Staff Report

Town of Fountain Hills — Town Council (2026-01-20)

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ITEM 8.a. 
 
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS 
 
STAFF REPORT 
 
Meeting Date: 
1/20/2026 
Meeting Type: 
Town Council Regular Meeting 
Submitting Department: 
Development Services 
Prepared by: 
John Wesley, Development Services Director 
Staff Contact Information: Phone: 480-816-5138 
Email: jwesley@fountainhillsaz.gov 
 
Request to Town Council Regular Meeting (Agenda Language) 
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: Relating to a fill waiver for 15656 E. Centipede 
Road (CFW25-000003). 
 
Staff Summary (background) 
Section 5.03 of the Town's Subdivision ordinance sets Cut and fill Standards.  With a few 
exceptions, the maximum cut or fil that can occur with the construction of a building on a 
lot is 10 feet.  When a development proposes a cut and/or fill in excess of 10 feet, a Cut/Fill 
Waiver may be requested from the Town Council.  The goal of the ordinance requirement is 
to encourage buildings to follow the contours of the land, avoid overuse of retaking walls, 
and maintain the naturel desert topography to the greatest extent possible.  The standards 
and limitations on cut and fill have been in the Town's Subdivision Ordinance without 
change since 1996. 
 
The owner of the property at 15656 E. Centipede Rd. (Lot 3B, Final Plat 505-C), is preparing 
plans to build a new single-family home on this lot.  The plans submitted for review have a 
building footprint of 6,198 sq. ft. The proposed building is two-stories with an upper level 
living area and lower level garage and shop area.

The average slope over the entire lot is around 23%.  For the primary building area it is over 
27%.  The area of excess fill is in the rear of the property where the area is being built up to 
provide access and maneuvering for the lower level garage and shop. 
 
 
 
 
 
The area with the most fill is in the northeast corner where the fill for the upper level is over 
19'. 
 
 
 
Three retaining walls will be constructed to build up the area.  Each of the walls complies 
with the Town's requirements.  This is a simulation of how the rear yard will look.

As shown in the illustration above, it is over 800' across the wash to the nearest homes that 
will have a view of the retaining walls needed to bring the grade up for access to the garage. 
 The landscape plan shows some plant material that will be used to screen the retaining 
walls. 
 
Having this large garage/shop area is an important aspect of this home for the property 
owner.  The grade on the driveway coming down from the street has been maximized to 
lower the house as much as possible and reduce the fill needed as much as possible.  The 
maneuvering area for access to the garage could be reduced a little, but it does not appear 
to make a significant difference. 
 
Related Ordinance, Policy or Guiding Principle 
N/A 
 
Risk Analysis 
N/A 
 
Recommendation(s) by Board(s) or Commission(s) 
N/A 
 
Staff Recommendation(s) 
MOVE TO approve CFW25-000003 as requested. 
 
Suggested Motion 
MOVE TO approve CFW25-000003 as requested. 
 
FISCAL IMPACT 
Fiscal Impact: N/A 
Budget Reference: N/A 
Funding Source: N/A 
 
ATTACHMENTS 
1. 
Council Report Information 
2. 
24054003 Virgilio Residence ~ Submittal ~ Waiver Description 12-21-25