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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__05-09-22_0439_343       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, Jr.      TIME:6:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING WHEN:MONDAY, MAY 9, 2022 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    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 February 14, 2022 and March 14, 2022.     5.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: A request for approval of a Special Use Permit to allow up to five dwelling units in the C-C (Common Commercial) zoning district on an 8,000 square-foot lot located at the northwest corner of El Pueblo Boulevard and Ivory Drive. (Case #SUP22-000001)     6.REVIEW, DISCUSS, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON possible Zoning Ordinance text amendments to address drug and alcohol treatment centers and detoxification facilities.      7.CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: annual report on the implementation of the Fountain Hills General Plan 2020.     8.COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.    9.SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.    10.REPORT from Development Services Director.    11.ADJOURNMENT       CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 9, 2022 2 of 3 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 ____________________, 2022. _____________________________________________  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 9, 2022 3 of 3 ITEM 4. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 05/09/2022 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 February 14, 2022 and March 14, 2022. 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 February 14, 2022 and March 14, 2022.   SUGGESTED MOTION MOVE to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission February 14, 2022 and March 14, 2022. ITEM 5. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 05/09/2022 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 ACTION: A request for approval of a Special Use Permit to allow up to five dwelling units in the C-C (Common Commercial) zoning district on an 8,000 square-foot lot located at the northwest corner of El Pueblo Boulevard and Ivory Drive. (Case #SUP22-000001) Staff Summary (Background) The property at the northeast corner of Fountain Hills Blvd. and El Pueblo 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.  The property at this corner was platted in 1973 for this type of development.  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. The lot at the corner of Ivory and El Pueblo is just under 8,000 sq. ft.  The applicant is proposing to construct a building on the property that will have a 1,900 sq. ft. office and other future tenant space on the ground floor and residential uses on the second floor.  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. Section II of the Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 discusses the elements that help create thriving neighborhoods.  One of the items listed is having a variety of housing types.  This section includes policies to encourage a broad range of housing types affordable to all income ranges and a range of housing types and densities consistent with the character area.  Allowing for the mixed-use building will also further the General Plan's goal of helping to attract young families and new business to the Town. 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 Boulevard was included as part of This small commercial area at Glenbrook and Fountain Hills Boulevard 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. 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 D. 5. of the zoning ordinance states:    5. 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:  Would allowing residential use on the second floor of this proposed building 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? 3. A review of this property shows that over its almost 50-year history it has not fully developed and has largely been underutilized.  The existing parking lot is in poor shape.  Facilitating the development by allowing a mix of uses will help to improve the overall quality of the development by introducing a new building and additional activity on the property.  More people living nearby can provide customers to the businesses.  One SUP has already been approved in this development to allow second floor residential in an existing building.   The C-C zoning district allows buildings up to 25' tall.  The adjacent property to the east and south is zoned R-2 and built with single-story duplex condominiums.  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 properties across Ivory Dr. are developed with duplex condominiums.  According to the information available from the County Assessor's website, these homes have around 1,500 sq. ft. of living space in each home.  The proposed dwellings are mostly 1,100 sq. ft. each, with one being 825 sq. ft. in size.  Five additional residential dwellings across the street from an existing residential neighborhood should not be detrimental to that neighborhood.  Through the formal site plan review staff can consider the proposed architecture of the building to fit in with the surrounding neighborhood character. The concepual design has access to the apartments from El Pueblo and the parking lot to the The concepual design has access to the apartments from El Pueblo and the parking lot to the north.  The units will be access from a central hallway and each will have a private patio space.  The ground floor may be used to provide each unit a private storage space.  Residents here will have access to shopping, schools, parks, and churches.  Development of this lot should help facilitate redevelopment and upgrading of the landscape in the parking lot. The only issue staff has with the development of this property, for any use, is the parking.  The spaces are not properly striped, so staff can only estimate the number of parking spaces available in the lot, which we estimate at 110.  If all the lots were built with one-story retail or office uses (no restaurants), 187 parking spaces would be required by code.  Residential development requires less parking than commercial uses.  If the entire area was developed with 1,000 sq.ft. apartments (46 units), the ordinance would require 104 parking spaces.  There is a much larger parking field in the western portion of Plat 106, but the ordinance states the minimum required parking must be within 300 feet of the use. The request is to allow part of the total floor space allowed by code to be used for residential rather than commercial purposes.  Doing so reduces the parking demand compared to having the maximum area built for commercial uses.  The current proposal requires a minium of 36 parking spaces. While staff is supportive of the concept to allow residential use, the specific proposal will likely have to be reduced.  When the site plan is submitted for review, staff will work with the applicant and the property owner's association to determine how many of the available spaces will be dedicated to this property and what size building and number of residential units can be added to this lot. While not part of the SUP review, staff wants to point out that the ground floor use of the building cannot be for storage, other than storage areas provided for the residents of the apartment units.  Staff does not see the need for a roll up door facing Ivory and the residential neighborhood across the street and would like to see that removed from a final site plan. 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' by March 16.  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 April 26.  The applicant did not receive any comments from the public.  One nearby property owner came to Town Hall to discuss the project.  They were unaware that 2-story development was possible in this commercial center and did not want to have buildings that tall.  They were encouraged to contact the applicant to discuss their concerns. Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle Zoning Ordinance Section 2.02, Special Use Permits Zoning Ordinance Section 12.03, Uses Subject to Special Use Permits in the C-C, C-1, C-2, and C-3 Zoning Districts Only 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 recommends approval of the Special Use Permit for up to 5 dwelling units on this property.  The number that will be allowed will be determined through the formal site plan review. SUGGESTED MOTION MOVE to approve SUP22-00001 to allow up to 5 dwelling units as approved through site plan review. Attachments Vicinity Map  Site Plan and Elevations  Project Narrative  Citizen Participation Plan  Citizen Participation Report  Vicinity CASE: SUP22-000001 SITE / ADDRESS: 15006 N Ivory Drive APN 176-04-715 REQUEST: Special Use Permit - Mixed Use All that is Ariz on a FO U N TAIN HIL L S TOWN OF INC. 1989 MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK SALT RIVER PIMA - MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY FO R T M C D O W E L L Y A V A P A I N A T I O N SC O T T S D A L E Site Location Vicinity MapMap ::CaseCase DetailsDetailsSUP22-000001SUP22-000001 FO U N T A I N H I L L S B L V D GLENBROOK BL V D EL PUEBLO BLVD AL A M O S A A V E I V O R Y D R E S C O N D I D O D R M I R A G E C R O S S I N G C T SABIN A S D R ALLEY AL L E Y SITE PLAN ELEVATIONS This project consists of a proposed 2-story, 13,180 S.F. Mixed Use Building with first floor commercial & residential condos/apartments above, on a vacant commercial lot. First Floor commercial will consist of an approximately 1,900 sq. ft. office with a 3,800 garage/storage space that will be occupied by Owner/Developer, Gurczak Luxury Development. Second Floor will have 5 luxury residential condos/apartments that average approx. 1,100 sq. ft./unit & have private balconies. The parcel is zoned C-C & part of an existing, largely undeveloped, commercial shared parking development. Citizen Participation Plan for Gurczak Luxury Development Mixed-Use Special Use Permit Date: 3-7-2022 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 mixed-use development. This plan will ensure that those affected by this application will have an adequate opportunity to learn about and comment on the proposal. Applicant: Gurczak Luxury Development LLC P.O. Box 20256 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 (480) 272-1308 Email: John.Gurczak@gmail.com Location: The property being considered for this SUP is located at the northwest corner of El Pueblo Blvd & Ivory 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, project Schedule & Site plan. Citizens will be provided with contact information on where to send letters/emails with their questions/concerns. The letters/emails received will be submitted with the Citizen Participation Report to the Town. 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 milestone, 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 16th, 2022 Citizen Participation Report for 15006 N. Ivory Dr. Special Use Permit Date of Report: 4-26-2022 Overview: This report provides results of the implementation of the Citizen Participation Plan for 15006 N Ivory Dr. This site is located at northeast corner of El Pueblo Dr. & Ivory Dr. 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. Contact: John Gurczak P.O. Box 20256 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 480-272-1308 John.Gurczak@gmail.com Correspondence: Certified Letters were mailed to contact list (42) on 3-16-2022, including all property owners & one HOA within 300’ Results: There are 42 persons on that contact list as of the date of this Citizen Participation Report. There was no correspondence received either by mail or email. Eight letters were rejected & not accepted by property owners. Tract 106 Commercial Property Owners Association supports approval of the Special Use Permit. ITEM 6. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 05/09/2022 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):  REVIEW, DISCUSS, AND PROVIDE DIRECTION ON possible Zoning Ordinance text amendments to address drug and alcohol treatment centers and detoxification facilities.  Staff Summary (Background) The Commission began study of a possible text amendment at their meeting in March. At that meeting staff presented some basic background information on these types of uses, the primary zoning districts to be considered for these uses, and some existing similar uses in town. The discussion from staff also included some possible options that could be considered to help address compatibility or impact issues, such as limiting outdoor seating, requiring a good neighbor policy, and contact information. Discussion by the Commission focused mostly on consideration of separation requirements from other uses that might be negatively impacted. Alcohol and drug abuse is an issue that affects virtually all cities and towns. A 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that 5.3% of the U. S. population aged 12 and over suffers from Alcohol Use Disorder. If Fountain Hills follows the national trend, that means over 1,000 of our citizens struggle with this condition. Another study shows 11.7% of Americans 12 and older use illegal drugs. This translates into around 2,500 people in Fountain Hills. There has been some expression that the services provided by detoxification facilities and treatment centers are for people from outside of Fountain Hills. While it is likely that a number of people that participate in these programs are from out of the Town, particularly those who reside in a community residence while in treatment, there are local residents who need and use these services. This need is also shown in the fact there are 9 Alcoholics Anonymous groups that meet in Fountain Hills. The Town's zoning ordinance currently allows for a variety of medical services, many of which are currently provided in the community. Substance abuse treatment centers and detoxification facilities are types of medical services. To the degree they are the same as other medical uses they, should be treated in the same manner. If there are differences in land use impacts, then consideration can be given to addressing those impacts. consideration can be given to addressing those impacts. Treatment Centers The zoning ordinance defines treatment centers as: "Facilities providing lodging and meals and, primarily, treatment, training or education as a part of an alcoholism or drug addiction program." While the use is not specifically listed in any zoning district, Fountain Hills Recovery, a licensed business in Town providing these services, is located in a C-2 zoning district. That indicates that this use, when it does not contain an on-site living component, has been recognized as a use permitted in this zoning district. The primary characteristics of this land use are similar to other listed uses for this district (e.g. dentist, physicians, medical offices, counselors, etc.). Therefore, it seems appropriate to continue allowing this use, by right, in the C-2 and C-3 zoning districts. Through the discussion regarding community residences, particularly with regard to sober living homes, it was recognized there is a need to better address treatment centers that include lodging at the treatment center within our definitions and listed uses. Modifying the current definitions will provide clarity that such uses are different from a treatment center that does not provide housing and different than a transitional community residence. Because the focus in these facilities is on treatment, they do not have to be allowed in residential zoning districts. To address this, staff is considering the following changes in definitions:  SUBSTANCE ABUSE Treatment Center: Facilities providing OUTPATIENT lodging and meals and, primarily, treatment, training or education as a part of an alcoholism or drug addiction program WITHOUT ON-SITE LODGING. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT CENTER, LODGING: FACILITIES PROVIDING TREATMENT, TRAINING, OR EDUCATION AS PART OF AN ALCOHOLISM OR DRUG ADDICTION PROGRAM WHERE CLIENTS LODGE AT THE FACILITY AND RECEIVE MEALS, TYPICALLY FOR A PERIOD OF 30 DAYS TO 90 DAYS. With this definition for a center that includes lodging, the question then becomes what are the land use characteristics and impacts that help place it in the best zoning district(s) and establish any associated development standards. In many respects this use is very similar to any other medical office, except the patients stay at the facility and the medical staff come and go. It is also in operation 24/7, although any activity at night is typically limited. Given that the person desiring to go into treatment could possibly arrive at odd times and from a variety of means and, more importantly, could choose to leave at odd hours, it is appropriate to consider some policy or procedure requirements for how the facility will manage these transitions to ensure individuals coming or going will not be left to wonder through the surrounding neighborhood. Some regulations which may go along with this use could include: providing a written procedure for how they will assist arriving and departing patients to ensure they are not left to impact the surrounding neighborhood, a separation requirement of some distance from residential developments and parks, a not allowing outdoor seating areas in front of the building and/or requiring an indoor waiting area be provided. Detoxification Facilities Detoxification facilities are not currently defined in our zoning ordinance or listed as an Detoxification facilities are not currently defined in our zoning ordinance or listed as an allowed use. The use is, however, similar to other medical uses that are allowed in the zoning ordinance. In fact, any doctor could be assisting a patient through a detoxification process at any medical office. The focus of this regulation is for those facilities with the primary focus of providing detoxification services. As with the treatments centers, there are two basic levels of detoxification facilities - outpatient and inpatient. Possible definitions for these two types of facilities are: DETOXIFICATION FACILITY, OUTPATIENT: FACILITIES PROVIDING OUTPATIENT DRUG OR ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION SERVICES WITH OR WITHOUT ASSOCIATED TRAINING, EDUCATION, OR TREATMENT SERVICES AT THE SAME LOCATION. DETOXIFICATION FACILITY, INPATIENT: FACILITIES PROVIDING INPATIENT DRUG OR ALCOHOL DETOXIFICATION SERVICES. When a person decides to stop using a drug or alcohol their body will go through withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal can be mild to severe and include things such as anxiety, depression, changes in blood pressure, sweating, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (a life-threatening condition). Medical staff in a detoxification facility work with the individual and tailor a detoxification program based on the individual needs. Services often include medications to help treat the symptoms. From what staff has learned some, maybe many, outpatient detoxification facilities also include treatment programs at the same location. Beginning treatment early can help give the individual the tools to continue with the detoxification and withdrawal process. In many respects the characteristics of an outpatient detoxification facility are not much different from other medical office uses. Patients will come and go as they receive services. Staff has inspected several sites in surrounding communities which provide outpatient detoxification services. Most of these facilities are located in commercial shopping and office areas along with tenants of the other buildings. In most cases there was no observed difference or impact of the detoxification facility operation; in one case there was clear evidence as clients congregated outside the facility and on a nearby street corner. The detoxification uses could also have a requirement that the facility provide a good neighbor policy, a separation requirement from specific uses, and indoor waiting areas. The zoning ordinance currently includes separation requirements for adult uses and medical marijuana facilities. Those separation requirements are summarized in the following table.  Use Separation Distance from Given Use 2000'1000'500'300' Adult Use Churches, Schools, Similar Uses None Bars, Parks Residential Medical Marijuana Schools, Child care, Similar Uses Library, Parks Churches None Staff has prepared maps that show the impact of these separation distances on existing C-2 and C-3 zoned property, they are attached. While it could be appropriate to establish some separation requirements, the effect cannot be to totally eliminate the opportunity to provide the use in the Town. It is likely that the combination of these separation requirements will be too restrictive, but they provide a place to start a discussion. At the March meeting the Commission requested a walk map showing 1/4 mile (5 minute) and 1/2 mile (10 minute) walk distances from existing commercial areas. That map is attached. 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) N/A SUGGESTED MOTION Staff will be looking for consensus direction on options for an ordinance but no motions will be made. Attachments Walk Map  Residential Separation  Bars Separation  Parks Separation  Schools Separation  DEVELOPMENT SERVICES A ll that is Ar i z o n a F O U N T AIN HIL L S TOWN OF INC. 1989 EXHIBIT MAP LEGEND: Commercial Zoning Areas 1/2 Mile 1/4 Mile GRANDE BL V D PALIS A D E S B L V D SAG U A R O B L V D SAGU A R O B L V D SH E A B L V D SAG U A R O B L V D PALISA D E S B L V D FOUN T A I N H I L L S B L V D SHEA BLV D SHEA BLVD SAG U A R O B L V D DEVELOPMENT SERVICES All that is Ar i z o n a F O U N TAIN HI L L S TOWN OF INC. 1989 EXHIBIT MAP LEGEND: C-2 and C-3 Zoning Residential Zoning 300 feet Other Zoning Vacant ParcelV PALIS A D E S B L V D SAG U A R O B L V D SAGU A R O B L V D SH E A B L V D SAG U A R O B L V D PALISA D E S B L V D FOUN T A I N H I L L S B L V D SHEA BLVD SHEA BLVD SAG U A R O B L V D DEVELOPMENT SERVICES All that is Ar i z o n a F O U N TAIN HI L L S TOWN OF INC. 1989 EXHIBIT MAP LEGEND: C-2 and C-3 Zoning Bar (Series 06 & 07) 500 feet Vacant ParcelV PALI S A D E S B L V D SA G U A R O B L V D FOU N T A I N H I L L S B L V D SA G U A R O B L V D DEVELOPMENT SERVICES All that is Ar i z o n a F O U N TAIN HI L L S TOWN OF INC. 1989 EXHIBIT MAP LEGEND: C-2 and C-3 Zoning Park Preserve and Trails Library 1,000 feet buffer Vacant ParcelV GO L D E N E A G L E B L V D FOUNT A I N H I L L S B L V D GRANDE BLV D PALIS A D E S B L V D SA G U A R O B L V D PALISA D E S B L V D FOUN T A I N H I L L S B L V D SHEA BLVD SAG U A R O B L V D DEVELOPMENT SERVICES All that is Ar i z o n a F O U N TAIN HI L L S TOWN OF INC. 1989 EXHIBIT MAP LEGEND: C-2 and C-3 Zoning School 2,000 feet buffer Medical Marijuana Vacant ParcelV ITEM 7. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 05/09/2022 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):   CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: annual report on the implementation of the Fountain Hills General Plan 2020. Staff Summary (Background) Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-461.07 A. 2. states that after the municipal legislative body has adopted a general plan, the community’s planning agency shall render an annual report to the legislative body on the status of the plan and progress in its application.  The Town adopted its current general plan on November 3, 2020. The first annual report was presented before the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 12, 2021, and was forwarded to Council on May 18, 2021. At that time, the Town was in a unique position by virtue of having just adopted a new general plan, and addressed the efforts that were underway to begin implementation of the 2020 General Plan. The Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 includes the following requirement: Each year, the Fountain Hills Development Services Department must prepare, and the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission must review and submit to the Town Council an annual report on the status of the General Plan progress. The report must include, but not be limited to, the following:  A summary of General Plan amendments processed during the preceding year and those pending review, including General Plan amendments initiated by Town Council. A report on the progress and status of implementation actions enumerated in the General Plan Implementation Strategy. A review of policy issues which may have arisen regarding provisions of the General Plan. A recommendation for General Plan amendments to be initiated to maintain an effective, up-to-date General Plan including policy changes, clarifications, and new policy development; changes in character area; and other applicable changes. The recommendation may also include suggestions to change implementation actions priorities, as Town’s priorities shift, as well as General Plan amendments, if any, to be included in the work program for the following fiscal year. Attached is a draft report for the Commission's review and consideration. Report content includes status updates received from the lead departments for various goals and policies contained in the general plan. Based on comments from the Commission, staff will either bring the report back for further review or forward it to Council.  The attached draft report includes a brief overview of actions taken during the 2021 calendar year to implement provisions of the 2020 General Plan.     Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 Risk Analysis N/A Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) Staff recommends forwarding the annual report to the Town Council. SUGGESTED MOTION MOVE to forward the General Plan Annual Report to the Town Council. Attachments 2021 Annual Report  Fountain Hills General Plan Annual Report 2021 Background and Purpose Arizona Revised Statutes Section 9-461.07 A. 2. states that after the municipal legislative body has adopted a general plan, the community’s planning agency shall render an annual report to the legislative body on the status of the plan and progress in its application. The Town of Fountain Hills has adopted and implemented general plans in accordance with state statutes since 2002. The Fountain Hills General Plan 2010 was adopted by the Council January 7, 2010 and was the guiding document for the Town until the voters ratified the 2020 General Plan on November 3, 2020. This annual report summarizes the Town’s implementation efforts for the 2021 calendar year. Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 The Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 was adopted by Council on May 19, 2020 and ratified by the voters on November 3, 2020 as a long-term vision for local development. The Plan did not become official for use by staff and the Town until it was ratified by the voters. Therefore, little actual implementation was reported for 2020. This report, although also brief, discusses some implementation advances in 2021 and continued efforts going into the next several years. Page 124 of the 2020 Plan includes direction regarding the annual report. It states: Each year, the Fountain Hills Development Services Department must prepare, and the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission must review and submit to the Town Council an annual report on the status of the General Plan progress. The report must include, but not be limited to, the following: 1. A summary of General Plan amendments processed during the preceding year and those pending review, including General Plan amendments initiated by Town Council. 2. A report on the progress and status of implementation actions enumerated in the General Plan Implementation Strategy. 3. A review of policy issues which may have arisen regarding provisions of the General Plan. 4. A recommendation for General Plan amendments to be initiated to maintain an effective, up-to-date General Plan including: policy changes, clarifications, and new policy development; changes in character area; and other applicable changes. The recommendation may also include suggestions to change implementation actions priorities, as Town’s priorities shift, as well as General Plan amendments, if any, to be included in the work program for the following fiscal year. Summary of General Plan Amendments No amendments were processed in 2021. Progress on Implementation Actions This section briefly highlights progress and implementation actions as they relate to each of the eight general plan Elements and their respective goals and policies. Each goal and policy identifies an anticipated time frame for completion. The most immediate goals were to be initiated no later than six months after ratification by the voters. Due to a number of factors attributed to the pandemic and extended vacancies in various departments, including managerial positions, most of the immediate implementation efforts have been delayed and carried over into the 2022 calendar year. However, there is considerable progress to report on a number of fronts. Thriving Neighborhoods Element  Staff is currently working with a number of economic development partners to gather data for housing type and neighborhood preferences to attract working professionals and families with children through marketing efforts. (Goal 1, Policy 5)  In 2021, the Town completed 360 lane miles of street sweeping and 145,518 square yards of crack filling. (Goal 1, Policy 1)  The Town approved a zoning ordinance text amendment allowing extensions to nonconforming single-family structures to encroach into the street-side yard of a corner lot, thus accommodating more design considerations for long-term maintenance of existing homes and neighborhoods. (Goal 4) Great Places Element  The Town passed two Zoning Ordinance text amendments aimed at further promoting the long-term viability of residential, commercial and mixed-use development. These include the requirement of a Citizen Participation Plan by the applicants of all rezoning and special use permit cases, allowing residents to provide input. Another text amendment was approved to allow outdoor seating and entertainment on town-maintained sidewalks within the Town Center Commercial District with approval of an encroachment permit from Town Council. (Goal 1, Policy 4; Goal 4, Policies 6,8,)  The Community Relations department is maintaining the website as needed with the most up-to-date plans and surveys. (Goal 1, Policies 7-13)  Town Council approved public art at two new residential projects – The Havenly and Casas Del Lago.  The Public Art Committee approved a donation of a sculpture from a donor that was approved by the Town Council and installed at Fountain Park. (Goal 2, Policy 7)  The MAG regional bike map was amended to add bike lanes to Fountain Hills Blvd. (Goal 1, Policies 7- 13)  Public Works Department is engaging with an engineering firm to begin a parking study to assess the required capacity and use of existing parking facilities.(Goal 4, Policy 5)  The Town approved a special use permit case allowing a mixed-use residential/commercial development on a half-acre infill parcel at the northwest corner of Saguaro and Kingstree Blvds. Another special use permit was approved for a multi-family residential development at a 1.67-acre infill parcel near the northeast corner of Shea and Saguaro Blvds. (Goal 2, Policy 6)  The Development Services department launched the Town Online Planning and Permitting System (TOPPS) to provide a streamlined design review process when reviewing applications for revenue- generating uses. (Goal 1, Policy 1)  The Economic Development and Community Relations departments are currently working together to create community-based branding strategy. (Goal 4, Policy 1-2) Social Environment Element  The Community Services Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan was adopted by Town Council in May 2021. (Goal 8, Policy 1)  A crosswalk to Desert Vista Park was constructed in Fall of 2021 providing safe means for pedestrians, bike riders and those with mobility devices to cross Saguaro Blvd. Appurtenant sidewalks were constructed to provide connectivity to over 400 residences. (Goal 3, Policies 1-6)  The Town initiated an update to the long-range sidewalk plan. (Goal 3) Connectivity, Access and Mobility Element  On June 15, 2021, the Town adopted the Active Transportation Plan covering multi-modal aspects of connectivity access and mobility. Multi-use paths were installed at Desert Vista and Four Peaks Parks. (Goal 1, Policy 1)  Town staff is working on an intergovernmental agreement with MAG to fund helmets, vests, and training for crossing guards as a result of previous Safe Routes to School grant. (Goal 1, Parcel 7)  Staff is creating a site plan checklist that will incorporate parking design and aesthetics. (Goal 2, Policies 1-4.)  Although pertaining to Goal 1 of the Great Places Element, it is also worth repeating here that bike lanes were completed at Fountain Bills Blvd. The MAG regional bike map was subsequently amended to reflect this. Public Facilities and Services Element  The Community Services Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan was adopted by Town Council in May 2021. (Goal 8, Policy 1) Natural Resources and Open Space Element  The McDowell Mountain Preservation Commission revised the Preserve Trail Master Plan (adopted April 2022). (Goal 3, Policy 1)  The “Take a Pic” campaign was launched all trailheads to encourage digital maps, thus reducing waste and litter of paper maps. (Goal 3, Policy 2) Economic Development Element  The Town obtained grant funding from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation to continue cross promotion efforts to attract tourism and visitors to the area through various media. (Goal 1)  The Town continues its partnership with the Fountain Hills Unified School District and Arizona Business Advisors in attracting education-related business amenities to the BizHub (formerly Four Peaks Elementary School). (Goal 5, Policy 4) Cost of Development Element  The Development Services department launched the Town Online Planning and Permitting System (TOPPS) to provide a streamlined design review process for development and redevelopment of the Town Center, Commerce Center, Saguaro Blvd and Shea Character Areas. (Goal 4, Policy 1) Policy Issues No policy issues have arisen at this time regarding the provisions of the General Plan. Since ratification of the 2020 General Plan was relatively recent, policy issues are more likely to arise as the Town advances further into plan implementation throughout the next several years. Recommendations for Amendments No revisions to the General Plan are recommended at this time.