HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ.2021.0712.MinutesTOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE FOUNTAIN HILLS PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JULY 12, 2021
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Peter Gray; Vice Chairman Scott Schlossberg (telephonically);
Commissioner Jessie Brunswig; Commissioner Clayton Corey;
Commissioner Dan Kovacevic; Commissioner Roderick Watts, Jr.
Absent: Commissioner Susan Dempster
Staff John Wesley , Development Services Director; Farhad Tavassoli, Senior
Present: Planner; Paula Woodward, Executive Assistant
2. CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Chairman Gray called the meeting of July 12, 2021, to order at 6:00 p.m.
3. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
None
4. CONSIDERATION OF approving the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning
Commission May 10, 2021.
MOVED BY Commissioner Dan Kovacevic, SECONDED BY Commissioner Clayton
Corey to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission
May 10, 2021.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
5. CONSIDERATION OF a Special Use Permit to allow four residential units at an existing
building located at 16842, 16843, 16844 and 16845 E. Avenue of the Fountains
(generally located north of Avenue of the Fountains, between Saguaro Blvd. and Verde
River Dr.) and in the C-2 (Intermediate Commercial) Zoning District and the
Entertainment Overlay District. SU 2021-04
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of July 12, 2021
Mr. Tavassoli gave a brief PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
Purpose
Location
Request
Review standards
Staff Recommendation
Mr. Tavassoli explained that this was an application for a Special Use Permit at 16842,
16843, 16844 and 16845 East Avenue of the Fountains. Currently it is a vacant
building which would be remodeled to allow two residential units on the 2 nd floor
and two residential units on the ground floor. A portion of the first floor, facing the
Avenue is occupied by the restaurant Sofrita's. No additional on-site parking would be
required in Plat 208. This property is zoned C-2 and is within the Planned Shopping
Center and Entertainment Overlay District.
Mr. Tavassoli said that the proposed property use ties in with the Fountain Hills
General Plan 2020. The plan calls for thriving neighborhoods that encourage a broad
range of housing types and densities consistent with the character area. He said that
this downtown area is a highly integrated mix of uses where this underutilized
property could benefit from a long term use for commercial and residential. He
reminded the commission that the residential use on the second floor is allowed by
right and the two units on the ground floor are the subject of the SUP.
He concluded that staff recommends approval.
In response to Commissioner Watts, Mr. Tavassoli replied that Sofrita's business hours
were not discussed with the applicant. The parking allocation for the buildings in Plat
208 already exist. The parking spaces for the residential units are two spaces per unit.
Commissioner Brunswig asked if the property owner has tried to secure businesses for
the commercial space before deciding to split the property to residential and
commercial use.
Stan Connick, project architect, explained to the Commission that he thinks this is a
neat project because it allows for underutilized property to become part of a thriving
downtown area. It creates a better mix then what is currently there now. The units are
reasonably small, around 1,000 square feet. The floor plans are typical with fresh and
cool interiors. There will not be too much change to the exterior. The client is
purchasing the building with the condition of an approved Special Use Permit.
In response to Commissioner Schlossberg the applicant said that they are looking to
invest and repurpose the property. They intend to sell the four units individually.
In response to Chairman Gray, Mr. Tavassoli replied that staff did not receive any
feedback or responses to the mailer notifications regarding the project. Public notices
were mailed and posted to the Fountain Hills Times and the property. The notification
mailer sent to the Park Place apartments were sent to the Park Place owners since the
units are leased. Mr. Tavassoli stated that the courtyard is a common element for Plat
208. Any change in use of the courtyard would probably go through the review
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of July 12, 2021
process with the Plat 208 Association.
Chairman Gray opened the public hearing.
Chairman Gray closed the public hearing.
MOVED BY Commissioner Jessie Brunswig, SECONDED BY Commissioner Clayton
Corey to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve the Special Use
Permit to allow four residential units at an existing building located at 16842,
16843,16844, 16845 East Avenue of the Fountains.
Vote: 4 - 2
NAY: Chairman Peter Gray
Commissioner Dan Kovacevic
HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER Ordinance number 21-02, establishing
Section 2.08, Citizen Participation, in the Zoning Ordinance.Case Z2020-12
Mr. Wesley said that this agenda item was continued from the last meeting in order
to research and provide information that the Commission requested to make possible
adjustments to the ordinance. Mr. Wesley said that this is a proposed ordinance for a
new section in the Zoning Ordinance. The reason for the new section, "Citizen
Participation" is to require applicants to engage community participate early in the
development process. Currently the only requirement is for a public notice be sent to
property owners within 300 feet of the development project, public notification
published in the local newspaper and a poster display on the property. By the time the
applicant gets to the public hearing stage it becomes difficult to make changes or
modifications to a proposal. By starting the process earlier property owners near the
development have an opportunity to be informed about the proposed project and
provide feedback to the developer.
Mr. Wesley gave a PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
Background
Proposed section 2.08
Previous Discussions / Changes
Implementation Guidelines
Staff Recommendations
Mr. Wesley said that the proposed new Section 2.08 zoning ordinance would include:
• Section A of the ordinance requires that the applicant submit a Citizen
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Participation Plan with their application. The Plan needs to state who they are
going to contact (at a minimum this is the property owners in the required
public hearing notice area), a general description of how interested persons can
obtain information about the proposed development, how the applicants plans
to contact those on the contact list, a description of the schedule for
implementation of the plan, and a statement as to how the applicant will keep
the Town informed of comments received.
• Section B of the ordinance requires the applicant to file a Citizen Participation
Report prior to the item going to its first public hearing. The Report must
describe any issues or concerns raised and how they were addressed (which can
be a statement that they did not make any changes), include a list of people
who made contact with the applicant through the citizen participation process,
and provide a description of all input received from interested parties
• Section C of the ordinance lists the type of information that needs to be
supplied to the public when they are notified of the proposal to ensure they
have a picture of what is being proposed.
• Section D of the ordinance states that if the Development Services Director
determines the ordinance was not followed or the efforts to work with the
public were insufficient to provide meaningful public input, that the application
can be postponed, rescheduled, or denied.
• Section E of the ordinance makes it clear that the information and notices
published regarding the Citizen Participation Ordinance are different from the
public hearing notices that occur prior to a hearing.
He stated that staff took into consideration the commissions concerns and comments
from the last meeting which were:
• To reduce the Homeowner's Associations or registered neighborhoods to be
included in the notification regarding the planned development to those with
property within the standard notification area (300'). Staff has made that
change in Section A. 1. B
• Include virtual meetings in the options for informing citizens and receiving
feedback. That was an option in the previous draft ordinance, but not
specifically listed. Section A. 3. now specifically lists this as one of the options.
There was also some discussion of making a virtual meeting a requirement.
Staff has chosen to not make it a requirement in the ordinance. This is because
of the range of types of cases that might have to implement a citizen
participation plan. We have, however, added a set of guidelines to be used
along with the ordinance. Those guidelines are attached. Those guidelines
encourage virtual meetings, especially for larger projects and applications being
processed during the summer months when many residents are out of town.
• Require a checklist of ordinance requirements to demonstrate the
development will comply with all ordinances, or highlight which ones will not be
met, so they can be recognized and discussed. This one was more challenging
for a number of reasons. Citizen Participation Plans will be required with
general plan amendments, rezoning, and special use permits. Only the special
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use permit application requires a site plan. Therefore, at this stage of a project
the developer may not know what site plan challenges they may have that
would result in a need to deviate from the ordinance. We do not want to create
a false sense that just because no deviations were listed at this point that there
will not be some in the future. Further, there are so many ordinances that a list
would be very long and cumbersome to put together and use. As an
alternative, staff has added a new Section C. 4. which requires the applicant to
include "a list of any identified deviations from standard ordinance
requirements being considered or requested for the development." This will at
least get the applicant, staff, and citizens thinking about the topic and
considering any potential issues.
• Require staff to attend any meetings held between the applicant and
neighbors. There is a concern that the applicant may not paint a clear picture of
the project or properly represent commitments made during the meeting. The
challenges with this approach are that, given the nature of the application there
may not be organized meetings, some information flow can happen out side of
an organized meeting, and the emphasis is to create dialogue between the
applicant and neighbors - having staff in a meeting tends to shift the emphasis
and have staff be the go between. As an alternative, staff has included in the
guidelines that staff is to be notified of any meetings and the option to attend.
This provides flexibility to the individual situation without making it an
ordinance requirement.
Mr. Wesley concluded that he hoped the Commission had the opportunity to review
the revised implementation guidelines. The guidelines allow the applicant to view
examples of guidelines in hopes of making it easy to implement the ordinance. It
would also allow the applicant to make reasonable changes to address concerns so
those would not have to be addressed at the required public hearing. The applicant is
not obligated to make recommended changes but to report the input received and
how they responded. He said staff recommends approval and he would be happy to
take any questions from the Commission.
Commissioner Brunswig made a suggestion to put a statement in the ordinance to
clarify Citizen Participation Plans and public hearings — they are two different types of
meetings. She also provided to Mr. Wesley a "markup" draft of the plan.
Commissioner Kovacevic said that he is in favor of the ordinance. It is good business
for the builders to speak with the neighbors. It's an opportunity to make life better for
everybody. He would like to see the word "continuous" removed from the ordinance.
He does not see how it is a continuous feedback process.
Mr. Wesley agreed and said that the word "continuous" would be removed.
Commissioner Watts suggested that staff should attend the public meetings in case
the situation become contentious. Staff would also be available to answer questions
asked by the public. Commissioner Watts suggested small changes in the guidelines
that the code requirements read as "should be."
Mr. Wesley replied that the guidelines are very flexible. Any comments or changes to
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guidelines are easy to make.
Ted Blank, Fountain Hills resident, Board Member of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky, told
the Commission he appreciates the Commission considering the new ordinance and
affirmed how important the amendment is to keeping the dark skies dark. He said that
"Commercial outdoor lighting is available in many styles, including what are called
"Dark Sky Friendly" designs. These are designs that ensure that all light is directed
downward and that the actual "luminaire" or light -emitting component is not visible
from outside the property. Unfortunately, this element of design is frequently
overlooked when architects and designers are choosing outdoor lighting for their
projects. The result is outdoor fixtures which produce glare, shine onto adjacent
properties or drivers in the street, and light up the sky for no reason. By the time the
legally required Public Hearings are scheduled, outdoor lighting is typically already
specified in the design, and may even be ordered and in a warehouse waiting to be
installed. If those lights turn out to be in violation of Fountain Hills existing lighting
ordinances, it's going to be a costly fix to replace them. An example of a situation like
this can be seen at the Morningstar Assisted Living facility. When construction was
well underway he reviewed the lighting plan and confirmed that the outer perimeter
parking lot lights were clearly specified to be ordered with curved rear shields to keep
the light from those perimeter fixtures from spilling out onto the street and shining
into the eyes of drivers. For whatever reason the shields were either not ordered or
not installed. An early design review would have discussed these shields with the
developers and stressed how important they were, increasing the chances that they
would have been properly ordered and installed. By the way, those lights remain
unshielded today, almost five years later. The opportunity to review plans at the
earliest possible stage will be a boon to both citizens and developers, as it will ensure
that appropriate lighting is specified at the beginning and avoiding expensive rework.
However, it is possible that at the very early stages of review, the exact manufacturer
and model of outdoor lighting fixtures for a project may not have been decided on.
Please ensure that citizens can stay involved all through the design process. A single
opportunity to review plans may not give citizens the opportunity to weigh in on
important decisions which may be made at a later date."
Larry Meyers, Fountain Hills resident said that he supports the ordinance. He said
that it will clean up a lot of messes before they ever get in front of the Commission. If
the Town had it four years ago things would have been a lot happier than what
transpired.
Ed Stizza, Fountain Hills resident, said that this is a very important process and
important for the applicant to hear what the public has to say about a project. He said
he supports this ordinance and said it was too bad this was not around when the
medical facility came to town. He expressed concern about one of the Town's capital
projects, the installation of a crosswalk at Saguaro and Tower. His concern was the
crosswalk lights conflicting with the Dark Sky Ordinance. He suggested that a timer be
used on the lights.
The following Fountain Hills residents submitted comments electronically and stated
they support the proposed Citizen Participation Ordinance.
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Jill Blank wrote, "I am in support of this ordinance. Citizens should be allowed to
provide comments and input prior to development changes and prior to design
planning. Thank you."
Frank T Bye Sr wrote, "The Fountain Hills zoning ordinance currently does not include
a required citizen participation process early in the design phase. It is proposed that
such a requirement be added to our zoning ordinance. I'm in favor of this being added
to the zoning ordinance."
Mary Courtney, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "I strongly support a requirement be
added to the zoning ordinance for Citizen Participation early in the builder/developer
design phase. "Daybreak" is a sad reminder how important this is."
Cindy Couture, Fountain Hills resident, wrote,"Early citizen input on issues is essential
for saving time and money for developer and town staff as well as keeping citizens'
needs in mind. Please vote for early citizen participation."
David Dunham, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "I support this ordinance."
Karen Farkas, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "In my opinion, it is more cost-effective
for all concerned to have citizen input as early in a planning process as possible.
Delaying input until close to the end of the approval process means that some aspects
of the project may be very difficult to change, particularly without incurring significant
costs. My main concerns are with lighting and noise, although I will admit that I am
also concerned with the visual aspect - particularly after the color fiasco with the
apartments on the Avenue of the Fountains. Thank you for reading my comments into
the record."
Charles Holmes, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "Citizens often feel they are left out of
the planning process, not being afforded the opportunity to provide meaningful
input. I believe this ordinance will go a long way to correct this. The earlier in the
process that input can be offered will help improve the final plan. Please give positive
consideration to this improvement in the process. Thank you."
Clyde Hurtig, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, he was in support of the proposed
ordinance and his "Concerns are light, noise and odor."
Nora Leone, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "Please amend the proposal process to
require citizen input early in the approval process. This can help ensure that lighting
for new projects will not interfere with Fountain Hill's designation as a dark sky
community. We are so lucky to be one of the few communities worldwide with that
designation, but some contractors and site planners may not be aware of how the
lighting they choose impacts that status, thank you for reading my request."
Cathy Sumard, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "The Fountain Hills zoning ordinance
currently does not include a required citizen participation process early in the design
phase. I recommend that such a requirement be added to our zoning ordinance. Early
in the process it is generally easier to impact the design of the property and buildings
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before a lot of design decisions are made and costs are incurred in the design process.
The goal of the ordinance is to ensure a person owning property near a proposed
development has the opportunity to be informed early in the design of a proposed
development and provide early comments. Vote Yes!"
Robert Wilson, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "I am in full agreement that a required
citizen participation process early in the design phase be added to our zoning
ordinance. This includes outdoor lighting, which is critical to retaining the town's
designation as a Dark Sky community!"
Peggy Yeargain, Fountain Hills resident, wrote, "I support the adoption of this
ordinance allowing residents to participate in early design reviews."
Chairman Gray closed the public hearing.
In response to Chairman Gray Mrs. Wesley replied that the Citizen Participation
Ordinance applies to the applications that require a public hearing process. Most site
plans would not require a citizen participation since it is administratively reviewed and
there is no public hearing process.
Chairman Gray stated that the perception may be that more applications will go
through the Citizen Participation Ordinance process than those required. Never the
less the big ticket items are processed through the proposed ordinance. Stakeholders
and property owners will have an opportunity to provide input. Chairman Gray stated
that since there was so much interest from the Dark Sky Community regarding this
ordinance, is there a way to involve them in the process.
Mr. Wesley replied that Chapter 8 of the Zoning Ordinance lays out all the standards
and requirements pertaining to the dark sky lighting ordinance. The Dark Sky
Committee could be included in the notification list. This would include the Dark
Sky Committee but not require feedback from them. This could be added to the
required list for the ordinance or guidelines. He also suggested that Chapter 8 could
be revised to include the Dark Sky where they could provide feedback to the applicant
and Chairman Gray agreed.
Dan Kovacevic stated that the dark sky lighting requirements are on the plan but the
Planning and Zoning Commission cannot enforce that it actually happens.
Mr. Wesley said that through the planning and building review process any
noncompliance is called out and required to be corrected in order to get permit
approval. This would include dark sky noncompliance. He said he was unaware of the
dark sky lighting issue at the Morningstar mentioned earlier in the evening by Ted
Blank. Mr. Wesley said he would research this issue further. As Dark Sky complaints
come in they are addressed by staff.
Commissioner Brunswig pointed out that if accommodations are made for one group
what would prevent additional groups from wanting to be part of the ordinance.
Mr. Wesley said that's a good point. If the Dark Sky Ordinance is amended it would
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allow the Dark Sky Committee to participate and provide feedback to the applicant
and the Town.
Commissioner Corey stated that the Dark Sky Committee helps the Town support the
ordinance. He said that it was clear from the public speakers and comments that the
community supports the dark sky. He said that staff should attend the citizen
participation meeting to help facilitate and ensure the developer follows through on
the plan. He asked, "How does the public stay involved throughout the whole review
process?"
Mr. Wesley replied that the developer is responsible for providing detailed meeting
reports to the Town. The neighbors have an opportunity to comment on how the
meeting transpired. If there is a conflict then staff would assist with a resolution. Staff
would review a plan submittal and ensure the developer/applicant is holding the
amount of meetings and providing public feedback appropriate to that particular
project. The meetings could be held virtual, in person or one on one such as a door to
door campaign. In regards, to a checklist, Mr. Wesley replied that staff currently does
not have plans to use one. A checklist of everything in the ordinance would be so
large and impossible to apply.
In response to Chairman Gray Mr. Wesley replied that a note could be added to the
text amendment that staff requires additional meetings.
Discussion ensued regarding the stipulations to the ordinance.
In response to Commissioner Watts, Mr. Wesley confirmed that the Dark Sky
Ordinance is in compliance with the dark sky community requirements. The Town
prepares an annual dark sky compliance report that includes light level readings.
MOVED BY Chairman Peter Gray, SECONDED BY Commissioner Clayton Corey to
forward a recommendation to Town Council to approve Ordinance 21-02, establishing
Section 2.08, Citizen Participation, in the Zoning Ordinance.
Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously
7. HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDER Ordinance 21-06 amending the Zoning
Ordinance, Chapter 1 to change the definition of hospital and Chapter 12 to provide for
hospitals as a permitted use. Z 2021-01
Mr. Wesley explained that this agenda item (#7) was continued from the April 12,
2021 and May 10, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission agendas for consideration
of alternative zoning allowances.
Mr. Wesley gave a PowerPoint presentation which addressed:
Purpose
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Proposed Text Amendment
Staff Recommendation
He said the purpose of this agenda item is to update the zoning ordinance to reflect
the decision that was already made by Town Council and to list hospitals as a
permitted use in the Town. The Commission's recommendation to allow hospitals in
a C-1 zoning district was supported by Town Council. C-1 zoning for a recent
application was subject to approval with a Special Use Permit for the 24-hour
operation of the hospital. Although the recent hospital applicant was allowed in the
C-1 zoning district, the Commission expressed concern at a previous meeting
regarding hospitals allowed in the C-1 zoning district. The zoning is such that a
hospital in a C-1 zoning district would need a SUP in order to operate beyond the
mandated hours. Also the Town Council has the authority to decide which zoning
district a use should be permitted. At the May 10, 2021 meeting the Commission
expressed concern about what is meant by the term "hospital." Staff heard the
Commission's request to see a definition that would limit or prohibit the opportunity
for behavioral health or substance abuse facilities to be considered a hospital and
allowed in this zoning. Staff researched other communities in Arizona to see what
zoning districts were used to allow hospitals. Most communities allowed them in
similar districts to the Town's C-1 and C -C by right or through a conditional use
permit. None of the communities excluded hospitals from the typical
neighborhood -office and commercial zoning districts.
Mr. Wesley explained that the proposed ordinances option one, would allow hospitals
in the C-1 and C -C zoning districts with approval of a SUP for hours between 11:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and in the C-2 and C-3 by right. Option two would be hospitals in
C-2 and C-3 only. The proposed ordinance would also address the concern regarding
the definition of hospital by stating facilities operating as behavioral health hospitals
or detoxification facilities would not be included. Staff recommends approval of the
modified hospital definition and option one allowing hospitals in the C-1 and C -C with
a SUP and in the C-2 and C-3 by right.
In response to Commissioner Watts Mr. Wesley said that there are no time limits of
care listed in the zoning ordinance. Those regulations would probably come from
other state rules or Medicare guidelines. Mr. Wesley said that he was not aware of
any detox facilities in Fountain Hills. There are sober living homes in Fountain Hills
that fall under the group home classification. There is one treatment facility,
outpatient treatment where patients recovering from chemical dependencies go
during the day. Any types of those facilities are not hospitals so they don't fit into this
definition.
Chairman Gray said that often in marketing campaigns the word hospital is used for
sober living and detox centers even though they are not hospitals. Under the
ordinance they are recognized as sober living.
Commissioner Corey stated that he struggles with the understanding that a hospital is
classified this way but not behavioral health.
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Mr. Wesley replied that to protect the interest of the town and looking to other
municipalities ordinances, specific sub categories were created. Someday when the
Town receives an application for a behavioral health facility this same process will
take place.
Chairman Gray opened the public hearing.
Crystal Kavanaugh said that she supports the tightening up and specifying the hospital
definition to protect Fountain Hills. She expressed concern regarding the proposed
definition language not being detailed enough regarding behavioral health. Behavioral
health should be excluded from C-2 and C-3. She asked that the definition be very
clear so that future applications would not be misled. She suggested perhaps the
town's attorney should review to ensure every aspect and the intention is covered.
Dr. Schleifer, Fountain Hills Medical Center, told the Commission that the proposed
ordinance definition is spot on. He explained the difference between acute behavioral
health crisis and long-term behavioral health care. He said that emergent behavioral
health cannot be deleted from a hospital definition because it is provided in an
emergency situation. Some examples would be suicide, alcohol withdrawal and drug
overdose. After these emergency situations are stabilized, the patient is transferred to
a behavioral health facility. He said that he works at the largest hospital system in the
valley and they do not provide in house behavioral health services. Fountain Hills
Medical Center (hospital) is not licensed to provide in house behavioral health
services.
Cindy Golisch, Fountain Hills Medical Center, said that they were very comfortable
with the proposed ordinance definition.
Larry Meyers, Fountain Hills resident, said that he agreed with Dr. Schleifer. He said
that the roots of this discussion did not stem from the hospital at Trevino and Saguaro
Blvd. It stems from a detoxification center where people's treatment reoccurs.
Sub -acute detoxification and behavioral health is something this town does not want.
He referenced a facility at 28th street and Cactus where people live in their cars on an
adjacent property to the sub -acute treatment facility. He said that people often show
up at these facilities for treatment hanging around until they are admitted. Usually if
there is a detox facility there are sober living homes. The patients are released to
somewhere such as a sober living home. Fountain Hills already has a number of these
homes. He said he liked the idea of excluding behavioral health in the definition so it
cannot be lumped in with the hospitals.
Chairman Gray closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensured relative to specific types of outpatient behavioral health services
and zoning districts.
Mr. Wesley said that there are a lot of questions regarding the current code. He said
that his intention is to review and update the codes.
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Chairman Gray suggested word changes to the proposed ordinance.
Chairman Gray asked for a vote.
MOVED BY Chairman Peter Gray, SECONDED BY Commissioner Jessie Brunswig to
forward a recommendation to the Town Council to approve Ordinance 21-06 to utilize
the base language allowing for hospitals under the proposed definition across C-1, C -C,
C-2 and C-3 zoning districts and also with the proposed text amendment, to the
definition of hospital, specifically sentence four — " This definition shall not include nor
provisions for outpatient and inpatient services defined or classified under the umbrella
of behavioral health including chemical dependency with the exception of the
emergent, initial point of care treatment typical of an emergency department."
Vote: 5 - 1
NAY: Commissioner Clayton Corey
8. CONSIDERATION OF Ordinance 21-11, amending Section 11-1-7, Noise, of the Town
Code. Z 2021-03
Mr. Wesley explained that normally proposed changes to the Town Code do not go
before the Planning and Zoning Commission but felt it would be helpful to receive
the Commissions' input. The noise ordinance has been challenging to enforce
regarding party house noise. The current ordinance is not enforceable by the
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The Town, the Town attorney and the Maricopa
County Sheriff's Office met to review and suggest changes in order to better address
noise complaints pertaining to the party houses.
Mr. Wesley gave a PowerPoint presentation that addressed:
Purpose/Background
Purposed Text Amendment
A — amended Purpose to broaden the usage of this section of the ordinance
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote the health and general welfare of
the citizens and businesses of the Town by balancing the need to protect the peace
and quiet enjoyment of residential neighborhoods and business districts FROM
UNNECESSARY, UNUSUAL, OR UNREASONABLE NOISE THAT IS EXCESSIVE,
DISRUPTIVE, AND/OR ANNOYING AGAINST THE NEED TO PROMOTE AND
ENCOURAGE COMMERCIAL, BUSINESS, AND RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY, MAINTENANCE,
AND against unreeisonable noise with the legitimate goal of promoting 2111d
rowth in the community.
A — amended Purpose to broaden the usage of this section of the ordinance
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote the health and general welfare of
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