Attachment C - PHO Summary - PHO-1-22--Z-147-06-1.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2022-08-31)

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REPORT OF PLANNING HEARING OFFICER ACTION 
Adam Stranieri, Planner III, Hearing Officer  
Bradley Wylam, Planner I, Assisting  
 
June 15, 2022 
 
ITEM NO: 2 
 
 
DISTRICT 1 
SUBJECT: 
 
 
 
Application #: 
PHO-1-22--Z-147-06-1 
Location: 
Approximately 365 feet east of the southeast corner of 51st 
Avenue and Cactus Road 
Zoning:  
R1-6 and C-1 (Approved C-1 and P-1) 
Acreage:  
3.75 
Request: 
1) Modification of Stipulation 1 regarding general 
conformance with site plan and elevations date stamped 
January 30, 2007. 
2) Modification of Stipulation 2 regarding a 25-foot 
landscape setback along 49th Drive. 
3) Modification of Stipulation 3 regarding landscape 
requirements for the P-1 parcel. 
4) Modification of Stipulation 4 regarding walls along the 
south property line. 
5) Deletion of Stipulation 5 regarding a drive-through on the 
western end of the site. 
6) Deletion of Stipulation 6 regarding a drive-through for a 
retail coffee facility. 
7) Deletion of Stipulation 7 regarding drive-through features. 
8) Deletion of Stipulation 8 regarding the westernmost 
driveway. 
9) Deletion of Stipulation 9 prohibiting pedestrian access to 
49th Drive. 
Applicant: 
Michael March, Moderna Architects 
Owner: 
 
Parkwood Retail Investors LLC 
Representative: 
Michael March, Moderna Architects 
 
ACTIONS: 
 
Planning Hearing Officer Recommendation: The Planning Hearing Officer 
recommended approval with modifications and additional stipulations. 
 
Village Planning Committee (VPC) Recommendation: The North Mountain 
Village Planning Committee heard this request on May 18, 2022 and 
recommended approval by a vote of 11-3. 
 
Attachment C

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of June 15, 2022 
Application PHO-1-22—Z-147-06-1 
Page 2 
 
 
DISCUSSION: 
 
Roberto Buenaver, representative with Unified CRE Partners, provided an 
overview of the subject site and surrounding uses. He stated that the proposed 
conceptual site plan depicts a multifamily residential development consisting of 
32 units. He noted that the stipulated site plan depicts a commercial development 
that included a drive-through bank, drive-through restaurant, and a retail building. 
He stated that the North Mountain Village Planning Committee (VPC) 
recommended approval on May 18, 2022 by a vote of 11-3. He noted that the 
VPC recommended that the applicant send additional notification of the Planning 
Hearing Officer hearing to neighbors written in Spanish, which they completed. 
He stated that the proposed modification of Stipulation 2 would provide a 10-foot 
landscape setback on the east property line to allow a driveway to lead to the 
parking lot on the south portion of the site. He stated that the proposed 
modification of Stipulation 3 would allow the developer to utilize R-3 landscaping 
requirements for the P-1 portion, which is in line with the proposed development. 
He stated that the proposed modification of Stipulation 4 would allow a 6-foot-
high wall or fence adjacent to the Arizona Canal Diversion Channel, which is in 
line with the residential use of the site. He stated that Stipulations 5, 6, 7, and 8 
are specific to the commercial uses on the stipulated site plan and are proposed 
to be deleted. He stated that Stipulation 9 prohibiting pedestrian access to 49th 
Drive is proposed to be deleted because the main entrance for the residential 
development is proposed along 49th Drive. He stated that the proposed use is 
permitted by right in the C-1 district and would be a low traffic alternative 
compared to the project from the original rezoning case.  
 
Benjamin Lerma, property owner adjacent to the subject site, stated that he had 
concerns regarding privacy and traffic on 49th Drive. He had concerns regarding 
second floor windows having visibility into his backyard. He stated that access 
onto 49th Drive will create additional traffic and safety issues for neighboring 
residents.  
 
Mr. Buenaver stated that the use is allowed by right and that the proposed 
development would have significantly less traffic compared to the original 
stipulated project. He stated that the development would be further evaluated for 
traffic concerns as the development continues through City processes.  
 
Michael March, representative with Moderna Architects, stated that traffic was 
discussed at the site plan pre-application meeting and did not come forward as a 
major concern. He stated that considerable open space is depicted on the 
southern portion of the site, which provides a buffer to neighboring property 
owners. He provided clarification of the proposed 10-foot landscape setback 
along 49th Drive and noted that this would allow 10 feet of landscaping on both 
sides of the drive aisle in the parking lot.

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of June 15, 2022 
Application PHO-1-22—Z-147-06-1 
Page 3 
 
 
Adam Stranieri, Planning Hearing Officer, stated that no public correspondence 
was received prior to the hearing and stated that the North Mountain VPC 
recommended approval by a vote of 11-3. He provided an overview of the 
original rezoning case and noted that the P-1 area and multiple stipulations were 
established to mitigate the impact of commercial uses on nearby residences. He 
stated that the proposed conceptual site plan depicts 32 units at a density of 
approximately 9.73 dwelling units per acre, which is below the maximum that 
would otherwise be permitted. He stated that the height of the development is 
below the maximum height for the district. He stated that the layout is compatible 
with the surrounding area and noted the building setback from the south property 
line and Mr. Lerma’s property would be approximately 60 feet or greater. He 
stated that the stipulated landscape setback along 49th Drive, per Stipulation 2, 
is 25 feet, which matches the streetscape landscape setback in the C-1 district. 
He noted that given the change of use, the multifamily residential standards 
would otherwise require a minimum 10-foot landscape setback. He noted that Mr. 
March stated there would be an additional 10-feet of landscaping on the west 
side of the drive aisle. He recommended that language be included to require the 
10-foot landscape setback as well as 10 feet of additional landscaping west of 
the drive aisle as depicted on the conceptual plan. He stated that the modification 
of Stipulation 3 regarding landscape requirements for the P-1 portion is 
recommended to be approved as it will be consistent with the residential use of 
the site. He discussed Stipulation 4 regarding a wall or fence along the Arizona 
Canal Diversion Channel noting that it appears both the existing and proposed 
stipulations may conflict with Canal Bank Design Guidelines that address visual 
accessibility by avoiding solid walls that block views. He recommended that 
Stipulation 4 be deleted in its entirety to avoid conflicts. He stated that the 
proposed deletion of Stipulations 5, 6, and 7 regarding drive-through uses are 
recommended to be approved as they are not relevant to the proposed 
development. He stated that the proposed deletion of Stipulation 8 regarding a 
driveway along Cactus Road is recommended to be approved as the driveway is 
not part of the proposed development. He stated that Stipulation 9 is 
recommended to be deleted because pedestrian access will be required along 
49th Drive if the site develops as residential. He stated that the Street 
Transportation Department recommended an additional stipulation regarding 
right-of-way and sidewalk easement dedications along Cactus Road. He stated 
that a Recorded Proposition 207 Waiver is still required prior to preliminary site 
plan approval and is recommended to be added as a stipulation. 
 
FINDINGS: 
 
1) The request to modify Stipulation 1 regarding general conformance to a 
site plan and elevations is recommended for approval with a modification 
to provide more standard conformance language.  The stipulated site plan 
depicted a commercial project comprising an approximately 4,000 square 
foot drive-through bank, an approximately 2,000 square foot drive-through

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of June 15, 2022 
Application PHO-1-22—Z-147-06-1 
Page 4 
 
 
restaurant, and an approximately 12,500 square foot retail and restaurant 
building. This project did not develop, and the property remains vacant.   
 
The proposed conceptual site plan depicts a multifamily residential 
development containing 32 units at approximately 9.73 dwelling units per 
gross acre (note this density is calculated on the C-1 portion of the site 
only as the P-1 portion does not permit dwelling units).  Conceptual 
elevations depict two story units with a maximum height of 27 feet, 10 
inches (top of roof).  Architectural features and detailing include brick 
veneers, metal awnings, mansard tile roofs, shade canopies, patios, pop 
outs, and varied rooflines.  The proposal is compatible with the land use 
pattern in the surrounding area.   
 
2) The request to modify Stipulation 2 regarding the landscape setback along 
49th Drive is recommended for approval with a modification.  The original 
stipulation required a 25-foot landscape setback consistent with 
commercial development standards for consistency with the proposed 
commercial uses to the west.  With the change of use to residential, it 
should be noted that the applicant’s proposal to reduce this stipulated 
setback to 10 feet is below the minimum 20 feet otherwise required by the 
R-3 PRD option where adjacent to a public street.  However, the applicant 
noted that their intent is to provide a total of 20 feet of landscaping in two 
portions, along the right-of-way and along the units at the center of the P-1 
portion of the site.  This landscaping would total 20 feet and serve as an 
adequate buffer; however, the building adjacent landscaping would not be 
required by the applicant’s proposed language.  Therefore, a modification 
is recommended to require this as depicted on the proposed conceptual 
site plan. 
 
3) The request to modify Stipulation 3 regarding the landscape standards on 
the P-1 portion of the site is recommended for approval.  The change is 
consistent with the change of use to a multifamily residential project under 
the R-3 PRD development standards. 
 
4) The request to modify Stipulation 4 regarding an eight-foot-high solid 
masonry screen wall or view fence with landscaping along the Arizona 
Canal Diversion Channel is recommended to be approved with a 
modification to delete the stipulation entirely.  Both the existing and 
proposed stipulation appear to conflict with current Canal Bank Design 
Guidelines that address visual accessibility by avoiding solid walls that 
block views.  Deleting the stipulation will allow the applicant to comply with 
existing Ordinance standards along their canal frontage and for staff to 
apply Canal Bank Design Guidelines appropriately.

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of June 15, 2022 
Application PHO-1-22—Z-147-06-1 
Page 5 
 
 
5) The requests to delete Stipulations 5, 6, and 7 are recommended for 
approval.  These stipulations all address drive-through uses on the original 
stipulated plan which are no longer proposed. 
 
6) The request to delete Stipulation 8 is recommended for approval.  This 
stipulation was specific to a driveway along Cactus Road on the original 
stipulated plan which is no longer proposed. 
 
7) The request to delete Stipulation 9 is recommended for approval.  This 
stipulation was recommended by the neighborhood in the original case to 
further strengthen the function of the P-1 portion of the site as a buffer 
from the commercial uses.  With the current residential proposal, the 
applicant will be required to provide pedestrian access to 49th Drive and 
this stipulation is no longer relevant. 
 
8) The Street Transportation Department recommends an additional 
stipulation regarding right-of-way and sidewalk easement dedications 
along Cactus Road.  This stipulation is recommended to be added.  The 
current right-of-way along the south side of Cactus Road, adjacent to the 
site, exists as a right-of-way easement. As part of this development, the 
developer will be required to improve (i.e., dedicate) this section of 
roadway from easement to fee title right-of-way in addition to dedicating a 
10-foot-wide sidewalk easement.  Cactus Road is identified as a D-
Section arterial roadway on the City Council approved Street Classification 
Map which identifies these dedications. 
 
STIPULATIONS: 
 
1. 
That THE development shall be in general conformance WITH to the site 
plan and elevations date stamped MARCH 9, 2022 January 30, 2007, as 
approved or modified by the FOLLOWING STIPULATIONS AND 
APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND Development Services 
Department. 
 
 
2. 
That there shall be a 25 foot landscape setback along the 49th Drive 
(eastern) side of the P-1 parcel, as approved by the Development Services 
Department. 
 
ON THE P-1 PORTION OF THE SITE, THERE SHALL BE A MINIMUM 
10-FOOT LANDSCAPE SETBACK ALONG 49TH DRIVE AND A 
MINIMUM 10-FOOT-WIDE LANDSCAPE AREA ADAJCENT TO 
BUILDINGS ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF THE P-1 AREA, AS 
DEPICTED ON THE SITE PLAN DATE STAMPED MARCH 9, 2022, AND 
AS APPROVED OR MODIFIED BY THE PLANNING AND 
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of June 15, 2022 
Application PHO-1-22—Z-147-06-1 
Page 6 
 
 
 
 
3. 
That Landscape requirements for the P-1 parcel shall meet or exceed the 
R-3 C-1 Zoning Ordinance standards, as approved by the PLANNING 
AND Development Services Department. 
 
 
4. 
That an eight foot high solid masonry screen wall or view fence with 
landscaping to provide appropriate screening shall be provided at the 
south property line adjacent to the Arizona Canal Diversion Channel, as 
approved by the Development Services Department. 
 
 
5. 
That a drive-through, non-food facility shall be permitted on the site, and it 
shall be located at the far western end of the site, as approved by the 
Development Services Department. 
 
 
6. 
That an additional drive-through facility for a retail coffee business only 
shall be permitted on the site subject to obtaining a use permit and as 
approved by the Development Services Department. 
 
 
7. 
That the drive-through canopies, lanes, speaker boxes, and service 
windows shall not be located on the eastern side of the drive-through 
facilities, as approved by the Development Services Department. 
 
 
8. 
That the westernmost driveway access shall be configured to ensure 
emergency access, as approved by the Development Services 
Department. 
 
 
9. 
That there shall be no pedestrian access to 49th Drive. 
 
 
4. 
THE DEVELOPER SHALL DEDICATE 40-FEET OF RIGHT-OF-WAY 
AND A 10-FOOT-WIDE SIDEWALK EASEMENT FOR THE LENGTH OF 
THE PROJECT AREA ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF CACTUS ROAD, 
AS APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
DEPARTMENT. 
 
 
5. 
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.

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of June 15, 2022 
Application PHO-1-22—Z-147-06-1 
Page 7 
 
 
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