Attachment B - Staff Report - Z-SP-6-21-7.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2022-04-06)

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Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Laveen Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Date 
February 14, 2022 
Planning Commission Hearing Date 
March 3, 2022 
Request From: 
S-1 (Approved C-2) (Ranch or Farm Residence
District, Approved Intermediate Commercial
District) (3.29 acres)
Request To: 
C-2 SP (Intermediate Commercial District,
Special Permit) (3.29 acres)
Proposed Use 
Self-service storage warehouse and underlying 
commercial uses 
Location 
Southeast corner of the Loop 202 Freeway and 
Southern Avenue   
Owner 
REXCO S202, LLC 
Applicant/Representative 
Alan Beaudoin, Norris Design 
Staff Recommendation 
Approval, subject to stipulations 
General Plan Conformity 
General Plan Land Use Map 
Designation 
Commercial 
Street Map 
Classification
Southern Avenue 
Arterial Street 
33-foot south half street
CONNECT PEOPLE AND PLACES CORE VALUE; OPPORTUNITY SITES; LAND USE 
PRINCIPLE: Support reasonable levels of increased intensity, respectful of local 
conditions and surrounding neighborhoods. 
The requested zoning will allow for increased intensity that is consistent in scale and 
character with the surrounding zoning and General Plan Land Use Map designations. 
The subject site is located on an arterial street and is directly adjacent to the Loop 202 
freeway where appropriate transportation system capacity exists. Furthermore, the 
requested zoning is compatible with the surrounding area and will allow for further 
commercial opportunities in the Laveen Village. 
Attachment B

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 2 of 11 
 
 
CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS CORE VALUE; 
CERTAINTY AND CHARACTER; LAND USE PRINCIPLE: Locate land uses with the 
greatest height and most intense uses within limits based on village character, 
land use needs, infrastructure and transportation system capacity.. 
 
The proposal is located along the Loop 202 freeway, a major transportation corridor 
which will support the proposed use. The proposal will also allow for increased 
commercial intensity in the area that is sensitive to the scale of nearby neighborhoods 
which are primarily non-residential in nature. 
 
BUILD THE SUSTAINABLE DESERT CITY CORE VALUE; TREES AND SHADE; 
DESIGN PRINCIPLE: New development should minimize surface parking areas and 
provide an abundance of shade through either trees or structures on any planned 
parking areas. 
 
As stipulated, the proposed development will incorporate shade standards for parking 
areas and pedestrian pathways. This will help to minimize the urban heat island effect, 
cooling the micro-climate of the site, and encouraging pedestrians to walk to and from 
this commercial site. 
 
 
Applicable Plans, Overlays, and Initiatives 
Tree and Shade Master Plan: See Background Item No. 6. 
Complete Streets Guiding Principles: See Background Item No. 7. 
Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan: See Background Item No. 8. 
 
Zero Waste PHX: See Background Item No. 9. 
 
 
Surrounding Land Uses/Zoning 
 
Land Use 
Zoning 
On Site 
Vacant 
S-1 (Approved C-2) 
North (Across Southern 
Avenue) 
Dairy production facility 
Maricopa County 
IND-3 
South 
Vacant 
S-1 (Approved C-2) 
East 
Vacant 
S-1 (Approved C-2) 
West 
Loop 202 Freeway 
S-1 (Approved C-2)

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 3 of 11 
 
 
C-2 (Intermediate Commercial) 
Standards 
Requirements 
Met or Not Met 
Minimum Building Setbacks 
North (Southern Avenue) 
Minimum 20 feet permitted for 
up to 50% of structure 
25 feet (Met) 
West (Loop 202) 
Minimum 20 feet permitted for 
up to 50% of structure 
30 feet (Met) 
East and South 
0 feet 
Not noted on site plan 
(Met) 
Minimum Landscaped Setbacks 
North (Southern Avenue) 
Average 25 feet, minimum 20 
feet permitted for up to 50% 
of the frontage 
25 feet (Met) 
West (Loop 202) 
0 feet 
35 feet (Met) 
East and South 
0 feet 
Not noted on site plan 
(Met) 
Maximum Lot Coverage 
50 percent 
47.8% (Met) 
Maximum Building Height  
2 stories and 30 feet 
30 feet (Met) 
Minimum Parking 
Mini-warehouses: 1 space per 
35 storage units and 2 spaces 
for manager’s apartment 
 
Office: 1 space per 300 sf 
 
585 units = 17 spaces 
1,300 sf office = 4 spaces 
 
Total 21 parking spaces 
required 
21 parking spaces (Met) 
*Site plan revision or variance required

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 4 of 11 
 
 
Background/Issues/Analysis 
 
SUBJECT SITE 
1. 
This request is to rezone a 3.29-
acre site located at the southeast 
corner of Loop 202 and Southern 
Avenue from S-1 (Approved C-2) 
(Ranch or Farm Residence 
District, Approved Intermediate 
Commercial District) to C-2 SP 
(Intermediate Commercial, 
Special Permit District) for a self-
service storage warehouse and 
underlying commercial uses. 
SURROUNDING USES AND ZONING 
2. 
To the east and to the south of the site is vacant land that is also zoned S-1 
(Approved C-2) (Ranch or Farm Residence District, Approved Intermediate 
Commercial District). This same zoning district exists to the west of the site, across 
the Loop 202 freeway. Further west are single-family residences in unincorporated 
Maricopa County land that are zoned RU-43 (One Acre Per Dwelling Unit). To the 
north, across Southern Avenue, is a dairy manufacturer in unincorporated Maricopa 
County land that is zoned IND-3 (Heavy Industrial). The proposal for a self-service 
storage warehouse at this location is consistent with the surrounding land uses, 
which consist primarily of a mix of commercial and industrial uses, and will provide a 
service to nearby residents. 
Aerial Zoning Map 
Source: City of Phoenix Planning and Development 
Department

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 5 of 11 
 
 
GENERAL PLAN 
3. 
The site has a General Plan Land 
Use Map designation of 
Commercial. This designation 
also extends to the south, east, 
and to the west of the site, across 
the Loop 202 freeway. To the 
north, across Southern Avenue, 
is unincorporated Maricopa 
County land that is designated as 
Residential 10-15 dwelling units 
per acre on the City of Phoenix 
General Plan Land Use Map. The 
proposal is consistent with the 
Commercial General Plan Land 
Use Map designation. 
PROPOSAL 
4. 
The conceptual site plan depicts a mix of single-story and two-story self-service 
storage buildings with approximately 585 storage units. The majority of the site is 
comprised of the two-story building, which fronts onto Southern Avenue and wraps 
around the west side of the property to the south. Two additional one-story buildings 
are located on the eastern portion of the site where the proposed development 
connects to other commercial properties to the east. Access to the self-service 
storage facility is proposed from these adjacent commercial properties, with a single 
driveway along Southern Avenue providing access to four distinct commercial 
parcels. The site plan also depicts a Multi-Use Trail (MUT) along Southern Avenue, 
as well as a Shared Use Path (SUP) along the western perimeter property line. Due 
to the shared access with adjacent commercial properties, which involves multiple 
off-site properties, and the location of the project site in an area where other 
jurisdictions may apply (such as the Arizona Department of Transportation and the 
Maricopa County Department of Transportation), staff is not recommending general 
conformance to the site plan. In addition, the site plan depicts the SUP on the 
western perimeter of the site, where there are no connections to properties to the 
south of the subject site. In the future, this SUP should be provided along the west 
side of 59th Avenue, as it will eventually connect to the system of SUPs along 59th 
Avenue north and south of Baseline Road. To address site improvements without 
stipulating general conformance to the site plan, staff is recommending several 
stipulations that primarily address the pedestrian streetscape, internal pedestrian 
circulation, and tree cover throughout the site.  
General Plan Land Use Map 
Source: City of Phoenix Planning and Development 
Department

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 6 of 11 
 
 
 
The Zoning Ordinance further regulates self-service storage warehouse uses by 
limiting outdoor storage, requiring screening of any outdoor areas, and limiting 
certain activities on the site. The current proposal for the self-service storage 
warehouse use involves solely indoor storage on the site. 
5. 
The conceptual building elevations depict a two-story self-service storage facility 
that prioritizes the public right-of-way by limiting exterior storage unit entrances to 
the interior of the site, where they will not be visible from the street. The north 
elevation, which is oriented towards Southern Avenue, incorporates a pitched roof 
element as well as other varying rooflines, as well as multiple windows throughout 
the façade to break up the building mass and create a more inviting environment 
along Southern Avenue. The west elevation, which will be visible from the Loop 202 
freeway, incorporates the same pitched roof and varying roofline elements, a mix of 
building materials, windows, architectural elements to break up the blank wall, and a 
faux water tower feature that pays homage to the agricultural heritage of the Laveen 
Village. The other elevations incorporate similar architectural elements and mix of 
building materials. As such, staff is recommending general conformance to these 
building elevations with specific regard to the incorporation of windows along the 
front façade, architectural embellishments, and mix of a minimum of three building 
materials. This is addressed in Stipulation No. 1. 
Proposed Site Plan 
Source: Norris Design

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 7 of 11 
 
 
 
AREA PLANS, OVERLAY DISTRICTS, AND INITIATIVES 
6. 
Tree and Shade Master Plan 
The Tree and Shade Master Plan has a goal of treating the urban forest as 
infrastructure to ensure that trees are an integral part of the city’s planning and 
development process. By investing in trees and the urban forest, the city can reduce 
its carbon footprint, decrease energy costs, reduce storm water runoff, increase 
biodiversity, address the urban heat island effect, clean the air, and increase 
property values. In addition, trees can help to create walkable streets and vibrant 
pedestrian places. Staff is recommending several elements throughout the site to 
promote shade and fight the urban heat island effect. These elements include tree 
shade for public sidewalks, tree shade for internal pedestrian pathways, and shade 
trees to be planted throughout surface parking areas. These are addressed in 
Stipulation Nos. 2, 3, and 7. 
7. 
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. To provide a safe and comfortable 
pedestrian environment along Southern Avenue, staff is recommending that 
sidewalks be detached with a landscape strip between the sidewalk and back of 
curb, which shall be planted with shade trees to provide thermal comfort for 
pedestrians. Staff also recommends the provision of bicycle parking spaces near 
building entrances to promote alternative transportation, as well as alternative 
paving materials for pedestrian pathways where they cross drive aisles, to increase 
Proposed Building Elevations 
Source: RBA Architecture Planning

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 8 of 11 
 
 
pedestrian visibility. These recommendations are addressed in Stipulation Nos.  4, 
5, and 7. 
8. 
Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan 
The City of Phoenix adopted the Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan in 2014 to 
guide the development of its bikeway system and supportive infrastructure. The 
Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan supports options for both short- and long-term 
bicycle parking as a means of promoting bicyclist traffic to a variety of destinations. 
As stipulated, the project will incorporate bicycle parking spaces for the 
development, which will be installed per the requirements in the city’s Walkable 
Urban (WU) Code. This is addressed in Stipulation 5. 
9. 
Zero Waste PHX 
The City of Phoenix is committed to its waste diversion efforts and has set a goal to 
become a zero-waste city, as part of the city’s overall 2050 Environmental 
Sustainability Goals. One of the ways Phoenix can achieve this is to improve and 
expand its recycling and other waste diversion programs. Section 716 of the 
Phoenix Zoning Ordinance establishes standards to encourage the provision of 
recycling containers for multifamily, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use 
developments meeting certain criteria. This development includes a solid waste bin 
enclosure. However, it does not include provisions to accommodate recycling 
services. 
COMMUNITY INPUT SUMMARY 
10. 
At the time this staff report was written, staff did not receive any community 
correspondence regarding this proposal. 
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMENTS 
11. 
The Public Transit Department (PTD) recommends alternative paving materials for 
pedestrian pathways, pedestrian route shading and pedestrian site connections via 
the most direct route. These elements are addressed in Stipulation Nos. 3 and 4. 
12. 
The Street Transportation Department requires the dedication of a multi-use trail 
easement and construction of a multi-use trail along the south side of Southern 
Avenue and detached sidewalks. A 55-foot right-of-way dedication will also be 
required for the south side of Southern Avenue, including construction of all 
associated improvements both within and adjacent to the site, which shall comply 
with current ADA accessibility standards. These are addressed in Stipulation Nos. 6 
through 8. 
13. 
The Fire Department commented that the site and buildings shall comply with the 
2018 International Fire Code with Phoenix Amendments. The current water supply 
for this case is unknown, while the water supply is required to meet fire flow as 
defined by Appendix B of the 2018 International Fire Code with Phoenix 
Amendments. In addition, the Fire Department also provided general comments 
pertaining to fire lanes.

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 9 of 11 
 
 
14. 
The Water Services Department commented that the property has existing water 
and sewers mains that can potentially serve the development, although a sewer 
main extension may be required. In addition, the Water Services Department 
commented that capacity is a dynamic condition that can change over time due to a 
variety of factors. The requirements and assurances for water and sewer service are 
determined during the site plan application review. For any given property, water 
and sewer requirements may vary over time to be less or more restrictive depending 
on the status of the City’s water and sewer infrastructure. 
15. 
The Floodplain Management division of the Public Works Department did not have 
any comments on this proposal. 
OTHER 
16. 
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. 9 through 11. 
17. 
Development and use of the site is subject to all applicable codes and ordinances. 
Zoning approval does not negate other ordinance requirements such as obtaining a 
use permit to conduct the proposed outdoor use in this zoning district. Other formal 
actions such as, but not limited to, zoning adjustments and abandonments, may be 
required. 
 
Findings 
 
1. 
The proposed Special Permit for self-service storage is appropriately located on an 
arterial street and is adjacent to the Loop 202 freeway. 
2. 
The proposed commercial development, as stipulated, is compatible with the 
surrounding land uses and will provide a service to nearby residents. 
3. 
The proposed development is consistent with the scale and character of 
developments approved or existing in the surrounding area while also promoting a 
mix of services.

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 10 of 11 
 
 
Stipulations 
 
1. 
The development shall be in general conformance with the building elevations 
date stamped December 6, 2021, with specific regard to the following, as 
approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
 
 
a. The north elevation shall incorporate windows along the front façade. 
 
 
 
b. All building elevations shall contain architectural embellishments and 
detailing such as textural changes, pilasters, offsets, recesses, variation in 
window size and location, and/or overhang canopies. 
 
 
 
 
c. A minimum of three distinct building materials shall be utilized on all building 
elevations. 
 
 
2. 
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 25 percent shade at maturity, as approved by Planning and 
Development Department. 
 
 
3. 
Pedestrian walkways connecting the building to adjacent public sidewalks shall 
be shaded to a minimum of 75 percent using large canopy drought tolerant 
shade trees at maturity and/or architectural shade. 
 
 
4. 
Where pedestrian walkways cross a vehicular path, the pathway shall be 
constructed of decorative pavers, stamped or colored concrete, or other 
pavement treatments that visually contrasts with parking and drive aisle 
surfaces, as approved by the Planning and Development Department. Vehicular 
crossings shall be kept to a minimum. 
 
 
5. 
A minimum of four bicycle parking spaces shall be provided through Inverted U 
and/or artistic racks located near the building entrance of each enclosed 
commercial building 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. 
 
 
6. 
The developer shall dedicate a 30-foot-wide multi-use trail easement (MUTE) 
along the south side of Southern Avenue and construct a minimum 10-foot wide 
multi-use trail (MUT) within the easement, in accordance with the MAG 
supplemental detail indicated in Section 429 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.

Staff Report: Z-SP-6-21-7 
January 21, 2022 
Page 11 of 11 
7.
The developer shall dedicate minimum 55 feet of right-of-way and
construct/permit the south side of Southern Avenue as required by MCDOT and
the Street Transportation Department.
8.
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.
9.
If determined necessary by the Phoenix Archeology 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 Archeologist prior to
clearing and grubbing, landscape salvage, and/or grading approval.
10.
If Phase I data testing is required, and if, upon review of the results from Phase
I data testing, the City Archeologist, in consultation with a qualified archeologist,
determines such data recovery excavations are necessary, the applicant shall
conduct Phase II archeological data recovery excavations.
11.
In the event archeological 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 Archeologist, and allow time for the
Archeology Office to properly assess the materials.
Writer 
Sofia Mastikhina 
January 11, 2022 
Team Leader 
Samantha Keating 
Exhibits 
Sketch Map 
Aerial Map 
Site plan date stamped January 24, 2022                       
Building elevations date stamped December 6, 2021

Z-25-00
Z-98-98
*
MARICOPA
COUNTY
PRD
R1-8
S-1
GC
R1-18
Z-93-01
R1-8
Z-93-01
C-2
HGT/WVR *
Z-142-06
R-3A *
Z-96-06
C-2 *
Z-96-06
SOUTHERN AVE
v
w
202
BROADWAY RD
BASELINE RD
SOUTHERN AVE
DOBBINS RD
ELLIOT RD
ESTRELLA DR
LAVEEN VILLAGE
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT: 7
I
APPLICANT'S NAME:
APPLICATION NO.
Z-SP-6-21
GROSS AREA INCLUDING 1/2 STREET
AND ALLEY DEDICATION IS APPROX.
3.29 Acres
MULTIPLES PERMITTED
*   Maximum Units Allowed with P.R.D. Bonus
S-1 (Approved C-2) 
C-2 SP 
CONVENTIONAL OPTION
3 ( 47)
( 47)
*   UNITS P.R.D. OPTION
N/A ( 57)
( 57)
Alan Beaudoin - Norris Design
DATE:
12/13/2021
REVISION DATES:
AERIAL PHOTO &
QUARTER SEC. NO.
QS 2-14
ZONING MAP
D-5
REQUESTED CHANGE:
FROM: S-1 (Approved C-2) ( 3.29 a.c.)
TO:
C-2 SP ( 3.29 a.c.)
Document Path: S:\Department Share\Information Systems\PL GIS\IS_Team\Core_Functions\Zoning\sketch_maps\2021\Z-SP-6-21.mxd
Z-SP-6-21
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0.09
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Miles

Z-25-00
Z-98-98
*
MARICOPA
COUNTY
PRD
R1-8
S-1
GC
R1-18
Z-93-01
R1-8
Z-93-01
C-2
HGT/WVR *
Z-142-06
R-3A *
Z-96-06
C-2 *
Z-96-06
SOUTHERN AVE
v
w
202
Maricopa County Assessor's Office
BROADWAY RD
BASELINE RD
SOUTHERN AVE
DOBBINS RD
ELLIOT RD
ESTRELLA DR
LAVEEN VILLAGE
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT: 7
I
APPLICANT'S NAME:
APPLICATION NO.
Z-SP-6-21
GROSS AREA INCLUDING 1/2 STREET
AND ALLEY DEDICATION IS APPROX.
3.29 Acres
MULTIPLES PERMITTED
*   Maximum Units Allowed with P.R.D. Bonus
S-1 (Approved C-2) 
C-2 SP 
CONVENTIONAL OPTION
3 ( 47)
( 47)
*   UNITS P.R.D. OPTION
N/A ( 57)
( 57)
Alan Beaudoin - Norris Design
DATE:
12/13/2021
REVISION DATES:
AERIAL PHOTO &
QUARTER SEC. NO.
QS 2-14
ZONING MAP
D-5
REQUESTED CHANGE:
FROM: S-1 (Approved C-2) ( 3.29 a.c.)
TO:
C-2 SP ( 3.29 a.c.)
Document Path: S:\Department Share\Information Systems\PL GIS\IS_Team\Core_Functions\Zoning\sketch_maps\2021\Z-SP-6-21.mxd
Z-SP-6-21
0.09
0
0.09
0.045
Miles