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Please read this bulletin carefully. A significant portion of this edition has been dedicated to informing you about recently adopted zoning ordinance amendments and proposed updates to the zoning ordinance, subdivisions ordinance, Design Standards & Policies Manual (DS&PM), and other ordinance and policy documents. Some of the approved and/or proposed changes provide clarification and flexibility while others eliminate allowed uses or create new restrictions.
Questions? We’re here to help! Contact Customer Service at 480-312-7800 or email PlanningInfo@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
Inside this issue:
Headlines
Advance Planning Iniatives
New Processes
Service Enhancements
Staffing Changes
Upcoming Events
News to Know
Building Codes Update
Scottsdale is on track to adopt the 2006 family of codes (except the plumbing code) in July 2007. Adoption in July will mean they go into effect in August - so please plan your projects accordingly.
Questions or Comments? Contact Plan Review at 480-312-7080 or email PlanningInfo@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
Our Web Site is Changing
The City of Scottsdale will be migrating our web site to a content management system in the next few months to become better equipped to maintain an up-to-date, relevant site.
Due to the requirements of the new software, we will need to reorganize portions of our site. We don’t want to loose or confuse you, so please e-mail PlanningInfo@ScottsdaleAZ.gov to let use know:
• which pages you use most frequently
• how you access those pages.
Ordinance Updates
Sign Ordinance Update
New Policies Effective April 20, 2007
On March 20th, the City Council approved a text amendment (12-TA-2006, with additional language), that updates the city’s Sign Ordinance.
- Temporary signage (on private property) for open house directional signage allowed within 1 mile of the for sale property.
- A prohibition of off-premise subdivision, condominium and multi-family directional signs as well as master planned community off-premise directional signs.
- Banner signs have been removed as an allowed use.
The city has developed several tip sheets for various sign types, including the recent changes to the open house signage regulations.
...More Info....
Temporary Fencing Requirements
On March 6, 2007 the City Council approved 9-TA-2007, which established procedures and standards regarding the use of temporary/security fencing on sites with construction activity, occupied buildings, on undisturbed land, on revegetated land, around vacant buildings, on vacant sites, and for the purposes of an approved special event permit.
...More Info...
Subdivision Ordinance Revisions
During the past 12 months, the City has been preparing an update to the subdivision ordinance to ensure compliance with state law and acknowledgement of 21st century construction conditions. In addition to bringing this ordinance into compliance with state law, the proposed changes will resolve process inconsistencies and provide clarity on the city’s land division submittal requirements.
...More Info...
Recent Changes to the ESL Ordinance
Effective October 2006, an opportunity was created to 1) reduce the 15 ft side yard setback to 10 ft and 2) apply for limited amended development standards. This allows for some flexibility in the placement of the home on a lot in order to offset the wall setback; however, the flexibility will be tied to the goals and intent of the ESLO and it will be important to have environmental features on the property that help to justify such flexibility.
Effective March 2007 two text amendments were adopted, including the prohibition of site grading and other disturbance of natural desert areas until there are approved site plans and Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) has been established. In conjunction with this change, the penalties and remedies section of the ESLO has been updated.
...More Info...
2007 Major General Plan Amendments
Three pre-applications were submitted to the city for the 2007 Major General Plan cycle. Pre-applications are general in nature and are subject to change, and are not considered cases until a formal submittal is received.
...More Info... |
2007 Design Standards & Policies Update
The revision cycle for 2007 has begun, and the list of anticipated changes is fairly long, with several issues flagged already for incorporation into the 2008 update.
One the items under review is the requirement to provide aggregate base course (ABC) under curb and gutter for consistent subgrade. Another will require all new pavement be machine placed, and eliminate option for hand-worked asphalt. A number of other changes and updates are proposed.
A tentative listing of the revisions (subject to change) is posted online at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Design/DSPM/. Also online - sign up to an email list for DS&PM news and opportunities for input.
For next year, we’re looking at incorporating changes approved through the Transportation Master Plan, the new Subdivisions Ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance Update, the Downtown Plan and the community planning areas defined through the General Plan 2011 update process.
You Need to Know: The Subdivision Ordinance update proposes the adoption of the DS&PM by the Development Review Board. This would go into effect starting in 2008.
Advance Planning Iniatives
2007 Work Plan: Downtown Plan Update Next Steps, 2011 General Plan, etc
...More Info...
Planning Areas
The web site has been updated with a new Community Planning Areas map showing the 6 proposed areas. (The former “Greater Airpark” area has been split into an area for the airpark and a “Master Planned Communities” area. )
In addition, staff have posted a Planning Areas Creation Flowchart and a bubble chart showing how various update efforts work towards the 2011 General Plan.
Downtown Plan Update Resources are also posted online.
View it all at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Design/Updates/.
Zoning Ordinance Update: PUD Discussion
The Planning Commission recent began a discussing the development of a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning District for Scottsdale.
As development typologies and building technologies change over time, the need for a more contemporary zoning ordinance that addresses today’s community objectives and development market conditions has emerged in Scottsdale.
The main objectives for the development of a new PUD for Scottsdale are to address the emerging need for contemporary land uses such as mixed use development as well as how development can occur on infill and refill sites in the city. A PUD should:
- Reduce uncertainty regarding new development in a community,
- Ensure that the new development appropriately responds contextually to the surrounding environment, both in land uses and design, and
- Implement the goals and polices of the General Plan.
The Planning Commission will discuss the PUD concept at on April 25, 2007; several community outreach opportunities will follow.
...More Info...
Architects & Planners of Tomorrow
As part of the Your House, My House exhibit that is currently on display in the Civic Center Library, the Advance Planning division hosted a lego ‘Build Your House’ event on Saturday, March 17.
With assistance and guidance from planning staff, 30 children built a City House, Desert House or a House of the Future. All the lego houses are on display in the library for the next few weeks. The Advance Planning team who staffed the event included Susan Conklu, Brian Sarchi, Carrie Wilhelme (and husband Ed Wilhelme), pictured at left, with Connie Padian and John Lusardi.
Your House, My House is an interactive, hands-on traveling exhibit where children and their parents are invited to take a fantastic journey into the homes of people from around the world. The exhibit runs through April 14 at the Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
This exhibition is recommended for children 4-12 years of age. Various exhibits allow attendees to step into model homes, view similarities of homes from around the globe and design and build their own home.
For details, call the library at (480) 312-READ. (480) 312-7323.
New Processes
Proposed Fee Increases
The city of Scottsdale’s FY 2007/08 budget proposes a 2.5% increase in development fees. On May 22, 2007, the Scottsdale City Council will consider adoption of the proposed rate and fee changes.
...More Info...
Fire Plans go Digital!
In April 2007 the Digital Submittal Program expands to Include Deferred Fire Submittals. The following deferred fire submittals will be eligible for digital review:
- Residential fire sprinkler
- Alarm systems for tenant improvements
- Alarm systems for new construction up to 10,000 sq. ft.
- Commercial cooking hoods, and
- Alternative extinguishing systems, i.e. FM 200 (which uses inert gas)
Requirements will be posted online at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/BldgResources/Digital/.
Recent Submittal Requirements Changes
The city recently updated it’s submittal requirements, effective March 1. The primary change is that previously custom home submittals were processed via 1 complete set and 3 additional site plans -- the updated requirements are 3 complete sets and 2 additional site plans. In addition, we simplified and improved consistency across plan types and created a “cheat sheet” web page to help customers remember what to bring in.
Inspections Summer Hours: April 2 - October 26
Starting April 2, the Building Inspections will begin its summer schedule of 6:00 am to 2:30 pm. This schedule will extend until October 26.
Service Enhancements
Forms listing updated
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/BldgResources/Forms/
We’ve recently made several changes in an effort to streamline processes and update forms.
- No more guessing - we have combined submittal packets for custom homes - now there is only one.
- A new fence/wall standard plan packet is available. Now all non-ESL parcels not located within the Cactus Corridor area can use this simplified submittal for fence permits.
- To expedite frequently requested information, such as site plans, FEMA information, etc., requests can now be processed electronically (similar to the setback request form). You can access via the the Forms web page, then click on “Records Request”.
- A new, more comprehensive, flowchart for condo conversions has been created. It includes application for staff approval through plat recording.
- We’ve added additional information in response to questions about the review process for water features.
Zoning Made Simple
Since the code is difficult to navigate and customers are frequently inquiring about one specific zoning district, we have added a resource to the planning & development web site that provides easy access/index for individual zoning districts and summary sheets for single-family zoning: www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Codes/Zoning/Districts/. |
Project Status - Online
Did you know that the city has provided plan review and permit status online for several years now?
To check the status of your project go to ScottsdaleAZ.gov and click on Planning, Building, Zoning. Click on the quick links in the How Do I... box at the left.
Check Plan Review Status
Check Building Permit Status |
Staffing Changes
Department Reorganization Announced
General Manager Frank Gray announced the following organizational changes: The department will now be represented by two divisions (instead of three):
- Development Services which will report to Michael Clack, Chief Development Officer, and
- Planning & Administration, which will report to Connie Padian, Interim Chief Planning & Administration Officer..
The One Stop Shop and Records will become part of Development Services division. Customer Service, Budget, and Technology will continue to report to Connie Padian. Lusia Galav, Current Planning Director, will provide assistance to Frank Gray in his role as Zoning Administrator.
Wendy Hardy Joins the Counter Planning Services Team
Wendy Hardy was recently promoted to Senior Planner and will act as the supervisor of the Counter Planning Services team. She will also assist with walk-in customers with residential zoning questions. Wendy has worked with Current Planning as a Planner and Native Plant Specialist since 1995.
Meet Gary Swinford, Plan Reviewer
Gary Swinford has officially joined the team that helps to conducting over-the-counter reviews of minor single-family remodeling plans. Many of you will recognize him, as he’s been with the city in plan review and has extensive experience in the field as a building inspector.
Upcoming Events
Transportation Master Plan
The implementation of the new Transportation Master Plan will will affect everyone who lives, works and plays in Scottsdale. During the next several months, the Transportation Commission will meet twice a month instead of their usual one time per month. The additional meetings will be work sessions to review sections of the Transportation Master Plan. Be a part of designing your future.
...More Info...
Starting a Successful Small Business?
The city is offering the following FREE workshops designed for those thinking about opening a small business.
...More Info...
Green Building Workshops
Green building advocates responsible use of our natural resources in the design and construction of our built environment. Each of the FREE lectures (3 left this season!) will take place from 7 to 9 PM at the City of Scottsdale, Granite Reef Senior Center located at 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd.
...More info...
FREE Neighborhood College Classes
Whether you’re getting started as a new board member, are a seasoned board member, or just want to keep an eye on what’s happening in your neighborhood, our professional, volunteer instructors invite you to participate in free Neighborhood College classes.
...More Info...
News to Know
Lost Plants Due to Frost?
To replace lost vegetation (in ESL or HD zones) replanting must be consistent with the existing city-approved landscape plan.
Homeowners should reference any applicable neighborhood CC&Rs and the city’s Native Plant Ordinance (www.ScottdaleAZ.gov/Codes/NativePlant/).
Water Conservation Tips for Spring
Humidity Moisture Sensing and Control Products - Humidity moisture sensors override irrigation controllers when the humidity is at a high enough level, indicating that there’s no need to irrigate.
Drip Stop Valves - These offer a permanent replacement to the old-fashioned rubber washers used in most compression faucets. Stopping leaks saves millions of acre-feet of water each year.
Rain Barrels - Rain harvesting is a simple concept. Simply divert water from gutters into a mosquito-proof storage tank for future use. Then, when you need water for non-drinking purposes, recycle your rain water!
For more water conservation tips, visit: www.WaterUseItWisely.com
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Codes, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
When you move into a neighborhood with CC&R’s, you agree to comply with the regulations as adopted. CC&R’s represent a civil contract between the property owner and the property owner’s association and are legally binding on the participants. It is the responsibility of the property owner, not the city, to be aware of any CC&R’s as part of any proposed building modification or new construction.
The city does not maintain or monitor CC&R’s. CC&R’s are civil in nature and as such are not enforced by the City of Scottsdale. As an example, even in an area with public streets the city will not enforce the parking restrictions from the Codes and Covenants.
Reinvestment South of Chaparral Tops $3 Billion
The total amount of new reinvestment in the area south of Chaparral Road in Scottsdale has topped $3.1 billion, according to a semi-annual assessment compiled by the Economic Vitality Department.
The total reinvestment in Scottsdale south of Chaparral Road that has occurred or has been announced since the start of 2003 is approximately $3.13 billion. Six months ago, this figure was $2.64 billion, and 12 months ago it was $2.39 billion.
More than $667 million worth of projects has been completed and $1.6 billion is underway. About $786 million is on the drawing boards, and those projects are likely to be built within the next 3 years.
The assessment of development projects in the area also found that new private investment accounts for about 85 percent of the total, signaling continuing confidence in the area among investors.
The updated brochure, including a map with details of the major development projects in the area, is online at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Reinvestment/.
Protect your property against a wildland fire
Homeowners and contractors should create a well-maintained, live vegetation zone to prevent damage to structures in case of wildland fires. This “Defensible Space” acts as a fire break, and should contain only small brush and ground cover to prevent a continuous path of flammable materials leading to inhabited structures.
For specific guidelines, visit the Wildland Fire Prevention website at www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Safety/Fire/.