HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ.2019.0926.Agenda f
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011'41/% NOTICE OF MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
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mowm.r PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
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Chairman Susan Dempster
Vice Chairman Erik Hansen Commissioner Peter Gray
Commissioner Mathew Boik Commissioner Chris Jones
Commissioner Clayton Corey Commissioner Scott Schlossberg
TIME: 6:00 P.M. — REGULAR SESSION
WHEN: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
WHERE: FOUNTAIN HILLS COMMUNITY CENTER
13001 N. LA MONTANA DRIVE, 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 an agenda item, and hand it to the Executive Assistant prior to discussion, if possible.
REGULAR MEETING
1. CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE — Chairman Dempster
2. ROLL CALL — Chairman Dempster
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 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting minutes dated July 25,
2019.
5. NOMINATION AND ELECTION of a Chairman for a one (1) year term.
6. NOMINATION AND ELECTION of a Vice -Chairman for a one (1) year term.
7. PUBLIC HEARING and CONSIDERATION of ORDINANCE #19-16, a text amendment to the Town of
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 6, Sign Regulations, Sections 6.08. M and 6.08. Q. The
amendments replace the existing language in Section 6.08 M regarding Garage Sale Signs with new
provisions for Residential Directory Signs and eliminate Section 6.08. Q. regarding Open House
Signs. Case #Z2019-06
8. RECEIVE A PRESENTATION AND PROVIDE COMMENTS on the first portion of the draft Fountain Hills
General Plan 2020.
9. REVIEW AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK on staff reports, staff presentations, meeting process and dates.
10. COMMISSION DISCUSSION/REQUEST FOR RESEARCH to staff.
11. SUMMARY OF COMMISSION REQUESTS from Development Services Director.
12. REPORT from Development Services Director.
13. ADJOURNMENT.
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5100(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 Council with this agenda are available for review in the Clerk's Office.
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing notice was duly posted at la2.00 a.m. p.m. in accordance with the
statement filed by the Town Council with the Town Clerk.
r)ateddA this '. '(.l day of SZ , 2019.
'7 HnIV W
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
44 J �a�N� TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
X Planning and Zoning
MEW . Board of Adjustment
AGENDA ACTION FORM
Meeting Date: September 26, 2019 Meeting Type: Regular
•
Agenda Type: Regular
Submitting Division: Development Services
Staff Contact Information: John D.Wesley, Development Services Director,jweslevnofh.az.gov, 480-816-5138
REQUEST TO PLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING THE PLANNING &ZONING
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2019.
Applicant: N/A
Applicant Contact Information: N/A
. roperty Location: N/A
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle: Policy or Guiding Principle: A.R.S. §38-431.01
Staff Summary (background): The intent of approving previous meeting minutes is to ensure an accurate account
of the discussion and action that took place at that meeting for archival purposes. Approved minutes are placed
on the Town's website in compliance with state law.
Risk Analysis (options or alternatives with implications): N/A
Fiscal Impact (initial and ongoing costs; budget status): N/A
Recommendation(s): Approval
Staff Recommendation(s): Approval
SUGGESTED MOTION: Move to Approve the Planning&Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes dated September 12, 2019.
Attachment(s): N/A
Submitted by/ Approved by:
-9a C1 t-Lc/ ti/ 909/18/2019 �( ti } L�� x- 09/18/2019
Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant Date �J hn D.Wesley, evelopment Se ces Director Date
Page 1 of 1
)1.1AINy TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
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AGENDA ACTION FORM
Meeting Date: 9/26/2019 Meeting Type: Regular Session
Agenda Type: Regular Submitting Department: Development Services
Staff Contact Information: John D. Wesley, AICP, Development Services Director, 480-816-5138,
jwesley@fh.az.gov
REQUEST TO PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION:
PUBLIC HEARING and CONSIDERATION of ORDINANCE #19-16, a text amendment to the Town of
Fountain Hills Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 6, Sign Regulations, Sections 6.08. M and 6.08. Q. The
amendments replace the existing language in Section 6.08 M regarding Garage Sale Signs with new
provisions for Residential Directory Signs and eliminate Section 6.08. Q. regarding Open House
,igns. Case #Z2019-06
Applicant: Town of Fountain Hills
Applicant Contact Information: 16705 E. Avenue of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
480-816-5138
Property Owner: N/A
Property Location: N/A
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle:
Zoning Ordinance Sections 6.08 M and Q
Staff Summary (background):
In 2015 the U. S. Supreme Court, in a case known as Reed v. Town of Gilbert, ruled that local sign
regulations could not be based on the content or the message presented on the sign. Signs can only
be regulated based on physical characteristics such as size, location, material, etc.
There are several examples in the Town's sign ordinance where the regulations are based on the
%ontent of the sign. Therefore, the Town has started a process to review and update the entire sign
ordinance to be compliant with the Supreme Court ruling.
Page 1 of 3
Text Amendment,Zoning Ordinance Sec.6.08
Planning and Zoning—September 26,2019
The most challenging area we have to address as part of this sign code update will be temporary signs.
Fxamples include garage sale signs, for sale signs, and open house signs. Political signs would also
%wall in this category, but the State has pre-empted most local regulation of political signs.
Because of the regular issues staff has with the enforcement of the current code as it relates to
temporary signs, particularly open house and garage sale signs, staff has decided to handle this specific
issue ahead of the full sign code update.
In the current ordinance, Section 6.08 M provides regulations for garage sale signs and Section 6.08
Q provides regulations for open house signs (see attached copies of these sections of the current
ordinance). The regulations are similar but not exactly the same. To know which sign it is to be able
to apply the regulations, you have to read the sign. Therefore these sign types are not in compliance
with the Court ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert which threatens our ability to enforce these ordinance
provisions.
Staff's proposal is to delete the two current sign designations in the ordinance and replace them with
one new sign type — Residential Directional Signs. The new regulations are a combination of the
requirements in the code today for the two types of signs.
The proposed regulations are:
Residential Directional Signs. Residential directional signs are portable, temporary signs that
are placed on the ground or may be implanted into the ground without the use of any tools or
equipment and can easily be picked up and carried by one person. Residential directional signs
are used to direct traffic to a home. Residential directional signs must conform to the following
requirements:
1. Each single-family lot, condominium unit, or model home may place one (1) sign
anywhere on the property and each single-family home, condominium complex, or model
home cluster may place one (1) additional sign at each turning movement beginning at the
subject property leading out to a major street with a maximum of five (5) signs.
2. Must be placed at least one (1) foot behind the curb. If no curb is present, signs shall
be located at least one (1) foot from the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way.
Shall not be placed on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide portions of paved or
unpaved roadways or block visibility at a driveway or street corner.
3. No such sign shall be permitted within 150 feet of Shea Boulevard.
4. Signs may only be displayed between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
5. Maximum size shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
6. Maximum height shall not exceed three (3) feet.
7. Signs must be made of metal, plastic, or wood and be maintained in good condition.
Lir 8. No sign may be attached to any utility pole or box, light pole, street sign, bus shelter or
any structure within the public right-of-way.
9. Signs shall not damage any vegetation or rest against other objects or vegetation.
Page 2 of 3
Text Amendment,Zoning Ordinance Sec.6.08
Planning and Zoning—September 26,2019
10. Illumination is prohibited.
Because the ordinance does not specify what can be on the sign, they could be used for directing
traffic to any type of activity taking place on a residential property.
The proposed regulations combine the requirements from the current two types of sign regulations
and standardize them so all of these signs are treated alike.
The proposed new language clears up a problem with regards to Shea Boulevard. Currently, garage
sales signs may not be posted in the Shea Boulevard right-of-way and open house signs shall not be
within 150 of the Shea right-of-way. It is difficult for the average person to know where the Shea
right-of-way is or be able to then measure the distance from the right-of-way. The proposed code
standardizes the distance and measures it from the curb which is easy to locate.
Risk Analysis (options or alternatives with implications):
If the proposed amendment is approved, we will reduce code compliance issues with regards to this
type of temporary sign and be in greater conformance with the recent Supreme Court ruling.
If the proposed amendment is not approved, we will continue using the current ordinance provisions
until the full code update is complete.
Budgeted; if No, attach Budget Adjustment Form: NA
Staff Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends approval of the proposed text amendment.
List Attachment(s):
Sections 6.08 M and Q of the Zoning Ordinance
Ordinance 19-16
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Move to forward a recommendation to Town Council to APPROVE ORDINANCE 19-16.
I
Prepared by:
Jo Wesley, AICP, Interim Development Services Director Date
Page 3 of 3
5. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
L. Future Development Signs announcing the proposed development of
property prior to issuance of a building permit for the purpose of
displaying the name of the project, contractors, architect and any
additional information pertaining to the site on which the signs are
located are allowed in accordance with the following:
1. Maximum size shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. Sign shall not be illuminated.
3. Sign may be double faced.
4. One (1) sign per each street on which the development has
frontage.
5. Maximum height shall not exceed six (6) feet for all signs.
• 6. Such signs may be maintained for a period not to exceed twelve
(12) months prior to obtaining building permits for a development
and must be removed upon issuance of the first Certificate of
Occupancy for a structure on the property.
7. A sign permit must be obtained prior to locating the sign on the
site.
M. Garage Sale Signs are allowed as follows:
1. Garage sales signs may only be used for garage sales, yard sales
and carport sales as outlined in Section 8-3-3 of the Town Code.
2. Garage sale signs must be placed at least one (1) foot behind the
curb. If no curb is present, signs shall be located at least one (1)
foot from the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way.
Garage sale signs shall not be placed on sidewalks or within the
center medians that divide portions of paved or unpaved
roadways.
3. No garage sale sign shall be permitted within the Shea Boulevard
tisy public right-of-way.
2715993.8 Page 25 of 35 January 2, 2019
4. No garage sale sign shall be located within three hundred (300)
feet along the same roadway, as measured along the public right-
of-way line(s), as another sign bearing the same or substantially
the same message.
5. There shall not be more than five (5) garage sale signs to any
destination.
6. Garage sale signs may only be displayed between sunrise and
sunset. Signs remaining in public rights-of-way after sunset, or
placed in rights-of-way prior to sunrise, shall be subject to
confiscation and destruction by the Town.
7. Maximum size shall not exceed four and one-half (4.5) square
feet.
8. Maximum height shall not exceed three (3) feet.
9. Signs may only be constructed of wrought iron, sheet metal,
plastic or of wood that is at least 3/8 of an inch thick.
10. Garage Sale signs shall not be attached to any utility pole or box,
light pole, street sign, bus shelter or any structure within the
public right-of-way.
N. Menu Boards orientated to the drive-through lane for a business are
allowed as follows:
1. Menu board signs shall be counted as a portion of the total
aggregate sign area.
2. One freestanding or wall mounted menu board is allowed per
business.
p
3. Menu board signs must be located no less than forty-five (45) feet
from any street property line.
4. Maximum area of twenty (20) square feet.
5. Maximum height of five (5) feet.
6. Minimum area of four (4) square feet of landscaping per one
square foot of freestanding sign shall be provided at the base of
the freestanding sign.
2715993.8 Page 26 of 35 January 2, 2019
410 3. No more than two (2) neon signs shall be allowed for any business.
Q. Open House Directional Signs are allowed only as follows:
1. Open house directional signs shall be used only to direct traffic to
a residence for sale, lease or rent.
2. Maximum number of directional signs for each residence for sale,
lease or rent shall be five (5).
3. Maximum area for each sign shall be six (6) square feet.
4. No sign may be greater than twenty-four (24) inches wide and
thirty-six (36) inches tall.
5. Signs shall not be illuminated.
6. Sign must contain a directional arrow.
7. Signs shall be placed at least one (1) foot behind the curb. If no
curb is present, signs shall be located at least one (1) foot from
• the edge of the paved portion of the public right-of-way. No sign
is allowed on sidewalks or within the center medians that divide
portions of paved or unpaved roadways.
8. No sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty (150) linear feet
of the Shea Boulevard public right-of-way.
9. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
10. Signs shall not be located within one hundred (100) linear feet of
any sign advertising the same location.
11. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be approved
by the Zoning Administrator or authorized designee.
R. Except for those areas designated as "sign free zones" by the Town
Council in accordance with ARIz. REV. STAT. § 16-1019(F), as amended,
political and ideological signs are permitted in commercial zoning
districts, subject to the size limitations of the applicable zoning district,
but shall not be counted against the total allowable sign area. In
residential zoning districts, political and ideological signs may be located
in such areas within the following parameters:
2715993.8 Page 28 of 35 January 2, 2019
i
ORDINANCE NO. 19-16
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, AMENDING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 6, SIGN REGULATIONS,
AMENDING SECTION 6.08, SIGNS ALLOWED OR REQUIRED TABLE,
REPLACING SECTION 6.08 M, GARAGE SALE SIGNS WITH A NEW
SECTION RESIDENTIAL DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND DELETING SECTION
6.08 Q OPEN HOUSE SIGNS.
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 the Zoning Ordinance to revise Chapter 6,
Signs, Section 6.08, Signs Allowed or Required,relating to garage sale and open house signs; and
WHEREAS,the Town Council desires to amend the Zoning Ordinance to revise Chapter 6,
Signs, Section 6.08, Signs Allowed or Required, to establish a new Residential Directional Yard
Sign; 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 September 11, 2019
and September 18, 2019 editions of the Fountain Hills Times; and
WHEREAS, public hearings were held by the Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning
Commission on September 26, 2019 and by the Town Council on October 15, 2019.
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 6, (Sign Regulations), Section 6.08 (Signs
Allowed or Required), is hereby amended as follows:
Zoning District
I
Commercial Residential/ Industrial Lodging
Open Space
Recreation
Total Aggregate Sign Area A N/A A A
A-Frame Sign B N/A B B
Awning/Canopy Sign C C C C
S Zoning District
Commercial Residential/ Industrial Lodging
Open Space
Recreation
I she
Civic Organization E
Identification
Comprehensive Sign Plans Z N/A
Contractor Signs F F
Directory Signs G
Electronic Message Center CC CC
Event Banners,Balloons and D ; D
Pennants =
Flag I I I
Freestanding Signs J N/A h J
Fuel Price Signs K N/A _N/A
Future Development Signs L I
g - - -
RESIDENTIAL MN/A:. M MN/A
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
0 Menu Board N N
Multi-Tenant Buildin v
g
Identification Signs G N/A • •
Neon Signs - P TN
lift
• e
SignsRESERV ED
Political and Ideological Signs R R R '
Projecting Signs S N/A S S
Real Estate Signs T T T T
Shared Monument Signs = N/A J J
Sign Walkers = = B N/A N/A N/A
Special Event Signage U U U U
Street Addresses 1izi AA AA AA AA
Subdivision Identification is J J J J
Under-Canopy Signs V N/A V V
Wall Signs W N/A W W
Window Signs X N/A X X
Window Decorations/Painting I, Y Y Y
(Holiday Theme)
* Specific Regulations Apply
SECTION 3. The Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 6, (Sign Regulations), Section 6.08 M, is
hereby amended as follows:
M. Garage Sale Signs RESIDENTIAL DIRECTIONAL SIGNS. RESIDENTIAL
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ARE PORTABLE, TEMPORARY SIGNS THAT ARE
PLACED ON THE GROUND OR MAY BE IMPLANTED INTO THE GROUND
WITHOUT THE USE OF ANY TOOLS OR EQUIPMENT AND CAN EASILY BE
PICKED UP AND CARRIED BY ONE PERSON. RESIDENTIAL DIRECTIONAL
SIGNS ARE USED TO DIRECT TRAFFICE TO A HOME. RESIDENTIAL
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS MUST CONFORM TO THE FOLLOWING
REQUIREMENTS :
1.
. H SINGLE-FAMILY LOT,
CONDOMINIMUM UNIT, O 'er:= DEL H MAY PLACE ONE (1)
SIGN ANYWHERE ON TH L; ;4=4 PERTY AND H SINGLE-FAMILY
HOME, CONDOMINIUM PLEX, OR MO HOME SLUSTER
MAY PLACE ONE (1) A I . IONAL IGN A CH TURNING
MOVEMENT BEGINNING AT CT PROP Y OUT TO A
MAJOR STREET g A MAXI FIVE (5) SIG .
2. Mu e t least o - foot behind the curb. If no curb
is present, signs shall be ted _ one ( t from the edge of the paved
portion blic righ way. s-sShall not be placed on
sidew r the cent e =t rte portions of paved or unpaved
road LL
3. No ga�UU all be . pitted within 150 FEET the Shea Boulevard
ublic right o
'
same or stantialbr the same message.SIGNS MAY ONLY BE
may'LAYED WEEN THE HOURS OF 6 A.M. AND 9 P.M.
5. There 11 be more than five (5) garage sale signs to any
UM SIZE SHALL NOT EXCEED SIX (6) SQUARE
FEET.
6. Gumge salo enl -be-displayed--betwe
ro tibl. ghts e . a to e4' r plac ed in rights. o c r to
senriso shall be sub:ect tee nfscation ana destruction bi,the MAXIMUM
HEIGHT SHALL NOT EXCEED THREE (3) FEET.
• 7. M i e shall not exceed f ur and one half('1 5) f et.SIGNS MUST
BE MADE OF METAL, PLASTIC, OR WOOD AND BE MAINTAINED IN
GOOD CONDITION.
8. ight shall„ot cee ti,ree f 3) et.NO SIGN MAY BE ATTACHED
TO ANY UTILITY POLE OR BOX, LIGHT POLE, STREET SIGN, BUS
SHELTER OR ANY STRUCTURE WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-
WAY.
9. ,
is at least 3/8 of an inch thick.SIGNS SHALL NOT DAMAGE ANY
VEGETATION OR REST AGAINST OTHER OBJECTS OR
VEGETATION.
10. •
.ILLUMINATION
IS PROHIBITED
1114:47-
SECTION 4. The Zoning Ordinance, ;. r 6, (Sign Reg .tions), Section 6.08 Q, is
hereby amended as follows: .
Q. RESERVED
1. Open house directio==s __s shall be y to direct traffic a residence for
sale, lease or rent.
2. Maximum number of dire cal s� each rnce for sale,lease or rent shall
be fire(5),
3. Maximum .
�1. sign may be-8
7. Si all be pled at least one (1) foot behind the curb. If no curb is present,
S. No sign shall be placed within one hundred fifty (150) lin-ar feet of the Shea
9. Signs must be made by a professional sign company.
10. Signs shall not be located within one hundred (100) lin-ar feet of any sign
advertising the c e location_
1 1. Sign placement, other than as described above, may be approved by the Zoning
Administrator „thor:zed desig„eo
SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this
Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 5. The Mayor, the Town Manager, the Town Clerk and the Town Attorney are
hereby authorized and directed to execute all documents and take all steps necessary to carry out
the purpose and intent of this Ordinance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor an ' of the Town of Fountain Hills,
Arizona, October 15, 2019.
FOR THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS;__:-! -ATTESTED It
intiL
Ginny Dickey, Mayor Eliz .e A. Burke, Town Clerk
*r. REVIEWED BY: - - -OVE �$ TO FORM:
Grady MT anager_ baron D. Arnson, Town Attorney
fir..
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
,eyT MN Ar
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�, X Planning and Zoning
o z Board of Adjustment
m • AGENDA ACTION FORM
Meeting Date: September 26, 2019 Agenda Type: Regular
Meeting Type: Regular Submitting Department: Development Services
Staff Contact Information: John D. Wesley, AICP, Development Services Director, 480-816-5138,
jwesley@fh.az.gov
REQUESTS TO PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION:
RECEIVE A PRESENTATION AND PROVIDE COMMENTS on the draft of the first portion of the
Fountain Hills General Plan 2020
Staff Summary (Background)
State statutes require that cities and towns update their general plan every 10 years. The current
Fountain Hills General Plan was approved in 2010. Staff is working with a consultant to prepare a
aw plan for adoption by the Council and voters in 2020.
Work began on the new Plan last year. Over this last year the consultant has been gathering and
analyzing background data on the community. Multiple opportunities were also provided for citizens
to provide input for the Plan.
Based on the input received, the consultant has begun to submit draft sections of the new
Plan. A complete first draft plan will be ready for review in November, a revised draft in February,
and a final Plan for Council approval in June.
DISCUSSION
The first section of the new General Plan has been submitted by the consultant for review by the
Town. This section of the Plan includes:
• Introduction and Overview
• How to Use this Document
• Vision
• Existing Development
• Establishment of Character Areas and associated Goals and Policies
Subsequent sections to be submitted over the coming months include:
• Neighborhoods
• Social Environment
Draft General Plan 2020
• Connectivity, Access and Mobility
• Public Facilities
• Natural Environment
• Economic Development
• Plan Administration
At the P&Z Commission meeting staff will give a power point presentation which provides an overview
of the first section received for review. The document is being made available on the Town's website
for public review and comment, as will the subsequent sections over the next couple of
months. There will be a stakeholders' meeting and a public open house on the Plan on Wednesday,
November 20, 2019.
The draft new Plan takes a different approach compared to the current General Plan. Rather than
use the traditional land used approach, the draft new Plan defines different types of development
character (a combination of land use and building form and intensity) and then maps the Town based
on the type of character an area has. This is a more flexible way to manage land use and helps to
reinforce maintenance of the existing character of the Town. The Plan also takes a more integrated
approach to the elements required by state statute rather than considering each topic in isolation (e.g.
topics of streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and open space are combined in a section on neighborhood
amenities).
Staff is seeking Commission input on these concepts and topics to ensure the Commission is
supportive of this approach to the General Plan before moving further into the process. Following the
presentation, staff looks forward to comments from the Commission regarding the direction being
Iken with the Plan.
Attachment(s):
Draft Fountain Hills General Plan 2020
Submitted by: 0, -e... )
`� 9/18/2019
o n Wesley, AICP, Development Services Director Date
L
Page 2 of 2
FOUNTAIN HILLS
,.....
GENERAL PLAN 2020
UPDATE
Fountain Hills. .. ' ur Future is Waiting !
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FOUNTAIN HILLS
GENERAL PLAN 2020
UPDATE
Fountain Hills... Your Future is Waiting !
Prepared for:
Town of Fountain Hills Mayor and Council
® 16705 E Ave of the Fountains
Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268
Prepared by:
The Planning Center
2 E Congress, Suite 600
Tucson, Arizona 85701
Draft 2: September 9, 2019
THE PLA NNINGCEN[ER
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1
General Plan Project Team
Mayor and Council Planning&Zoning Commission
Ginny Dickey,Mayor Susan Dempster,Chair
Sherry Leckrone,Vice Mayor Erik Hansen,Vice-Chair
David Spelich,Council Member Mathew Boik,Commissioner
Michael Scharnow,Council Member Christopher Jones,Commissioner
Alan Magazine,Council Member Scott Schlossberg,Commissioner
Art Tolis,Council Member Peter Gray,Commissioner
Dennis Brown,Council Member
Consultant Team
Linda Morales,Owner/CEO
Maria Masque,Principal-in-Charge/Project Manager
Emma Thompson,Planner/GIS and Mapping
Rick Merritt,Economic Development
Daniel Court,Economic Development
John Gray,Engineering
General Plan Technical Advisory Committee(TAC)
Grady Miller,Town Manager James Smith,Economic Development Director
John Wesley,AICP,Development Services Director Raymond Rees,Facilities&Environmental Supervisor
Marissa Moore,Senior Planner Ken Valverde,GIS Technician/CAD Operator
Paula Woodward,Executive Assistant Dana Trompke,PE.411
Rachel Goodwin,Community Services Director
46‘
THE PLANNINGCENTER410
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents 2
SECTION I:PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE 2
Introduction and Overview 4
General Plan Purpose 4
Fountain Hills Location and Regional Context 4
Historical Context 4
Exhibit 1:Location and Regional Context 5
How To Use This Document 7
Fountain Hills:Your Future Awaits 9
A Memorable Oasis 9
Fountain Hills Community Speaks 11
Our Commitment 11
Setting the Stage 12
Our Vision 12
Fountain Hills Overarching Principle 13
General Plan Structure 14
SECTION II:THRIVING NEIGHBOHROODS 18
Housing 18
Neighborhood Amenities 19
Neighbohrood Safety 20
Thriving Neighborhoods Goals and Policies 21
SECTION III:THRIVING ENVIRONMENT 26
1.BUILT ENVIRONMENT 26
Great Places Element 26
Background 26
State Trust Land 28
Existing Land Use 28
Existing Zoning 30
Character Area Framework 31
Character Areas Goals and Policies 35
Exhibit 2:Character Areas Plan Map 39
Table 1:Character Area Plan 40
Social Environment Element 43
Built Spaces for Social Interaction 44
Community and Regions Parks 44
Streets,Sidewalks and Trails as Social Connectors 47
Passive and Active Recreation 49
Social Environment Goals and Policies 49
Exhibit 3:Parks,Recreation,Trails and Open Space Map 52
Connectivity,Access and Mobility Element 53
Fountain Hills Roadway System 53
Access to the Larger Metro Area 54
Local Circulation 56
Safety 56
Gateways and Wayfinding 56
Connectivity,Access and Mobility Goals and Policies 57
Exhibit 4:Connectivity,Access and Mobility Plan Map 63
Exhibit 5:Bycicle Connectivity Plan Map 64
Public Facilities and Services Element 65
Water and Sewer 65
Law Enforcement,Fire Protectection and Emergency Medical Services(EMS) 68
Utilities 69
Other Public Facilities and Community Services 70
Capital Improvements Program(CIP) 72
Public Facilities and Services Goals and Policies 72
FOUNTAIN HILLS
GENERAL PLAN 2020
UPDATE
Fountain Hills. . . Your Future is Waiting !
Section I : Planning for Our Future
• r THERANNINGCENTER tc4;
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Introduction and Overview
General Plan Purpose
The Town of Fountain Hills General Plan 2020(General Plan) manages growth in a manner consistent with
the community's vision through its ten-year planning horizon. It guides decisions by establishing goals and
policies that balance maintenance of existing and developing neighborhoods, continued support for
economic development and conservation of resources. The General Plan provides the basis for new
development while supporting the quality of life that makes the Town distinct. The plan includes the
vision,goals and policy framework identified during the community outreach process. It addresses specific
community needs and aspirations. Under State law, actions on private land development, such as Specific
Plans, Area Plans, rezonings, subdivisions, public agency projects and other decisions must be consistent
with the General Plan ratified by the voters.
Fountain Hills Location and Regional Context
The Town of Fountain Hills(Town) is located in the northeast portion of the Phoenix Valley and is bordered
by the McDowell Mountain Regional Park within Maricopa County. The Town is east of the City of
Scottsdale, north of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and west of the Fort McDowell
Yavapai Nation. Exhibit 1 shows location and regional context.
Historical Context
The landforms that comprise the Town are characterized by low ridgelines and wash corridors that were
originally home to Native Americans. Archaeological studies have identified the area around the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Indian Nation as a major center of Hohokam-Salado occupation from approximately
100 to 1450 A.D. Petroglyphs and lithic remains have been found in both McDowell Mountain Regional
Park and in the surveyed portions of the former State Trust land south of the Town's northern boundary.
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The proximity of the Verde River and Fort McDowell, both to the east, served to bring attention to the
region and created opportunities for the ranchers who subsequently settled the area. Fort McDowell was
established in 1865 and was located on the west side of the Verde River,approximately seven miles above
its junction with the Salt River. The Fort was linked to Camp Verde and Prescott to the northwest by the
Stoneman Military Trail. It was linked to Payson and Winslow to the north by the Mormon Honeymoon
(Wagon) Trail, named for the many Mormon couples who made the long trek to St. George (the nearest
Temple) to be married. The Fort was closed in 1890. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an
executive order granting the land to the Yavapai Tribal Nation as a reservation.
The initial property that became the Town of Fountain Hills resulted from a partial sale of the P-Bar Ranch,
a working cattle ranch, under the ownership of the Page Land & Cattle Company. Approximately 4,500
acres was split off in 1968 in a sale to McCulloch Properties, a subsidiary of McCulloch Oil Corporation. In
1970, McCullough Properties Inc. (MCO), after a combination of other land purchases, directed the
creation of an approximate 12,000-acre master-planned community. As a result, the company prepared
documentation known as the initial "Development Master Plan: Fountain Hills".
The plan included a variety of residential housing types, commercial and industrial land uses, provisions
for schools, churches, a community park, and a variety of open space corridors. Singularly, the founders
included, as an attraction to and for the new community, the "World's Tallest Fountain", christening its
namesake on December 15, 1970. Interest in the new community was generated throughout the Midwest
and Eastern regions of the country through an innovative "fly to see" program. Prospective buyers were
flown to the fledgling community by private aircraft and toured their potential homesites by a Jeep-driving
sales force. Initial residential construction began within months, and by February 1972 residents began
living in Fountain Hills. The Fountain Hills Sanitary District completed the initial phase of its wastewater
treatment plant in 1974.
In December 1989, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to allow the incorporation of the
Town of Fountain Hills after a vote of the citizens determined incorporation was desired.A seven-member
Town Council was organized to establish a form of governance for the community.The Town retained the
established land uses approved through Maricopa County as well as the continued use of County zoning
ordinances for the first six months of the Town's existence.
The Town adopted its first zoning and subdivision ordinances in May 1990 and began administering these
ordinances on July 1, 1990.A Community Development Department was established the next month and
the Planning and Zoning Commission was organized in November 1990. The Planning and Zoning
Commission continues as the recommending body to the Town Council on land use plans and the
implementation of ordinances. In February 1991,the Town Council chose not to continue as its own Board
of Adjustment,forming an independent board to consider variance requests from the land use ordinances
and to consider appeals of the zoning administrator's decisions.
Development continued steadily throughout the 1990s. The land underlying Eagle Mountain, southwest
of the Shea Boulevard/Palisades Boulevard intersection, was annexed in 1991. Communities Southwest
developed a mixture of approximately 500 residential units and commercial facilities and an 18-hole golf
course adjacent to Eagle Mountain. In 2006,the Town Council approved the annexation of an approximate
1,276-acre area of State Trust land that bordered Fountain Hills to the north, increasing the incorporated
area of the Town to 13,006 acres.This annexation was the last significant amount of contiguous property
karr to increase the size of the Town.
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How To Use This Document
The following documents are part of the General Plan in the order they are presented.
4160,
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary summarizes the General Plan planning process and serves as a marketing tool for
the Town of Fountain Hills.
Policy Plan
The Policy Plan includes the policy framework guiding development, redevelopment, infrastructure,
economic development, and resource conservation efforts within the Town of Fountain Hills. This Plan
includes the community vision,overarching principles,and plan elements in compliance with all applicable
Arizona Revised Statutes. Each element includes goals and policies. This volume also includes the
administrative tools to manage, monitor, amend and implement the General Plan.
Background and Current Conditions Report
The Background and Current Conditions Report contains all pertinent analyses supporting the General
Plan. This document assesses background and current conditions and identifies the physical, regulatory,
demographic,socioeconomic and fiscal realities impacting development within the Town of Fountain Hills.
This technical report and the public input gathered during the community engagement process serve as
the foundation to the goals and policy framework of the General Plan. The Background and Current
Conditions Map Series summarizes the opportunities and constraints in map format.
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Community Vision Report
In compliance with the State of Arizona Revised Statutes and adopted by Fountain Hills Mayor and Council,
the Public Participation Plan prepared at early stages of the planning process outlined the community
engagement and outreach program guiding the community outreach process. The Community Vision
Report summarizes the input received at the various community meetings, workshops and visioning
efforts.
Policy
Executive Plan
Summary
Background Community
& Current Vision
Conditions Report
Figure 1: General Plan Organization
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Known for its impressive fountain, once the tallest in the world, Fountain Hills borders the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Nation, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and Scottsdale,Arizona.
Fountain Hills: Your Future Awaits
A Memorable Oasis
Fountain Hills is famous for the spectacular projection of its signature fountain,which can be viewed from
many vantage points within and outside the Town. The fountain is one of the tallest continuously
operating fountains in the world. The Town is also renowned for its preservation of the natural desert, its
abundant wildlife, scenic qualities and dark skies.
10
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One of Fountain Hills' most valuable assets is its natural beauty. The Town's scenic views and desert
terrain provide for a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and golf. Fountain Hills
contains some of the more challenging and picturesque golf courses in the State of Arizona. Its dark skies
provide opportunities for star gazing.
Fountain Hills was named by Phoenix Magazine as the best place to live in the Valley of the Sun and was
cited as"a welcome oasis on the outskirts of a metropolis."The small-town charm, lakeside,Town Center,
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relaxed desert lifestyle, lush desert landscapes and diverse landforms, public art,and an idyllic location at
the foothills of a picturesque mountain setting overlooking Fountain Park, make Fountain Hills an oasis.
A step away from the bustling Phoenix Metropolitan area, Fountain Hills' aesthetics and natural desert
setting creates a desirable environment for a variety of lifestyles. Artists, professionals, retirees, singles,
new families, and permanent and seasonal residents call this world apart home.
Fountain Hills Community Speaks
As part of the community involvement process, conducted at early stages of the planning process, the
community shared the values and aspirations summarized herein.
At Fountain Hills, we celebrate our environment by living in harmony with our desert setting. Under
Arizona sun and dark starry skies, our mountainous and urban surroundings provide adventure
and inspiration. We celebrate our culture by embracing neighbors and traditions, both old and
new, creating a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable community together. The knowledge and
experiences we share across generations from varied backgrounds encourages innovation.
We celebrate our quality of life by supporting the local spirit with global connections. Our ability
to be resourceful allows our economy to be resilient and innovative. Informed and insightful, we
create opportunities. Our small town embodies both simplicity and advancement, looking to the
future with the promise that we will continue to thrive in sustainable ways.
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11
Our Commitment
As part of this General Plan,we embrace a positive outlook,get actively involved and continue to take the
necessary steps to support our community and our vision. As Fountain Hills grows, we:
• Sustain the quality of life, vitality, and distinct charm of our Town;
• Maintain the delicate balance of land uses that make the Town a desirable place to live, work, enjoy
and visit.
• Further enrich the natural, built, and social environments that make the Town unique;
• Support existing businesses and continue to attract businesses that stimulate the Town's economy;
and
• Provide recreational and resort opportunities to strengthen the Town's reputation as a premier
desert destination.
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Town Center Main Gateway at Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Boulevard
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12
co Setting the Stage
Of all the destinations in the northern Sonoran Desert, Fountain Hills is
* one of the most attractive. The physical beauty, climate, and unique
.
charm of Fountain Hills are known throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan
*
. ' region and the state. In Fountain Hills, the vision for the future is multi-
faceted.The Town must strive to preserve the delicate balance between
• its natural, built, and social environments. A goal of the General Plan is
to guide development and redevelopment in a manner that maintains
and enhances the qualities that make Fountain Hills a special and unique
place.
Fountain Hills is a product of its relationship with its surrounding natural
Aa environment. The expansive desert terrain contributes to the Town's
desirable warm climate; the mountains provide a dramatic visual
_' backdrop. The proximity to metropolitan Phoenix, combined with its
, �� small-Town charm and desert setting, is a primary reason that Fountain
: Hills has become a popular destination.
Today, Fountain Hills not only prides itself on its sought-after amenities, but also on its safe, pleasant,and
tranquil neighborhoods, its thriving natural, built, and social environment, and its attractive, enjoyable,
and memorable public spaces. Fountain Hills offers many major amenities typically found in cities with
much larger populations, such as the Fountain Hills Community Center, the Fountain Hills Museum,
L. Fountain Park, the Botanical Gardens, a thriving Town Center, resorts, and a broad range of high-quality
public services. Open space comprises almost half of the City's total area and provides treasured natural
recreation opportunities and wild habitat.
Our Vision
Picture an inviting desert oasis in the Phoenix metropolitan region, a place where:
• Native desert vegetation,topography, and natural resources are valued and preserved
• Distant mountains by day and countless stars by night offer a magical setting
• Neighbors and visitors gather at special events and festivals
• Unique recreation,dining, and shopping options abound
• Innovation and creativity deliver meaningful employment options to a well-educated, diverse
population
• A variety of housing options are available in safe, quiet, pleasant,and enjoyable neighborhoods
Fountain Hills...
Your Future Awaits!
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Fountain Hills Overarching Principle
One overarching principle supports Fountain Hills' Vision: Carefully and thoughtfully integrating
neighborhoods, environment (built, natural and social) and economy to maintain a thriving community.
This principle seamlessly brings together the places we live, work, shop, go to school, and recreate in a
viable and sustainable manner.
Neighborhoods
Thriving
Community
`Economy Environment
General Plan Structure
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1 Overarching Principle: Themes/Elements: Topics:
Thriving Neighborhoods HOUSING • Variety for all ages, incomes,
and lifestyle
• Quality Development
• Property Maintenance
NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES Neighborhood Connectivity
• Street,Sidewalk, and Bicycle
• Parks, Recreation,Trails,Open
Space
Neighborhood Services
• Schools
• Public Facilities
• Churches
• Neighborhood Commercial
SAFETY Safe-by-Design Neighborhoods
15
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Overarching Principle: Themes/Elements: Topics:
Thriving Environment BUILT ENVIRONMENT
GREAT PLACES Character Areas
• Neighborhoods
• Commerce Center
• Town Center
• Shea Corridor
• Saguaro Boulevard
• Development Reserve
4 (State Trust land)
Town-wide Amenities:
• Shopping and Entertainment
• Resort/Lodging
• Community&Regional Parks,
Recreation, Golf
SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT • Built Spaces for Social Interaction
• Community& Regional Parks, Plazas
and Courtyards,
• Streets,Sidewalks and Trails
• Passive and Active Recreation
ACCESS, CONNECTIVITY& • Roadway System
MOBILITY • Access to the Larger Metro Area
• Local Circulation (Pedestrian and
Bicycle Connectivity)
• Safety
• Gateways and Wayfinding
PUBLIC FACILITIES& • Water and Sewer
SERVICES • Law Enforcement, Fire Protection,
Emergency Medical Services
• Utilities
• Other Public Facilities and Community
Services
• Capital Improvements Program(CIP)
16
•
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Overarching Principle: Themes: Topics:
Thriving Environment NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Desert Landscapes,Topography,
Vegetation, Scenic Value, Dark
Skies,Water&Air Quality,Open
Space, Energy
Overarching Principle: Themes/Elements: Topics:
Thriving Economy ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Revenue Stream,Social and
Intellectual Capital,Technology
and Innovation,Arts and Culture,
Tourism
COST OF DEVELOPMENT Financing New Development
FOUNTAIN HILLS
GENERAL PLAN 2020
UPDATE
Fountain Hills. . . Your Future is Waiting !
Section II : Thriving Neighborhoods
Et?T1 PLANNINGCF N'r
*.w
18
Thriving Neighborhoods
Thriving neighborhoods are key components of a thriving community, define Fountain Hills, and support
the economic vitality and long-term resilience of the Town. Fountain Hills defines thriving neighborhoods
as safe, tranquil, and aesthetically pleasing residential areas providing quality housing choices for all age
groups and income ranges in a setting that includes walkable streets lined-up with drought tolerant,
shade-providing trees and sustainable desert landscapes, a quality street network that offers multimodal
access to jobs with livable wages, excellent schools, parks, recreation, and other neighborhood amenities
and services, and trail connectivity to natural open space. This element addresses the specific needs of
neighborhoods, including housing variety, quality and maintenance, neighborhood amenities,
neighborhood connectivity and neighborhood safety.
Although Fountain Hills is approaching buildout, there are opportunities for residential growth in the
Adero Canyon and Eagles Nest area and residential infill within established residential areas. There are
also opportunities for high-density and mixed-use development within urban areas including the Town
Center. Future residential development is addressed in a broader context as a key component of the Built
Environment in the Great Places Elements which establishes criteria for new development within the
Neighborhoods Character Area in the Character Areas Plan included in Table 1.
Housing
When a family, or business, contemplates relocating to a new area,they evaluate their future success,to
a large extent, on the availability of quality affordable housing. Before someone commits to a new
location, they must feel secure that there are no barriers to their success. Housing expenses can easily
consume 30 to 50 percent of household income. Access to housing and the affordability of housing
impacts community development and long-term economic resilience. Housing development creates new
jobs and provides desired housing options that attract residents. In sum, people attract businesses and
housing attracts people.
This section provides the housing context guiding the housing goals and policies included in this element.
The Background and Current Conditions technical report describes existing housing in Fountain Hills. A
strategy that supports a variety of housing types, quality development and maintenance of the existing
housing stock and residential areas is essential to sustain Fountain Hills' thriving neighborhoods.
Housing Variety
The mix of housing types in Fountain Hills differs to some extent to that found across Maricopa County.
The major differences are: (1) a higher percentage of single family attached units or townhomes and (2)
fewer traditional apartment units. Fountain Hills also has a much lower percentage of single-family homes
that are rented.
Post-recession figures indicate that in Maricopa County approximately 22 percent of all single-family
homes are rented, a level that is two times higher than found before the recession. In Fountain Hills,only
9 percent of all single-family homes are rented, likely due to the price of housing in the Town which is not
( conducive to renting.
44
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According to the American Family Survey, the median value of owner-occupied housing in Fountain Hills
(single-family, townhome and condo units) is $387,800 compared to the County median of $225,000.
Diversifying the housing stock to attract families and working professionals will contribute to a more
resilient economic outlook.
Quality Development
Residential development in Fountain Hills is and will continue to be safe-by-design and sensitively
integrated into the natural, social, and built environments, includes walkable streets lined-up with
drought tolerant, shade-providing trees and sustainable desert landscapes, is served by a quality street
network that offers multimodal access to jobs with livable wages,excellent schools, parks, recreation,and
other amenities and services, and provide trail connectivity to natural open space.
Property Maintenance
Efforts to sustain neighborhood quality must reflect the diversity of neighborhoods and their needs. Most
residential neighborhoods in Fountain Hills are well-maintained. Maintaining the character of the existing
neighborhoods and encouraging new quality infill residential development is key to supporting thriving
neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Amenities
When people and businesses consider relocation, other considerations include access to neighborhood
amenities and services such as quality education, churches, parks, community organizations and
convenient shopping. Fountain Hills' neighborhoods offer access to a variety of amenities and services
and include connectivity to quality open space throughout the Town through the Fountain Hills
Interconnected Trails (FIT) system. In Fountain Hills, neighborhoods are served by quality neighborhood
amenities and services and support connectivity via pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular modes.
Neighborhood Amenities and Services
Neighborhood amenities include neighborhood parks,schools,and other services and amenities providing
services to residential areas, and neighborhood commercial where in character with adjacent
development. The Town currently operates and maintains four developed park sites: Fountain Park,
Desert Vista Park, Four Peaks Park, and Golden Eagle Park. Parks are addressed in the Social Environment
Element.
Fountain Hills Unified School District is comprised of four schools: East Valley Institute of Technology
(EVIT) Fountain Hills, McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Fountain Hills Middle School and Fountain
Hills High School. Schools are further addressed in the Public Facilities and Services Element.
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Neighborhood Connectivity
There are numerous existing bike paths and pedestrian walkways throughout Fountain Hills. Fountain Hills
developed a sidewalk circulation network that serves most of the community. In 2007,the Town adopted
a Sidewalk Plan that identifies all existing and proposed sidewalks throughout the Town. The Town
prepared a bicycle plan based on the design features and recommendations of the Maricopa Association
of Governments (MAG) Bicycle Plan.
The Town's location within the foothills of the McDowell Mountain Regional Park and Scottsdale
McDowell Sonoran Preserve provides a network of trails, natural drainage channels and washes that
extend through the community. These washes, primarily owned by the Town, are typically undeveloped,
although most also contain utilities and utility easements, as well as serving as surface drainage corridors.
This network of undeveloped washes supports a healthy and active lifestyle, provides connectivity to
significant natural open space between neighborhoods and supports valuable habitat for wildlife. They
also provide potential opportunities for trails and recreational connections throughout the Town's open
space system.
Pedestrian, bicycle and trail connectivity are further addressed in the Social Environment Element and in
the Connectivity, Access and Mobility Element.
Neighborhood Safety
Fountain Hills was originally master planned based on innovative designs concepts that resulted in quality,
tranquil and safe neighborhoods. Future development will continue to support neighborhood safety by
applying safe-by-design best practices.
Safe-by-Design
Prevention through design, also called safety by design, incorporates methods and practices that support
community safety in the design process, with an emphasis on optimizing health and safety in the
community. Fountain Hills will continue to support quality, tranquil and safe neighborhoods by adhering
to "Safe-by-Design" methods and best practices.
43
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21
Thriving Neighborhoods Goals and Policies
This section includes goals and policies supporting Thriving Neighborhoods. The Great Places Element
includes the Character Areas Plan Map,which delineates the Neighborhoods Character Area,and provides
additional criteria for that character area in Table 1.
GOAL 1: Continue to support thriving neighborhoods.
POLICIES
1. Continue to support safe, tranquil, quality residential development that is properly maintained
and provides vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle connectivity to parks, schools, and other
neighborhood amenities and services and trail connectivity to quality open space.
2. Protect existing neighborhoods from incompatible development that does not support the
character of those areas;
3. Support neighborhood commercial and neighborhood services at the intersection of arterial or
collector roads where feasible and consistent with the established character of the area.
4. Continue to apply safe-by-design principles and best practices in future development.
5. Encourage development and redevelopment of housing and associated amenities within
neighborhoods to attract families with children and for young professionals.
GOAL 2:Support a housing strategy that encourages a broad range of quality housing types to address
current and future housing needs and to support long-term economic vitality.
POLICIES
1. Encourage a broad range of housing types affordable to all income ranges and age groups
compatible with adjacent development.
2. Maintain a range of housing types and residential densities consistent with the existing character
of infill areas in conformance with criteria provided in Table 1: Character Areas Plan.
3. Increase housing ownership and rental opportunities for families and working professionals that
incorporate the amenities and services valued by these groups;
4. Encourage quality mixed-use that complements surrounding uses in the Town Center and in other
41110 areas that may become available for urban, compact,walkable residential development.
22
S. Direct higher-density residential and mixed-used development to the Town Center and
redevelopment areas such as Shea Corridor as opportunities arise.
6. Support quality residential development that meets Town housing needs, promotes the vitality
of established neighborhoods, and enhances the quality of life of Fountain Hills.
7. Provide for various regulatory and financial incentives to encourage well designed housing,special
needs housing, and housing affordable to households of different income levels and age groups.
GOAL 3: Maintain the quality of existing neighborhoods.
POLICIES
1. Protect established single-family residential neighborhoods from the transition, intensification,
and encroachment of uses that detract and/or change the character of the residential
neighborhood.
2. Encourage Home Owners Associations(HOA)efforts to maintain existing neighborhoods including
maintaining landscaped areas, building facades, subdivision parks and roads especially those
along major corridors exposed to public view.
GOAL 4:Attract quality residential development that supports the healthy and active life style valued by
the community.
POLICIES
1. Ensure that new neighborhoods:
a. Sensitively and aesthetically integrate residential development to the social, built and
natural environments by supporting neighborhood connectivity to Fountain Hills' Great
Places;
b. Is adequately served by parks, open space, passive and active recreation and supports
pedestrian, bicycle and trail connectivity to neighborhood services and amenities located
in the vicinity;
c. Includes walkable streets lined-up with drought tolerant, shade-providing trees and
sustainable desert landscapes that utilize purple water, drip irrigation or water
harvesting;
23
d. Supports a quality street network that offers multimodal (vehicular, pedestrian and
bicycle) connectivity to nearby schools, parks, recreation, and other neighborhood
services and amenities.
e. Provides trail connectivity to the Fountain Hills trail system and natural open space.
GOAL 5: Continue to support "thriving neighborhoods"through innovative site planning and building
design.
POLICIES
1. Adhere to the following Safe-by-Design concepts:
a. Locate building entryways so that they are visible from other buildings, apartments, and
houses;
b. Design entryways to provide residents with a view from their home into the corridor that
serves them;
c. Provide a well-lighted and dark sky compliant, pedestrian circulation system with
convenient access to walkways and sidewalks beyond the development;
d. Provide lighting at doorways,windows, entryways, and in corridors and service alleys;
e. Provide each residential unit with an area of responsibility that extends beyond the
entryway;
f. Design common stairways to serve a limited number of units;
g. Utilize amenities and distinctive elements that extend the private space of individual
apartments onto landings and into corridors;
h. Disperse project amenities between certain units or clusters of units;
i. Ensure that outdoor activity areas are easily accessed from homes;
j. Locate children's play areas and other outdoor recreation areas so that they are visible
and accessible from a maximum number of homes and locations;
k. Provide clearly defined and visible linkages to adjacent parks, schools, and other
neighborhood amenities and services;
I. Include clearly defined pedestrian, bicycle,trails, and open space connectivity.
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Cif Great Places
The Great Places Element defines the Town of Fountain Hills major character areas and the land use mix
supporting those areas. As a strategic tool, the Great Places Element guides new development,
redevelopment and infill to sustain the long-range viability of the Town and continue to support the
quality of life valued by the community. The Great Places Element fulfills all applicable requirements of
the Arizona Revised Statutes.
Based on the latest land inventory conducted as part of the Town of Fountain Hills Land Use Analysis &
Statistical Report 2018, the assessment included in the General Plan Background and Current Conditions
Report, and the input received during the public engagement process, the Great Places Element focuses
on identifying opportunities for development, redevelopment and infill, maintaining the Town's desired
balance among residential,commercial,employment and other supportive uses,and retaining the natural
open space and development character responsive to the Sonoran Desert. A character areas approach
based on the existing patterns of land use, zoning, and land ownership is the planning tool utilized to
achieve these goals.
Background
In Fountain Hills, topography continues to define the built and unbuilt environment. Over the past
decades, incremental land development and resulting population and employment growth have created
a nearly built out community. The Town has a unique set of land planning opportunities and challenges
due to its existing development, the environmental characteristics of the Sonoran Desert, and the fact
that the Town is landlocked with no ability to annex future lands to accommodate growth.
The only substantive acreage remaining to be developed is State Trust land located in the northeast area
of the Town.Additional development can still be accommodated, primarily in the form of infill.The largest
tracts of vacant land that can sustain growth are located in the Adero Canyon and Eagles Nest areas.The
primary platted or unplatted, developed or undeveloped areas within the Town include:
1. Eagle Mountain:
Eagle Mountain is located south of Shea Boulevard and is bounded by the Town boundary on the
west and south and Firerock on the east. The development includes residential, lodging/resort,
golf course, and natural (restricted)open space. Few vacant lots exist for residential infill.
2. Firerock:
Firerock is located south of Shea Boulevard and is bounded by the Town boundary on the east
and south and Eagle Mountain on the west. The development includes residential, golf course,
and natural (restricted) open space. Few vacant lots exist for residential infill.
3. Crestview:
This 342-acre parcel was approved as the Summit Estates Master Plan by Maricopa County in
1986.The area was annexed and renamed Crestview.Vacant lots exist for residential infill. Unless
amended, residential development will continue in conformance to the adopted Crestview PAD.
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4. Palisades Gateway Area:
Located south of the Westridge Village subdivision,east of Palisades Boulevard,and north of Shea
Boulevard. Approximately 30 acres of this area is buildable. Approximately ten acres abutting
Palisades Boulevard above the 1,920-foot contour elevation is designated for lodging land uses
and is buffered from adjacent uses by a broad dedication of open space.
5. Adero Canyon and Eagles Nest:
A combined 926-acre area located in the northwestern section of Town, it includes the Adero
Canyon PAD, which permits 415 single-family, low-density, residential homes adjacent to the
Town's 740-acre McDowell Mountain preservation area. Eagles Nest also includes large tracts of
land approved for development of large lots. This is-area includes the highest amount of vacant
land for residential development.
6. Plat 208-South:
The south half of Plat 208 is home to the Town Civic Center complex on the west end,adjacent to
La Montana Drive. The area between Park Place and Saguaro Boulevard is the preferred site for
additional commercial and mixed-use development in the Town Center.
7. Undeveloped School Sites:
There are three undeveloped school sites, including the Hawk school site, located on Hawk and
Arroyo Vista Drives,the El Lago school site, located between El Lago Boulevard and Cavern Drive,
and the Aspen school site, located southwest of Aspen Drive and north of Sierra Madre Drive. If
any of these sites were to be sold by the school district,they could be developed according to the
underlying zoning district of the site. To date, there are no development plans for any of these
sites.
8. Infill Parcels:
There are undeveloped parcels, both platted and unplatted, within the Town. These parcels are
smaller than the previously listed areas but represent potential for infill development.
9. State Trust Land:
The approximate 1,300-acre area located in the northeast corner of Town includes a 35-acre site
adjacent to Fountain Hills Boulevard leased by Fountain Hills Unified School District for Fountain
Hills Middle School. This is the only other area within Town limits with major growth potential.
Development within this area requires coordination with the Arizona State Land Department
(ASLD).
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State Trust Land
In 2016, ASLD retained the services of engineers and economists to evaluate the feasibility of
developing the 1,300-acre State Trust Land located at the northeastern corner of the Town of Fountain
Hills. The site borders mostly single-family development located to the south and west. McDowell
Mountain Park borders the site to the north.The Fort McDowell Indian Reservation borders the site to
the east.
According to the legal description and ALTA Survey completed as part of the rezoning application
submitted to Fountain Hills on April 9, 2008,the property lies within Section 2 and portions of Section
1 and 3 of Township 3 North and Range 6 East of the Gila and Salt River Meridian, Maricopa County,
Arizona.
Based on slope and infrastructure analysis, and conditions included in the pre-annexation agreement,
appraisal documents provided by ASLD estimated finished lot sales of $253,000/lot for small lots,
$319,000/lot for semi-custom lots and $450,000/lot for custom lots without buildings. The slope and
infrastructure analysis concludes that homebuilders would need to sell homes well above $800K per
unit on average to cover lot costs.
ASLD manages State Trust lands and resources to enhance value and optimize economic return for the
Trust beneficiaries. Consistent with sound business management principles, prudent stewardship and
conservation needs,ASLD supports socio-economic goals for current and future generations that act in
the best interest and preserve the long-term value of State Trust lands.
According to the ASLD, development within State Trust Lands requires advanced coordination with
ASLD and concurrency with a conceptual land use and circulation plan depicting highest and best use
and the preparation of feasibility analysis to determine viability prior to the release of those lands for
sale. Conversations with ASLD resulted in the rationale applied when addressing the State Trust Land
property in this General Plan.
Existing Land Use
The existing land uses within the Town include:
1. Single-family Residential: Existing single-family residential land uses are distributed throughout
the Town. Larger lot/low density neighborhoods are located primarily in three areas: (a)
following the ridgelines in the northwest and north central portions of the community; (b) in a
wide, roughly northwest to southeast band in the central portion of Town on the north side of
Shea Boulevard; and (c)south of Shea Boulevard between Palisades Boulevard and the industrial
and commercial node at Saguaro Boulevard.
2. Multi-family Residential: Existing multi-family dwelling units, identified as multi-family structures
having at least one common wall, are concentrated in three areas: (a) surrounding the Town
Center and Fountain Park; (b) n the east side of Fountain Hills Boulevard, extending from the
north of the downtown commercial center to the middle school; and (c) in isolated parcels on
both the north and south sides of Shea Boulevard including a northward extension from the
commercial node at Shea and Saguaro Boulevards along the Town's eastern boundary line.
Additional multi-family developments have been built on commercially zoned property within
4 416r, the Town Center area through the Special Use permit process.
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3. Mixed-use: There is one mixed-use development consisting of commercial/retail in the ground
floor with residential uses on subsequent floors located along Avenue of the Fountains east of
Town Hall. Mixed-use is encouraged in the Town Center and in higher density areas west of the
Town Center.
4. Commercial/Retail and Office Uses: Existing commercial/retail and office land uses are
concentrated in three areas: (a) Town Center, located primarily south of Palisades Boulevard,
between Fountain Hills Boulevard and Saguaro Boulevard; (b) continuing south on the east side
of Saguaro Boulevard from the south edge of the commercial core at El Lago Boulevard to Malta
Drive; and (c) the commercial node at Shea and Saguaro boulevards that extends primarily
westward on the south side of Shea, and primarily eastward on both sides of Shea.
Two isolated existing commercial sites include: (a) a supermarket/strip center located at the
southeast corner of Shea/Eagle Mountain Parkway; and (b) an area on the east side of Fountain
Hills Boulevard one mile south of the Town's northern boundary. In addition,there are numerous
home-based businesses located throughout the community.
5. Industrial: One area serves the entire Town and is located on the north side of Saguaro
Boulevard, west of the Shea/Saguaro commercial node. It is currently zoned and used for
industrial uses within the Town. This nearly built-out industrial area includes storage facilities
and light manufacturing/distribution operations.
6. Lodging: Hotels and resorts include CoperWynd Resort, Inn at Eagle Mountain Boutique Resort,
116. Comfort Inn Fountain Hills and Lakeshore Hotels and Suites.
7. Government: Includes government offices and public services such as police, fire, and
emergency services.
8. Utility: Includes sites for wastewater treatment facilities, water storage reservoirs and tanks,
well sites, telephone company sites, electric substation sites, etc. All sites have been developed
and no additional areas are designated at this time.
9. Schools: Includes existing schools and undeveloped Fountain Hills Unified School District
(FHUSD)-owned property. Existing FHUSD schools include: McDowell Mountain Elementary
School, Fountain Hills Middle School, Fountain Hills High School and the FHUSD Learning Center.
Fountain Hills Charter School and the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) Fountain Hills
Vocational Center also serve Fountain Hills.
10. Parks: Includes both existing or planned community parks, and privately-owned parks and
subdivision recreation areas. Parks and open space areas owned by the Town include Fountain
Park, Golden Eagle Park, Four Peaks Park, and Desert Vista Park.
11. Open Space: Includes most drainage corridor/wash areas and dedicated or proposed open space
areas. Publicly owned and/or restricted open space areas prohibit development, provide
recreational opportunities and protect view corridors. In addition to open space interspersed
with development, the Town owns the 740-acre McDowell Mountain Preserve. This area
provides hiking and passive recreational opportunities.The City of Scottsdale owns 200 acres of
dedicated open space within the Town located south of the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain
Preserve.
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4IW Privately owned lands currently designated open space include: parks and open space areas in
developed subdivisions;washes within existing platted areas; Hillside Protection Easement areas
within platted subdivisions; and three privately owned/publicly accessible golf courses that are
zoned "OSR" or Residential Unit Planned Development "RUPD." In addition, there are open
space-zoned areas within platted subdivisions.
12. Golf Courses: Includes golf courses and their associated functions such as maintenance and
retail facilities, clubhouse and parking areas.
13. Vacant Land: These parcels occur as: zoned and platted vacant lots; zoned, unplanted parcels,
and undeveloped school sites.
Existing Zoning
The Town of Fountain Hills regulates land use through an adopted zoning ordinance. A total of 33 zoning
districts are provided within the ordinance including three open space zones (OSC, OSR and OSP), eleven
single-family residential districts (R-190, R143, R1-35, R1-35H, R1-18, R1-10, R1-10A, R1-8, R1-8A, R1-6
and R1-6A), seven multifamily districts (M-1, M-2, M-3, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-5), six commercial districts (C-
O, CC, C-1, C-2, C-3 and TCCD), two industrial districts (IND-1 and IND-2), three lodging districts (L-1, L-2
and L-3),a utility district(UT), and a mobile home district(MH). The zoning pattern is displayed on Figure
8, Existing Zoning.
Fountain Hills is predominantly zoned residential. The residential zoning districts provide a wide variety
(6, of residential developments that encompass the many lifestyles within the Town,from large lot to cluster
development. The residential districts support the needs of residents by including limited nonresidential
uses, such as religious, educational and recreational facilities.
The large amount of acreage zoned as open space aids Fountain Hills in retaining its scenic desert
character. The three open space districts provide natural and built recreation spaces for Town residents.
The open space conservation and preservation districts are in place to conserve and protect open space,
natural desert lands, wildlife habitat and lands set aside as undeveloped parcels or tracts in master
planned communities. These were predominately executed through hillside disturbance transfers. The
primary purpose of designating these areas is to raise the degree of assurance that designated open space
and recreation areas will remain undeveloped, except for very limited public infrastructure.
Employment zoning in Fountain Hills includes commercial/retail, office, mixed-use, industrial and lodging
districts. These districts support well-designed shops, business/professional offices, hotels and other
employment opportunities. The major concentration of these districts is generally located between
Fountain Hills and Saguaro Boulevards, south of Palisades Boulevard and includes uses such as
commercial/retail, government, multi-use and lodging. A second cluster of commercial/retail and
industrial uses is located at the intersection of Shea and Saguaro Boulevard. This employment cluster
contains the only portion of the Town that is zoned industrial. Existing industrial uses generally include
distribution centers and storage facilities.
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Character Area Framework
A character area is a portion of the Town with distinct development patterns, land uses, densities or
intensities and shared identity and characteristics that differ from neighboring areas. Together, these
character areas create context and further the General Plan overarching principle by supporting thriving
neighborhoods, environment and economy.
Character Area Approach
The character area approach achieves and maintains the high quality of life valued by the community by
seamlessly integrating Fountain Hills' built and natural environments and supporting memorable public
spaces. The character area approach:
• Integrates land uses, physical assets and amenities, including parks, streetscapes, public art, and
public spaces, in a seamless manner to encourage social interaction and support Fountain Hills'
distinct identity.
• Incorporates and maintains the high-quality infrastructure required to sustain the healthy and
safe operation of the Town's functions.
• Supports an economic structure that contributes to a healthy and sustainable community with a
high quality of life.
• Understands and protects the sustaining functions of the environment and its relevance as an
economic development tool while promoting active and healthy life-styles.
1116. • Promotes strong social networks and offers opportunities for social exchange and the sharing of
skills, knowledge, resources, and assets.
• Values community institutions that sustain and support each of the dimensions described above.
Changing consumer preferences,employer location strategies,and transportation planning trends reflect
a shift towards sustainable development. The convergence of these trends requires a flexible land use
approach that incorporates safe, efficient, and multimodal transportation, an integrated mix of uses and
services, and the open spaces, recreation, parks, entertainment and other amenities necessary to reflect
a strong and well-defined sense of place to work, live, grow, shop, learn, enjoy, and age in place.
This character area approach supports a buildout development strategy for Fountain Hills that fosters
economic resiliency.Such development encourages walking and cycling,a mix of residential,employment,
and commercial uses, and offers a diversity of housing types suited for different generations and incomes
while maintaining the distinct small-town character of the Town.
The character area approach provides a flexible land use framework that considers emerging trends and
market fluctuations and assists in achieving the community vision by protecting existing and future
neighborhoods, supporting the built, social and natural environments, sustaining a healthy economy and
maintaining the community's public spaces. The identification of character areas assists in defining infill
strategies for areas within the community that require careful attention.These strategies include:
• Defining major gateways to convey a sense of arrival to Fountain Hills and major destinations
within the Town;
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• Developing the Town Center as the vibrant heart of Fountain Hills;
• Identifying areas that can sustain growth -the Adero Canyon/Eagle Nest area includes most of
the Town's last remaining vacant, economically developable land and areas that can support
infill;
• Prioritizing areas in need of revitalization, redevelopment or repurposing; and
• Coordinating with the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to identify feasible development
options for State Trust Land in the McDowell Mountain area.
Much of the Town is built and the goal for most of these areas is maintenance of the existing
development. There are, however, areas for change, growth, and development. This character area
approach recognizes three types of planning approaches to guiding change: gateways, areas with
growth potential, and areas with redevelopment, revitalization and infill potential.
Gateways
A hierarchy of gateways improves wayfinding. Primary gateways into a town must define the identity
of,serve as primary entry points to, define major destinations, and convey a sense of arrival.Secondary
gateways identify specific destinations. The location and specific guidance for Fountain Hills' gateways
is further addressed in the Connectivity, Access and Mobility element. Gateways include:
1. Primary Gateways:
a. Shea Boulevard East: Accessed via State Route 87 (Beeline Highway),this main gateway
/, functions as the primary east entrance to the Town and a major commerce and
employment hub. The gateway includes an industrial park along Technology Drive and
lodging and also provides access to the Town Center and Fountain Park, as well as
lodging, commercial and office uses along Saguaro Boulevard.
b. Shea Boulevard West: Characterized by hilly topography and desert vistas, this scenic
entryway into Fountain Hills provides direct access to major destinations along Shea
Boulevard, including the Inn at Eagle Mountain Resort, Firerock Country Club, and
indirect access via Palisades Boulevard to a potential future resort, the CopperWynd
Resort and Country Club in the Sunridge Canyon, and the Town Center via Palisades
Boulevard.
c. Future McDowell Mountain:Anticipated as a major northern gateway into Fountain Hills
when development occurs on land that is currently held as State Trust land. Location of
this gateway cannot be determined until a feasible conceptual land use and circulation
plan is prepared in coordination with and approved by ASLD.
2. Secondary Gateways:
a. Fountain Hills Boulevard: Secondary gateways at the intersection with Shea Boulevard
on the south and McDowell Mountain Road in the north identify destinations along this
corridor such as the Town Center and the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
b. Saguaro Boulevard: Secondary gateways at the intersection with Shea Boulevard on the
south and Fountain Hills Boulevard in the north identify destinations along this corridor
providing access to the Town Center, Fountain Park,Civic Center and other destinations.
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c. Palisades Boulevard: Secondary gateways at the intersection with Shea Boulevard along
this corridor provide access to the Town Center, Commerce Center, Fountain Park,Civic
Center and other destinations.
3. Town Center Gateways:
a. Signature Entrance: Defining the main entrance to the Town Center along Avenue of the
Fountains.
b. Secondary Entrances:A secondary entrance to the Town Center from Commerce Center
at the Intersection of La Montana Drive and Avenue of the Fountains.
c. Entry Features: Identify minor entrances to the Town Center and are not depicted in the
Character Area Plan Map. Entry features are located at the intersections of Palisades
Boulevard with La Montana Drive, the Chamber of Commerce, and Saguaro Boulevard
north of the Town Center and at the intersections of El Lago Boulevard with La Montana
Drive and Saguaro Boulevard south of the Town Center.
Growth Areas
Growth areas are identified based on land ownership, topography, hydrology, vacant land, and
infrastructure availability or anticipated cost of providing needed infrastructure. This planning
approach includes short-term and long-range growth strategies and directs development to those areas
of the Town with the largest tracts of undeveloped lands.These areas include:
1. The Canyons Character Area (short-term strategy): Located within sections 5, 6, and 7 of the
Land Use Inventory, this area includes large tracts of vacant land for residential development.
2. State Trust Land (Long-range strategy): Includes State Trust lands located in sections 2 and 3 of
the Land Use Inventory. Development within State Trust lands requires advanced coordination
with ASLD and concurrency with a feasible conceptual land use and circulation plan approved
by ASLD prior to the release of those lands for sale.
Redevelopment, Revitalization and Infill
Exhibit 2 depicts the character areas for Fountain Hills. The character areas and their opportunities for
redevelopment, revitalization and infill include:
1. Neighborhoods: Includes areas throughout the Town with opportunities for residential Infill
along with appropriate services and amenities.
2. Town Center: Located along the Avenue of the Fountains and envisioned as a vibrant walkable
and bikeable mixed-used district, the Town Center functions as the heart of the Town and
includes Fountain Park, Civic Center (Town Hall, Community Center, Library) and Visitor's
Center. The Town Center includes infill opportunities for mixed-use, residential, retail,
business, entertainment, and services infill. Reconfiguration of underutilized surface parking
could open more areas for development.
3. Commerce Center: Located east of Fountain Hills Boulevard, Commerce Center is bounded on
the north by Palisades Boulevard, on the south by El Lago Boulevard and on the east by the
Town Center. Within walking distance from the Town Center, this character area includes
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higher density multifamily residential, Fountain View Village, a mixed-use independent and
4111101 assisted living community (ranked as one of the top ten retirement communities in Arizona),
a post office and general commercial uses. There are two parcels available for development,
one is a future church site and the other has recently been approved for a multi-residence
development. If the church decides to sell its site, additional opportunities for infill will
become available.
4. Shea Corridor: Functions as the main gateway to Fountain Hills from State Route 87 and
includes an industrial park along Technology Drive and lodging. Shea Corridor is envisioned as
a commerce and employment corridor serving residents and welcoming visitors. Although it
includes few infill parcels, reconfiguring underutilized commercial development would open
additional opportunities for revenue-generating and employment uses further supporting the
long-range viability of the Town. The strategic location of this center with access to State
Route 87 in proximity to resort and gaming facilities at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
could support economic development partnerships with the Nation.
5. Saguaro Boulevard: Primarily a commercial corridor,this area includes few significant parcels
for commercial/retail infill along Saguaro Boulevard.
Character Areas Plan
The Fountain Hills Character Areas Plan presents the recommended guidance to direct maintenance
and future development, redevelopment and infill in the incorporated area of the Town. Exhibit 2,
Character Areas Plan, identifies development areas based on their distinct character while considering
kir existing land use, zoning, land ownership, built form, and environmental features.
The Land Use Analysis and Statistical Report 2018 which includes the Town's demographics,
development trends, existing businesses,government and public facilities,and an inventory of existing
land uses the General Plan Background and Current Conditions report, and community input obtained
during the community outreach process provided the foundation for the Character Areas Plan.
Character Areas Plan and Future Land Uses
Given the largely built-out nature of the Town, most of the land use is already established. The only
area remaining for significant growth and development of a character is the State Trust land. For the
bulk of the Town the primary focus is on maintenance of the established character with scattered
amounts of land available for infill and redevelopment. The Character Areas Plan integrates churches,
neighborhood commercial,schools,parks, public services and facilities,government,utilities,and other
land uses as integral components of the character areas in which they are located. Future land uses are
not called out in the Character Areas Plan map. Land uses not shown in the Character Areas Plan map
are incorporated by reference in Table 1 as part of the character area in which they are located. Exhibit
2 and Table 1 are included at the end of this element.
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Character Areas Goals and Policies
This section includes goals and policies governing growth and the use of land within identified character
areas inside the Fountain Hills corporate boundary. Exhibit 2 includes the Fountain Hills Character Areas
Plan.Table 1 describes character areas location, existing character and character area plan.
GOAL 1:Maintain and protect existing neighborhoods and the Town's economic health, community well-
being, and natural environment while providing for future development, redevelopment and infill.
POLICIES
1. Achieve and maintain a diverse and sustainable land use mix consistent with our small-town
character that supports thriving neighborhoods, environment and economy by attracting and
retaining revenue-generating uses that:
a. Enhance the Town's economic vitality; and
b. Increase the Town's revenue base to maintain quality infrastructure, services and
amenities.
2. Evaluate existing retail trade capture/leakage to support revenue-generating commercial/retail
uses and ensure long-range fiscal resilience.
3. Direct commerce and employment to the character areas that sustain them in conformance with
the Character Areas Plan map and Table 1.
4. Prioritize supporting residential growth in the Adero Canyon and Eagles Nest growth area where
the vast majority of vacant residential land is located.
5. Continue to prioritize development of infill areas in proximity to shopping, recreation,community
services and existing infrastructure.
6. Ensure that mixed-use, employment and commercial development in the Town Center and
Commerce Center character areas provide multimodal connectivity needed to activate these
areas and support the revenue base.
7. Continue to work with the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation to identify and promote employment
and commercial uses that support the Town's revenue base.
8. Promote health by supporting connectivity, walkability, bicycle rideability and other activities
conducive to healthy and active lifestyles.
9. Continue to conserve the unique natural desert and hillside environmental ecosystems as well as
protect dark skies.
36
10. Continue to preserve open space and natural washes as buffers between and within zoning
tor districts.
11. Continue to integrate natural areas into site design as an amenity.
12. Continue to provide memorable public spaces that support social interaction and incorporate
public art, entertainment, community gathering space and other amenities accessible to all.
13. Incorporate passive and active solar,native/drought tolerant vegetation,drip irrigation and water
harvesting in new development and redevelopment.
14. Work with all utility providers to ensure service capacities exist as part of any development,
redevelopment, or infill project.
GOAL 2:Development, redevelopment and infill support Fountain Hill's small-Town identity and the
distinct character of each area while fostering long-term viability.
POLICIES
1. Require that residential infill is compatible with adjacent residential densities and development
form to protect the character of residential neighborhoods.
,. 2. Require higher density/intensity development adjacent to residential uses to include appropriate
landscape buffers within the setback area when within or adjacent to the Large Lot Residential
and Mixed Neighborhood Residential character types.
3. Support a mix of residential, employment, and commercial uses at densities and intensities and
in the development form that reflect the small-Town character of Fountain Hills.
4. Work with adjacent communities to ensure that development along Town boundaries is
compatible with the character of Fountain Hills.
5. Strongly encourage a wide range of housing types,densities and prices to support the current and
projected populations (particularly families and working professionals) and to ensure the future
stock of affordable housing for all income ranges.
6. Require that development, redevelopment, and infill conform with Exhibit 2, Character Aras Plan
map, and Table 1.
7. Continue to encourage the Fountain Hills art to flourish by supporting quality public art.
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GOAL 3:Monitor development, revitalization, redevelopment and infill.
POLICIES
1. Continue to update the Land Use Analysis and Statistical Report on an annual basis.
2. Assess existing conditions, including the utility infrastructure, and implement viable solutions
related to infill, revitalization, and redevelopment of the commercial land and existing uses
along Shea Boulevard, Saguaro Boulevard, and the northern portion of Fountain Hills Boulevard.
3. Continue to monitor and prioritize the development of existing commercially zoned lands and
the renovation of underutilized commercial buildings.
GOAL 4:Allow the Town Center to achieve its full potential.
POLICIES
1. Market the Town Center to attract a variety of employment, office, cultural, institutional, mixed-
4 kihs, use, lodging, commercial, entertainment and recreational opportunities.
2. Attract and retain small and medium sized businesses to mixed-use projects in the Town Center
to promote day and evening activities.
3. Require mixed-use development within Town Center to incorporate commercial or office uses at
the street level,with high-density residential on upper floors.
4. Continue to locate municipal and civic offices in the Town Center.
5. Assess opportunities for reconfiguring underutilized surface parking in the Town Center to open
land for development within that area.
6. Update the Downtown Specific Plan to reflect the policy direction of this General Plan.
7. Continue to support the Farmers Market and Community Garden located in the Town Center.
8. Review and update zoning ordinances as necessary to require buildings in the Town Center to
meet urban design standards.
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GOAL 5: Preserve open space and maintain strict guidelines for the conservation of natural resources.
POLICIES
1. Continue to preserve steep slopes, hillsides,wash areas and tracts of contiguous open space.
2. Require high-density development to include provisions for open space that include
native/drought tolerant landscapes.
3. Support physical connectivity by requiring new development to provide linkages to trails,
sidewalks, bicycle routes, and shared paths.
4. Support visual connectivity by requiring new development to protect scenic views, incorporating
view corridors as an element of site design.
5. Continue to consider additional opportunities to connect open space and trail system with the
Maricopa County McDowell Mountain Regional Park regional trail system in a manner that
protects natural assets, minimizes potential environmental degradation and discourages
motorized vehicular traffic.
GOAL 6: Position current State Trust Land to sustain feasible future growth.
POLICIES
1. Coordinate efforts with ASLD and utility providers to position State Trust Land to sustain feasible
growth by preparing a conceptual land use and circulation plan based on a feasibility analysis to
determine viability prior to the release of those lands for sale.
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P&Z reviews General Plan 7
Wesley said this plan eluding large lot, mixed b
By Bob Burns is taking a different ap- neighborhood or urban.It g
Times ReFiorter preach than previous Gen- would also allow for uses n
eral Plans. He said the such as schools,parks and a
Aiming for a sched- town would be defined by churches. The objective ti
uled public open house on various"character"areas of the plan is to maintain a
Wednesday,Nov. 20,the rather than depending on the existing character and J
Planning and Zoning Com- land use definitions,which alloof existing r the
of n
mission began a review he said
will offer flexibility
of the draft General Plan in planning. e
document at its regular State statute require- us es.Vice Chairman Peter e
session on Sept.26. ments are integrated into Gray asked Wesley wheth-The Town of Fountain the plan to allow for ad- er it would be a good idea f
Hills is currently in the dressing issues
es"holisti- to an includeel ed redevelopment Gen j
midst oftoupdating m itsy en- offer
eral Plan to comply with He added that the over- oral Plan."Can we offer
the state requirement that arching principle is to guidance regarding
the plan be updated and achieve the vision by in- velopment parcels?"Gray
sent to voters for ratifica- tegrating neighborhoods, asked. there would '
tion at least every 10 years. environment and thi the eving be con- Wesley
said to the draft
The last update went o the omy before the November open
voters in 2010 and the new community.
version is slated to be on The character approach house,but said that is an
l'. theballot for the November defines difsrentd areas s issue
ered that can be consid-
2020 election. use,building height,lot Following the open
Commissioner Su- . house
san Dempster, who has coverage and circulation and councal inp ut ssion there
served chairman the system. ublic
past twoo years, wanted The plan focuses on the will be a 60-day p
efore a
to emphasize the need for characteti lity tor respond to both revised ver but allows flex- comment sion ion wieriod ll be pre-
in"Ic.
I can't say enough how concerns,Wesley said.market sented to the commission
and council for hearings,
important this is,"Demp- approved
t ster said. "The General Proposed character recommendation andap-
oPlannce has significant influ- Hills incareas lude n primary untain very on goes to thval.The final oters
ence on development." gateway for ratification in"IThe plan]is going to and secondary g
Novem-
assist[officials]in making neighborhoods, residen- ber0 Plan information is
development recommends- tial neighborhoods, com for review-
v vices Director Development hn W sley Sheae gateway, Saguaro t wn's town center, available
fh azgo the
y.
told the commission. Boulevard,natural open
r There is a vision pro- space, golf courses and
posal that describes the State Trust Land is
Fountain Hills as a defined as development
unique small town within reserve
lan will describe
the Sonoran Desert with P
mountain views and a each character areand with
welcoming nature that its primary
uses com-
presents in many events, plementary uses. For ex- I first rememberW
le, a residential area to lose levels required for a
activitiesl, nn anda recreation-hopp maamy be defined by one of
al, dining and shopping three subcategories in- reservoirs.They began by r
options. of us still don't use that free
was to put a brid(in your t
bricks,as the tanks then
Discovery Center only permitted watering thi
beginning of a new busine
tables were less fret
event Oct. 16 water For decades rov
The committee plan- campaign, according to g devices.ning the Arizona Dark committee Co-Chair Joe kitchen water-saving faucets,i n
gallon I
Sky Discovery Center for Bill.Fountain Hills will hold a There will be a star
special washers in them,e
8A /THE FOUNTAIN HILLS TIMES/October 2, 2019
Local sign regulation .
,...- discussed at P&Z
By Bob Burns the Supreme Court ruling." , �
Times Reporter He said the biggest chal-
lenge for the town is to
update the code related to
The Planning and Zoning temporary signs including ,
Commission opened a pub- garage sale signs, for sale t-
lic hearing and discussed signs and open house signs.
proposed amendments to State law has preempted
the sign regulations in the most local regulation of
Zoning Ordinance on Sept. political signs. N
26. However, the commis- The current ordinance
sion did not take action provides for separate cat-
and continued the hearing egories for garage sale
until its next session on and open house signs.The
Thursday, Oct. 10. amendment proposes to
There were no members designate a single category
of the public at the meeting for"residential directional
to comment on the pro- signs."
posal. "The new regulations
Development Services are a combination of the
Director John Wesley told requirements in the code
the commission that staff today for the two types of
is reviewing the sign or- signs,"Wesley said. Ataco Mayor
dinance in its entirety to Commission Vice Chair-
assure that it is compliant man Peter Gray asked Mayor Oscar Oliverio Gomez
with a 2015 Supreme Court Wesley whether the town Hills Sister Cities Committee
decision related to a case is working on an "honor those him were,froi
out of Gilbert,Ariz. system" due to limited re- those
greeting El Salvador,Sis
In the case of Reed v. sources for enforcement. emeritusr C to ll Salvador.
an Mike Sis
Town of Gilbert the court Wesley said a second
ruled that local sign regu- code enforcement officer
lations cannot be based on has been added to staff
the content or message pre- and enforcement coverage Court Ilia]
sented on the sign. Signs is improved.
can only be regulated based Commissioner Susan
on physical characteristics Dempster asked for clarifi- Under a recent court-
' of the sign such as size, cation regarding placement ordered injunction six na-
location or material,among in medians. She said there tional forests, including
others,Wesley said. is some confusion regard- Tonto National Forest,
"There are several ex- ing medians that separate have suspended permit
amples in the town's sign major streets from busi- sales for collecting fuel
ordinance where the regu- ness or residential access wood because a federal or-
1 lations are based on the roads. der related to a threatened
content of the sign,"Wesley Wesley said he would owl.
said in his written report address the concerns and U.S. District Judge Ra-
to the commission."There- have the ordinance ready ner Collins' Sept. 11 order
fore, the town has started for commission consider- halted tree-cutting activi-
a process to review and ation at its Oct. 10 session. ties in the six forests un-
update the entire sign ordi- The public hearing will also
nance to be compliant with continue.
Women Sc
Tonto Forest lifts The USDA, Forest Ser-
vice,Tonto National Forest
is looking for career-fo-
f ire restrictions cused en who want
to protect land preserve
Campfire, smoking and and developed recreation America's public lands by
target shooting restrictions areas of the Tonto National training to become on-call
on the Tonto National For- Forest. wildland firefighters for
est have been lifted. Forest Supervisor Neil the 2020 fire season.
The fire restrictions, Bosworth said the public The on-call positions
which covered the entire is asked to help prevent will provide support to
forest,are no longer needed wildfires by making sure wildland fire operations
because fire danger may lea
has campfires are completely during d
fire season and
to fut}ire em-
hePn reducedliv recentrain out. _, ...._„_.. .:.:at. '41., t;...,o+