HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__04-12-21_0553_209
NOTICE OF MEETING REVISED 4/12/21
REGULAR MEETING
FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Chairman Erik Hansen
Vice Chairman Peter Gray
Commissioner Jessie Brunswig
Commissioner Clayton Corey
Commissioner Susan Dempster
Commissioner Dan Kovacevic
Commissioner Scott Schlossberg
TIME:6:35 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING
WHEN:MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021
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 Hansen
2.ROLL CALL – Chairman Hansen
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 OF approving the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning
Commission February 8, 2021.
5.HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER Ordinance number 21-02, establishing section
2.08, Citizen Participation, in the Zoning Ordinance. Case Z2020-12
6.CONSIDERATION OF Ordinance 21-06 amending the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12,
Commercial Zoning Districts, Sections 12.02 B. 3. to provide for hospitals. Case Z2021-01
7.CONSIDERATION OF Ordinance 21-07 amending the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12,
Commercial Zoning Districts, Sections 12.02 C., 12.05 and 12.06 to provide detoxification
facilities. Case Z2021-02
8.CONSIDERATION OF the annual report on the implementation of the General Plan.
9.COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
10.SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
11.REPORT from Development Services Director.
12.ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of April 12, 2021 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 ____________________, 2021.
_____________________________________________
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 April 12, 2021 3 of 3
ITEM 4.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 04/12/2021 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 OF
approving the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission February 8, 2021.
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 Planning and Zoning Commission February 8,
2021.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to approve the meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission February 8, 2021.
Attachments
Meeting Minutes Draft 2/8/21
D R A F T
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 8, 2021
1.CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Chairman Hansen called the meeting of February 8, 2021, to order at 6:00 p.m.
2.ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Clayton Corey; Vice Chairman Peter Gray; Chairman Erik
Hansen; Commissioner Scott Schlossberg; Commissioner Jessie
Brunswig; Commissioner Dan Kovacevic
Absent: Commissioner Susan Dempster
Staff
Present:
John Wesley, Development Services Director; Farhad Tavassoli , Senior
Planner; Paula Woodward , Executive Assistant
3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC
None
4.CONSIDERATION OF approving the meeting minutes of the Joint Meeting with the
Community Services Advisory Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission
November 9, 2020, and the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning
Commission November 9, 2020.
MOVED by Commissioner Jessie Brunswig, SECONDED by Commissioner Scott
Schlossberg to approve the meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission
February 8, 2021.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
5.HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER Ordinance 21-04, amending Zoning
Ordinance Chapter 5, General Provisions, Section 5.09, Walls and Fences, subsection
A. 2. regarding provisions for golf ball fences.
Development Services Director John Wesley gave a short explanation that golf nets
Development Services Director John Wesley gave a short explanation that golf nets
have been covered in the Zoning Ordinance over the years. The ordinance details
the height, size, color and placement of the golf nets. Currently golf nets are
submitted via a Special Use Permit. The current process mandates the request
appear before the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council. Recently
Council asked staff to review and consider a text amendment to allow golf net
requests approved administratively. He said that although the Town does not
receive a lot of these requests, there have been enough over the years that staff is
comfortable processing them administratively. Any request different from the
standard requirements would need to go through the Special Use Permit process.
In conclusion Mr. Wesley said that the proposed text amendment keeps the
standards the same. The only change is that the review and approval becomes
administrative. Staff recommends approval of the text amendment change.
In response to Chairman Hansen, Mr. Wesley said that the current Special Use
Permit process takes up to three months. There are public notice requirements and
then working around the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council
meeting dates. If the text amendment is approved the process time would be
anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Commissioner Kovacevic asked for details regarding the fence height adjacent to
neighboring properties.
Mr. Wesley replied that the fence at the property line near the golf course can be
up to twenty-five feet in height. In regards to neighbors, the fence shall be set back
from any abutting residential property at a distance not less than the height of the
fence. Golf ball fences may be located nearer to such a property line with the prior
written consent of the abutting residential property owner.
MOVED by Vice Chairman Peter Gray, SECONDED by Commissioner Dan Kovacevic to
forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve Ordinance 21-04,
amending Zoning Ordinance Chapter 5, General Provisions, Section 5.09, Walls and
Fences, subsection A.2 regarding provisions for golf fences.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
6.HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER Ordinance number 21-02, establishing
section 2.08, Citizen Participation, in the Zoning Ordinance.
MOVED by Commissioner Dan Kovacevic, SECONDED by Commissioner Scott
Schlossberg to continue the public hearing at the next scheduled Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
7.COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of February 8, 2021 2 of 4
Commissioner Schlossberg asked about future meetings in regards to COVID-19.
Mr. Wesley replied that if it was not for the Golf Net request the February meeting
would not have taken place. The Town is trying to keep meetings to a minimum
with concern to COVID-19.
8.SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
None
9.REPORT from Development Services Director.
Mr. Wesley said that the next meeting item would be for the Commission to review
the annual report (General Plan 2020) before it moves forward to the Town
Council.
10.ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held
February 8, 2021, adjourned at 6:21 p.m..
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
_______________________________
Erik Hansen, Chairman
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 the 8th day of February, 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum
was present.
DATED this18th day of February 2021.
_________________________________
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of February 8, 2021 3 of 4
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of February 8, 2021 4 of 4
ITEM 5.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 04/12/2021 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
AND CONSIDER Ordinance number 21-02, establishing section 2.08, Citizen Participation, in the Zoning
Ordinance. Case Z2020-12
Staff Summary (Background)
Development projects that include public hearings for rezoning and/or Special Use Permits, are
processed in a manner to encourage and include input and participation by surrounding property
owners. This is done by notifying property owners within 300 feet of the site of the public hearing.
Notice is provided by mail, publication in the newspaper, and posting the property. These surrounding
property owners have a stake in the existing neighborhood and will be most impacted by the proposed
changes and development.
Each zoning district contains a number of uses permitted by right. Most zoning districts also include
uses or activities that can be allowed only through approval of a Special Use Permit by the Town Council
following recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission. When a property is rezoned, or a
Special Use Permit is granted, it is important that the surrounding neighbors are involved in the
decision-making process and have the opportunity to voice any concerns or objections. Once either of
these actions (rezoning or approving a SUP) is finalized there are generally no other opportunities for
citizens to impact the design or development process.
As a developer moves through the rezoning or SUP process they begin to layout the design of the
property and buildings. Early in the process it is generally easier to impact the design of the property
and buildings before a lot of design decisions are made and costs are incurred in the design process.
Therefore, it is important and beneficial to receive citizen input and feedback as early as possible. Often
by the time an application gets to the public hearing stage, it is very difficult to make impactful changes
or modifications to a proposal.
To address this issue, many cities and towns include in their zoning ordinance a requirement for the
applicant for land use cases to incorporate a citizen participation effort in their development process.
Citizen participation requirements differ from public hearing requirements in that they occur early in
the process and have the objective of providing the opportunity for dialogue between the applicant and
the developer. These citizen participation requirements mandate that the applicant take some steps
prior to going to the public hearing to notify surrounding property owners about their proposed
development and give them the opportunity to provide input. The applicant is then required to submit
a report stating what they did to provide the opportunity for input, what input was received, and how
they responded to that input.
The Fountain Hills zoning ordinance does not include a required citizen participation process. It is
proposed that such a requirement be added to our zoning ordinance. The proposed new Section 2.08 of
the zoning ordinance, as described below, is attached for your review.
Section A of the ordinance requires that the applicant submit a Citizen Participation Plan with
their application. The Plan needs to state who they are going to contact (at a minimum this is the
property owners in the required public hearing notice area), a general description of how
interested persons can obtain information about the proposed development, how the
applicants plans to contact those on the contact list, a description of the schedule for
implementation of the plan, and a statement as to how the applicant will keep the Town informed
of comments received.
Section B of the ordinance requires the applicant to file a Citizen Participation Report prior to the
item going to its first public hearing. The Report must describe any issues or concerns raised and
how they were addressed (which can be a statement that they did not make any changes), include
a list of people who made contact with the applicant through the citizen participation process,
and provide a description of all input received from interested parties.
Section C of the ordinance lists the type of information that needs to be supplied to the public
when they are notified of the proposal to ensure they have a picture of what is being proposed.
Section D of the ordinance states that if the Development Services Director determines the
ordinance was not followed or the efforts to work with the public were insufficient to provide
meaningful public input, that the application can be postponed, rescheduled, or denied.
Section E of the ordinance makes it clear that the information and notices published regarding the
Citizen Participation Ordinance are different from the public hearing notices that occur prior to a
hearing.
The goal of the ordinance is to ensure a person owning property near a proposed development has the
opportunity to be informed about a proposed development and provide early comments without
hamstringing the applicant into a specific method of providing the information and receiving the
feedback. Pre-pandemic the typical option would be to hold a public meeting. This is not currently a
viable option. Therefore, the ordinance provides the opportunity to handle such issues virtually through
emails, online meetings, websites, etc. The ordinance also does not require the applicant to make
changes to their project due to public input, only that they report on the input received and how they
responded. The hope is that an applicant would make reasonable changes to address concerns so those
issues would not have to be addressed in a public meeting.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Zoning Ordinance Section 2.01 Amendments or Zone Changes
Zoning Ordinance Section 2.02 Special Use Permits
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff recommend approval of Ordinance 21-02.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to approve Ordinance 21-02.
Attachments
Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 21-02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 2, PROCEDURES, ADDING
SECTION 2.08, CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills (the “Town Council”)
adopted Ordinance No. 93-22 on November 18, 1993, which adopted the Zoning Ordinance for
the Town of Fountain Hills (the “Zoning Ordinance”); and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend Chapter 2 of the Zoning Ordinance, Procedures,
to add Section 2.08, Citizen Participation; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance and pursuant to ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 9-
462.04, public hearings regarding this ordinance were advertised in the November 25, 2020 and
December 2, 2020 editions of the Fountain Hills Times; and
WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission
on December 14, 2020 and by the Town Council on January 19, 2021.
ENACTMENTS:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS as follows:
SECTION 1. The recitals above are hereby incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2, Procedures, is amended by adding Section 2.08,
Citizen Participation, as follows:
Section 2.08 Citizen Participation
A. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN. EVERY APPLICATION FOR A ZONING
MAP AMENDMENT OR SPECIAL USE PERMIT SHALL BE
ACCOMPANIED BY A CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN DESIGNED TO
PROVIDE EFFECTIVE, EARLY, AND CONTINUOUS PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION INTO THE PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENT
OR SPECIAL USE PERMIT. THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
SHALL INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, THE FOLLOWING:
1. A CONTACT LIST OR METHOD FOR NOTIFYING ADJACENT
LANDOWNERS AND OTHER POTENTIALLY AFFECTED CITIZENS
OF THE PROPOSED ACTION, THAT SHALL INCLUDE, BUT IS NOT
LIMITED TO:
A. PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN THE MAXIMUM PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE AREA REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICABLE TYPE OF
APPLICATION;
B. HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATIONS AS IDENTIFIED BY THE TOWN THAT ARE
LOCATED WITHIN ONE-HALF MILE OF THE BOUNDARY OF
THE PROPERTIES OR AREAS CONSIDERED BY THE
APPLICATION;
C. INTERESTED PARTIES THAT HAVE REQUESTED THAT THEY BE
PLACED ON A CONTACT LIST FOR THESE TYPES OF
APPLICATIONS; AND,
D. OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN
IDENTIFIED BY THE TOWN.
2. A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HOW INTERESTED PERSONS MAY
OBTAIN INFORMATION OR UPDATES ABOUT THE PROJECT, SUCH
AS NEWSLETTERS, MAILINGS, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND MEETINGS.
3. A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HOW INTERESTED PERSONS WILL
BE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSAL
WITH THE APPLICANT, SUCH AS NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS,
PHONE CONTACTS, E-MAIL, OR DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS.
4. THE APPLICANT’S PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN.
5. A STATEMENT EXPLAINING HOW THE APPLICANT PLANS TO
KEEP THE TOWN INFORMED ON THE STATUS OF THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN, SUCH
AS PROVIDING STAFF COPIES OF NOTICES PRIOR TO MEETINGS
WITH CITIZENS, AND CONTACT LISTS USED TO NOTIFY
POTENTIALLY AFFECTED CITIZENS.
B. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION REPORT. APPLICANTS SHALL PROVIDE A
WRITTEN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION REPORT TO THE TOWN
DETAILING THE RESULTS OF THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN AT
LEAST 10 TOWN BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST SCHEDULED
PUBLIC HEARING. THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION REPORT SHALL
INCLUDE:
1. A LIST OF NAMES OF ALL CITIZENS AND INTERESTED PARTIES
WHO CONTACTED THE APPLICANT REGARDING THE PROPOSAL
OR ATTENDED ANY MEETINGS OR PRESESNTATIONS WHETHER
IN PERSON OR VIRTUALLY;
2. A SUMMARY OF CITIZEN CONCERNS, ISSUES, AND PROBLEMS
EXPRESSED DURING THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND
HOW THESE HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED; AND,
3. COPIES OF COMMENT LETTERS, PETITIONS, EMAILS, AND OTHER
PERTINENT INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM CITIZENS OR
OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.
C. THE APPLICANT MUST PROVIDE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED CITIZENS
WITH ENOUGH INFORMATION TO CREATE A REASONABLY
ACCURATE PORTRAYAL OF THE NATURE AND SCALE OF THE
PROPOSED APPLICATION INCLUDING:
1. A GENERAL LOCATION MAP SHOWING THE PROPERTY OR AREA
CONSIDERED BY THE APPLICATION IN CONTEXT WITH
SURROUNDING PROPERTY;
2. A SPECIFIC SITE LOCATION MAP;
3. A TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN OR SITE PLAN, AS
APPLICABLE FOR THE PROPOSED APPLICATION;
4. THE CURRENT ZONING CLASSIFICATION AND AUTHORIZED USES
OF THE PROPERTY OR AREA CONSIDERED BY THE APPLICATION
AND ANY PROPOSED CHANGES; AND,
5. THE ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE FOR DEVELOPMENT.
D. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION, OR A DETERMINATION BY THE
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR THAT SUCH EFFORTS WERE
INSUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION, MAY RESULT IN POSTPONEMENT,
RESCHEDULING, OR DENIAL OF AN APPLICATION.
E. THE REQUIREMENTS IN THIS SECTION APPLY IN ADDITION TO ANY
NOTICE PROVISIONS REQUIRED ELSEWHERE IN THIS ZONING
ORDINANCE OR BY THE ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES.
Section 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for
any reason held to be unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona,
this 19th day of January 2021.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO:
Ginny Dickey, Mayor Elizabeth A. Burke, Town Clerk
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Grady E. Miller, Town Manager Aaron D. Arnson, Town Attorney
ITEM 6.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 04/12/2021 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
OF Ordinance 21-06 amending the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, Sections
12.02 B. 3. to provide for hospitals. Case Z2021-01
Staff Summary (Background)
The Zoning Ordinance provides for a variety of different land uses and places those uses in different
zoning districts consistent with the nature of the use and the intent of the various districts. Chapter 12
of the Zoning Ordinance establishes the commercial zoning districts and the uses allowed in each
district. In addition to uses permitted by right in each district, the ordinance also establishes uses which
can be approved through a Special Use Permit process.
In 2019 the Town received an application for the development of a hospital in Fountain Hills. The
Zoning Ordinance did not include hospitals as a listed use. Based on review by staff, it was determined
the most appropriate district for this type of use would be the C-2, Intermediate Commercial Zoning
District. There is a provision at the end of Section 12.02 B., Uses Permitted in C-1, C-C, C-2, and C-3,
Zoning Districts that allows the Development Services Director to place uses not listed with appeal to
the Town Council. When the Council considered the use they determined the use was appropriate in
the C-1 zoning district. The attached ordinance takes the action of officially placing this use into the
zoning ordinance in Section 12.02 B. 3. It includes a statement making it clear that if the hospital is
going in a C-1 or C-C area, a Special Use Permit will be needed for the hospital to operate between 11:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
2020 Fountain Hills General Plan, Public Facilities and Services Element, Goal 7: Continue to partner
with other public, quasi-public and private entities providing community, educational and health-care
services to ensure the provision of such services meets current and future needs.
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff recommends approval of the text amendment as presented.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to recommend approval of Ordinance 21-06.
Attachments
Ordinance 21-06
ORDINANCE NO. 21-06
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 12, COMMERCIAL ZONING
DISTRICTS, AMENDING SECTION 12.02 B. 3 BY ADDING HOSPITALS TO
THE LIST OF PERMITTED USES.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills (the “Town Council”)
adopted Ordinance No. 93-22 on November 18, 1993, which adopted the Zoning Ordinance for
the Town of Fountain Hills (the “Zoning Ordinance”); and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, of the
Zoning Ordinance, Section 12.02, Permitted Uses, B. 3. by adding hospitals as a permitted use in
the C-1, C-C, C-2, and C-3 Zoning Districts; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance and pursuant to ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 9-
462.04, public hearings regarding this ordinance were advertised in the March 24, 2021 and
March 31, 2021 editions of the Fountain Hills Times; and
WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission
on April 12, 2021 and by the Town Council on May 18, 2021.
ENACTMENTS:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS as follows:
SECTION 1. The recitals above are hereby incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, Section
12.02 B. 3 is hereby amended as follows:
Section 12.02 B. Uses permitted in C-1, C-C, C-2, and C-3, Zoning Districts are as
follows:
…
3. Public and Quasi-Public Uses
a. Churches
b. Golf courses including clubhouses located thereon, but not including
miniature courses or practice driving ranges operated for commercial purposes
c. HOSPITALS; SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL USE
PERMIT IN THE C-1 AND C-C DISTRICTS TO OPERATE BETWEEN 11 PM AND 7
AM
D.c. Libraries, museums, parks, playgrounds, and community buildings
E.d. Public Schools
F.e. Publicly or privately owned or operated fires stations, and publicly owned
or operated police stations and post offices
G.f. Utility services, but not including offices, wastewater treatment plants,
generating plants, and wireless communication towers and antennas, unless otherwise
specifically permitted elsewhere in the ordinance.
…
Section 3. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
Ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona,
this 18th day of May 2021.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO:
Ginny Dickey, Mayor Elizabeth A. Burke, Town Clerk
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Grady E. Miller, Town Manager Aaron D. Arnson, Town Attorney
ITEM 7.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 04/12/2021 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
OF Ordinance 21-07 amending the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, Sections
12.02 C., 12.05 and 12.06 to provide detoxification facilities. Case Z2021-02
Staff Summary (Background)
The Zoning Ordinance provides for a variety of different land uses and places those uses in different
zoning districts consistent with the nature of the use and the intent of the various districts. Chapter 12
of the Zoning Ordinance establishes the commercial zoning districts and the uses allowed in each
district. In addition to uses permitted by right in each district, the ordinance also establishes uses which
can be approved through a Special Use Permit process.
Over the last couple of months staff has received inquires regarding the possibility of establishing a
detoxification facility in Town. Detoxification facilities are places people can go for assistance to
withdraw from drugs and/or alcohol. These facilities can range from sub-acute, outpatient facilities to
more intense, inpatient facilities. These facilities can operate in a variety of ways. In some cases the
patients are self-motivated to end their addiction and have the time and means to seek treatment. In
other cases the patient may be ordered to go through treatment, starting with the detoxification, or
they may not be as personally motivated to seek assistance. Sometimes their addiction is not as severe
and the withdrawal process is not as significant. In other cases the addiction and resulting withdrawal
process can be significant and require constant medical supervision.
Staff brought this issue up with the Town Council at their annual retreat in February, 2021. The Council
asked staff to explore and make a recommendation on how this use could be incorporated into the
Zoning Ordinance.
Staff was able to identify two levels of detoxification facilities. One is sub-acute/outpatient facilities. In
these facilities, the level of addiction is low enough that the resulting process of detoxification and
withdrawal does not pose significant medical issues or need constant supervision. With these facilities
the patients either live at home or in a group home and come to the facility on a daily basis for a short
period of time to complete the withdrawal process. In many ways, these facilities will not be much
deferent than other medical office facilities. Therefore, staff determined this use could be allowed in
commercial zoning districts by right. Given the purpose statements for the various zoning district found
in Section 12.01, staff is recommending this use be permitted by right in the C-2 and C-3 Districts.
The other level of detoxification facilities are termed acute/inpatient facilities. These facilities are used
by individuals with a more significant level of addiction that require medical supervision during the
detoxification process. By the nature of the facility and the service they provide, they need to be open
and operate 24/7. They may also experience emergency situations that could be disruptive to a
neighborhood or other surrounding uses. Therefore, staff is recommending this use be allowed only
through approval of a Special Use Permit in the C-2 and C-3 Zoning Districts.
The attached ordinance, therefore, includes modifications to Sections 12.02 C., 12.05, and 12.06 of the
Zoning Ordinance.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
2020 Fountain Hills General Plan, Public Facilities and Services Element, Goal 7: Continue to partner
with other public, quasi-public and private entities providing community, educational and health-care
services to ensure the provision of such services meets current and future needs.
Risk Analysis
N/A
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s)
N/A
Staff Recommendation(s)
Staff recommends approval of the text amendment.
SUGGESTED MOTION
MOVE to recommend approval of Ordinance 21-07.
Attachments
Ordinance 21-07
ORDINANCE NO. 21-07
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 12, COMMERCIAL ZONING
DISTRICTS, SECTION 12.02 C. BY ADDING DETOXIFICATION
FACLITIES, SUB-ACUTE AND OUTPATIENT TO THE LIST OF USES
ALLOWED AND AMENDING SECTIONS 12.05 AND 12.06 BY ADDING
DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES, ACUTE AND INPATIENT TO THE USES
REQUIRING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills (the “Town Council”)
adopted Ordinance No. 93-22 on November 18, 1993, which adopted the Zoning Ordinance for
the Town of Fountain Hills (the “Zoning Ordinance”); and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, of the
Zoning Ordinance, Section 12.02, Permitted Uses, C. by adding Detoxification facilities, sub-acute
or outpatient, as a permitted use in the C-2 and C-3 Zoning Districts; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, of the
Zoning Ordinance, Section 12.05, Uses Subject to Special Use Permits in C-2 Zoning Districts
Only, and Section 12.06, Uses Subject to Special Use Permits in C-3 Zoning Districts Only, by
adding Detoxification facilities, acute or inpatient; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance and pursuant to ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 9-
462.04, public hearings regarding this ordinance were advertised in the March 24, 2021 and
March 31, 2021 editions of the Fountain Hills Times; and
WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission
on April 12, 2021 and by the Town Council on May 18, 2021.
ENACTMENTS:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS as follows:
SECTION 1. The recitals above are hereby incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
SECTION 2. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, Section
12.02 C. by adding a new item 7 as follows and renumbering the subsequent items:
…
7. DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES, SUB-ACUTE AND OUTPATIENT
…
Section 3. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, Section
12.05, Uses Subject to Special Use Permits in C-2 Zoning Districts Only, is hereby amended as
follows to add a new F and renumber the subsequent sections:
…
F. DETOXIFICATION FACILITY, ACUTE OR INPATIENT
…
Section 4. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, Section
12.06, Uses Subject to Special Use Permits in C-3 Zoning Districts Only, is hereby amended as
follows to add a new D and renumber the subsequent sections:
…
D. DETOXIFICATION FACILITY, ACUTE OR INPATIENT
…
Section 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
Ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona,
this 18th day of May 2021.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO:
Ginny Dickey, Mayor Elizabeth A. Burke, Town Clerk
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Grady E. Miller, Town Manager Aaron D. Arnson, Town Attorney
ITEM 8.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 04/12/2021 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 OF the
annual report on the implementation of the General Plan.
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 is in a unique
position this year by virtue of having just adopted a new general plan.
There were no specific requirements under the 2010 General Plan regarding an annual report. The
newly adopted Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 includes the following:
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. 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 summary of the final actions taken under the previous Plan,
actions taken to adopt the new Plan, and an overview of the implementation provisions of the new
Plan.
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle
Fountain Hills General Plan 2010
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
2020 Annual Report
Fountain Hills
General Plan
Annual Report 2020
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 implementing 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 covers efforts to continue the application of the 2010 General
Plan, the adoption of the 2020 General Plan, and the efforts underway to begin implementation of the
2020 General Plan.
Fountain Hills General Plan 2010
The 2010 General Plan has served the Town very well over the last 10 years. The Plan included elements
addressing the topics of Land Use, Growth Areas, Cost of Development, Open Space, Circulation, Water
Resources, and Environmental Planning. Each of these elements included a vision, goals, and policies.
The goals and policies were used over the years to guide staff and the Council in making decisions about
the growth and development of the Town.
In 2020 the 2010 General Plan played a key role in the review and evaluation of several key
development projects. These included the Daybreak project at Palisades and Shea, the Keystone project
at La Montana and Avenue of the Fountains, and the hospital at Trevino and Saguaro.
Adoption of 2020 General Plan
State statutes require local governments to readopt a general plan every 10 years. Therefore, it was
necessary to begin in 2018 to consider an update to the existing Plan for adoption in 2020. Work on the
new Plan included significant input from the citizens, staff, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Town
Council.
The Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 was significantly reformatted and revised compared to the
previous general plans for the Town. This plan shifted the focus from growing a developing town to
maintaining and redeveloping a maturing community consistent with its historic roots.
A first draft of the complete General Plan 2020 was available for review at the end of 2019. In early
2020 staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, and citizens
reviewed and provided comments on the draft plan. The Town also fulfilled the state statute required
60-day review process by sending the Plan to multiple local and state reviewing bodies for their
comments.
A final version of the General Plan 2020 was recommended for approval by the Planning and Zoning
Commission in April and was approved by the Town Council in May, 2020.
Fountain Hills General Plan 2020
The Fountain Hills General Plan 2020 was adopted by Council on May 19, 2020 and rati fied by the voters
on November 3, 2020. 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 done during 2020.
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.
Following is a review of each of the items listed above.
1. There was one General Plan Amendment processed in 2020 under the previous general plan.
This amendment was in conjunction with the Daybreak project on Palisades and was ultimately
rejected by the voters.
2. Section V of the General Plan includes the administration and implementation provisions with
the Plan. Part 2 of this Section includes 20 pages of implementation actions that comprise the
General Plan Implementation Strategy. These action items are related to the goals and policies
contained in the body of the Plan and include a lead department and priority for each item.
In preparation for the ongoing implementation of these action items, staff has divided out the
action items by the responsible department and held a meeting to review these items. Each
department is setting up a program to monitor and report on their ongoing efforts to address
their action items. Future annual reports will provide an update on these items as well as make
recommendations for any adjustments that may be needed.
3. No policy issues have arisen at this time regarding provisions of the General Plan.
4. No revisions are being recommended at this time to the General Plan.