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New Services & Policies
Process Updates & Reminders
Staffing News
Keeping You Informed
Online Resources
Wildland Fire Prevention
New Services & Policies
Over-the-Counter Plan Review For Commercial TIs
You've Asked For It - And Now It's Here!
In response to customer needs, Scottsdale has implemented a new service. As of Monday,
July 3rd, the City of Scottsdale is processing Commercial Tenant Improvements (TIs) using
a three-tiered process that will allow two specific types of TIs to be reviewed, and
permits issued, either the same day or within 15 days of submittal. Our intent is to
provide an improved level of customer service, while at the same time seeing to it that
the project is in compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. For program criteria,
review timelines, and who to ask for when you come into the One Stop Shop with your plans,
visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/ti.asp.
New Inspections Card
Starting June 1st, the city
began using a new inspections job card. The card was redesigned into a tri-fold 11x17,
which allows: increased space for inspection descriptions, a visual connection between the
sign-off table and the descriptions, inclusion of the phone number and web site address
for automatic inspection scheduling, and addition of development
related fire inspections. The card had not been redesigned in 20+ years and was so
crowded that it was hard for customers to read, and many were not even aware that the
descriptions were included on the back of the card. We hope the changes will make life in
the field a little bit easier.
An Easy Way to Have Your Say
The Current Planning Division has unveiled a new e-mail address to make it easier for
residents and property owners to comment on projects currently in the public hearing
process. For development cases appearing before the Board of Adjustment, Development
Review Board, Planning Commission, or City Council, send your feedback to:
ProjectInput@ScottsdaleAZ.gov
Comments and questions sent to this new e-mail are automatically forwarded to the
appropriate staff and a copy placed in the case file as public record; this correspondence
will then be included in the staff report when received prior to printing deadlines. The
inbox is monitored throughout the day to ensure that all time-sensitive materials are
addressed as quickly as possible.
This e-mail address is a valuable, easy to use, communication tool for expressing
neighborhood concerns and/or support for development projects.
New Fees Effective July 1st
New fees were implemented on July 1. Development fees generally went up by 2%, rounded
up to the nearest dollar; in contrast, sign permit fees were reduced. New fire plan review
and permit fees also went into effect.
Water and sewer fees have been restructured this year to more accurately reflect
infrastructure costs. In southern Scottsdale, where infrastructure is in place, fees went
down; in other areas fees were increased.
The new fee sheets, and a presentation explaining the new water and sewer fee
structure, are available online at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/fees/.
Did you know?
Scottsdale has a new official population number,
based on the 2005 Mid-Decade Census:
234,752.
Process Updates & Reminders
Using a Courier Service for Plan Processing?
Plans may not be dropped off without the attending courier or other messenger following
the standard plan submittal process. Plans will not be accepted otherwise.
Couriers utilized to submit or pick up plans must sign in with the One Stop Shop
receptionist, be placed in the wait queue, and will be called by the next available
Development Services Representative.
All customers (including couriers) are provided service on a first come/ first serve
basis, and wait times may vary from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of customers
awaiting service.
Submitting or Picking Up Plans? Please Arrive Before 4PM
In an effort to provide service in a timely manner, if you are submitting or picking up
plans, please arrive at the One Stop Shop reception desk between the hours of 8:00
a.m.-4:00 p.m. (9:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays).
If you arrive later than 4:00 p.m., you may be asked to return the next business day to
retrieve your plans and conduct your business.
If you are picking up larger plans, please arrive by 2:00 p.m. to allow enough time to
process.
Revised Process For Fire Plan Submittals
The City Council approved new fire plan permit fees as part of the operational costs
being implemented for the Scottsdale Fire Department. The city has also implemented new
processes for fire plan submittals.
It is important to note that fire plans do not require any up front fees
and can continue to be processed/dropped off at the Records Counter (7447 E. Indian School
Rd.) Pick up fire plans at Records when no fee is required.
Plans that are not part of an active building permit require payment of permit
fees when the approved plans are picked up. Any fire plans that require payment
of permit fees will be identified with a red paper wrapped around the approved plans and
must be processed at the One Stop Shop.
A permit fee of $67 is required for the following plan submittals (only applies when
plans are not accompanied by an active permit):
- Fire Sprinklers - Residential
- Fire Sprinklers - Commercial
- Fire Alarms
- Hood System - Commercial
A permit fee of $67 is also required for LPG tank installations (processed at the One
Stop Shop).
Fire Fees Available Online
Scottsdale Fire Department Fees Schedule, approved by Council, is now available online
at: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/BldgResources/Fees.
Pre-Applications Process Revisions Increases Efficiency, Decreases Time
To improve customer service, the initial pre-application process has been adjusted to
allow:
- Initial staff review within a week
- Initial meeting with applicant approximately 10 days following initial staff review
For more information, go to: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/devprocess/.
Expanded Use of Staff Approval Process
In conjunction with the pre-application changes, staff are expanding their use of the
Staff Approval process. For Design Review applications, staff will determine come minor
projects as a staff approval in lieu of the formal Development Review Board (DRB) hearing.
Staff approved projects will still appear before the DRB as a Study Session item. Approval
letters will be issued after the DRB hearing.
Process Flowcharts Updated
To reflect the most recent process changes, as outlined above, the flowcharts cases to
be heard before the Planning Commission/City Council and Development Review Board have
been updated.
Find the new flowcharts online at: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/flowcharts/.
Need Water Pressure Information?
Contact your engineer (not Water Operations staff ) as there are many variables
involved with making this determination.
2006 Design Standards & Policies Manual Update
This years DS&PM Update will be sent to the printers sometime early August.
Significant changes throughout mean a whole new book. Look for it online at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/design/dspm/.
2005/2006 Achievements - Year in Review
Expanded service delivery to provide more direct efficient case review for development
requests
- Current Planning restructured into three geographic areas so staff has more familiarity
with issues/concerns in north, central and south Scottsdale
- Modified pre-application process so that initial assessment occurs within one week
- Hired a new director to oversee long-range planning efforts including coordinating of
the Zoning Ordinance update
- Provided planning support at the Pima North Neighborhood Resource Center
Supported citywide economic vitality efforts
- Downtown revitalization, including the Waterfront, the W Hotel, Optima, Riverwalk, and
numerous smaller redevelopment projects
- SkySong concept plan review and public hearing coordination
- Stacked 40's/One Scottsdale infrastructure preparation and preliminary plan review
- Review and processing of Major General Plan amendments including the former Rawhide and
Dial properties
Enhanced customer service via electronic services including
- Development of 'My Neighborhood' web site
- Expanded digital plan review process to include tenant improvements
- New alphabetical listing of department's forms (more than 400 available)
- E-application for single, family, multi-family, commercial, civil and tenant
improvements (provides processing time savings)
- Online fee estimating tools
- Home improvement center online
Expanded One Stop Shop services to cater to homeowners and small businesses who are not
familiar with the development process
- Planning Services team added to One Stop Shop counter support (to address questions
related to zoning, setbacks, etc.)
- Over-the-counter Plan Review team added an additional reviewer to provide expedited
review for small residential and tenant improvement projects
- Development and distribution of three home improvement books that provide easy-to-use
guides for landscaping, home renovation, and green building practices
Implemented a process to provide predictable building plan review
- Completed plan reviews on established timeframes 98% of the time
- Implemented new inspections procedures to verify building heights, protection of natural
area open space, and appropriate drainage
Goals for this next fiscal year:
- Bring Long-Range Planning division back to full strength
- Initiate major text amendment to support revitalization initiatives and ensure zoning
ordinance reflects community goals and expectations
- Develop Planned Unit Development Zoning
- Prepare and adopt updated subdivision regulations
- Update Downtown Plan and Airpark Strategic Plan
- Initiate process to update the General Plan, so that it reflects policies and goals of
the updated Transportation Master Plan
Staffing News
The Maricopa Association of Governments names Principal Planner Don Hadder as
Outstanding Professional.
The Maricopa Association of Governments recently released the names of the
seven partnerships and individuals who have been selected to receive the 2006 Desert Peaks
Awards.
Scottsdale's Don Hadder, Principal Planner for the north region, was recognized
as Outstanding Professional.
The prestigious awards are presented to those agencies and individuals who have
demonstrated a commitment to promoting, recognizing, and attaining the ideals of
regionalism.
Recipients were honored during the Seventh Maricopa Association of Governments Desert
Peaks Awards on June 28, 2006.
For more information, visit: http://www.mag.maricopa.gov.
Long Range Planning Team Reorganized, Refocused, & Renamed
The Planning & Development Services Department is bringing its Long Range planning
division (now titled Advance Planning) back to full strength -- which includes hiring a
new director, adding staff and identifying key projects, such as:
- Initiating major text amendment to support revitalization initiatives and ensure zoning
ordinance reflects community goals and expectations,
- Exploring feasibility of changing zoning ordinance to create Planned Unit Development
district,
- Preparing / adopting updated subdivision regulations, and
- Initiating update of the General Plan, so that it reflects policies and goals of the
updated Transportation Master Plan.
Advanced
Planning Org Chart (pdf / 185 kb)
Initiatives of the New Advanced Planning Team Planned for Fall/Winter
- Preparing Strategic Plans for the Airpark and Downtown areas.
- Continuing strategic investments in the revitalization of southern Scottsdale and
updating outdated residential zoning standards.
These initiatives will require extensive community and staff input from various
departments. Issues for southern Scottsdale revitalization include: updating zoning
development standards, non-conforming uses, walls and fences, definitions, carport
conversions, setbacks, accessory buildings, and corner lots.
Planning Commission review of these plans is tentatively planned for September and
October of this year, with City Council to follow.
Long-Range Planning Director, John Lusardi
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.
Keeping You Informed
Zoning Ordinance Updates
The following currently proposed zoning ordinance changes:
- 1-TA-2006 (private school spacing)
- 2-TA-2006 (side yards in ESL)
- 4-TA-2006 (aircraft in residential districts)
- 5-TA-2006 (restrict non-residential uses in residential districts)
- 6-TA-2006 (minor amendments to ESL)
- 7-TA-2006 (definitions update)
More information is available at: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/codes/Zoning/update.asp.
Three Major General Plan Amendments Submitted for Review in 2006
Per State legislation, major land use changes are relegated to one specific timeframe
during each calendar year and require comprehensive public involvement programs.
The city has received three submittals for the 2006 review cycle: 4-GP-2006, 5-GP-2006
and 6-GP-2006.
General Plan amendment web site: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/generalplan/amendments/.
Online Resources
3 Key Web Site Resources
My Neighborhood
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/projects/myneighborhood/
A snapshot view of most activity that typically occurs in neighborhoods (development
requests, building permits, code enforcement notices, and reported crime). Six months of
activity is shown, and can be viewed as a list or as a map. For development related
information, click to view case fact sheets and plan/permit status reports.
Home Improvement Center
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/myhome/
Find out what you need to know before you begin home improvements, submittal guides, and
city approval
processes.
Homeowner Resources
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/homeowner/
Home ownership and maintenance tips, classes, and workshops. Also available: hot topics,
helpful tidbits, and frequently requested information.
Overview of Scottsdale Planning Processes
The Planning & Development Department has developed an overview of the city’s
planning & development process that explains how development requests are reviewed;
the regulatory and policy guidelines used to review requests; and the process for getting
things built.
The website, www.scottsdaleaz.gov/BldgResources/DevProcess/Training/,
highlights this process overview via powerpoint and related handouts that include the
following topics:
1) What is planning?
2) General Plan and Annexations
3) What is zoning?
4) Design Review
5) Engineering and Technical Plans
6) Building plans
7) Getting things built
Researching Case History
Complete Case File contents for recently approved cases are now available online
through our Case File Search. The case file contents are scanned post-approval and are
then made available online. Records are available from the past several years, search
online at http://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/cases/.
Building Envelope Diagram
The city receives a number of calls each month asking for assistance in calculating
buildable area for vacant parcels in ESL areas. To assist those customers looking to build
on these lots, the city has created a diagram that illustrates which factors affect a lots
Building Envelope. From setbacks, easements, and natural features, click each layer and
watch how it affects the space available for construction.
Find it online at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/BldgResources/setbacks.asp.
Over 400 Planning & Development Services Forms Available Online
To assist customers in accessing forms/checklists needed for submittal of development
and/or construction projects, the city now has more than 400 forms listed alphabetically
for easy retrieval. New documents are added regularly as we work towards a goal of 100%
online availability.
Online at: www.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/forms/.
Wildland Fire Prevention
Defensible Space Protects Your Home
Defensible Space Protects Your Home fro m Wildland Fire Danger Scottsdale Fire
Officials are anticipating a significant potential for wildland fires, which are fed by
dried grasses and flash fuels. Preventative actions must be taken AND Natural Area
Open Space (NAOS) must be protected.
Land that is designated NAOS must be preserved in its natural desert state and remain
free of obstruction. Typically, NAOS maintenance is limited to the removal of man-made
debris and parasitic plant growth. The exception to this rule is the maintenance
recommended for wildland fire protection.
Creating a well-maintained, live vegetation zone prevents damage to structures in case
of wildland fires. This “Defensible Space” acts as a fire break, and should
contain only small brush and groundcover to prevent a continuous path of flammable
materials leading to inhabited structures.
Specific Preventative Actions Recommended
- Maintain a 15-foot zone around your home; thin dead and down vegetation, perennial
grasses and overgrown bushes; remove dead branches or branches touching the ground.
- Thin another 15 feet for maximum protection.
For more information, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/safety/Fire/.
Top Tips for Fire Prevention
- Consistently monitor Defensible Space for maximum fire prevention.
- Remove flash fuels such as dead grass (Do NOT remove live native plants from NAOS).
- Trim trees within the 30-ft Defensible Space so the canopy is not touching the ground;
remove any dead branches or leaves.
- Trim grass and foliage around trees.
- Keep gutters, eaves and roof clear of leaves and other debris.
- Do not stack wood or other flammable materials within the 30-ft Defensible Space.
- Keep a rolled up garden hose with a nozzle attached to an outside hose valve connection.
- No smoking allowed in NAOS.
Additional tips (for non-NAOS areas):
- Properly dispose of cigarettes.
- Do not start any open fires without obtaining a permit and following the safety
Information. It’s highly recommended not to burn during the high danger fire season.
When camping, follow Forest Service guidelines for campfires.
- Add spark shields to off-road vehicles.
Building Contractor Alert
Be vigilant! Keep construction site safe and free of combustible
materials.
- Limit welding & cutting to cleared areas.
- Remove all flammable products & flash fuels.
- Maintain the building envelope as a Clear Zone and thin an additional 30-ft to provide
adequate Defensible Space.
- Do not stack combustible construction materials in Defensible Space.
Contractors found negligent in maintaining a safe building environment are responsible
for damages via fines and/or criminal citations for the cost of providing fire protection
services and for property loss. (Ord. 3507, Section H124)