Planning Commission Report

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SUBJECT & REQUESTS 
 
GOLDEN LANE APARTMENTS EXPANSION – ZON21-03 
 
A request by the Glendale Planning Commission to rezone approximately 1.9 acres from 
R-4 (Multiple Residence) to R-5 (Multiple Residence) in order to allow for the expansion 
of a previously approved multi-family community to be known as Golden Lane 
Apartments.   
 
At the work session on February 18, 2021, the Commission directed Staff to initiate 
the rezoning of the subject property. 
 
Staff Contact:  George Gehlert, Senior Planning Project Manager. 
ggehlert@glendaleaz.com (623) 930-2597. 
 
REQUIRED ACTION 
 
The Planning Commission must conduct a public hearing and determine if this request 
is in the best long-term interest of the neighborhood and consistent with the General 
Plan. 
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
 
General Plan Designation: 
The property land use designation is HDR 12-20 (High Density Residential). 
 
Property Location and Size: 
The 1.9 acre site is located at the Southwest corner of 67th Avenue and Alice Avenue, 
along the west side of 67th Avenue, approximately ¼ mile south of Olive Avenue (8778 
North 67th Avenue); and is in the Barrel district.   
 
Project History:  
The site is currently vacant.  The current R-4 zoning was applied in the early 1980s.  In 
2000, adjacent properties to the north, west and south were re-zoned R-5.  The subject 
parcel may have been excluded due to separate ownership.  On January 18, 2019, Staff 
approved a Design Review application (DR18-33) for Golden Lane Apartments.  The 
approval describes a 192-unit multifamily residential community on 7.4 acres developed 
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT 
 
CASE: 
Golden Lane Apartments Expansion 
CASE #: 
ZON21-03 
MEETING DATE: 
March 4, 2021 
FROM: 
George Gehlert, Senior Planning Project Manager

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as a series of 3-story apartment buildings, together with associated parking and 
landscaping improvements.  The project has not yet been constructed. 
 
Project Details: 
The current proposal would add 1.91 acres at the northeast corner of the original site. 
The primary access point would still occur along 67th Avenue in the same location. A 
secondary access, planned initially for the northwest corner of the larger site, has since 
been moved to the southwest corner as part of this proposal. Building footprints within the 
east half of the original proposal site would also be adjusted to accommodate the addition 
of the new parcel. 
 
Surrounding Properties and Zoning: 
Areas to the west and south are zoned R-5 and are vacant (part of the pending Golden 
Lane project). Areas to the north are also zoned R-5 and developed as the Morning Star 
Senior Living Facility.  Areas across 67th Avenue to the east are zoned R-4 and developed 
as the Glencroft Center for Modern Aging. 
 
CERTTIFICATION OF ADEQUATE SCHOOL FACILITIES 
 
A request for certification of Adequate School Facilities was sent to the school districts 
for the Glendale Elementary and Glendale Union High School.  
 
 
NOTIFICATION: 
 
Planning Commission Public Hearing: 
Initial notice regarding the proposal and an online neighborhood meeting was mailed to 
property owners and other interested parties on February 18, 2021.  The neighborhood 
meeting was held February 24, 2021. The Citizen Participation Plan Final Report is 
attached for your review. 
 
A Notice of Public Hearing was published in The Glendale Star on February 11, 2021. 
Notification postcards of the public hearing were mailed to adjacent property owners and 
interested parties on February 12, 2021. The property was posted on February 16, 2021.   
 
Analysis 
 
1. There is currently a 2-story maximum on the R-4 site.   The R-5 zoning is 
required for 3-story units.  
 
2. The R-5 setback requirement is 20 feet plus 6” for every foot in elevation over 20 
feet tall.  The building at the front of the property along 67th Avenue is 34 feet tall, 
requiring 27 feet of perimeter setback.  The current site plan needs to be revised 
to meet this standard. 
 
3. The entry way design along 67th Avenue does not provide for a turnaround point 
for visitors that are trying to get in without having to back up if they are not let into 
the complex. This should be revised.

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STAFF FINDINGS 
 
• The request is consistent with the policies and objectives of the General Plan. 
 
• Approval of the request would encourage development within a portion of the 
community where infrastructure already exists. 
 
• Compatible with adjacent facilities and residences. 
 
 
RECOMMENDATION 
 
The Planning Commission should recommend approval of request subject to the 
identified stipulations. 
 
 
 
PROPOSED MOTIONS 
 
Motion to approve ZON21-03, subject to the following stipulations: 
 
1. Development in substantial conformance to the Design Review submittal (DR21-
03), dated January 18, 2021; and any revisions required as part of that review.  
 
2. Staff approval of site plan revisions in conformance to building height and 
setback standards for the R-5 Zone; and which address all Transportation 
concerns for stacking and turnaround at the entry along 67th Avenue. 
 
3. Lot tie which combines both parcels.  
 
 
ATTACHMENTS: 
1. Design Review narrative, dated 1/18/21. 
2. Citizen Participation Final Report (without mailing labels), 
dated  February 22, 2021. 
3. Certificate of Adequate School Facilities, submitted 2/17/21. 
4. Vicinity Zoning Map. 
5. Aerial Photograph, dated June/2020.