Attachment B - Staff Report - Z-SP-5-23-7.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2023-09-20)

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Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Planning Commission Hearing Date: 
August 3, 2023 
Request From: 
A-1 CMOD (Light Industrial District,
Capitol Mall Overlay District) (5.50
acres)
Request To: 
A-1 SP CMOD (Light Industrial
District, Special Permit, Capitol Mall
Overlay District) (5.50 acres)
Proposal: 
Safe outdoor space / structured 
campground (homeless shelter) 
Location: 
Southwest corner of 15th Avenue 
and Jackson Street 
Owner: 
State of Arizona 
Applicant/Representative: 
City of Phoenix, Office of Homeless 
Solutions 
Staff Recommendation: 
Approval, subject to stipulations 
General Plan Conformity 
General Plan Land Use Map Designation 
Industrial 
Street Map Classification 
15th Avenue 
Minor 
Collector 
15-foot west half street
Jackson Street 
Local 
30-foot south half street
CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS CORE 
VALUE; CERTAINTY AND CHARACTER; DESIGN PRINCIPLE: Create or 
maintain spacing requirements for small-scale incompatible land uses such as 
adult businesses, homeless shelters, residential treatment facilities and other 
group facilities, to avoid concentrations that change the character of an area.  
The proposal is for a safe outdoor space for unsheltered individuals / structured 
campground and supportive services on a site with an existing building and shade 
area. No new construction is proposed, maintaining the existing character of the area. 
ATTACHMENT B

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 2 of 10 
 
 
CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS CORE 
VALUE; CERTAINTY AND CHARACTER; LAND USE PRINCIPLE: New 
development and expansion or redevelopment of existing development in or 
near residential areas should be compatible with existing uses and consistent 
with adopted plans. 
 
The proposal is compatible with the surrounding area and is an allowable use within 
the Capitol Mall Overlay District with a Special Permit.  
 
CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY CORE VALUE; CLEAN 
NEIGHBORHOODS; LAND USE PRINCIPLE: Support new compatible land uses 
that remove extremely deteriorated structures, excessive trash and debris, and 
other blight in neighborhoods. 
 
As stipulated, the proposal includes increased trash and recycling receptacles and 
prohibits camping along the perimeter of the property. 
   
 
Applicable Plans, Overlays, and Initiatives 
Capitol Mall Overlay District: See Background Item No. 3. 
 
Governmental Mall Master Plan: See Background Item No. 4. 
 
Housing Phoenix Plan: See Background Item No. 8. 
 
Strategies to Address Homelessness: See Background Item No. 9. 
 
Complete Streets Guiding Principles: See Background Item No. 10. 
 
Reimagine Phoenix: See Background Item No. 11.  
 
Surrounding Land Uses/Zoning 
 
Land Use 
Zoning 
On Site 
Vacant warehouse, shade 
canopy, and parking lot 
A-1 CMOD 
North 
Offices and fleet vehicle parking 
A-1 CMOD 
South  
Railroad tracks 
A-2 CCSIOD 
East 
Cemetery 
A-1 CMOD HP-L 
West 
Offices 
A-1 CMOD

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 3 of 10 
 
 
Background/Issues/Analysis  
 
PROPOSAL 
 
 
1. 
This request is to rezone 5.50 acres at the southwest corner of 15th Avenue and 
Jackson Street from A-1 CMOD (Light Industrial District, Capitol Mall Overlay 
District) to A-1 SP CMOD (Light Industrial District, Special Permit, Capitol Mall 
Overlay District) to allow a temporary safe outdoor space / structured 
campground (homeless shelter). The proposal is to create a temporary safe 
outdoor space on the subject site to be used for unsheltered individuals in the 
surrounding area. The goal is to create a healthier, safer environment for 
neighbors and unsheltered individuals. 
 
The creation of the safe outdoor space is in response to the City’s efforts to help 
engage individuals camping in the area outside the Human Services Campus.   
The City of Phoenix will work to offer indoor shelter options to the individuals 
camping in the area, however the safe outdoor space will be a voluntary 
alternative location for people who are not able or ready to move to indoor 
locations. There are roughly 500 to 700 people in the area the City is working to 
engage and move to safer places, it is estimated that around 20 percent of people 
will choose the safe outdoor space. 
 
 
HOMELESSNESS IN PHOENIX 
 
 
2.  
The City of Phoenix, along with the State of Arizona, Maricopa County and 
neighboring cities in the metropolitan region, is committed to focusing on solutions 
for persons experiencing homelessness. 
 
Annual counts are performed in Maricopa County in an effort to learn more about 
individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the county. The 
unsheltered count has steadily increased over the years, with the largest 
percentage being adults over the age of 25. Nationally, the number of elderly 
homeless Americans is projected to triple over the next decade. In Arizona, 
roughly one in three households includes a resident that is 65 years in age or 
older. 
 
In 2020, the Phoenix City Council requested a strategic plan to focus on 
strategies for persons experiencing homelessness. An interdepartmental City 
team was formed to develop a comprehensive plan with both long-term and short-
term strategies to address the wide variety of challenges faced by those in the 
city. The Strategies to Address Homelessness plan contains sections that 
address outreach and resources, mental health, workforce development, housing, 
clean-up, communication, policy and neighborhoods. This plan is further 
discussed in Item 8 below.

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 4 of 10 
 
 
 
 
CAPITOL MALL OVERLAY DISTRICT 
 
 
3.  
The subject site is within the Capitol 
Mall Overlay District. The Capitol Mall 
Overlay District acknowledges the 
varied uses of the area including 
governmental offices, industrial and 
commercial businesses and historic 
residences. Many activities in this area 
are near each other, and the 
compatibility of these activities is 
critical to their property and orderly 
function. The purpose of this district is 
to prevent a concentration of certain 
uses which can restrict businesses 
and residences from functioning  
 
Capitol Mall Overlay District Map, Source: 
City of Phoenix Planning and Development 
Department 
 
normally and contributes to the deterioration of the business and living 
environment, the downgrading of property values, and the diminishment of health, 
safety and general welfare conditions in the area. The Capitol Mall Overlay 
District permits temporary shelters subject to a Special Permit. The proposed use 
is analogous to the temporary shelter use and therefore requires a Special 
Permit, pursuant to the overlay district.  
 
 
GOVERNMENTAL MALL MASTER PLAN 
 
 
4. 
The subject site falls within the boundaries of the Government Mall Master Plan 
area, as defined by state law. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 41-1362 provides 
the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) with authority over the 
planning, growth, and development of the Governmental Mall area. Prior to 
approval of any rezoning or Special Permit by the City of Phoenix, the ADOA 
Director must first issue a letter approving the request. Accordingly, the ADOA 
Director approved this Special Permit request on July 25, 2023. 
 
 
SURROUNDING LAND USES AND ZONING 
 
5. 
The subject site contains a warehouse with a large shade structure and surface 
parking lot, and is zoned A-1 CMOD. North and west of the subject site is 
property zoned A-1 CMOD with office uses and fleet vehicle parking. To the south 
are railroad tracks, and beyond the tracks are industrial uses zoned A-2 CCSIOD 
(Industrial District, Central City South Interim Overlay District). To the east is a 
cemetery zoned A-1 CMOD HP-L (Light Industrial District, Capitol Mall Overlay 
District, Historic Preservation Landmark District).

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 5 of 10 
 
 
 
 
 
Zoning Aerial Map, Source: City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department 
 
GENERAL PLAN LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION 
 
6. 
The General Plan Land Use Map designation for the site is Industrial. The 
Industrial land use category allows warehousing, manufacturing and processing 
businesses. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map, as 
homeless shelters are an allowed use in the A-1 district. The General Plan Land 
Use Map designation to the west is also Industrial. To the north and east is 
Public/Quasi-Public and to the south is Commerce / Business Park land use 
designations. 
 
 
 
 
General Plan Land Use Map, Source: City of Phoenix Planning and Development 
Department

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 6 of 10 
 
 
 
SITE PLAN AND OPERATIONS 
 
7. 
The proposal is to maintain the existing structures on the subject site and provide 
safe outdoor spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness in the 
surrounding area. This is proposed as a temporary use while more permanent 
solutions are explored; therefore, Stipulation No. 2 requires that the Special 
Permit be removed three years after the effective date of the ordinance, per 
Section 504.1.C.2 of the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance. 
 
The proposal is for a maximum of 400 designated safe outdoor spaces, per 
Stipulation No. 1. In order to protect the surrounding area, the facility will operate 
under an operational plan, and per Stipulation No. 3, the operational plan shall 
include the following: 
• Priority shall be given to unsheltered individuals around the Human 
Services Campus. 
• Basic hygiene services shall be provided on-site. 
• Supportive services will be provided on site. 
• On-site security shall be provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• An email address shall be maintained for surrounding businesses to notify 
the operator of any potential issues. 
• Drugs and/or alcohol are to be prohibited. 
• Signage discouraging loitering shall be posted and visible from public 
rights-of-way. Camping shall be prohibited along the perimeter of the 
property. 
• A code of conduct will be posted on site. 
• Trash/recycling receptacles shall be provided within the property 
boundaries of the Special Permit area. 
 
To further enhance safety and promote compatibility with the surrounding area, 
the operator of the site will be required to enroll in a virtual block watch program, 
the perimeter of the site shall be fenced, and site lighting shall be provided. These 
are addressed in Stipulation Nos. 4 through 6. 
 
 
STUDIES AND POLICIES 
 
8.  
Housing Phoenix Plan 
In June 2020, the Phoenix City Council approved the Housing Phoenix Plan. This 
Plan contains policy initiatives for the development and preservation of housing 
with a vision of creating a stronger and more vibrant Phoenix through increased 
housing options for residents at all income levels and family sizes. Phoenix’s 
rapid population growth and housing underproduction has led to a need for over 
163,000 new housing units.  Current shortages of housing supply relative to 
demand are a primary reason why housing costs are increasing.

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 7 of 10 
 
 
 
While shelter beds are not considered “units” of housing, the proposal seeks to 
provide accommodations for persons experiencing homelessness and is 
consistent the Housing Phoenix Plan Policy. 
 
 
9. 
Strategies to Address Homelessness 
In June 2020, the City of Phoenix released the Strategies to Address 
Homelessness plan focusing on strategies for persons experiencing 
homelessness as well as developing best practices to mitigate impacts to 
surrounding communities and neighborhoods. The plan notes a chronic shortage 
of shelter beds and identifies the goal of providing adequate shelter space to 
meet the needs of unsheltered individuals. The proposal advances this objective 
and works to alleviate the shortage of shelter space in Phoenix. 
 
 
10. Complete Streets Guiding Principles 
In 2014, the City of Phoenix City Council adopted the Complete Streets Guiding 
Principles. The principles are intended to promote improvements that provide an 
accessible, safe, connected transportation system to include all modes, such as 
bicycles, pedestrians, transit, and vehicles. The proposal will allow the movement 
of unsheltered individuals from the public street to a safer, healthier environment 
on private property, freeing the public street for transportation uses.  
 
 
11. Reimagine Phoenix 
As part of the Reimagine Phoenix Initiative, the City of Phoenix is committed to 
increasing the waste diversion rate to 40 percent by 2020 and to better manage 
its solid waste resources. Stipulation No. 3.i addresses trash and recycling 
facilities. 
 
 
COMMUNITY INPUT SUMMARY 
 
12. As of the writing of this report, staff has not received any community 
correspondence regarding this request. 
 
 
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMENTS 
 
13. The Street Transportation Department commented that upon any redevelopment 
of the site, the developer shall construct the adjacent street to all applicable 
standards, including ADA accessibility standards. This is addressed in Stipulation 
No. 7. 
 
 
OTHER 
 
14. The Arizona Department of Administration approved of this request on July 25, 
2023 pursuant to ARS 34-225 and ARS 41-1362.

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 8 of 10 
 
 
 
 
15. The site is located in a larger area identified as being archaeologically sensitive. If 
further review by the City of Phoenix Archaeology Office determines the site and 
immediate area to be archaeologically sensitive, and if no previous archaeological 
projects have been conducted within this project area, it is recommended that 
archaeological Phase I data testing of this area be conducted. Phase II 
archaeological data recovery excavations may be necessary based upon the 
results of the testing. A qualified archaeologist must make this determination in 
consultation with the City of Phoenix Archaeologist. In the event archaeological 
materials are encountered during construction, all ground disturbing activities 
must cease within a 33-foot radius of the discovery and the City of Phoenix 
Archaeology Office must be notified immediately and allowed time to properly 
assess the materials. This is addressed in Stipulation Nos. 8 through 10. 
 
 
16. Staff has not received a completed form for the Waiver of Claims for Diminution in 
Value of Property under Proposition 207 (A.R.S. 12-1131 et seq.), as required by 
the rezoning application process. Therefore, a stipulation has been added to 
require the form be completed and submitted prior to preliminary site plan 
approval. This is addressed in Stipulation No. 11. 
 
 
17. This Special Permit may be revoked by the City Council per Section 504.1.C.6 of 
the zoning ordinance upon finding that there has been material noncompliance 
with any condition prescribed in conjunction with the issuance of the Special 
Permit or approval of the site plan or that the use covered by the permit or the 
manner of conduction the same is a safety hazard or is in any way detrimental to 
persons residing or working in the vicinity, to adjacent property, to the 
neighborhood, or to the public welfare in general. 
 
 
18. Development and use of the site is subject to all applicable codes and 
ordinances. Zoning approval does not negate other ordinance requirements. 
Zoning adjustments, abandonments or other formal actions may also be required. 
 
 
Findings 
 
1. 
The request is compatible with the surrounding area, the Capitol Mall Overlay 
District, and supports the need for additional accommodations for people 
experiencing homelessness in Phoenix.  
 
 
2. 
As stipulated, the request will improve the safety and cleanliness of the 
surrounding area. 
 
 
3. 
As stipulated, the proposal will enhance the usability of the public streets in the 
surrounding area.

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 9 of 10 
 
 
 
Stipulations 
 
1. 
The site shall contain a maximum of 400 safe outdoor spaces.   
 
 
2. 
The Special Permit shall be removed per Section 504.1.C.2 of the Phoenix 
Zoning Ordinance three years after the effective date of the ordinance. 
 
 
3.  
An Operational Plan shall be developed to govern operational features of the safe 
outdoor space. The plan shall address at minimum, the following: 
 
 
 
 
a.  
Priority shall be given to unsheltered individuals camping around the Human 
Services Campus. 
 
 
 
 
b. 
Basic hygiene services shall be provided such as restrooms and showers. 
 
 
 
 
c. 
Supportive services shall be available on site, such as case management. 
 
 
 
 
d.  
On-site security shall be provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
 
 
 
 
e. 
An email address shall be maintained for surrounding businesses to notify 
the operator of any potential issues. 
 
 
 
 
f. 
Drugs and/or alcohol are to be prohibited. 
 
 
 
 
g. 
Signage discouraging loitering shall be posted and visible from public rights-
of-way. Camping shall be prohibited along the perimeter of the property. 
 
 
 
 
h. 
A code of conduct will be posted on site. 
 
 
 
 
i. 
Trash/recycling receptacles shall be provided within the property 
boundaries. 
 
 
4. 
The operator shall enroll in a virtual block watch program with the City of Phoenix 
Police Department. 
 
 
5. 
The perimeter of the site shall be fenced to secure the site, as approved by the 
Planning and Development Department.  
 
 
6. 
Site lighting shall be provided at building entrances/exits and refuse areas, as 
approved by the Planning and Development Department.

Staff Report: Z-SP-5-23-7 
July 28, 2023 
Page 10 of 10 
 
 
7. 
The developer shall construct all streets within and adjacent to the development 
with paving, curb, gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, streetlights, median islands, 
landscaping and other incidentals, as per plans approved by the Planning and 
Development Department. All improvements shall comply with all ADA 
accessibility standards. 
 
 
8. 
If determined necessary by the Phoenix Archaeology Office, the applicant shall 
conduct Phase I data testing and submit an archaeological survey report of the 
development area for review and approval by the City Archaeologist prior to 
clearing and grubbing, landscape salvage, and/or grading approval. 
 
 
9. 
If Phase I data testing is required, and if, upon review of the results from the 
Phase I data testing, the City Archaeologist, in consultation with a qualified 
archaeologist, determines such data recovery excavations are necessary, the 
applicant shall conduct Phase II archaeological data recovery excavations. 
 
 
10. In the event archaeological materials are encountered during construction, the 
developer shall immediately cease all ground-disturbing activities within a 33-foot 
radius of the discovery, notify the City Archaeologist, and allow time for the 
Archaeology Office to properly assess the materials. 
 
 
11. Prior to preliminary site plan approval, the landowner shall execute a Proposition 
207 waiver of claims form. The waiver shall be recorded with the Maricopa 
County Recorder's Office and delivered to the City to be included in the rezoning 
application file for record. This stipulation shall not be applicable if the property is 
owned by the City of Phoenix. 
 
 
Writer 
Anthony Grande 
July 28, 2023 
 
Team Leader 
Racelle Escolar 
 
Exhibits 
Aerial Sketch Map 
Zoning Sketch Map

Z-SP-2-19
Z-114-03
Z-SP-21-02
Z-114-03
*
A-2
C-3
A-1 SP
A-1
HP-L
A-2
C-3
HP-L
C-3
C-3
C-3
HP
HP
A-1
A-1
C-2
A-1
17TH AVE
15TH AVE
16TH AVE
13TH AVE
HARRISON ST
JACKSON ST
MADISON ST
Central City
South Interim
Overlay District
Capitol Mall
Overlay
District
Maricopa County Assessor's
VAN BUREN ST
MC DOWELL RD
JEFFERSON ST
BUCKEYE RD
LOWER BUCKEYE RD
19TH AVE
7TH AVE
CENTRAL AVE
7TH ST
16TH ST
24TH ST
32ND ST
40TH ST
I - 10
I - 17
CENTRAL VILLAGE
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT: 7
I
APPLICANT'S NAME:
APPLICATION NO.
Z-SP-5-23
GROSS AREA INCLUDING 1/2 STREET
AND ALLEY DEDICATION IS APPROX.
5.50 Acres
MULTIPLES PERMITTED
*   Maximum Units Allowed with P.R.D. Bonus
A-1 CMOD
A-1 SP CMOD
CONVENTIONAL OPTION
N/A
N/A
*   UNITS P.R.D. OPTION
N/A
N/A
City of Phoenix
DATE:
7/06/2023
REVISION DATES:
AERIAL PHOTO &
QUARTER SEC. NO.
QS 10-25
ZONING MAP
F-7
REQUESTED CHANGE:
FROM: A-1 CMOD ( 5.50 a.c.)
TO:
A-1 SP CMOD ( 5.50 a.c.)
Document Path: S:\Department Share\Information Systems\PL GIS\IS_Team\Core_Functions\Zoning\sketch_maps\2023\Z-SP-5-23.mxd
Z-SP-5-23
0.05
0
0.05
0.025
Miles

Z-SP-2-19
Z-114-03
Z-SP-21-02
Z-114-03
*
A-2
C-3
A-1 SP
A-1
HP-L
A-2
C-3
HP-L
C-3
C-3
C-3
HP
HP
A-1
A-1
C-2
A-1
17TH AVE
15TH AVE
16TH AVE
13TH AVE
HARRISON ST
JACKSON ST
MADISON ST
Central City
South Interim
Overlay District
Capitol Mall
Overlay
District
VAN BUREN ST
MC DOWELL RD
JEFFERSON ST
BUCKEYE RD
LOWER BUCKEYE RD
19TH AVE
7TH AVE
CENTRAL AVE
7TH ST
16TH ST
24TH ST
32ND ST
40TH ST
I - 10
I - 17
CENTRAL VILLAGE
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT: 7
I
APPLICANT'S NAME:
APPLICATION NO.
Z-SP-5-23
GROSS AREA INCLUDING 1/2 STREET
AND ALLEY DEDICATION IS APPROX.
5.50 Acres
MULTIPLES PERMITTED
*   Maximum Units Allowed with P.R.D. Bonus
A-1 CMOD
A-1 SP CMOD
CONVENTIONAL OPTION
N/A
N/A
*   UNITS P.R.D. OPTION
N/A
N/A
City of Phoenix
DATE:
7/06/2023
REVISION DATES:
AERIAL PHOTO &
QUARTER SEC. NO.
QS 10-25
ZONING MAP
F-7
REQUESTED CHANGE:
FROM: A-1 CMOD ( 5.50 a.c.)
TO:
A-1 SP CMOD ( 5.50 a.c.)
Document Path: S:\Department Share\Information Systems\PL GIS\IS_Team\Core_Functions\Zoning\sketch_maps\2023\Z-SP-5-23.mxd
Z-SP-5-23
0.05
0
0.05
0.025
Miles