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Articles:
New Faces & New Structure Reflect New Direction
by Frank Gray, General Manager, Planning & Development Services Department
This edition of our quarterly customer bulletin includes some graphics that reflect recent organizational changes to the current planning division; changes based on the departmental goal of providing the best service possible to all our customers/clients – which includes residents, institutions, and the business community. Our specific objectives are straight forward – Consistent, dependable, and value-added service.
In order to meet these objectives, we are making it a priority to attain and maintain staffing to the levels authorized by the city budget. Not unlike other Valley cities, we have faced some challenges in filling planner positions. Valley cities that are experiencing a lot of growth are continuously recruiting for additional planning staff and coupled with private sector competition and increasing housing costs, we have expended significant efforts in filling vacant positions in a timely manner.
In addition to maintaining optimum staffing levels, we have reorganized the Current Planning division to more effectively serve three primary geographic areas within the city. As you will see in the bulletin, we now have three Principal Planners who oversee three different staff teams – one focuses on north Scottsdale, another focuses on central Scottsdale and a third team focuses on south Scottsdale. We recognize there are significant distinctions between each of these geographic areas; this restructuring will enable us to be more closely aligned with current issues and policies that reflect community desires in each of these areas.
In the months and years ahead, the Current Planning division will also be focusing its energies on updating the city’s Zoning Ordinance, which was originally adopted in the mid-80’s and needs to be modified to reflect the issues and growth patterns of the 21st century. Anyone who is familiar with ordinance updates will understand that these types of comprehensive updates require a significant amount of research, analysis and community involvement before adoption. While this process is time consuming and in some ways tedious, we are confident that the changes will ensure greater clarity in addressing land use issues and greater understanding of the city’s development standards.
We welcome your input as part of our ongoing commitment to meeting customer needs and proactively addressing community expectations.
Digital Plan Submittal Keeps on Growing
City looking to expand popular program
Customers are discovering the benfits of Scottsdale’s leading-edge Digital Submittal Program. Saving applicants time and money, Digital Submittal is a convenient way to get plans approved; it allows customers to complete the Plan Review process without stepping foot in city offices. One customer swore that she would never submit paper plans again. Beginning in March of 2005 the city began accepting digital submittals for Tenant Improvement plans; last July we opened the doors for Single-Family. Staff is looking to expand this program to include fire sprinklers, plats, and maps of dedication -- look for more information in our next Customer Bulletin.
For more information, go to: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/digital/.
Proposed Fee Increases in 06/07 Budget
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/fees/
Planning & Development Fees
The budget proposal for the next fiscal year (beginning July 1) includes a request for a 2% increase in planning & development fees. Unlike last year, the fees would round-up (typically to the nearest dollar) to make fees easier to calculate.
Example - application fee for a single-family rezoning of 40 acres:
| |
Current |
Proposed |
| Base Fee |
$987.77 |
$1008 |
| Per Acre |
$58.71 |
$60 |
Total
(40 Acres) |
$3336.17 |
$3408 |
Also proposed is a Restructuring of Water & Sewer Fees.
Water Resources is proposing fee increase percentages split by geographic region to reflect a more accurate measure of infrastructure costs that can vary dramatically from one area to the next.
Over-the-Counter Reviews To Include Minor Tenant Improvements (TIs)
In response to customer needs, the city is currently training Over-the-Counter staff on reviewing Minor TIs.
To qualify, projects must be occupancy type Group B (business) or M (mercantile) and be one story, with 1500 sq. ft. or less. Projects must have no structural changes, no exterior work and no change in use.
We anticipate this service to begin in July, so look for more information in our next Customer Bulletin.
Online Resources Save You Time
Get a snapshot view of most activity that typically occurs in a neighborhood, providing real-time information about construction activity, development requests, building permits, code enforcement notices and crime activity for the last 6 months.
Ever wondered if you REALLY needed to come see us to get what you need? Our online Self Service Center shows you what information and services you can obtain without a visit to our offices. From online permit applications, maps, forms, and publications, to requests for information and ways to stay informed.
The city does not issue zoning verification letters, but we do provide many types of information that you can gather from our web site. View online zoning maps, case/permit history, code violations, and use restrictions/development standards. For information not available online, contact information is provided.
The city has created a few new tools to help you estimate certain development fees. Use the online fee calculator for a quick estimate by permit type. For larger projects (commercial / multi-family) you can download an excel spreadsheet that will assist you in analyzing the different ways you can submit your project and how that can impact the fees.
Find out what you need to know before you begin your project and what resources are available to assist you.
View case information for projects in the public hearing process; also available is a listing of recently submitted cases and a search tool for researching older cases.
Looking for an easy way to understand the city’s role in reviewing condo conversions? We’ve now added a process flowchart that walks you through our review process, plus we have links to the Arizona Department of Real Estate, the governing body that regulated condo conversions.
Per Growing Smarter legislation, major General Plan changes can only be heard once a year. This year pre-applications were required in March, with formal submittal due by May 1st. Additional key dates, including tentative hearing dates, are provided online.
Once a week, the electronic “Development Update” bulletin shares information about key projects, new submittals, and services designed for planning and development customers.
Several Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments
Currently Being Considered
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/codes/zoning/updates.asp
ESL WALL SETBACK EXEMPTION PROCESS CONTINUED TO APRIL 19
The Planning Commission is slated to review a proposed text amendment at their April 19 which begins at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Kiva. The purpose of this text amendment is to amend the exemption process related to the 15’ foot setback for walls on individual residential lots.
Case Number: 2-TA-2006
Questions? Contact Randy Grant at 480-312-7995 or email rgrant@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
REVISIONS TO R1-7 STANDARDS PROPOSED
Staff is moving forward with draft text to provide additional flexibility in the R1-7 residential district which applies to approximately 14,000 homes south of Indian Bend Road. Community Open houses for information sharing/and input will be held in April/May with public hearings anticipated for May/June.
Modifications to the R1-7 residential district are proposed to respond to the challenges and demand for doing home improvements in this district. Currently, options for additions/renovations are constrained by setback requirements and provisions that preclude changes to legal non-conforming properties. These proposed changes have been identified as a City Council priority and a critical component of the city’s revitalization efforts.
Updates and additional information will be posted to: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/codes/Zoning/update.asp
For more information, contact Kira Wauwie at 480-312-7061 or email kwauwie@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
AMENDING PRIVATE / CHARTER SCHOOL SPACING
The purpose of this text amendment is to create a minimum spacing distance between private and charter schools on large-lot residential properties. Recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on March 8, this text amendment is tentatively scheduled to be heard by the City Council on May 2.
Case Number: 1-TA-2006
Questions? Contact Randy Grant at 480-312-7995 or email rgrant@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
DOWNTOWN PARKING ORDINANCE APPROVED FEBRUARY 7
The City Council approved the following downtown zoning ordinance changes at their Feb. 7 meeting:
- Increase in residential parking requirements from one space to two spaces per unit, excepting one-bedroom and studio units which would remain at one space per unit.
- Re-affirmation the cost of in-lieu parking at $10,400 based on a 50/50 cost sharing model with private sector investment; and
- Instituting a sliding scale allowing smaller properties use of in-lieu parking to meet requirements and a prohibition of the use of the program for larger developments.
For more information, Contact Madeline Clemenn at 480-312-2732 or email mclemann@scottsdaleaz.gov.
OTHER TEXT AMENDMENTS UNDER CONSIDERATION
- Temporary Signage
- Accessory Uses
Updating Single-Family Submittal Checklist
Effective May 1, 2006
Changes include:
- Requesting electrical floor plans with planning submittal set (for review of exterior lights)
- Clarification on the cuts and fills process to encourage submittal for approval prior to filing construction plans
- Clarification on when revegetation plans are needed
DRB Application Checklist
New Look, New Requirements
New application checklists are making their way into use. Be sure to use the latest version -- some requirements and quantities have changed. Not sure if you have the latest version?
Check the online Forms catalog for the most current date of any form before you submit. Find it online at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/forms/.
Elevations Certificates
Need a copy of your elevation certificate for your flood insurance (FEMA) records?
Download them at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/records or call the Records Division at 480-312-2356.
Building Plans
The city may or may not have a copy of the plans for your home.
In most cases, copyright laws apply to building plans, so the city purges them from record 90 days after the Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
What we may have:
- Standard Plans
- Site / Plot Plans
Contact Records at 480-312-2356.
Coming Soon
The city is looking into ways to make available online project-specific plan review resubmitall checklists. Look for this new service within the next few months.
Want more information? Contact Michelle Dalton at 480-312-2635 or e-mail mdalton@scottsdaleaz.gov.
Current Planning Division Restructuring
Following the approach taken by departments city-wide, the Current Planning staff is now structured to take case assignments by geographic region. The benefits include staff gaining more familiarity with area projects, property and neighbors and more effective team building. The 3 geographic regions, generally organized by region (south, central, and north) are each spearheaded by a Principal Planner. Transitioning to this approach allowed for a revision in pre-application processes, tracking systems and improvements to efficiency and accountability.
New Current Planning Org Chart (pdf / 31 kb / 1 pg)
For more information, contact Lusia Galav at 480-312-2506 or e-mail lgalav@scottsdaleaz.gov.
New Pre-Application Process
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/DevProcess/pre-app.asp
To improve customer service the initial pre-app meeting will be scheduled within one week of receipt of pre-application.
Following that meeting the pre-application will be processed in one of three ways:
- Staff approval issued, or
- An additional meeting scheduled to conduct further review, or
- Complete pre-application review conducted.
For more information, contact Current Planning at 480-312-7000.
Introducing Customer Service & Administration Chief
Connie Padian oversees the One Stop Shop / Permit Services Counter, Records counter, Technology, Budget and Customer Service functions within the Planning & Development Services Department.
Connie received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Arizona State University. After graduation Connie worked in the private sector for five years -- in Wyoming and Phoenix. Connie’s tenure with the city of Scottsdale began in 1985 as an Associate Planner. Shortly after she began working for the city, she received her State Architecture License and became a registered architect in Arizona. In 1995, she received a Masters in Public Administration from ASU. Connie also served as a Project Coordination Manager for 7 years and in the Redevelopment and Urban Design Studio for 6 years.
Prior to being named Customer Service and Administration Chief, Connie served as the administrator of the Inspection and Land Survey divisions.
Connie can be reached at 480-312-2664 or by e-mail at cpadian@scottsdaleaz.gov.
PIMA NORTH Neighborhood Resources Center Opens at Water Campus Location
The Center offers services ranging from utility bill payment to passport processing and serves, two days a week, as a convenient location for north area residents to meet with staff on issues related to planning and development and code enforcement.
Location: 8787 E. Hualapai Drive
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (480) 312-6280.
Long-Range Planning Director Joins City's Planning Services Team
Joining us on March 13, John Lusardi is serving as director for the city's long-range planning staff.
John, who has extensive experience in implementing revitalization initiatives and administering zoning ordinances, was most recently employed by the city of Palo Alto.
John's office is located in the Community Design Studio at 7506 E. Indian School Rd. He can be reached at (480) 312-7501 or by e-mail at jlusardi@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
One Stop Shop Welcomes New Manager
On March 13, Mary Helen Giustizia assumed the reins as Scottsdale’s One Stop Shop Manager, overseeing the staff and services associated with permit processing.
Prior to joining the city of Scottsdale, Mary Helen worked for the city of Phoenix and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of professional, technical and clerical personnel in the development process.
Mary Helen can be reached at (480) 312-7613 or by e-mail at mgiustizia@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
New Contact for Sign Permits is a Familiar Face
On March 6, Rob Henderson, formerly with Code Enforcement, joined the Planning Department with the front counter planning staff.
Rob will be the person primarily responsible for reviewing sign applications, but will also be assisting One Stop Shop customers with planning questions.
Rob can be reached at (480) 312-7828 or by e-mail at rhenderson@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
We're Hiring!
Check our web site frequently for
new postings:
www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Jobs
City receives Governor’s Award for Energy Efficiency
Scottsdale’s Landmark Green Building Program Recognized
Scottsdale’s Green Building Program received the Award of Excellence for large cities Tuesday during the annual Governor’s Awards for Energy Efficiency. The award recognizes Scottsdale’s landmark effort to conserve energy and pioneer renewable resources through construction. Scottsdale became the first city in the state to launch a green building program in 1998 and continues to be a leader in the field. The program seeks to reduce the environmental impact of building while achieving both short- and long-term savings of energy, water and other natural resources. Last year, Scottsdale became the first city in the nation to adopt the national LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Standard for all new city buildings. The city is spending $500,000 in three planned buildings - a senior center, fire station and police support building - to bring them into conformance with LEED Gold standards. “Our community’s emphasis on Green Building is a sound investment not only in dollars, but quality of life for our citizens,” said Mayor Mary Manross. “We’re thrilled to receive the Governor’s Award for Energy Efficiency. It’s an honor to be recognized for being a good environmental steward.” The governor’s Awards for Energy Efficiency recognize energy conservation and renewable energy work of educational institutions, local governments, state agencies and businesses. More information on the city’s Green Building Program is available at: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding/.
One out of Three Scottsdale Homes are Going Green
Scottsdale’s Green Building Program reached another major milestone with the issuance of 463 green building permits in 2005. In 2005, 33% of all single-family residential building permits adhered to the city’s green building program standards. A year-end comparison to 2004 activity reflects a 21% increase in green building permits and a 189% increase in green housing starts. Since 1998, the city has issued 932 green building permits.
2006 GREEN BUILDING EXPO
Mark your calendars now! Oct 6 & 7, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
New Forms
- To simplify the process to obtain pool permits, the city has created a new Swimming Pool Application Form.
- Application form now required for At-Risk Permits. Includes Preliminary Grading, Sewer, Water, and Drainage Features.
- Found a typo in the address? changed a contractor or designer? property changed hands? Use the new “Request to Change Records” form. The form details who is authorized to make each type of change.