Narrative

City of Glendale — Regular Meeting (2026-02-26)

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PROJECT NARRATIVE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Phalanx Tactical Group LLC DBA United Defense Tactical 
19420 N 59th Ave, Suite B-100, Glendale, AZ 
 
City of Glendale Case No. CUP25-14 
 
 
 
 
7272 E Indian School Rd, Suite 540, Scottsdale, AZ 85283 
PLANNING DIVSION 
RECEIVED
[22 JAN 2026]

Page 1 of 5 
January 21, 2026 
 
City of Glendale Development Services 
RE: Phalanx Tactical Group LLC DBA United Defense Tactical 
19420 N 59th Ave, Suite B-100, Glendale, AZ 
RA Architectural Studio job Number: 
250801
 
To whom it may concern: 
 
I am providing this project narrative to obtain Conditional Use Permit approval for a tenant improvement of an existing 
suite for a new self-defense indoor training facility. This proposed project will be a part of the existing retail center “The 
Citadelle”, located in the Northwest intersection of 59th Avenue and Utopia Rd. in Glendale, Arizona. 
 
Refer to Existing Site plan AS1.0 and Site Aerial Plan AS1.2 included with this Narrative 
 
Existing building and site information 
 
 
Parcel Number: 
 
 
200-28-855D 
 
Current Zoning Classification: 
C-2 
 
Existing Center area: 
 
9.85 ac 
 
Total Project Size:   
 
4,782 s.f. approx. 
 
Existing Conditions: 
 
This location is currently used as a med spa. The landlord will return the unit to a vanilla shell for tenant 
improvements consistent with the needs of the new use. 
 
Nature of Operations: 
 
The center will offer a variety of training programs including: 
- Firearms safety instruction in classroom settings 
- Self-defense training using non-lethal simulation technology 
- Scenario-based unarmed defense techniques 
- Physical conditioning for personal preparedness 
- Arizona handgun carry permit certification classes 
- Specialized seminars in community safety, disaster preparedness, and self-reliance 
 
Training will utilize a combination of: 
- Laser-based training weapons 
- CO₂-powered .43 caliber simulation firearms firing soft rubber projectiles at 275–325 FPS 
 
These simulation tools produce sound levels in the 80-85 dB range, well within OSHA safe hearing thresholds. 
 
To ensure public safety, no live ammunition or functional firearms will be permitted on the premises at any time. All 
rooms where simulation projectiles are used will feature enhanced wall construction for both sound and ballistic 
mitigation, and all participants will be required to wear personal protective equipment, including facial and eye 
protection.

Page 2 of 5 
Hours of Operation: 
 
The facility is expected to operate on the following schedule: 
8 am-8 pm Monday - Friday 
8 am-5 pm Saturday and Sunday 
 
Staffing & Occupancy: 
 
- Employees on-site: 5 to 9 at any given time 
- Not all of the employees will be instructors. There will be instructors, sales representatives and member 
services employees 
- Clients on-site: Each training class is limited to five students per instructor, with a maximum of three classes 
running simultaneously. 
- Demonstration Rooms: Two rooms may host up to four visitors each with a staff member present. 
- Maximum Occupancy Estimate: 35–40 people total (including staff), with a typical average of 15–20 during 
business hours. 
 
Architectural Concept and Design 
 
Interior Build-Out Plans: 
The space will include: 
- A reception and retail sales area 
- Two demonstration rooms 
- Two simulation training rooms 
- A multi-purpose classroom space 
- Office and staff areas 
- Storage rooms for simulation equipment and protective gear 
- ADA-compliant restrooms 
 
No structural modifications are anticipated. However, certain interior partitions will be constructed or upgraded to 
provide effective soundproofing and minor ballistic resistance in simulation areas. See conceptual floor plan 
included with this Narrative. 
 
Refer to Floor Plan FP0.1 Included in this package 
 
Parking and Traffic 
 
The anticipated traffic and parking demand will be similar to or less than the previous use as a med spa. Training 
sessions will be scheduled in advance to control flow and maintain manageable occupancy. Per the city of Glendale’s 
Zoning Ordinance, table 4.000-2, parking required for this suite is 16 spaces, including 1 accessible space. The center 
has 444 existing parking spaces of which 314 parking spaces are assigned to retail and restaurants, 110 spaces are 
assigned to businesses, including this suite, and there are 20 extra parking spaces for overflow.

Page 3 of 5 
Noise and Safety Mitigation: 
 
Unlike traditional shooting ranges, this facility uses non-lethal simulation devices that do not exceed normal hearing 
safety thresholds. The facility layout and interior construction will be optimized to ensure: 
 
- Containment of sound within simulation rooms 
- No external noise disruption to neighboring tenants or public areas 
- Physical safety through appropriate wall reinforcements and PPE policies 
- Zero risk of live-fire incidents, as live firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited on-site 
 
General Findings: 
 
As part of your CUP Narrative, this project is required to address the findings included in Section 35.6.208.D of the 
Unified Development Code. These are five (5) findings and explanations on how the proposed project meets each 
finding.  
Per Section 35.6.208.D of the Unified Development Code: 
 
a. That the proposed use is consistent with the policies, objectives, and land use map of the Glendale General Plan and 
the purpose of the zone district in which the site is located. 
- The proposed use is allowed in this zoning and is consistent with the uses for this Glendale General plan. 
 
b. That the proposed use will not be materially detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing 
or working within the neighborhood of the proposed use, or have an adverse effect on the property, adjacent 
properties, the surrounding neighborhood or the City when consideration is given to the character and size of the use 
and hours of operation. 
- The proposed use will be of great benefit to the nearby neighborhoods because it will provide the opportunity to 
learn self-defense and safety awareness. 
 
c. That the proposed site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the intended use and that all requirements for 
the zone district, including but not limited to: setbacks, walls, landscaping and buffer yards are met. 
- This project will be in an existing building of the existing retail center “The Citadelle”, that is adequate in size and 
shape to accommodate the intended use; this development meets all requirements for setbacks, walls, 
landscaping, and buffer. 
 
d. That the proposed site has adequate access to public streets and highways to carry the type and quantity of traffic 
which may be generated by the subject use, and that on-site circulation is adequate to permit driveways, parking, and 
loading requirements in a manner which is safe and efficient. 
- This development “The Citadelle” is located at the Northwest corner of 59th Ave and Utopia Rd.; there are 5 points 
of access to the site from both main arterial streets; This site has adequate on-site circulation, and sufficient 
parking for this use at the proposed hours of operation. 
 
e. That adequate conditions or stipulations have been incorporated into the approval of the conditional use permit to 
ensure that any anticipated detrimental effects to public health, safety, and welfare can be mitigated 
- All required conditions and stipulations are taking into account to obtain approval for Conditional Use Permit.

Page 4 of 5 
 
Conclusion 
 
This architectural proposal outlines a functional, compliant, and economically beneficial development that aligns 
with the goals of the City of Glendale and the mission of United Defense Tactical. We request Conditional Use review 
and approval to move forward with detailed planning, permitting, and construction activities. 
 
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. 
 
Thank you 
 
 
 
 
Rogelio Arrieta R.A.
RA Architectural Studio LL

Page 5 of 5

EXISTING SITE PLAN
(FOR REFERENCE
ONLY)
AS1.0
GENERAL NOTES
APN :
(602) 284-3959
rarrieta@ra-archstudio.com
19420 N 59th AVENUE, GLENDALE, AZ 85308
EXISTING SUITE TENANT IMPROVEMENT
UNITED DEFENSE TACTICAL
(480) 365-8355
jramirez@jbrdc.com
JBR DESIGN CONCEPTS
PROPERTY OWNER :
PROPERTY ADDRESS :
SCOPE OF WORK :
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION :
CURRENT ZONING :
FIRE PROTECTION:
·
·
·
PROJECT AREA:
SCALE
EXISTING SITE PLAN - FOR REFERENCE ONLY
N.T.S.
THIS PROJECT SUITE:
UNITED DEFENSE TACTICAL
4,577 SF TENANT IMPROVEMENT
LOCATED IN "THE CITADELLE PARK"
BUILDING 'B'
19420 N 59th AVENUE, SUITE B-100
GLENDALE, AZ 85308
PLANNING DIVSION 
RECEIVED
[22 JAN 2026]

CURRENT SITE
AERIAL PLAN
AS1.2
(602) 284-3959
rarrieta@ra-archstudio.com
19420 N 59th AVENUE, GLENDALE, AZ 85308
EXISTING SUITE TENANT IMPROVEMENT
UNITED DEFENSE TACTICAL
(480) 365-8355
jramirez@jbrdc.com
JBR DESIGN CONCEPTS
SCALE
CURRENT SITE AERIAL PLAN
N.T.S.
THIS PROJECT

EXISTING
BUILDING
PHOTOGRAPHS
AS1.3
(602) 284-3959
rarrieta@ra-archstudio.com
19420 N 59th AVENUE, GLENDALE, AZ 85308
EXISTING SUITE TENANT IMPROVEMENT
UNITED DEFENSE TACTICAL
(480) 365-8355
jramirez@jbrdc.com
JBR DESIGN CONCEPTS
KEYPLAN
1 - NORTH VIEW
3 - WEST VIEW
2 - NORTHWEST VIEW
2
3
1