Attachment E - VPC Summary - Z-45-22-8.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2022-10-12)

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City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
Z-45-22-8 
 
 
Date of VPC Meeting 
 
August 8, 2022 
Request From 
 
S-1 (Approved C-2 HGT/WVR PCD) 
Request To 
C-2 HGT/WVR DNS/WVR 
Proposed Use 
Mixed-use development 
Location 
Southeast corner of 59th Avenue and Dobbins Road 
VPC Recommendation 
 
Approval, per Addendum A dated July 8, 2022, with 
modifications and an additional stipulation 
VPC Vote 
6-3 
 
VPC DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDED STIPULATIONS: 
1. 
Two members of the public requested to speak on this item.  
 
Chair Tonya Glass requested that the applicant ask for a continuance to work through 
community concerns about the project. Chair Glass stated that since the last meeting 
the applicant has worked with committee members regarding the project, but the 
outreach to the community was not done. Chair Glass added that there are still 
concerns with the 3-story apartment buildings along Dobbins Road and the applicant 
should reach out to residents of the single-family development to the north since they 
would be directly impacted by increased height. 
 
Ben Tate, representative with Withey Morris, PLC, stated that a significant amount of 
work was done over the past month to revise the proposal to address concerns and 
comments. Mr. Tate stated that per the Committee’s direction, since the last meeting 
they have engaged more with the community and anyone who had concerns. Mr. Tate 
added that the case was noticed appropriately, and the applicant had conversations 
with adjacent residents.  
 
Chair Tonya Glass stated that some community members may not have fallen within 
the required notification radius, but they should still be contacted. Chair Glass stated 
that she wants to ensure the community has the information they need and that she had 
reservations about how the commercial component will be secured. Chair Glass stated 
that she understood if the applicant wanted to move forward without the continuance. 
 
Ben Tate stated that he would like to move forward without the continuance and 
present the proposal with the updated plans. 
 
STAFF PRESENTATION 
ATTACHMENT E

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Julianna Pierre reviewed the request, location of the site, adjacent zoning and uses, 
and general plan designation. Ms. Pierre stated that at last month’s VPC meeting, the 
item was continued to allow time for the applicant to work with the Committee and 
community regarding the proposal. Ms. Pierre added that the applicant also asked for a 
continuance at the August 4th Planning Commission hearing. Ms. Pierre stated that 
taking into consideration the revised plan, staff is recommending approval, per 
Addendum A dated July 8, 2022, with modifications. Ms. Pierre reviewed the 
modifications, which included updates to the date stamp date for the site plan, open 
space percentages, and maximum unit numbers. 
 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION 
Ben Tate, representative with Withey Morris, PLC, provided information regarding the 
site location and noted that the defunct Laveen Town Center Planned Community 
District (PCD) is no longer supported. Mr. Tate added that the density and height for the 
new proposal matches that of the PCD and the proposal is an adaptation of what was 
proposed in 2004. Mr. Tate stated that this site is the last privately owned parcel in the 
PCD, and the City owns the 40 acres to the south, which is planned for a park and 
elementary school. Mr. Tate added that the developer has agreed to contribute $300 
per unit to the Laveen Elementary School District. Mr. Tate then reviewed the proposal, 
specifically describing key information regarding Lots 1, 2, and 3. Mr. Tate displayed the 
conceptual site plan, elevations, and various renderings and described the modifications 
made to the site plan including: increased commercial square footage of Lot 1, 
increased number of commercial pads, increased size of the Town Center, increased 
height of residential buildings along Dobbins Road, increased setbacks in Lot 2, and 
reduction of units in Lot 3. 
 
Mr. Tate proposed an additional stipulation to address the Town Center improvements: 
 
Improvements for the Town Center, as identified on the site plan date stamped August 
8, 2022, shall be completed prior to the issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy for the 
last phase of residential development (Lot 2 or Lot 3). Improvements shall include all 
streets and parking around the Town Center, all common landscape, walkway 
landscape furniture and common area features, and a minimum of three amenities 
(which may include, but is not limited to open seating, interactive water feature, and kids 
playground with shade structure), but excluding the two commercial buildings and their 
supporting features such as leased outdoor dining areas and their hardscape and 
landscape features, as approved by the Planning and Development Department.  
 
Mr. Tate stated that this stipulation ensures that the Town Center’s open space would 
be developed prior to the last phase of residential development. 
 
QUESTIONS FROM COMMITTEE 
Committee member Stephanie Hurd stated that the applicant has made 
improvements to the proposal including more open space and additional commercial 
pads. Ms. Hurd stated that some may not like the three-story residential buildings along 
Dobbins Road, but as a tradeoff the setback was increased. Ms. Hurd expressed 
concerns about the commercial not being built but hoped that a stipulation or agreement 
could be reached to ensure the commercial development. 
 
Vice Chair Linda Abegg stated that she was excited to have a mixed-use development 
in this area because often the Committee has been told that mixed use is not a

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
possibility. Vice Chair Abegg expressed concern that the Town Center open space 
would not be developed. Vice Chair Abegg stated that stipulation language could be 
workshopped to ensure that is completed. She added that the intent should be specific 
because the intent may not be honored in future process unless clearly stated. 
 
Chair Tonya Glass stated that at least one commercial building should be built as part 
of the second phase to facilitate support for the rest of the community. 
 
Ben Tate stated that the commercial buildings were intended to be built as the market 
dictates. Mr. Tate added that the priority was to ensure that the open space portion of 
the Town Center be built along with the residential phases to provide space for the 
community. 
 
Chair Tonya Glass stated that it would not be unreasonable for the stipulation to 
ensure at least one of the commercial spaces be built, which would support the open 
space and residents. 
 
Committee member JoAnne Jensen stated that this is the third plan she’s seen for 
the site and this iteration is the best. Ms. Jensen expressed concern about stipulating 
that a commercial building be completed when the tenant is unknown, and development 
may not meet a vendor’s requirements. Ms. Jensen added that it may be beneficial to 
understand what a tenant wants before building. Ms. Jensen stated that there should be 
language that ensures the Town Center open space would be developed. 
 
Chair Tonya Glass explained that residents to the north may have concerns with the 
three stories along Dobbins Road as it obstructs their view. Chair Glass added that the 
proposed height is not conducive adjacent to the scenic corridor. Chair Glass 
recommended that the two-story building be adjacent to Dobbins Road and three-story 
buildings interior to the site. 
 
Vice Chair Linda Abegg asked if all the garden style apartments will be three stories.  
 
Ben Tate stated that the apartments adjacent to Dobbins Road are three stories and all 
the other buildings are two stories. Mr. Tate stated that the height of the buildings along 
Dobbins Road was increased because the northwestern most residential building was 
deleted for an additional commercial pad. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS 
Dan Penton stated that there have been improvements to the development, but he still 
had concerns about the size of the Town Center open space. Mr. Penton also 
expressed concerns with the increased number of parking spaces and location of the 
additional commercial pad. Mr. Penton stated that the VPC has been adamant about 
nothing in excess of two stories along Dobbins Road because it is a scenic corridor, so 
there are concerns about allowing three stories. Mr. Penton added that residents across 
Dobbins Road may have their view obstructed by buildings at that height. Mr. Penton 
also asked if there was any way to work with the City to have the proposed park directly 
south of this development. Mr. Penton stated that no matter what stipulations are 
applied to the property, if a new developer comes along and wants to redevelop, they 
can apply for the Planning Hearing Officer (PHO) process to modify stipulations to 
accommodate a new proposal. Mr. Penton expressed concerns that nothing can ensure 
the developer will build out the proposal as currently depicted.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Phil Hertel stated that fifteen to twenty years ago the site of the Town Center was 
envisioned to be a community center and gathering place for residents. Mr. Hertel 
stated that the proposal needs more creativity to truly be a gathering place. Mr. Hertel 
stated that the site should be reorganized to have the single-family portion adjacent to 
Dobbins Road and the three-story residential on the southern portion of the site. Mr. 
Hertel stated that it seems as though the developer is going to flip the site rather than 
build what is proposed. Mr. Hertel suggested an additional stipulation ensuring that no 
stipulations for the rezoning case could be modified in the future to ensure the 
development is built as currently proposed. 
 
Committee member Stephanie Hurd expressed concern with the possibility of the site 
being sold and redeveloped with a different proposal. 
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE 
Ben Tate discussed the modifications to the plan. Mr. Tate stated that there was a 
decrease in leasable outdoor square footage in order to allow an increase in the Town 
Center open space. Mr. Tate added that because there was an addition of another 
commercial pad, the parking had to increase in order to meet the City’s minimum 
parking requirements. Mr. Tate stated that the location and density of the three-story 
residential use is warranted given the proximity to an arterial-to-arterial corner near the 
Loop 202 Freeway and Village Core. Mr. Tate added that the site was already approved 
with a height waiver permitting 3-stories and they are not asking for any additional 
height. Mr. Tate added that discussion regarding the location of the park and school 
south of the site is between the City of Phoenix and Laveen Elementary School District. 
Mr. Tate agreed that it would be preferable to have the park directly to the south rather 
than the school. Mr. Tate stated that the stipulations for the case would also be 
applicable to a subsequent purchaser. 
 
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 
Chair Tonya Glass expressed concerns with last minute changes being made to the 
plan, which made it difficult to review appropriately. Chair Glass added that the 
applicant has not provided any guarantees about future commercial. 
 
Vice Chair Linda Abegg expressed concerns with the site being sold and redeveloped 
as another use. Vice Chair Abegg added that the Committee has specific concerns with 
that issue because it has happened at other locations in the Village. Vice Chair Abegg 
stated that a stipulation modification through the PHO process would be easier than if 
the site were rezoned as a PUD and a subsequent amendment need to be made. 
 
Committee member JoAnne Jensen expressed concern that if this proposal is not 
approved, nothing will develop on the site. Ms. Jensen stated that the developer has 
worked to incorporate comments and concerns by revising the proposal. 
 
Chair Tonya Glass stated that she would feel comfortable approving the proposal if 
there was language in a phasing stipulation to ensure the Town Center open space and 
at least one commercial building were to be developed. 
 
Committee member Rebecca Perrera stated that if the idea of needing residential 
prior to commercial is not based on one parcel. Ms. Perrera stated that increased 
residential throughout the community can support the proposed commercial. Ms.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Perrera stated that she would like to see language ensuring the commercial will be 
developed. 
 
Committee member Francisco Barraza stated that he was okay with the three-story 
residential since there is an increased setback from Dobbins Road. 
 
Committee member Carlos Ortega stated that he was okay with three stories along 
Dobbins Road. Mr. Ortega added that he would like to come to an agreement on 
stipulation language so the Committee could move forward and vote. 
 
MOTION 
Vice Chair Linda Abegg made a motion to approve Z-45-22-8, per Addendum A dated 
July 8, 2022, with modifications and an additional stipulation stating: 
 
Improvements for the Town Center, as identified on the site plan date stamped August 
8, 2022, shall be completed prior to the issuance of any (including temporary) Certificate 
of Occupancy for any development in the second residential lot developed (either Lot 2 
or Lot 3), whichever is developed later. Improvements shall include all streets and 
parking around the Town Center; all common landscaping, walkway landscape 
furniture, and common area features; and a minimum of three amenities, which may 
include, but are not limited to open seating, an interactive water feature, and kids’ 
playground with shade structure; but excluding the two commercial buildings and their 
supporting features such as leased outdoor dining areas and their hardscape and 
landscape features, as approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
Vice Chair Abegg clarified that the intent was to ensure that the Town Center open 
space improvements (excluding commercial buildings) were made prior to the last 
phase of residential development. The motion was seconded by Committee member 
Carlos Ortega. 
 
Chair Tonya Glass made a substitute motion to approve Z-45-22-8, per Addendum A 
dated July 8, 2022, with modifications and an additional stipulation stating: 
 
Improvements for the Town Center, as identified on the site plan date stamped August 
8, 2022, shall be completed prior to the issuance of any (including temporary) Certificate 
of Occupancy for any development in the second residential lot developed (either Lot 2 
or Lot 3), whichever is developed later. Improvements shall include all streets and 
parking around the Town Center; all common landscaping, walkway landscape 
furniture, and common area features; a minimum of three amenities, which may include, 
but are not limited to open seating, an interactive water feature, and kids’ playground 
with shade structure; and at least one of the commercial buildings, as approved by the 
Planning and Development Department. 
 
Chair Glass stated that the intent was to ensure that both the Town Center open space 
and commercial space improvements were made prior to the last phase of residential 
development. The motion was seconded by Committee member Rebecca Perrera.  
 
VOTE 
6-3, motion to approve Z-45-22-8, per Addendum A dated July 8, 2022, with 
modifications and an additional stipulation passed; with Committee members Glass,

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Barraza, Knight, Ortega, Perrera, and Rouse in favor and Committee members Abegg, 
Hurd, and Jensen in opposition. 
 
 
RECOMMENDED STIPULATIONS 
 
1. 
The development shall be in general conformance with the site plan date stamped 
June 30, 2022 JULY 7, 2022 AUGUST 8, 2022 and elevations date stamped May 
27, 2022 AND JULY 8, 2022, as modified by the following stipulations and 
approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
 
2. 
IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE TOWN CENTER, AS IDENTIFIED ON THE SITE 
PLAN DATE STAMPED AUGUST 8, 2022, SHALL BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO 
THE ISSUANCE OF ANY (INCLUDING TEMPORARY) CERTIFICATE OF 
OCCUPANCY FOR ANY DEVELOPMENT IN THE SECOND RESIDENTIAL LOT 
DEVELOPED (EITHER LOT 2 OR LOT 3), WHICHEVER IS DEVELOPED 
LATER. IMPROVEMENTS SHALL INCLUDE ALL STREETS AND PARKING 
AROUND THE TOWN CENTER; ALL COMMON LANDSCAPING, WALKWAY 
LANDSCAPE FURNITURE, AND COMMON AREA FEATURES; A MINIMUM OF 
THREE AMENITIES, WHICH MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO OPEN 
SEATING, AN INTERACTIVE WATER FEATURE, AND KIDS’ PLAYGROUND 
WITH SHADE STRUCTURE; AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE COMMERCIAL 
BUILDINGS, AS APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
DEPARTMENT. 
 
 
2. 
3. 
The primary entryway to Dobbins Road shall include a minimum of 250 square feet 
of enhanced landscaping, planted and maintained with a variety of at least three 
plant materials including a series of annuals that will each maintain a constant 
bloom throughout the year. 
 
 
3. 
4. 
A minimum of one milkweed shrub, or other native nectar species, shall be planted 
for every required tree in addition to the required shrubs, and shall be planted in 
groups of three or more, as approved by the Planning and Development 
Department. 
 
 
4. 
5. 
The developer shall dedicate a 30-foot-wide multi-use trail easement (MUTE) 
along the east side of 59th Avenue and construct a minimum 10-foot-wide multi-
use trail (MUT) within the easement in accordance with the MAG supplemental 
detail and as approved by the Planning and Development Department.  Where 
conflicts or restrictions exist, the developer shall work with the Site Planning 
section on an alternate design through the technical appeal process. 
 
 
5. 
6. 
The developer shall construct a minimum 5-foot-wide detached sidewalk and 
minimum 11-foot-wide landscape area located between the back of curb and 
sidewalk along the south side of Dobbins Road, as approved by the Planning and 
Development Department.   
 
 
 
a. 
Minimum 3-inch caliper shade trees placed a minimum of 20 feet on center 
or in equivalent groupings. 
 
 
 
b. 
Drought tolerant shrubs and vegetative groundcovers with a maximum

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
mature height of 24 inches to provide a minimum of 75% live coverage at 
maturity. 
 
 
 
c. 
Where utility conflicts arise, the developer shall work with the Planning and 
Development Department on an alternative design solution consistent with a 
pedestrian environment. 
 
 
6. 
7. 
The developer shall construct a minimum 5-foot-wide detached sidewalk along the 
west side of 57th Avenue with a minimum 5-foot-wide landscaped strip located 
between the sidewalk and back of curb and planted to the following standards, as 
approved by the Planning and Development Department: 
 
 
 
a. 
Minimum 2-inch caliper shade trees placed a minimum of 20 feet on center 
or in equivalent groupings. 
 
 
 
b. 
Drought tolerant shrubs and vegetative groundcovers with a maximum 
mature height of 24 inches to provide a minimum of 50% live coverage at 
maturity. 
 
 
 
c. 
Where utility conflicts arise, the developer shall work with the Planning and 
Development Department on an alternative design solution consistent with a 
pedestrian environment. 
 
 
7. 
8. 
The developer shall construct a minimum 5-foot-wide detached sidewalk along the 
east side of 59th Avenue with a minimum 11-foot-wide landscaped strip located 
between the sidewalk and back of curb and planted to the following standards, as 
approved by the Planning and Development Department: 
 
 
 
a. 
Minimum 3-inch caliper shade trees placed a minimum of 20 feet on center 
or in equivalent groupings. 
 
 
 
 
b. 
Drought tolerant shrubs and vegetative groundcovers with a maximum 
mature height of 24 inches to provide a minimum of 75% live coverage at 
maturity. 
 
 
 
 
c. 
Where utility conflicts arise, the developer shall work with the Planning and 
Development Department on an alternative design solution consistent with a 
pedestrian environment. 
 
 
8. 
9. 
The developer shall dedicate a minimum of 55-feet of right-of-way and construct 
the south side of Dobbins Road, as approved by the Planning and Development 
Department. 
 
 
9. 
10. 
The developer shall dedicate a minimum of 30-feet of right-of-way and construct 
the west side of 57th Avenue connecting at the 56th Glen alignment, as approved 
by the Street Transportation Department.   
 
 
10. 
11. 
The developer shall dedicate a minimum of 55-feet of right-of-way and construct 
the east side of 59th Avenue, as approved by the Planning and Development 
Department.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
11. 
12. 
The developer shall submit a Traffic Impact Study to the City for this development. 
No preliminary approval of plans shall be granted until the study is approved. 
Signal warrant analysis shall be included for 59th Avenue and Dobbins as part of 
the Study. The developer shall be required to provide a minimum 25% contribution 
towards future traffic signal if not warranted for construction by the TIA.   
 
 
12. 
13. 
Existing irrigation along Dobbins Road are to be undergrounded and relocated 
outside City of Phoenix right-of-way. Contact SRP to identify existing land rights 
and establish appropriate process to relocate facility. Relocations that require 
additional dedications or land transfer require completion prior to obtaining plat 
and/or civil plan review approval. 
 
 
13. 
14. 
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.   
 
 
14. 
15. 
The right-of-way shall be dedicated, and a bus stop pad (City of Phoenix Standard 
Details P1258 and P1260) constructed along eastbound Dobbins Road, as 
approved by the Planning and Development Department.   
 
 
15. 
16. 
The right-of-way shall be dedicated, and a bus stop pad (City of Phoenix Standard 
Details P1258 and P1260) constructed along northbound 59th Avenue, as 
approved by the Planning and Development Department.   
 
 
16. 
17. 
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. 
 
 
17. 
18. 
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. 
 
 
LOT 1 (TOWN CENTER AND RETAIL PLAZA) 
 
 
18. 
19. 
The maximum building height shall be 30 feet. 
 
 
19. 
20. 
A minimum of 25% 28% of the gross area of Lot 1 shall be retained as open 
space, as approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
 
20. 
21. 
All uncovered surface parking lot areas for employees and customers shall be 
landscaped with minimum 2-inch caliper size large canopy drought tolerant shade 
trees.  Landscaping shall be dispersed throughout the parking area and achieve 
minimum 25% shade at maturity, as approved by the Planning and Development 
Department. 
 
 
21. 
A minimum of 14 bicycle parking spaces shall be provided through Inverted U

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
22. 
and/or artistic racks located near building entrances and installed per the 
requirements of Section 1307.H. of the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance, as approved by 
the Planning and Development Department. Artistic racks shall adhere to the City 
of Phoenix Preferred Designs in Appendix K of the Comprehensive Bicycle Master 
Plan. 
 
 
LOT 2 (MULTIFAMILY APARTMENTS) 
 
 
22. 
23. 
The development shall adhere to the R-3A zoning district standards, as modified 
by the following stipulations and approved by the Planning and Development 
Department. 
 
 
23. 
24. 
Lot 2 shall be limited to a maximum of 207 214 units. 
 
 
24. 
25. 
A minimum of 9% 10% of the gross area of Lot 2 shall be retained as open space, 
as approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
 
25. 
26. 
A minimum of 10 bicycle parking spaces shall be provided through Inverted U 
and/or artistic racks located near building entrances, amenities, and/or open space 
and installed per the requirements of Section 1307.H. of the Phoenix Zoning 
Ordinance, as approved by the Planning and Development Department. Artistic 
racks shall adhere to the City of Phoenix Preferred Designs in Appendix K of the 
Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan. 
 
 
LOT 3 (HORIZONTAL MULTIFAMILY) 
 
 
26. 
27. 
The development shall adhere to the R-3 zoning district standards, as modified by 
the following stipulations and approved by the Planning and Development 
Department. 
 
 
27. 
28. 
Lot 3 shall be limited to a maximum of 197 181 units. 
 
 
28. 
29. 
A minimum of 12% 13% 11% of the gross area of Lot 3 shall be retained as open 
space, as approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
 
29. 
30. 
A minimum of 10 bicycle parking spaces shall be provided through Inverted U 
and/or artistic racks located near building entrances, amenities, and/or open space 
and installed per the requirements of Section 1307.H. of the Phoenix Zoning 
Ordinance, as approved by the Planning and Development Department. Artistic 
racks shall adhere to the City of Phoenix Preferred Designs in Appendix K of the 
Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan. 
 
 
STAFF COMMENTS REGARDING VPC RECOMMENDATION & STIPULATIONS 
The intent of Stipulation No. 2 is to ensure that the Town Center is developed after the 
first residential lot (Lot 2 or Lot 3) and before the last residential lot (Lot 2 or Lot 3). 
Within the stipulation, the Village Planning Committee provided a list of all the expected 
improvements to the Town Center.