use to place out along the street to attract customers. While the sign types are similar,
there are differences. A-frame signs are larger, more expensive than Yard signs. Yard signs can
go more places than A-frames. Keep in mind that we can only regulate by time, place, manner
not content of a sign so signs could be place in the right of way in front of a business but not
advertise that business and staff would not be able to require the sign to be removed.
1.
What distance away from a commercial business should we allow a temporary sign? The draft
ordinance, based on Council discussion had a distance of 90'. At the April meeting staff
demonstrated situations where distances up to 300' might be needed to provide adequate
opportunities for business to effectively utilize a temporary sign.
2.
The draft provisions for A-frame signs placed in the right of way states they have to be taken in
when the business is closed. If the sign is placed just behind the right of way on private property it
would not have to be taken down. A-frame signs are also used for purposes other than an open
3.
business, such as for open houses and garage sales, but can contain any message. The provision
requiring residential directional signs to be taken in each day was removed from the draft
ordinance. The same sign type has to be treated the same regardless of use or message and staff
cannot read the content of the sign to determine what rules to apply. The section providing the
regulations for Yard signs did not include language about taking them in when a business is
closed. There was discussion at the April meeting that they should be taken in and out at sunrise
and sunset.
Should A-frame signs be allowed on a sidewalk anywhere but in the Town Center Pedestrian area?4.
How long should banner signs be allowed for new businesses? Discuss at the April meeting
ranged from 180 days to 365. There was a suggestion that the signs be required to change their
message periodically. Our sign regulations have to be content neutral, so we could not enforce
such a provision. The ordinance includes some maintenance standards, but we could add
language that states the sign has to be replaced every X days.
5.
Staff has recently observed a "For Sale" sign attached to the balcony of a condominium unit. The
ordinance does not specifically address this type of sign display, but it would be staff's
interpretation that such a sign would be in violation of the ordinance. Should language be added
to the ordinance to specifically address temporary signs placed on a building? The current
ordinance only has provisions as it relates to banners and flags hung on a building.
6.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Zoning Ordinance Chapter 6, Sign Regulations
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff is looking for further direction from the Commission on the topics listed. No recommendations are
being made at this time.
SUGGESTED MOTION
No motions will be made at this time.