Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDApacket__07-12-21_0312_248       Amended 7/12/21 1:00 PM NOTICE OF MEETING REGULAR MEETING FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION      Chairman Peter Gray  Vice Chairman Scott Schlossberg Commissioner Jessie Brunswig Commissioner Clayton Corey Commissioner Susan Dempster Commissioner Dan Kovacevic Commissioner Roderick Watts, Jr.      TIME:6:00 P.M. – REGULAR MEETING WHEN:MONDAY, JULY 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        1.ROLL CALL – Chairman Gray     2.CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE – 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 OF approving the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission May 10, 2021.     5.CONSIDERATION OF a Special Use Permit to allow four residential units at an existing building located at 16842, 16843, 16844 and 16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains (generally located north of Avenue of the Fountains, between Saguaro Blvd. and Verde River Dr.) and in the C-2 (Intermediate Commercial) Zoning District and the Entertainment Overlay District. SU 2021-04     6.HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER Ordinance number 21-02, establishing Section 2.08, Citizen Participation, in the Zoning Ordinance.Case Z2020-12     7.HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER Ordinance 21-06 amending the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 1 to change the definition of hospital and Chapter 12 to provide for hospitals as a permitted use. Z 2021-01     8.CONSIDERATION OF Ordinance 21-11, amending Section 11-1-7, Noise, of the Town Code. Z 2021-03     9.COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.    10.SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.    11.REPORT from Development Services Director.     Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of July 12, 2021 2 of 3     12.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 ____________________, 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 July 12, 2021 3 of 3   ITEM 4. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 07/12/2021 Meeting Type: Planning and Zoning Commission Agenda Type: Submitting Department: Development Services Prepared by: Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant Staff Contact Information: Request to Planning and Zoning Commission (Agenda Language):  CONSIDERATION OF approving the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission May 10, 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 regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission May 10, 2021.    SUGGESTED MOTION MOVE to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission May 10, 2021.  Attachments DRAFT MM MAY 10, 2021  D R A F T TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION May 10, 2021            1.CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE      2.ROLL CALL   Present: Commissioner Jessie Brunswig; Commissioner Susan Dempster; Commissioner Dan Kovacevic; Vice Chairman Scott Schlossberg; Commissioner Roderick Watts, Jr.; Chairman Peter Gray  Absent: Commissioner Clayton Corey  Staff Present: John Wesley , Development Services Director; Paula Woodward , Executive Assistant  3.CALL TO THE PUBLIC      Crystal Cavanaugh said that drug rehab is big business and often with outside investors bringing them into communities they do not live.  Any zoning changes that allow these type of detox units allowed in the community will impact the citizens here in significant ways with very little benefit to the town but with many potential ramifications.  She said she has yet to receive her public records request.  She said extra scrutiny is needed when making decisions.  Any requests for zoning changes to allow detox facilities should be denied. Liz Gildersleeve expressed concern over the lack of transparency and due process with the Town and Town staff in regards to Ordinance 21-06.  She said she has yet to receive public records requested over two weeks ago. The request was for emails referencing inquiries about detox facilities in Fountain Hills.  She referenced Mr. Wesley’s comments at the Town Council Retreat in February 2021 that stated some of the negatives to a community that accompany detox facilities.  She said that the proposed ordinance language is so vague and broad it would allow almost any facility to become a detox facility.        4.DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION of Appointing a Chairperson.       Discussion ensued relative to the appointment of the chairperson.       MOVED BY Commissioner Susan Dempster, SECONDED BY Vice Chairman Scott Schlossberg to Appoint Peter Gray as Chairperson.   Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously   5.DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION of Appointing a Vice Chairperson.       Discussion ensued relative to the appointment of the Vice Chairperson.    MOVED BY Chairman Peter Gray, SECONDED BY Commissioner Dan Kovacevic to Appoint Scott Schlossberg as Vice Chairperson.   Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously   6.CONSIDERATION OF approving the meeting minutes of the Joint Meeting with the Community Services Advisory Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission April 12, 2021, and the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission April 12, 2021.        MOVED BY Commissioner Jessie Brunswig, SECONDED BY Vice Chairman Scott Schlossberg to approve the meeting minutes of the Joint Meeting with the Community Services Advisory Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission April 12, 2021, and the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission April 12, 2021.    Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously   7.CONSIDERATION OF a Special Use Permit to allow residential use of the second floor of an existing building in C-C, Common Commercial, zoned property at 16810 E. El Pueblo.        Chairman Gray opened the Public Hearing. Mr. Wesley explained that the applicant is asking for a Special Use Permit for a property located at 16810 E El Pueblo Blvd.  The applicant would like to provide business services on the ground floor and reside on the second floor converted to living space. The second floor contains an existing kitchen and two bathrooms that could easily be finished. There are no plans to change the exterior or the parking area. It is located in the C-C, Common Commercial zoning district which is the same as the C-1, Neighborhood Commercial and Professional zoning district. Mr. Wesley gave a short PowerPoint Presentation that reviewed: PURPOSE    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 10, 2021 2 of 8   LOCATION REQUEST REVIEW STANDARDS STAFF RECOMMENDATION   Mr. Wesley said that allowing this proposed property use would be consistent with the intent of the General Plan 2020.  The General Plan encourages a board range of housing types affordable to all income ranges and densities consistent with the character of the area.  Over the past 50 years the area has not fully developed and is underutilized.  The ground level of the building would be an office and the second floor would consist of residential use.  In conclusion he said the addition of one dwelling unit would not be detrimental to this neighborhood and could likely benefit by having this development more actively used. Staff supports a recommendation for approval of this Special Use Permit.    In response to Commissioner Brunswig Mr. Wesley replied that the adjacent lot is not owed by the applicant.  The Property Owners Association is responsible for the landscaping and parking areas. The Ownership of the units is mixed.  The parking is part of the CC& R’s would dictate the parking which is jointly owned by the stake holders.   Chairman Gray asked if the Special Use Permit is tied to the applicant and were there any objections from adjacent stakeholders.   Mr. Wesley replied that the Special Use Permit runs with the parcel.  The SUP would remain with the lot regardless of ownership.  If any other lots would like the same set up they would need to apply for a Special Use Permit. This permit is for one lot.  No objections were received from the adjacent property owners regarding this SUP.   In response to Commissioner Dempster Mr. Wesley replied that the SUP is for one residential unit. Although there are no exterior changes planned it is expected that the dark sky ordinance is followed.   The applicant, Don Prescott, explained to the commission that he is excited to be part of the Fountain Hills community.  He is a certified financial planner with Edward Jones. He will meet with customers on the first floor office and his family will dwell on the 2nd floor.  Chairman Gray closed the Public Hearing.    MOVED BY Commissioner Susan Dempster, SECONDED BY Commissioner Jessie Brunswig to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve a Special Use Permit to allow residential use of the second floor of an existing building in C-C, Common Commercial, zoned property at 16810 East El Pueblo Blvd.    Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously   8.CONSIDERATION OF Resolution 2021-18 adopting the Fountain Hills Active        Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 10, 2021 3 of 8   8.CONSIDERATION OF Resolution 2021-18 adopting the Fountain Hills Active Transportation Plan.        Mr. Wesley gave a quick recap of the ATP (Active Transportation Plan). He said that the purpose of the ATP is to provide a blueprint to help develop the network within the town, locally and regionally.  It is designed to meet the needs of all age groups. Town Council will refer to the ATP regarding budget and planning.  It will be used as a tool to help apply for grants to help fund infrastructure such as sidewalks, trails, and bike paths. One of the main objectives is to close gaps especially in high density parts of town.Over the last 9 months a public process took place with public input to make their priorities known.  The final draft has been available for over a month.  It is up to the Commission to make a recommendation to Town Council.  There were comments from the last Commission meeting that the consultant took and made adjustments to the plan.  There were a lot of good comments received that were not applicable to the ATP.  Those comments will be kept in mind to be used in the future. Section 3 of the plan establishes the implementation, options and priorities.  The templates provided will assist staff to calculate cost for future ATP projects.  Staff recommends approval of the plan.    MOVED BY Commissioner Dan Kovacevic, SECONDED BY Commissioner Susan Dempster to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve Resolution 2021-18 adopting the Town of Fountain Hill Active Transportation Plan.   Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously   9.CONSIDERATION OF Ordinance 21-06 amending the Chapter 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for hospitals as a permitted use.          Mr. Wesley stated that this agenda item was continued from the April 12, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in order to consider alternative zoning allowances. He gave a brief history regarding the text amendment stating its purpose was to update the zoning ordinance to reflect the decision that was already made by the Town Council.  During the April 12, 2021 meeting the Commission expressed concern that the hospital did not fit in the C-1 zoning district, that the C-2 or C-3 districts would be a better fit. The previous action by Town Council was not legally exclusive to the Trevino and Saguaro property.  All property within the same zoning district must be treated the same. Mr. Wesley referenced other Arizona municipalities to see what zoning districts are used to allow hospitals.  He said most communities allow hospitals in districts similar to Fountain Hills C-1 and C-C zoning districts by right or approval of a conditional use permit. The only exception was Paradise Valley not allowing hospitals at all.     Mr. Wesley explained that based on the Commission’s request there are two options in the packet for their review and consideration.   The ordinance (previously proposed) allows hospital in C-1 and C-C with a Special Use Permit with hours between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, and in the C-2 and C-3 by right. He said that the    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 10, 2021 4 of 8   use would not be allowed by right.  The Special Use Permit process would include citizen participation and public hearings before the use could be approved. The other ordinance option would allow for hospitals in the C-2 and C-3 zoning districts only. This would mean the existing hospital would become a legal nonconforming use.   Mr. Wesley added that the definition of a hospital was discussed at the last meeting.  He provided definitions of hospitals from various zoning ordinances.  If no hospital definition existed, staff would use a standard definition.  Mr. Wesley concluded that the commission can review both the permit use and definition together or review the permit use and leave the definition determination for later.  Staff recommends approval of the ordinance as previously submitted which would make hospitals a use by right in the C-2 and C-3 district and allow them in the C-1 and C-C districts with approval of a Special Use Permit.   In response to Commissioner Dempster, Mr. Wesley said that if the ordinance was amended the hospital would be allowed to continue under legal non-compliance use.   Allowing hospitals in C-1 does not include detox. That is a separate defined used.   Commissioner Dempster expressed concern regarding that the Fountain Hills comparison to other Towns in Arizona does not seem reasonable.  The comparison cities population is significantly larger and they have so many more zoning categories than Fountain Hills.   In response to Vice Chairman Schlossberg, Mr. Wesley replied that it is unknown what the future phases would entail.    Commissioner Brunswig said that she was a little disturbed that the medical center is being called a hospital when it is not.  She asked if it would be appropriate for this item to continue until there is a clear definition of a hospital.   Chairman Gray explained that the hospital definition in the ordinance today is all encompassing, acute care, behavioral health and anything in-between.  To Commissioner Brunswig’s point just because something is marketed as a hospital doesn’t mean it’s a hospital.    Discussion ensued regarding the broad hospital definition, by right use and special use permit with 24 hour operation.    Chairman Gray suggested that the hospital subset definition needs detail in order to address behavioral health and detox.   Chairman Gray opened the public hearing.   Representatives from the hospital addressed the Commission.  Cindy Golisch reported that the medical center served over 1,000 patients since opening last month. She said in regards to the discussion this evening, the doctors bought this land after having extensive discussions and assurances from the town that the land    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 10, 2021 5 of 8   would be zoned C-2. The town also stressed that the land purchased must be bundled into one project, one parcel. Since receiving the Special Use Permit the second phase has been progressing rapidly. To date over $1,000,000 has been put into the second phase. Some were direct stipulations made by the neighbors.  The project is moving full speed ahead in order to obtain an acute care license to official operate as a hospital which will provide a much needed surgical center.  Ms. Golisch stated that since the FHMC already has approval from the Town Council this decision tonight in allowing new hospitals in a C-2 zoning does not apply to the Fountain Hills Medical Center. She thanked the Commission and invited them to the upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony.   Dr. Scott Schleifer told the Commissioners that the Fountain Hills Medical Center will never become a detox or mental health hospital.  It is an in-patient bed, operating room suite and heart catheter lab. He said that as one of the owners he would not let that happen.   Richard Rutkowski M.D. said that if the FHMC is currently operating in compliance with the town ordinance what is the reason for ordinance 21-06? This is a solution in search of a problem.   John Meredith said he lives next to a detox house.  It is not a kind old lady trying to help people out. It is a real estate broker shamelessly leasing to a corporation. There are five to six people at the most eleven living there.  When the sheriff’s cars show up they are unable to serve a warrant because of the HIPPA law protection.  He said there are a lot of these homes throughout Fountain Hills.   Ed Tafoya said that he would like to see public meetings to accommodate more than thirty people.   Ed Stizza said that he would like to see more clarification on details relating to the text amendments and ordinances.   Jane Bell, a resident adjacent to the FHMC, asked the Commission to deny approving Ordinance 21-06.   John Weimer said that it is very frustrating that a definition for a hospital cannot be decided. There are so many questions to be asked to decide whether it is a hospital facility or a medical center.   Crystal Cavanaugh asked that the Commission strongly deny any of the suggested proposals.   Larry Meyers said that he and the majority of the public hopes the Commission recommends denial.   Chairman Gray closed the public hearing.   In response to Commissioner Brunswig, Dr. Schleifer said there will be an application submitted for a hospital once the facility is complete.   Approval cannot    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 10, 2021 6 of 8   take place until the facility is finished.  The approval process includes facility inspections. He said the Town’s guidelines have been met and the next phase is moving forward.     Commissioner Watts commented that the lack of detail in the ordinances and definitions is what is causing the issues.     Chairman Gray said he thinks the definitions are somewhat antiquated.  It is merited and warranted to examine the definitions. It is clear between the last few meetings where a resident shared what could happen under a detox and mental health scenarios. This could be very impactful not to get this right. The ordinances should aim to preserve the quality of life and aim to align with the General Plan. The effort that would go into revising this definition would be worthwhile.    MOVED BY Chairman Peter Gray, SECONDED BY Commissioner Dan Kovacevic to  CONTINUE Ordinance 21-06 amending the Chapter 12 of the Zoning Ordinance to provide for hospitals as a permitted use generally around marrying up the ordinance with a revision to the definition of the word hospital emphasizes on the umbrella of services under behavioral hospital to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting scheduled July 12, 2021.    Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously   10.COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.     Commissioner Dempster expressed the need to review the basic requirements of sober living and assisted living accommodations.   Mr. Wesley replied that most of the assisted and sober living accommodations are governed by the state but he would review the requirements.   Chairman Gray and Vice Chairman Schlossberg also agreed and expressed interest in the requirements for sober living and assisted living accommodations for Fountain Hills.     11.SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.     Mr. Wesley said that he understands that the commission would like a report regarding group home regulations and how they relate to detox facilities.        12.REPORT from Development Services Director.     Mr. Wesley said that there is a future Special Use Permit application for the next    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 10, 2021 7 of 8    Mr. Wesley said that there is a future Special Use Permit application for the next meeting.  He suggested to cancel the June meeting and put the SUP along with other items on one agenda in July.     13.ADJOURNMENT The Regular Meeting of the Fountain Hills Planning and Zoning Commission held May 10, 2021, adjourned at 7:31 p.m.       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 the 10th day of May, 2021. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and that a quorum was present. DATED this 27th day of May 2021.                                                                                         _________________________________                                                                                           Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant    Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of May 10, 2021 8 of 8   ITEM 5. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 07/12/2021 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 OF a Special Use Permit to allow four residential units at an existing building located at 16842, 16843, 16844 and 16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains (generally located north of Avenue of the Fountains, between Saguaro Blvd. and Verde River Dr.) and in the C-2 (Intermediate Commercial) Zoning District and the Entertainment Overlay District. SU 2021-04 Staff Summary (Background) The subject property consists of an existing building located within Plat 208, north of Avenue of the Fountains, and approximately halfway between Saguaro Blvd. and Verde River Drive. It is zoned C-2 (Intermediate Commercial) and is contained within the Planned Shopping Center and Entertainment Overlay Districts. The building's exact year of construction is unclear, but historical aerial photographs confirm it was built sometime between 1977 and 1986. Sofrita's restaurant occupies a portion of the first floor and faces the Avenue. The subject for this application include two units on the first floor behind the restaurant and two units on the second floor. All four units are currently vacant. The applicant intends to convert each unit to residential apartments, complete with kitchen, living room and two bedrooms. Each unit will be brought to compliance with the 2018 International Building Code, which may require modifications to the exterior of the building. The extent of modifications will be determined when the applicant files for a building permit. No additional on-site parking will be required in Plat 208. 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. Section III of the General Plan includes the information on the Character Areas in the Town. More specifically, the subject property is within the Town Center, where a highly integrated mix of uses is encouraged. However, the Plan recommends residential uses above the first floor, while envisioning commercial uses at the street level. This is further echoed by the Downtown Specific Area Plan.  In staff's opinion, the ground-floor units behind Sofrita's restaurant are historically underutilized and offer poor visibility for commercial activity. Thus, a residential conversion could better ensure their long-term poor visibility for commercial activity. Thus, a residential conversion could better ensure their long-term use while contributing to the overall vision of a vibrant town center. The zoning ordinance Section 12.03 allows consideration of residential uses in all commercial zoning districts with the approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP).  Furthermore, Section 25.03 allows residential uses on the second floor above a building with a maximum of 8 dwelling units per acre, but a greater density would require a Special Use Permit. 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 for commercial uses prior to incorporation of the Town. It is still the desire of the Town to have this be a successful commercial center. The question is whether allowing four residential apartments on the property would be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of Plat 208 and the downtown area. Staff believes adding residential uses would add a complement to the range of retail, office, and service-oriented uses in the area.   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-1, C-C, C-2, and C-3 Zoning District Zoning Ordinance Section 25.04 - Uses Subject to Special Use Permit in the Entertainment Overlay District General Plan 2020, Section II: Thriving Neighborhoods 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 supports a recommendation for approval of this Special Use Permit. SUGGESTED MOTION MOVE to approve the Special Use Permit to allow four residential units at an existing building located at 16842, 16843, 16844, 16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains. Attachments Vicinity Map  Narrative  Site Plan  CASE: SU2021-04 SITE / ADDRESS: 16842-16843-16844-16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains APN #176-05-075 & 176-05-076 REQUEST: SPECIAL USE PERMIT to allow four residential units at an existing building located at 16842-16843-16844-16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains (generally located north of Avenue of the Fountains, between Saguaro Blvd. and Verde River Dr.) and in the C-2 (Intermediate Commercial) Zoning District and the Entertainment Overlay District. Site Location ITEM 6. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 07/12/2021 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) Update The Commission considered this item at its regular meeting on April 12, 2021.  At that time the Commission had some questions and concerns they wanted staff to review and consider for possible adjustments to the proposed ordinance.  Those items were:  To reduce the Homeowner's Associations or registered neighborhoods to be included in the notification regarding the planned development to those with property within the standard notification area (300').  Staff has made that change in Section A. 1. B. Include virtual meetings in the options for informing citizens and receiving feedback.  That was an option in the previous draft ordinance, but not specifically listed.  Section A. 3. now specifically lists this as one of the options.  There was also some discussion of making a virtual meeting a requirement.  Staff has chosen to not make it a requirement in the ordinance. This is because of the range of types of cases that might have to implement a citizen participation plan.  We have, however, added a set of guidelines to be used along with the ordinance.  Those guidelines are attached. Those guidelines encourage virtual meetings, especially for larger projects and applications being processed during the summer months when many residents are out of town. Require a checklist of ordinance requirements to demonstrate the development will comply with all ordinances, or highlight which ones will not be met, so they can be recognized and discussed.  This one was more challenging for a number of reasons.  Citizen Participation Plans will be required with general plan amendments, rezonings, and special use permits.  Only the special use permit application requires a site plan.  Therefore, at this stage of a project the developer may not know what site plan challenges they may have that would result in a need to deviate from the ordinance.  We do not want to create a false sense that just because no deviations were listed at this point that there will not be some in the future.  Further, there are so many ordinances that a list would be very long and cumbersome to put together and use.  As an alternative, staff has added a new Section C. 4. which requires the applicant to include "a list of any identified deviations from standard ordinance requirements being considered or requested for the development."   This will at least get the applicant, staff, and citizens thinking about the topic and considering any potential issues. Require staff to attend any meetings held between the applicant and neighbors.  There is a concern that the applicant may not paint a clear picture of the project or properly represent commitments made during the meeting.  The challenges with this approach are that, given the nature of the application there may not be organized meetings, some information flow can happen outside of an organized meeting, and the emphasis is to create dialogue between the applicant and neighbors - having staff in a meeting tends to shift the emphasis and have staff be the go between.  As an alternative, staff has included in the guidelines that staff is to be notified of any meetings and may attend.  This provides flexibility to the individual situation without making it an ordinance requirement.  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.  During the pandemic many people learned how to put on and attend virtual meetings.  The ordinance provides the opportunity to provide for the public review and input virtually through emails, online meetings, websites, traditional in-person meetings, 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 recommend approval Ordinance 21-02. Attachments ImplementationGuidelines  Ordinance 21-02  Citizen Participation Guidelines Every application for a general plan amendment, special use permit, or rezoning shall follow the requirements contained in Section 2.08 of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance for the implementation of a Citizen Participation process. The following guidelines are provided to assist applicants in carrying out this ordinance requirement. The purpose of the Citizen Participation Plan is to: 1. Ensure that applicants pursue early and effective citizen participation in conjunction with their application, providing the applicant with an opportunity to understand and address any real or perceived impacts their development may have on the community; 2. Ensure that citizens, property owners, and neighbors have an adequate opportunity to learn about proposed developments that may affect them and to work with applicants to resolve potential concerns at an early stage of the process; 3. Provide flexible means for applicants and citizens to engage using the means most appropriate for the given project and the technologies available to include property owners who are in town and out of town; and, 4. Facilitate ongoing communication between the applicant, interested citizens and property owners, and Town staff, throughout the application review process. The Citizen Participation Plan is not intended to produce complete consensus on all development proposals, but is intended to encourage applicants to be good neighbors and to allow for informed decision-making. It is advised that applicants discuss their Citizen Participation Plan with staff prior to finalization of the Plan to help ensure the goals and intent of the Town are being met and reduce the possibility of delay later in the process. An applicant may submit a Citizen Participation Plan and begin implementation prior to formal application, but not until after consultation with Planning staff. Citizen Participation Plan Requirements The Citizen Participation Plan must be submitted with the application. Failure to submit a complete Plan meeting the requirements of the Ordinance and/or failing to implement the Plan may result in postponement of the public hearing for the associated application. At a minimum, the Citizen Participation Plan shall include the following information: 1. A list of residents, property owners, interested parties, political jurisdictions and public agencies which may be affected by the proposed development; 2. How those interested in, and potentially affected by, a proposed development will be notified that such application has been made; 3. How those interested and potentially affected parties will be informed of the substance of the change, amendment, development, or other action proposed by the application (e.g. mailing, going door-to-door, etc.); 4. How those affected or otherwise interested will be provided an opportunity to discuss the proposal with the applicant and express any concerns, issues, or problems they may have with the proposal in advance of the public hearing (e.g. group meeting, virtual meeting, email, phone, etc.); 5. The applicant's schedule for completion of the Citizen Participation Plan; and 6. How the applicant will keep the Development Services Department informed on the status of their citizen participation efforts. Notification List: The level of citizen interest and area of involvement will vary depending on the nature of the application and the location of the site. The typical target area for notification of an application is: 1. Property owners within the required public hearing notice area (currently set at 300’); 2. Any HOA’s or other recognized neighborhood groups within that same notice area; 3. The Town Planning Division (Town staff may attend meetings); and, 4. Any other persons who have communicated with the Development Services Department their desire to be notified of any development proposals. (Note: The Citizen Participation Process and associated notice apply in addition to any notice provisions required by the Zoning Ordinance, or by State statute. They constitute a separate, earlier notice than the public hearing notification provisions.) Notice Contents: The information provided to the people on the contact list needs to provide those receiving the information sufficient understanding to have a clear picture of what is being proposed. The information must include a: 1. Location map clearly identifying the parcel involved; 2. A site plan showing the nature of the development being proposed (if an existing building is being used with no modifications an aerial image can be used);and, 3. A narrative that further explains the proposed development including, but not limited to: a. Requested general plan designations or zoning designation, as appropriate; b. Anticipated time frame for development; and, c. Any deviations from standard code anticipated with the development. Citizen Notice and Input Options: As stated above, the Ordinance allows flexibility to the applicant in establishing methods to be used to provide information and receive comments. Care should be taking when preparing the Plan to establish methods appropriate for the location of the property, nature of the request, and time of year the application will be processed. Applications involving new construction should consider a more involved process compared to one that is simply adding a use to an existing building. Virtual meetings are strongly recommended as a component of the Plan for more significant development proposals being processed during the summer months. Citizen Participation Report Applicants shall provide a written report on the results of their citizen participation effort at least ten (10) Town business days prior to the scheduled public hearing. This report will be attached to the staff report. At a minimum, the citizen participation report shall include the following information: 1. Details of techniques the applicant used to involve the public, including: a. Dates and locations of all meetings (virtual or in person) where citizens were invited to discuss the applicant's proposal; b. Copies of all materials used to communicate to the contact list including content of notices, dates when material was provided, social media posts, and numbers of mailings, including letters, meeting notices, newsletters and other publications; and 2. The number of people who participated in the process. 3. A summary of concerns, issues and problems expressed during the process, including: a. The substance of the concerns, issues and problems; b. How the applicant has addressed or intends to address concerns, issues and problems expressed during the process; c. Concerns, issues and problems the applicant is unwilling or unable to address and why. [Example Citizen Participation Plan] Citizen Participation Plan for Joe’s Drive-thru Special Use Permit Date: Purpose: The purpose of this Citizen Participation Plan is to inform citizens, property owners, and nearby neighbor associations of the special use permit application for a new restaurant with a drive-thru. This plan will ensure that those affected by this application will have an adequate opportunity to learn about and comment on the proposal. Applicant: Joe Smith 1232 E. Purple Lane Phoenix, Arizona 85500 (602) 555-1212 email: grayl2l@yellow.com Location: The property being considered for this SUP is located at the northwest corner or A and B streets (see attached location map.) Action Plan: In order to provide effective citizen participation in conjunction with their application, the following actions will be taken to provide opportunities to understand and address any real or perceived impacts their 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 Pink Jr. High. 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 and any comments 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. 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. Schedule: Mail letters by February 20, 2022 First neighborhood meeting March 15, 2022 Second neighborhood meeting (if necessary): April/May 2022 [Citizen Participation Report Example] Citizen Participation Report for Joe’s Drive-thru Special Use Permit Case #: Date of Report: Overview: This report provides results of the implementation of the Citizen Participation Plan for Joe’s Drive-thru. This site is located at northwest corner of A and B Streets. 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, sign-in lists, petitions, letters, summary sheets, and other materials are attached. Contact: Joe Smith 1232 E. Purple Lane Phoenix. Arizona 85500 (602) 555-1212 Email: gray121@yellow.com Neighborhood Meetings: The following are dates and locations of all meetings where citizens were invited to discuss the applicant’s proposal [comments, sign in lists and other feedback are attached]; 1. {Date} – Pink Jr. High, 7 P.M. to 8 P.M. - 45 citizens in attendance; 10 virtually 2. {Date} – Pink Jr. High, 7 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. – 13 citizens in attendance; 3 virtually Correspondence and Telephone Calls: 1. 1st letters mailed to contact list (150) on {Date}, including all property owners and one HOA within 300’ 2. 2nd letters mailed to contact list on {Date} 3. Project published in the "Fountain Hills Times" newspaper on {Date} 4. Established website and other social media accounts related to the project on {Date} 5. {Date} meet with adjacent neighbors X, Y, and Z on site to discuss the proposed development 7. {Date – Date} received and responded to 7 emails with questions and comments about the proposed development Results: There are 167 persons on the contact list as of the date of this Citizen Participation Report (see attached) 1. Summary of concerns, issues and problems: • Increased traffic in adjacent neighborhood • Increased noise • Increase in trash • There are too many drive-thru restaurants in our Town, don’t need any more 2. How concerns issues and problems were addressed: • Traffic will be routed to arterials more directly to avoid impact to neighborhood • Speaker boxes will be oriented away from the adjacent neighborhood • Trash receptacle will be places next to exit from drive thru lane 3. Concerns, issues and problems not addressed and why: • Applicant has little control on trash after customers leave the property • Our market research shows a need for this drive-thru restaurant, it is our business model, will continue to request the SUP 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 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 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 MAJOR OR MINOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, 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 THE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AREA REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICABLE TYPE OF 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, VIRTUAL MEETINGS, 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. A LIST OF ANY IDENTIFIED DEVIATIONS FROM STANDARD ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS BEING CONSIDERED OR REQUESTED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT; 5. THE CURRENT GENERAL PLAN OR ZONING CLASSIFICATION AND AUTHORIZED USES OF THE PROPERTY OR AREA CONSIDERED BY THE APPLICATION AND ANY PROPOSED CHANGES; AND, 6. 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 --- day of --- 2021. FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO: Ginny Dickey, Mayor Elizabeth A. Klein, 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: 07/12/2021 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 21-06 amending the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 1 to change the definition of hospital and Chapter 12 to provide for hospitals as a permitted use. Z 2021-01 Staff Summary (Background) This item has been continued from the April 12, and May 10, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission agendas for consideration of alternative zoning allowances. Background In 2019 a proposal was made to locate a hospital facility at the intersection of Saguaro Boulevard and Trevino Drive.  In reviewing the request it was discovered that hospitals are not listed as a permitted use in the Town.  Staff made the determination that such a use should go in C-2 zoning.  There was significant neighborhood opposition to the request to rezone the property to C-2.  At the P & Z Commission hearing for the rezoning, the Commission recommended to the Council that the hospital be allowed as a C-1 use subject to approval of a Special Use Permit for the 24-hour operation of a hospital.  Per a provision in Section 12.02 of the Zoning Ordinance, the Town Council has the authority to decide which zoning district a use should be permitted.  At the public hearing on the rezoning case for the hospital, the Council stated they agreed with the P & Z Commission's recommendation and hospitals would be considered a use allowed in the C-1 zoning district.  Based on that decision by the Town Council, the property owner was permitted to move forward with the development of a hospital on this property. The purpose of this agenda item is to now update the zoning ordinance to reflect the decision that was already made by the Town Council.  At the April 12, 2021, meeting there was some concern expressed by the Commission that hospitals did not properly fit in the C-1 zoning district, that C-2 or C-3 districts would be better.  There was some thought that the previous action by the Town Council was meant to apply to just the property at Trevino and Saguaro, not generally to C-1 zoning in the Town.  That, however, is not legally possible; all property with the same zoning district must be treated the same.  Therefore, by the P & Z Commission recommending, and Town Council approving, an interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance stating hospitals are allowed in the C-1 zoning district, that applies to all C-1 zoned property in the Town.  At the May 10, 2021 Planning and Zoning Commission hearing there was continued concern about what is meant when we use the term "hospital."  There was a desire to see a definition that would limit or prohibit the opportunity for behavioral health or substance abuse facilities to be considered a hospital and allowed in this zoning category.  This report adds to the previous discussion and recommends information regarding the definition of hospital. Staff has researched the zoning ordinance of several other communities in Arizona to see what zoning districts are used to allow hospitals.  While zoning districts are not necessarily directly comparable they are generally similar.  In our research we found the following:  Scottsdale - Hospitals are allowed only in their C-O, Commercial Office District, with approval of a Conditional Use Permit Mesa - Hospitals are allowed by right in the NC, Neighborhood Commercial, CC Community Commercial, GC, General Commercial, PEP, Planned Employment Park, LI, Light Industrial, and DB-1 and DB-2, Downtown Business Districts Paradise Valley - does not have an allowance for hospitals in their zoning ordinance Gilbert - Hospitals are allowed in the GO, General Office, and BP, Business Park, districts with approval of a conditional use permit.  They are allowed in the GC, General Commercial, RC, Regional Commercial, and PF/I, Public Facilities/Institutional districts by right. Chandler - Hospitals are allowed in the C-1, Neighborhood Commercial, C-2, Community Commercial, and C-3, Regional Commercial, districts by right. Florence - Hospitals are allowed in the PO, Professional Office, and B-1 Neighborhood Business districts with approval of a Conditional Use Permit.  They are allowed in the B-2, Highway Business Commercial, TRC, Tourist Commercial, PI, Public/Institutional, LI, Light Industrial, and HI, Heavy Industrial districts by right. Flagstaff - Hospitals are allowed in all zoning districts with approval of a Conditional Use Permit Sedona - Hospitals are allowed in the M2, Mixed Use Office, M3, Mixed Use Activity Center, CO, Commercial, and L, Lodging, Districts by right. As shown through this review, most communities allow hospitals in districts similar to our C-1 and C-C zoning districts either by right or through approval of a conditional use permit.  None of the communities (except Paradise Valley which does not allow hospitals at all) excludes hospitals from the typically neighborhood-oriented office and neighborhood commercial zoning districts. The ordinance as initially proposed would allow hospitals in C-1 and C-C with approval of a Special Use Permit for hours between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, and in C-2 and C-3 by right.  An attached map shows where all the C-1 and C-C zoned property is located.  There seemed to be some concern in the previous meeting regarding allowing hospitals in the C-1 zoning district.  Please note, the use would not be allowed by right.  It would require the approval of the Special Use Permit which would include citizen participation and public hearings before the use could be approved.  The C-1 zoning district already allows uses such as dentist, optometrist, physician, and surgeon's offices; medical and clinical laboratories; banks; food stores; hardware stores; pharmacies; and restaurants.  Except for the occasional coming and going by an ambulance, the impact of a hospital will not be much different. At the April 12 meeting, the Commission has asked for a revised ordinance that limits a hospital to the C-2 and C-3 zoning districts.  An ordinance for that option is attached.  This ordinance lists hospitals as a use by right in the C-2 and C-3 zoning districts.  By stating the use is allowed in these districts and not listing it elsewhere, the use would not be permitted in any of the other commercial zoning districts.  The existing hospital would become a legal non-conforming use. existing hospital would become a legal non-conforming use. At the May 10 meeting, the discussion primarily centered on the need for definition of hospital that would reduce or eliminate some closely associated uses that were not intended when the current medical facility was approved.  In the previous report staff erroneously stated our current ordinance does not include a definition of hospital.  In fact, the ordinance currently defines a hospital as: "Hospital: A place for the treatment or care of human ailments, where overnight lodging for patients is provided, other than nursing homes."  After reviewing the concerns of the Commission and further exploring existing definitions of hospitals, staff is proposing the following definition:    Hospital.  Includes establishments known and licensed as general medical and surgical hospitals primarily engaged in providing diagnostic and medical treatment (both surgical and nonsurgical) to inpatients with any of a wide variety of medical conditions. These establishments maintain inpatient beds for patients who can stay for more than 24 hours.  These establishments usually provide other services, such as outpatient services, anatomical pathology services, diagnostic x-ray services, clinical laboratory services, operating room services for a variety of procedures, and pharmacy services.  This definition shall not include outpatient nor inpatient services defined or classified under the umbrella of behavioral health including chemical dependency with the exception of emergent, initial point of care treatment typical of an emergency department. With this definition, facilities operating as behavioral health hospitals or detoxification facilities would not be included.   Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle Zoning Ordinance Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts   Risk Analysis N/A Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) Given the previous action of the Town Council to declare hospitals to be a C-1 use, and with the revised definition of hospital, staff recommends approval of Ordinance 21-06 to modify the definition of hospital and make hospitals a use by right in the C-2 an C-3 district and allow them in the C-1 and C-C districts with the approval of a Special Use Permit. SUGGESTED MOTION Staff will assist the Commission in crafting a motion as necessary. Attachments C-1 Ordinance  C-2 Ordinance  Definitions  C-1, C-C Zoned Areas  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 1, INTRODUCTION, SECTION 1.12, DEFINITIONS, AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF HOSPITAL AND 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 1, Introduction, Section 1.12, Definitions by amending the existing definition of Hospital and 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 June 23, 2021 and June 30, 2021 editions of the Fountain Hills Times; and WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission on April 12, 2021, May 10, 2021, and July 12, 2021, and by the Town Council on August 17, 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 1, Introduction, Section 1.12, Definitions, is hereby amended as follows: … Hospital: A place for the treatment or care of human ailments, where overnight lodging for patients is provided, other than nursing homes. INCLUDES ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN AND LICENSED AS GENERAL MEDICAL AND SURGICAL HOSPITALS PRIMARILY ENGAGED IN PROVIDING DIAGNOSTIC AND MEDICAL TREATMENT (BOTH SURGICAL AND NONSURGICAL) TO INPATIENTS WITH ANY OF A WIDE VARIETY OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS MAINTAIN INPATIENT BEDS FOR PATIENTS WHO CAN STAY FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS USUALLY PROVIDE OTHER SERVICES, SUCH AS OUTPATIENT SERVICES, ANATOMICAL PATHOLOGY SERVICES, DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY SERVICES, CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES, OPERATING ROOM SERVICES FOR A VARIETY OF PROCEDURES, AND PHARMACY SERVICES. THIS DEFINITION SHALL NOT INCLUDE OUTPATIENT NOR INPATIENT SERVICES DEFINED OR CLASSIFIED UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INCLUDING CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF EMERGENT, INITIAL POINT OF CARE TREATMENT TYPICAL OF AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. … SECTION 3. 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 4. 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 17th day of August 2021. FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO: Ginny Dickey, Mayor Elizabeth A. Klein, Town Clerk REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Grady E. Miller, Town Manager Aaron D. Arnson, Town Attorney 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 C. 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 1, Introduction, Section 1.12, Definitions by amending the existing definition of Hospital and Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, of the Zoning Ordinance, Section 12.02, Permitted Uses, C. by adding hospitals as a permitted use in the 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 June 23, 2021 and June 30, 2021 editions of the Fountain Hills Times; and WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission on May 10, 2021, and July 12, 2021, and by the Town Council on August 17, 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 1, Introduction, Section 1.12, Definitions, is hereby amended as follows: … Hospital: A place for the treatment or care of human ailments, where overnight lodging for patients is provided, other than nursing homes.INCLUDES ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN AND LICENSED AS GENERAL MEDICAL AND SURGICAL HOSPITALS PRIMARILY ENGAGED IN PROVIDING DIAGNOSTIC AND MEDICAL TREATMENT (BOTH SURGICAL AND NONSURGICAL) TO INPATIENTS WITH ANY OF A WIDE VARIETY OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS MAINTAIN INPATIENT BEDS FOR PATIENTS WHO CAN STAY FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS USUALLY PROVIDE OTHER SERVICES, SUCH AS OUTPATIENT SERVICES, ANATOMICAL PATHOLOGY SERVICES, DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY SERVICES, CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES, OPERATING ROOM SERVICES FOR A VARIETY OF PROCEDURES, AND PHARMACY SERVICES. THIS DEFINITION SHALL NOT INCLUDE OUTPATIENT NOR INPATIENT SERVICES DEFINED OR CLASSIFIED UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INCLUDING CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF EMERGENT, INITIAL POINT OF CARE TREATMENT TYPICAL OF AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. … SECTION 3. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 12, Commercial Zoning Districts, Section 12.02 C. is hereby amended as follows: Section 12.02 C. Additional Uses Permitted in C-2 and C-3 Zoning Districts are as follows: … 11. HOSPITALS 121. Hotels and Motels. 132. Laboratories, medical or dental. 143. Liquor stores. 154. Parking lots and public garages, subject to parking standards in Chapter 7. 165. Plumbing shops. 176. Pool halls or billiard centers. 187. Radio and television broadcasting stations and studios, but not including transmitter towers and stations. 198. Restaurants and cafes, including outdoor patios with or without cocktail lounges; provided, that there is no entertainment or music audible off-site unless otherwise permitted pursuant to Chapter 25 of this ordinance. Any outdoor patio with alcoholic beverage service must be enclosed as required by Arizona Revised Statues § 4-207.01, as amended, except for the time during which a current and applicable barrier exemption, as granted by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, is in place for the outdoor patio. 2019. Retail stores. 210. Theaters, but not including a drive-in theater and adult oriented facilities as defined under Chapter 1, Section 1.12 of this Ordinance. 221. Trade schools. 232. Upholstery shops. 243. Veterinary hospitals and clinics for animals, subject to: a. Animals shall not be boarded or lodged except for short periods of observation incidental to care or treatment. b. Animals shall be kept within a completely enclosed building, which shall be constructed and maintained as to prevent objectionable noise and odor outside the walls of the building. c. No kennels or exercise runs will be permitted. d. All refuse shall be stored within the enclosed building or within odor proof containers. 254. Accessory buildings and uses customarily incidental to the above. 265. In the C-2 district, sale of new and used automobiles, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles are permitted, provided all the following conditions are met: a. All display of inventory and merchandise is completely within an enclosed building, without outdoor display of any vehicle; and b. All sales activities occur within the building. Because no list of uses can be complete, decisions on unspecified uses will be rendered by the Community Development Director with appeal to the Town Council. Section 4. 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 17th day of August 2021. FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO: Ginny Dickey, Mayor Elizabeth A. Klein, Town Clerk REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Grady E. Miller, Town Manager Aaron D. Arnson, Town Attorney Definition of hospital as found in various zoning ordinances: Hospital shall mean a facility for the general and emergency treatment of human ailments, with bed care and shall include sanitarium and clinic but shall not include convalescent or nursing home. Hospitals. Institutions providing medical and surgical care to the sick or injured, including operating facilities and beds for patients to stay overnight. These establishments may include nursing facilities, extended care facilities, physical therapy, gift shops, retail pharmacies, employee housing, temporary housing for patient families, cafeterias or restaurants, and related uses operated primarily for the benefit of patients, staff, and visitors. Hospital. A facility licensed by the State of Arizona that provides in-patient physical or behavioral health services through the diagnosis and treatment of patients and inpatient care by a medical staff. Hospital: Unless otherwise specified, the term "hospital" shall include "sanitarium," "preventorium," "clinic," "maternity home" or "rest home" and shall be deemed to mean a place for treatment or other care of human ailments. HOSPITAL. A place for treatment or other care of human ailments, and shall include SANITARIUM, CLINIC and MATERNITY HOME, unless otherwise specified. Hospital: An institution, place, building, or agency, public or private, whether organized for profit or not, devoted primarily to the maintenance and operation of facilities for the diagnosis and treatment or care of persons admitted for overnight stay or longer in order to obtain medical treatment, including surgical, obstetric, psychiatric, and nursing care of illness, disease, injury, infirmity, or deformity. The term “hospital” also includes: 1. Any facility which is devoted primarily to providing psychiatric and related services and programs for the diagnosis and treatment or care of persons suffering from emotional or nervous illness; and 2. All places where pregnant women are received, cared for, or treated during delivery, regardless of the number of patients received. Hospital. An institution designed for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of human illness or infirmity and providing health services, primarily for inpatients, and including as related facilities, laboratories, outpatient departments, training facilities and staff offices, but not including clinics or health care centers. 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 #13 #14 #12 #15 #16 #11 #8 #17 #10 #18 #1 #5#6 #4 #2 #9 #3 #7 #2 #18 #1 #17 #16 #3 #4 #5 #15 #14 #13 #7 #6 #8 #11 #12 #10 #9 #14 #17 #16 #4 #15 #2 #18 #10 #1 #3 #13 #12 #7 #5 #11 #9 #8 #6 #2 #8 #4 #3 #5 #6 #7 #16 #15 #17 #18 #1 #14 #11 #9 #10 #13 #12 DRIVING RANGE SCOTTSDALE 28-5 28-7 28-1 28-4 28-2 )IREROCK EAG/E MO8NTAIN S8NRIDGE CANYON R1-8 R1-35 R1-8 C-1 R-2 R-3 R1-10 R-4 Z86-238 R-4PD R-3 PDZ74-1,Z86-238 Z78-49 Z70-29 Z88-13 R-5R8PD Z87-81 Z89-67C-3 PD Z80-16 R-3R8PD R1-43 R1-35R8PD IND-1 C-1 R-3 R1-35 R1-8 R1-8R8PR1-10 R1-6A R-5 C-3 C-1 R1-18 R1-8 R-2 C-C R-4 R1-35 R-2 R8PDR-3 Z85-179 Z79-43R8PDR-3,R-5 Z84-163Z85-179 Z92-02 R-4R8PD IND-1PD Z85-230 Z78-53 R8PR-3 R-5 PDZ86-239 Z86-58, Z88-55IND-2, I8PD, PD Z82-122 R8PR1-35 Z82-122 Z82-122 Z84-213 Z82-122 Z87-121 R8PD C-0Z92-01 IND-2I8PDZ88-55 R-3 R1-35 OSR R1-10A R8P R1-8 R8P R1-8 OSR OSR OSR OSR OSR OSR C-1 R-3 R1-10A OSR R1-8A R1-8A R1-6A OSR R1-6A R1-8A R1-6A OSR R1-8A RESORT IND-2PDZ88-55 OSR R1-10 Z93-03 R1-8 R-5 R1-6 R-5 M-1 C-2 R-2 C-2 C-2 OSR R1-43 R1-8 R1- 6 A R1-6 OS R C-C C-1 R1-6A Z93-10P8DR1-6 R8PR-3 Z78-160 R1-8 R1-8 C-2 R1-10 R1-10 R8PD M-1 R1-35H R1-18 OSR P8D P8DR1-18 R1-18P8D P8D R1-35HP8D P8D P8DM-1 R1-35HP8D M-1P8D P8DR1-35H )IREROCK OSR OSR OSR P8DZ98-09 R1-6AP8D Z98-09 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z97-46 Z96-10 R-19 0 R1-6A Z98-17P8D R-5 R1-43 OSR OSR OSR OSR Z05-02, OSR C-1 Z2001-02 C-2P8D Z1999-24 Z2000-16 R1-35HP8D IND-1 C-1Z02-12 R1-18P8DZ97-46 R1-18P8DZ97-46 IND-2 R1-35 R1-10 R-3 R1-10 R-3R1-8 Z88-14 Z93-07 Z88-22AZ88-22 R1-35R8PD R1-6 R8PD R8PDR1-10 R-3 R-3 R1-8 R1-43 R1-8 R1-8 R1-35 R1-8 R1-8 R1-35 R1-8 R1-8 R-3Z86-234R8PDR1-35 R1-35 R1-43 R1-43 R1-10 R8PDZ91-05 R1-8 R1-6 Z93-06 R8PD R1-10 R-4 R1-18 OSR R1-10P8DZ94-01 OSR OSR OSR P8DZ94-09 P8D Z94-29 R1-6 R1-35H OSR R1-10 A R1-10A OSR OSR R1-10A OSR R 1 - 6 A R1-6A OSR OSR R1-6A R1-10A OSR OSR R1-10A R1-8A OSR R1-6A R1-6A R1-6A OSR R1-6 R1-10A R1-35 R 1 - 3 5 H P8D R1-18 OSR OSR OSR R1-43 R1-10 OS R OS R OSR OSR OSR OSR OSR OSR OSR OSR OSR R1-10 P8DZ94-01 R1-18 R1-10 R1-6A OSR R1-43 R1-6 R1-18 R1-6 OSR OSR R-5 P8D R1- 6 A R1-6A OSR OSR Z95-08 R1-35H R1-10P8D OSR Z96-21 Z96-16 R-3 P8D R1-10A OSR R1-10A P8D R-2 OSR OSR OSR /-3P8D R1-10 OSR OSR OSR OS R OS R OSR OSR R1-35 Z93-07R8PDR1-35 Z93-07R8PDR1-35 OSR OSR OSR Z03-02 Z04-03 OSR R1-35 R1-43 R1-8 C-O Z07-04 Z06-13 C-1 TCCD OSP OSR Z07-03P8D OSR R1-8OSR OSR OSR OSR S8 05-05, PD 05-03 OSR OSR OSR OSR OSP P8DZ95-08 GPA 05-02, R1-10A Z82-122 R-3 Z89-61Z87-83 Z2013-06 Z14-05 R1-8 EAG/E MO8NTAIN Z95-08 R8P Z 2010-05 S8NRIDGE CANYON C-2, PD ADERO CANYONPAD MORNINGSTAR PADZ2015-05, ORD 15-08 TCCDZ07-04 OSR R1-35 OSP OSR OSR R1-18 R1-8 CRESTVIEW PAD TH SC SA RES 2014-07 C-3Z16-06 COPPERWYND PADZ2017-02ORD 2017-04 RES 2017-09, RES 2017-07 ADERO CANYON PHASE II PAD Z2017-12 ORD 2018-04RES 2018-13 C-2 C-2 C-2 ENTERTAINMENTOVER/AY DISTRICTORD 16-04, Z16-02 P/ANNED SHOPPINGP/AZA OVER/AYDISTRICT Z92-04 C-3 Z18-02 Z95-12 Z03-05 Z99-15C-2 P8D KEYSTONE PAD Z2019-01 EXHIBIT "A" TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS ZONE C-C AND C-1 PROPERTIES ITEM 8. TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS STAFF REPORT    Meeting Date: 07/12/2021 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 21-11, amending Section 11-1-7, Noise, of the Town Code. Z 2021-03 Staff Summary (Background) This is a proposed text amendment to the Town Code.  Text amendments to the Town Code do not require the review and recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Given the subject of this text amendment, however, staff determined it would be helpful to receive the input and recommendation of this body before proceeding to the Town Council. Article 11-1 of the Town Code addresses various offenses.  Section 11-1-7 covers noise.  This section defines what is unacceptable noise and the procedures to abate issues.  This section was last amended two years ago when the Council added specific decibel limits to the ordinance. While there is good reason to use a specific measurement, such as decibels, it has proven to be difficult to implement over the last two years. For violations to hold up through prosecution, the decibel meter being used must regularly be calibrated and accurate.  Further, the deputies using the meter must be trained in the use of the meter.  Because it has been difficult to do these things, the Sheriff's Office has not been using this provision in the ordinance when apparent noise violations have occurred. The main noise complaints received by the Town over the last few years have been associated with vacation rentals and events that occur at those homes.  The current noise ordinance has not been effective in addressing those issues.  In response, the Town agreed to revisit the current noise ordinance and propose modifications that would facilitate the enforcement of noise violations. Town staff reviewed ordinances from other cities and towns and worked with the Sheriff's Office, the Town Prosecutor, and Town Attorney to prepare the revised ordinance.  The Prosecutor and Captain Kratzer both agree the proposed new ordinance should be easier to use and enforce than the existing ordinance. The main change to the ordinance is to remove the specific decibel limits and replace them with other objective criteria that can be used to determine if the noise coming from an activity is "unnecessary, unusual, or unreasonable noise that is excessive, disruptive, and/or annoying."  Section B of the ordinance provides two new definitions, one for Noise Sensitive Area and one for Unruly Gathering.  The definition for Noise Sensitive Area will help provide protection during the day to residential neighborhoods and the definition for Unruly Gathering will be helpful with enforcement at the vacation homes and in other similar situations where large parties occur. Section C of the ordinance is the portion of the code that eliminates the current use of the decibel approach and creates the new standards.  This section of the ordinance establishes five conditions which can be considered noise violations if they occur during specific times.  These are: 1.  Causing or allowing any noise by using, operating or permitting to be played any electronic music device, television, amplifier, musical instrument, or instrument, machine or device used for the production, reproduction or emission of sound. 2.  Causing or allowing any noise in connection with the loading or unloading or operation of any vehicle. 3.  Using, or allowing use, of landscape maintenance equipment prior to 5:00am. 4.  Using or allowing use of hand or power tools or any other machinery or equipment not otherwise permitted in the town code. 5.  Participating in or allowing any malicious or willful shouting, yelling, screaming, or any other form of raucous vocalization by a person or group of people.   During the hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, these conditions can be found to be a violation if they: a.  Produce any excessive, disruptive, and/or annoying noise, which is clearly audible from a distance of 200 feet or further from the sound source; and b.  Are continuous or intermittent for a period of at least fifteen (15) minutes; and c. Disturb the peace and quiet of a neighborhood or a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities. During the hours from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm these conditions can be found to be a violation in noise sensitive areas if they meet the criteria above and disturb the peace of a neighborhood or a minimum of any two or more persons not occupying the same residence or physical location, and are not exempted in this or any other town code or ordinance. Section D of the ordinance discusses Prohibited Noise and states: "It is unlawful for any person to make, allow, enable or create excessive noise, which disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family, or reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities. For purposes of this subsection, the determination of prohibited noise shall be made based upon the circumstances existing at the time and place of the violation and the standards established in section 11-1-7(c).  For making a determination that noise is prohibited pursuant to this section, a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities may include any Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy or other town employees designated by the town manager to enforce this section." Section E of the ordinance addresses unruly gatherings and states: "A peace officer may abate an unruly gathering by reasonable means including, but not limited to, citation and/or order dispersal of the persons attending the gathering." Sections F - H are unchanged from the current ordinance. Section I addresses exemptions from the ordinance.  One of the exemptions is being modified to address an issue we have been facing with regard to maintenance of golf courses.  The current address an issue we have been facing with regard to maintenance of golf courses.  The current ordinance language allows for landscape maintenance to occur during daylight hours.  This has presented two problems.  One is understanding when it is "daylight."  In the cooler months when the sun comes up later, there are times when some golf course maintenance crews have gotten started well before daylight to have the course ready for the first golfers.  Establishing a specific time in the ordinance will help with enforcement of this problem.  Based on our review of when the golf course maintenance crews typically want to start work, setting the specific time of 5:00 am will make the ordinance easier to enforce. Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle Town Code Section 11-1-7 Noise Risk Analysis N/A Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) N/A Staff Recommendation(s) Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance as proposed. SUGGESTED MOTION MOVE to recommend approval of Ordinance 21-11. Attachments Ordinance 21-11  ORDINANCE NO. 21 - 11 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN CODE, CHAPTER 11, OFFENSES, BY AMENDING SECTION 11-1-7 NOISE RECITALS: WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to amend Chapter 11, Offenses, Section 11-1-7 Noise, to provide a more effective means of addressing noise issues. ENACTMENTS: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS as follows: SECTION 1. The recitals set forth above are hereby incorporated as if fully set forth herein. SECTION 2. Chapter 11, Offenses, Article 11-1, Offenses, Section 11-1-7, Noise, is amended as follows: Section 11-1-7 Noise A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote the health and general welfare of the citizens and businesses of the Town by balancing the need to protect the peace and quiet enjoyment of residential neighborhoods and business districts FROM UNNECESSARY, UNUSUAL, OR UNREASONABLE NOISE THAT IS EXCESSIVE, DISRUPTIVE, AND/OR ANNOYING AGAINST THE NEED TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE COMMERCIAL, BUSINESS, AND RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY, MAINTENANCE, AND against unreasonable noise with the legitimate goal of promoting and encouraging commercial, business, and residential growth in the community. B. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: “A band level” means the total sound level of all noise as measured with a sound level meter using an A-weighting network. The unit is the dB(A). “Complainant” means a person who files a noise complaint. “Decibel” means a sound pressure that is 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of sound to the reference pressure, 2 x 10 -5 newton/meter2. “Emergency work” means any (a) work performed to prevent or alleviate physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an emergency that has or may result in a disruption of service and that is necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity, (b) work required to protect the health, safety or welfare of persons or property or (c) work by private or public utilities when restoring utility service. "NOISE SENSITIVE AREA" MEANS REAL PROPERTY NORMALLY USED FOR SLEEPING OR NORMALLY USED AS A SCHOOL, CHURCH, HOSPITAL OR PUBLIC LIBRARY. “Noise violation” means any noise created that IS PROHIBITED BY THIS SECTIONexceeds the maximum limits as specified in this section or that is unreasonable under the circumstances existing at the time and place of the violation. “Sound level (noise level)” means the sound measured with the A-weighting and slow response by a sound level meter. “Sound level meter” means an instrument including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter and frequency weighting networks for the measurement of sound levels that satisfies the pertinent requirements for Type 1 sound level meters as set forth in the most recent version of American Standard Specifications for Sound Level Meters ANSI S1.4-1983. “Sound source” means the cause and location of the noise. “UNRULY GATHERING” MEANS A GATHERING OF FIVE (5) OR MORE PERSONS ON ANY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, WHICH DISTURBS THE PEACE AND QUIET OF A NEIGHBORHOOD OR A REASONABLE PERSON OF ORDINARY SENSIBILITIES BY PRODUCING EXCESSIVE NOISE AS PROHIBITED UNDER THIS SECTION AND MAY INCLUDE IMPEDING TRAFFIC, OBSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC STREETS BY CROWDS OR VEHICLES, USING OR POSSESSING ILLEGAL DRUGS, DRINKING IN PUBLIC AREAS, THE SERVICE OF ALCOHOL TO MINORS OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL BY MINORS, FIGHTING, LITTERING, OR SIMILARLY DISRUPTIVE ACTIVITIES. C. PROHIBITED NOISES, STANDARD Measurement Standard. Where applicable, sound level shall be measured with a sound level meter operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions. THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES IN 1 – 5 BELOW ARE PROHIBITED AT ANY LOCATION WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONAL LIMITS OF THE TOWN AFTER 10:00 P.M. BUT BEFORE 6:00 A.M. IF THEY: A. PRODUCE ANY EXCESSIVE, DISRUPTIVE, AND/OR ANNOYING NOISE, WHICH IS CLEARLY AUDIBLE FROM A DISTANCE OF 200 FEET OR FURTHER FROM THE SOUND SOURCE; AND B. ARE CONTINUOUS OR INTERMITTENT FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST FIFTEEN (15) MINUTES; AND C. DISTURB THE PEACE AND QUIET OF A NEIGHBORHOOD OR A REASONABLE PERSON OF ORDINARY SENSIBILITIES. THE SAME ACTIVITIES MAY BE PROHIBITED AFTER 6:00 A.M. BUT BEFORE 10:00 P.M. IN NOISE SENSITIVE AREAS IF THEY MEET ALL THREE CRITERIA LISTED ABOVE, DISTURB THE PEACE OF A NEIGHBORHOOD OR A MINIMUM OF ANY TWO OR MORE PERSONS NOT OCCUPYING THE SAME RESIDENCE OR PHYSICAL LOCATION, AND ARE NOT EXEMPTED IN THIS OR ANY OTHER TOWN CODE OR ORDINANCE. 1. CAUSING OR ALLOWING ANY NOISE BY USING, OPERATING OR PERMITTING TO BE PLAYED ANY ELECTRONIC MUSIC DEVICE, TELEVISION, AMPLIFIER, MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, OR INSTRUMENT, MACHINE OR DEVICE USED FOR THE PRODUCTION, REPRODUCTION OR EMISSION OF SOUND. 2. CAUSING OR ALLOWING ANY NOISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE LOADING OR UNLOADING OR OPERATION OF ANY VEHICLE. 3. USING, OR ALLOWING USE, OF LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO 5:00AM. 4. USING OR ALLOWING USE OF HAND OR POWER TOOLS OR ANY OTHER MACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PERMITTED IN THE TOWN CODE. 5. PARTICIPATING IN OR ALLOWING ANY MALICIOUS OR WILLFUL SHOUTING, YELLING, SCREAMING, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF RAUCOUS VOCALIZATION BY A PERSON OR GROUP OF PEOPLE. D. Per Se Noise Violations. 1. Subject to the complaint processing provisions in subsection (D)(2) of this section, it shall be a violation of this section to emit or allow to be emitted noise in excess of the permissible noise levels set forth in Table 1 below. Time Decibel dB(A) Table 1 Permissible Noise Levels: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 70 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 50 2. Complaint Processing. After receiving a noise complaint from a complainant, an individual authorized under subsection H of this section shall measure the noise level with such measurements being made where the complainant’s peace and quiet was disturbed. The authorized individual shall determine a per se noise violation has occurred when the decibel levels at the complainant’s location exceed the maximum decibel levels set forth in Table 1 above. 3. The 10:00 p.m. cutoff may be extended to 11:00 p.m. in conjunction with a temporary use permit issued by the Town pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Town Zoning Ordinance. E. Violations for PROHIBITEDUnreasonable Noise. It is unlawful for any person to make, ALLOW, ENABLE or create EXCESSIVE unreasonable noise, WHICHwith intent to disturbS the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family, or REASONABLE person, OF ORDINARY SENSIBILITIES. FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE DETERMINATION OF PROHIBITED NOISE SHALL BE MADE BASED UPON THE CIRCUMSTANCES EXISTING AT THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE VIOLATION AND THE STANDARDS ESTABLISHED IN SECTION 11-1-7(C). or with knowledge of doing so. FOR MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT NOISE IS PROHIBITED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION, A REASONABLE PERSON OF ORDINARY SENSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE ANY MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY OR OTHER TOWN EMPLOYEES DESIGNATED BY THE TOWN MANAGER TO ENFORCE THIS SECTION.For purposes of this subsection, the determination of unreasonable noise shall be made based upon the circumstances existing at the time and place of the violation and independently of subsection D of this section. E. UNRULY GATHERING; ABATEMENT. A PEACE OFFICER MAY ABATE AN UNRULY GATHERING BY REASONABLE MEANS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CITATION AND/OR ORDER DISPERSAL OF THE PERSONS ATTENDING THE GATHERING. F. Sound Truck. It is unlawful to play, operate, or use any device known as a sound truck, loud speaker or sound amplifier, radio or phonograph with loud speaker or sound amplifier or any instrument of any kind or character that emits loud and raucous noises and is attached to and upon any vehicle. G. Braking Devices. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to use or operate or cause to be used or operated within the Town any compression release or other engine braking device designed to aid in the braking or deceleration of any vehicle which results in noise in excess of that which would otherwise be produced from such vehicle without such braking device. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to public safety vehicles or to any vehicle while descending Golden Eagle Boulevard. H. Violations. The Town Manager or designee, code official or Town-designated law enforcement officer may issue civil citations pursuant to subsection 1-8-3(D) to enforce violations of this section. After civil enforcement as set forth in subsection 1-8-3(D), any Town- designated law enforcement officer or the Town Prosecutor may issue criminal complaints pursuant to subsection 1-8-2(A) to enforce this section. I. Exemptions. The following uses and activities shall be exempt from Town noise level regulations: 1. Noises resulting from air-conditioning equipment when such equipment is in proper operating condition. 2. Noises resulting from LANDSCAPElawn maintenance equipment AFTER 5:00 A.M.operated during daylight hours when such equipment is functioning with all mufflers and standard noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition. 3. Noises of safety signals, warning devices and emergency pressure relief valves. 4. Noises resulting from an authorized emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency call or acting in time of emergency. 5. Noises resulting from emergency work. 6. Church chimes or bells. 7. Any noise created by any Town or Town contractor vehicles, equipment or facilities while being operated or utilized for official business. 8. Noises resulting from a special event being held pursuant to a Town-issued special event permit. 9. An unamplified human voice. 10. Noises resulting from an event being held by a school. J. Other Remedies. Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the ability of the Town or other body to initiate or continue concurrent or subsequent criminal prosecution of any person for any violations of the provisions of the Town Code or State law arising out of the circumstances necessitating the application of this section. SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. PASSED AND ADOPTED BY the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills, 15th day of June, 2021. FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS: ATTESTED TO: Ginny Dickie, Mayor Elizabeth A. Klein, Town Clerk REVIEWED BY: APPROVED AS TO FORM: Grady E. Miller, Town Manager Aaron D. Arnson, Town Attorney