DRC_EXHIBITS_ASCENT ACADEMY_041426.PDF

EXHIBITS 
for 
ASCENT ACADEMY  
(PL260058) 
 
1-3. 
Site Context (Zoning Map, Aerial Map, Site Photos) 
4-6. 
Applicant’s Letter of Explanation  
7. 
Site Plan 
8. 
Floor Plan

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Enterprise GIS and Data Analytics Group; City of Tempe
, Vantor
General Industrial District (GID)
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Planned Commercial Center Neighborhood (PCC-1)
Residential/Office (RO)
Single-Family Residential (R1-6)
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! ! ! ! ! ! Multi-Family Residential Limited (R-3)
.
 ASCENT ACADEMY
PL260058
SITE
EXHIBITS 1
SITE 
R/O

Enterprise GIS and Data Analytics Group; City of Tempe
, Microsoft, Vantor
²
Aerial Map
ASCENT ACADEMY
PL260058
EXHIBITS 2

Classroom 7
Classroom 6
Classroom 5
Conference
Classroom 4
Office 6
Office 5
Office 4
Office 3
Office 2
Office 1
Reception Lobby 1
Reception Lobby 1
Reception 2
Lounge
Classroom 3
Classroom 2
Classroom 1
Break Room
Utility
Fire Sprinkler
Riser Room
Storage
SINK
REF
Receptionist
F.E.
 PARKING
 NO
South Cottonwood Drive
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Break Out 4
Break Out 3
Break Out 2
Break Out 1
Landscaped Island
Line of Parking Canopy Above
Landscaped Area
Property Line
Bike Racks
(6 spaces)
Shared
Shared
Shared
Shared
Shared
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
165.40'
76.61'
144.84'
S.E.S.
Planter
64.70'
95.73'
Property Line 57.05'
11.17'
Landscaped Area
Line of Parking Canopy Above
20' Public Alley
6' High Masonry Site Wall
Fire Hydrant
Existing Drive
Lot 2 (R2)
A.P.N. 134-40-005
Lot 3 (R2)
A.P.N. 134-40-006
3' high Site Wall
3' high Site Wall
Pole Mounted Site Lighting (Typical)
Raised
Lot 1 (R2)
A.P.N. 134-40-004
30'
Right-Of-Way
Asphalt Pavement
Lot 3 (R/O)
A.P.N. 134-40-218
Existing Adjacent Building
Lot 2 (R/O)
A.P.N. 134-40-217
Existing Adjacent Building
Trash Enclosure located on Lot 2
Lot 1 (R/O)
A.P.N. 134-40-216
Existing Adjacent Building
6' High Masonry Site Wall
Parking Screen Wall)
(Masonry
Shared
Landscaped Area
6' Wrought Iron Fence
6' Wrought Iron Fence
and Gate
Existing Concrete
Driveway
Line of Roof Above
Line of Roof Above
Parking Screen Wall)
(Masonry
Building
Entry/Exit
Building
Entry/Exit
Building
Exit
Building
Exit
Shared
Shared
Shared
Shared
Shared
Adjacent Residential
Adjacent Residential
Adjacent Residential
A0.0
 SITE CONTEXT PLAN
COVER SHEET
Job No.
Drawn
Checked
Date
Revised
SMN
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02.09.26
02.09.26
NEISS
SCOTT M.
27174
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Use Permit Submittal
1
1
CONTEXT SITE PLAN
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0"
0
10
20
30
40
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1
2
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1
2
4
3
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5
6
6
5
Looking South across Parking towards Ascent Academy Building
Looking Southwest at Building
Looking Northeast across parking
Looking Northwest across parking from building
Looking East from Cottonwood Dr
Looking Southwest at Bldg Entry
EXHIBITS 3

February 6, 2026 
To: City of Tempe Community Development Department  
From: David Jefferson, COO Assist Enterprises LLC, Operating Ascent Academy 
Re: Letter of Explanation for Use Permit Application  
Project: Ascent Academy  
Location: 2075 S. Cottonwood Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 
 
Project Goals and Objectives We are requesting a Use Permit to establish "Ascent Academy" at 2075 
S. Cottonwood Dr. Ascent Academy is a small, private school specifically designed to serve children 
with disabilities (Grades K-12). Our goal is to provide a specialized, supportive educational environ-
ment for students who require a more focused setting than traditional schools can offer. This location is 
ideal as it offers a quiet, low-traffic environment conducive to learning. 
Description of Operations 
· Use: Private School for children with disabilities. 
 
· Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:15 AM to 2:15 PM. There will be no evening or 
weekend activities. 
 
· Capacity: The school will open with a small initial cohort and anticipates a maximum capacity 
of 75 students and approximately 19 staff members at full maturity. 
 
· Building Status: The school will occupy an existing building within the plaza. No exterior mod-
ifications or construction are proposed. 
 
Conformance with Zoning & Development Code Criteria Section 6-308(E) We have evaluated our 
proposed use against the City’s criteria and determined that Ascent Academy will not be detrimental to 
persons or property in the vicinity. 
EXHIBITS 4

A. Significant vehicular or pedestrian traffic in adjacent areas: The proposed use will result in 
minimal impact on traffic flow. Unlike large public schools with hundreds of vehicles arriving simulta-
neously, our maximum enrollment is capped at 75 students. Parents will utilize a "Park and Walk-In" 
model, where vehicles immediately park in the existing, under-utilized parking lot to escort students 
into the building. This prevents any vehicle queuing or "stacking" on Cottonwood Dr. or in the alley-
ways. Furthermore, many of our students arrive via carpool or mini-vans, further reducing the total ve-
hicle count. Traffic impact is confined to two short windows (8:15 AM and 2:15 PM), leaving the area 
virtually traffic-free for the remainder of the business day. 
 
B. Nuisance arising from odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat, or glare: Ascent Academy 
is a low-intensity, indoor-focused use. We do not operate playgrounds, outdoor PA systems, or bells 
that would generate noise. The facility is separated from the residential neighborhood to the south by a 
double-barrier buffer: the rear wall of our building (which has no exit doors to the rear), a block wall, 
the alleyway, and a second block wall protecting the residences. All educational activities take place 
indoors. Trash services will utilize the existing plaza enclosure, creating no new odors or visual nui-
sances.   
 
C. Contribution to the deterioration of the neighborhood: This project will enhance the neighbor-
hood by occupying a vacant or under-used office space with a stable, community-serving tenant. A 
small private school is a dignified, quiet use that fits the character of a Residential Office (RO) zone. 
By maintaining the property to high standards and providing a necessary service for families, the 
school supports the stability and value of the surrounding area.  
 
D. Compatibility with existing surrounding structures and uses: The school is highly compatible 
with the existing mix of office and residential uses. Our operating hours (8:15 AM – 2:15 PM) are 
shorter than standard business hours, meaning the property will be vacant and quiet during late after-
noons, evenings, and weekends—times when residential neighbors value privacy most. We are making 
no changes to the building exterior, preserving the existing architectural aesthetic of the plaza.  
 
E. Adequate control of disruptive behavior: Ascent Academy maintains a high staff-to-student ratio 
of approximately 1:4. This allows for exceptional supervision and control. Our staff is highly trained in 
managing the specific needs of our student population. Because the rear of the building is inaccessible 
to students (no rear doors exit to that space), there is no risk of students unsupervised near the residen-
tial alleyway. All student transfers occur in the front parking lot under direct staff and parent supervi-
sion. 
EXHIBITS 5

Summary of Request: We believe Ascent Academy will be a quiet, respectful, and valuable neighbor. 
By strictly adhering to the operational standards outlined above, we are confident that our school will 
not only meet the City of Tempe’s zoning requirements but will also serve as a credit to the communi-
ty. We look forward to working with City staff to answer any further questions and bring this support-
ive educational environment to families in need. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
 
 
David Jefferson 
Chief Operations Officer, Assist Enterprises , Operating Ascent Academy 
EXHIBITS 6

E. El Parque Drive
S. Cottonwood Drive
E.  Broadway Road
PROJECT LOCATION
2075 S. COTTONWOOD DRIVE
101 & BROADWAY
CORPORATE CENTER
Highway 101
South Price Road North
Classroom 7
Utility
Fire Sprinkler
Riser Room
 PARKING
 NO
South Cottonwood Drive
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Property Line
Landscaped Island
Landscaped Area
Line of Parking Canopy Above
Landscaped Area
Landscaped Area
Property Line
Bike Racks
(6 spaces)
Landscaped Island
17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
24
165.40'
76.61'
144.84'
S.E.S.
Planter
64.70'
95.73'
Property Line 57.05'
11.17'
Landscaped Area
Line of Parking Canopy Above
20'
20' Public Alley
6' High Masonry Site Wall
Fire Hydrant
Existing Drive
12'
12' Sewer Easement
Lot 2 (R2)
A.P.N. 134-40-005
Lot 3 (R2)
A.P.N. 134-40-006
3' high Site Wall
3' high Site Wall
Pole Mounted Site Lighting (Typical)
Raised
Lot 1 (R2)
A.P.N. 134-40-004
23'
30'
Right-Of-Way
Asphalt Pavement
Lot 3 (R/O)
A.P.N. 134-40-218
Existing Adjacent Building
Concrete Walkway
Concrete Walkway
Water/Electric Utility Easement
Lot 2 (R/O)
A.P.N. 134-40-217
Existing Adjacent Building
Trash Enclosure located on Lot 2
Lot 1 (R/O)
A.P.N. 134-40-216
Existing Adjacent Building
6' High Masonry Site Wall
Parking Screen Wall)
(Masonry
Shared
Landscaped Area
6' Wrought Iron Fence
6' Wrought Iron Fence
and Gate
Existing Concrete
Driveway
25'-1"
15'-0"
Line of Roof Above
Line of Roof Above
Parking Screen Wall)
(Masonry
Building
Entry/Exit
Building
Entry/Exit
Building
Exit
Building
Exit
Decorative Conc
Shared
Shared
Shared
Shared
Shared
Adjacent Residential
Adjacent Residential
Adjacent Residential
9'-0"
2075 South Cottonwood Drive
Ascent Academy Arizona
18
19
20
21
23
22
(Typical)
16'-0"
(Typical)
PROJECT DATA
Owner: Ascent Academy Arizona
2075 South Cottonwood Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
Contacts: David Jefferson
                e-mail: david@ascentarizona.com
Architect: 10 East studio, LLC
6209 East Old Paint Trail, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Phone: 623-237-0825
Contact: Scott Neiss
Type of Construction:   Type VB
e-mail: scottneiss@cox.net
Assessor Parcel Number:        134-40-219
Lot No.:    4
MCR No.:  565-47
Occupancy: E
Fire Sprinklers: YES
Zoning: R/O
Total Existing Building Area: 6,177 S.F.
Non-Separated Use: Educational
                April Vallier Schulken
                e-mail: april@ascentarizona.com
Occupancy Load: 184
A0.0
USE PERMIT SITE PLAN
COVER SHEET
SITE PLAN
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY FROM "B" TO "E"
2075 SOUTH COTTONWOOD DRIVE
TEMPE, ARIZONA 85285
VICINITY MAP
ASCENT ACADEMY ARIZONA
FOR
NOT TO SCALE
Scope of Work:  The Change of Existing Building
Occupancy    from "B" to "E"
Use: Private school grades K thru 12.
Job No.
Drawn
Checked
Date
Revised
SMN
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03.04.26
03.13.26
NEISS
SCOTT M.
27174
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Use Permit submittal
State Fire submittal
On-Site Parking:
High School Parking:
Classroom 7
Break Out 3
Break Out 4
Junior High School Parking: Classroom 4
Break Out 1
Break Out 2
Elementary School Parking: Classrooms 1-2-3-5-6
Office 6
Office 5
Offices 3 & 4
Additional Offices / Circulation sf:
Total sf
Total sf
Total Elementary Classroom/Office sf:
372.8 sf
131.8 sf
141.7 sf
97 sf
303.7 sf
107.2 sf
125.2 sf
97 sf
901.25 sf
194 sf
743.3 sf / 200 = 3.7 spaces
633.1 sf / 300 = 2.1 spaces
1,095.25 sf / 300 = 3.6 spaces
Total Required Parking:
Total Provided Parking:
21.7 or 22 spaces
23 spaces and 1 accessible stall
A PRIVATE SCHOOL GRADES K thru 12
Total 101 & Broadway Corporate Center Parking:
95 spaces
Janitorial Supply Offices:                2055 Cottonwood: Offices: Parking: 5,445 sf / 300 = 19 spaces
Physical Therapy Offices:               2065 Cottonwood:
2085 Cottonwood Office Parking: 5,687 sf / 300 =     19 spaces
Total Required: 91 spaces     Total Provided: 95 spaces
Site Area: 0.517 Acres - 22,542 SF (Net = Gross)
Building Data
Commercial District : "R/O" Development Stds
Density: N/A
Minimum Net Lot Area: N/A
Building Height: Actual: 19'-0"  Allowed: 30 ft.
Lot Coverage: Actual  6177 sf /22542 sf = 27.4%  Allowed: 35%
Minimum Landscape Area 30%:  Actual  6,760 sf /22542 sf = 30%
3,705.6 sf / 300 = 12.3 spaces
Total Bicycle Parking Required:
Elementary Junior H.S.: 1,809 sf
1,437.35 / 1000 = 1.4 spaces
High School: 646.3 sf
744 / 1500 = .43 space
Total Required: 5.83 or 6 bike parking spaces, Total Provided: 6 spaces
Site appears to be in the Bicycle Commuter area.
SITE PLAN
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0"
EXISTING
0
10
20
30
40
50
Office: 4093.6 sf
4093.6 / 8000 = .51 space (4 minimum)
Corporate Offices:
2075 Cottonwood Parking:                                         22 spaces
Private School:
(See above)
Therapy Rooms: 2,471 sf /125 = 20 spaces
Office/Circulation: 3,020 sf /300 = 11 spaces
Total Physical Therapy Office:         31 spaces
EXHIBITS 7

Break Out 4
Classroom 7
Classroom 6
Classroom 5
Conference
Classroom 4
Office 6
Office 5
Office 4
Office 3
Office 2
Office 1
Reception Lobby 1
Reception Lobby 1
Reception 2
Lounge
Classroom 3
Classroom 2
Classroom 1
Break Room
Utility
Server
Fire Sprinkler
Riser Room
Storage
D.F.
D.F.
SINK
REF
D.F.
Receptionist
F.E.
F.E.
Restroom 1
Restroom 2
Restroom 3
Restroom 4
 PARKING
 NO
1
2
3
4
7
6
6
9
5
Property Line
5
8
9
10
10
5
11
11
Break Out 3
Break Out 2
Break Out 1
Bike Racks
(6 spaces)
108
101
102
103
104
107
106
105
111
109
110
112
113
114
116
115
117
118
120
123
124
141
139
119
121
128
125
140
136
129
138
137
122
126
127
130
134
135
131
132
133
Corridor
Corridor
Corridor
Hallway
Hallway
Grades 9-12
Grades 7-8
Grades 1-2
Kindergarten
Grades 3-4
Grades 5-6
Grades 9-12
Grades 9-12
(Student Recreation)
(Dining Area)
Window typical
Window typical
FLOOR PLAN KEY NOTES
-X-
1.
LABELED ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES WITH ACCESS AISLE AND RAMP W/FLARED EDGES.
2.
EXISTING ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACE SIGNAGE.
3.
PATH OF TRAVEL ACCESS FROM ACCESSIBLE PARKING TO FROM DOOR.
4.
EXISTING ELECTRICAL SERVICE ENTRANCE.
5.
APPROXIMATE LINE OF ROOF ABOVE.
6.
ELECTRIC DRINKING FOUNTAIN. NON-ADA
7.
ADA COMPLIANT ELECTRIC DRINKING FOUNTAIN.
8.
MASONRY PILASTER. TYPICAL ENTRY ROOF SUPPORT.
9.
EXISTING ACCESS CONCRETE WALKWAY TO BUILDING AND PARKING AREA.
10.
WALL MOUNTED FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
11. LANDSCAPED ISLAND  / AREA.
 FLOOR PLAN
SCALE: 3/16" = 1'-0"
2075 S. Cottonwood Drive
A2.0
FLOOR PLAN
NOTE: SPACE CONFIGURATION IS EXISTING.
Job No.
Drawn
Checked
Date
Revised
SMN
SMN
03.04.26
03.13.26
NEISS
SCOTT M.
27174
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Use Permit submittal
State Fire submittal
FLOOR PLAN
EXHIBITS 8