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49 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Luke Air Force Base & Auxiliary Airfield #1 LAFB conducts 16,000 operations in its local airspace annually. Those operations are critical for Luke’s flight training mission. In response to rapid development around the base as well as its Auxiliary Airfield #1, HNAPZ that surround each of the facilities are defined and memorialized in the ARS to address compatible land use around the base and the long-term safety and welfare of surrounding communities. ARS § 28-8481 identifies specific uses that are and are not considered compatible with the high noise or accident potential zone. Other uses may be permitted upon mutual consent of LAFB and the local jurisdiction. Within the Future Land Use Map the WTGA Area Plan designates areas within the HNAPZs as “Military Compatible.” The purpose of this designation is to ensure that future development is compatible with the high noise or accident potential generated by these military facilities that may have an adverse effect on public health and safety. This designation complies with ARS so only those uses that are compatible and consistent with the high noise or accident potential generated by these facilities are permitted. State law also identifies a larger risk area around LAFB and Luke Auxiliary Airfield #1 where military aircraft can impact public health and quality of life called “Territory in the Vicinity of a Military Airport”. This area extends ten miles to the north, south and west, and four miles to the east parallel from the center of the main runway at Luke Air Force Base and Auxiliary Airfield #1. While land use restrictions do not apply in this area, noise reduction techniques are required in the construction of new habitable buildings. Additionally, as discussed in the Land Use section of this document, Maricopa County acknowledges and supports the LAFB GDC which surrounds the HNAPZ with delineated and appropriate densities. Natural Hazards & Issues According to the 2021 Maricopa County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, key natural hazards and issues in the WTGA planning area include: Wildfires Wildfires may not pose a serious structural threat to the largely urban areas of Maricopa County and Phoenix. However, they do pose a threat to areas deemed “Wildland Urban Interface” (WUI). With residential and commercial development encroaching further into the WUI, there is an increased likelihood of structural damage, human displacement, and loss of life. During the summer Luke Air Force Base, Airman First Class Mason Hargrove Desert Brush Fire, Shutterstock 50 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS months, high temperatures and a dry climate create an easily combustible environment, resulting in wildfires ignited by natural events or human error. Additionally, the Sonoran Desert is not wildfire-adapted. As a result, fires within the desert open space can create significant and lasting damage to natural ecosystems highly regarded by residents in the region. Extreme Heat In a valley surrounded by mountains in every direction, Maricopa County and the Phoenix Metro Area’s geography creates a unique environment that allows for temperatures to regularly rise above 100 degrees. Between 1991 and 2020, Phoenix averaged 111 days above 100 degrees and a record breaking 145 days greater than 100 degrees (NWS, 2020). The Arizona Department of Health Services projects heat waves will be longer and hotter. Paired with the County’s unique geography and urban sprawl, the urban heat island effect could potentially exacerbate the human health effects. According to Maricopa County’s Climate and Health Strategic Plan, heat-related human mortality will increase, along with airborne particulates and pollutants (Climate Health Strategic Plan, 2016). Dust, Flooding, and Monsoon Storms During the monsoon season, approaching thunderstorms produce downbursts, whipping up the desert dust, resulting in massive dust storms. Dust storms are often unpredictable, with the only warning sign being an imposing wall of dust several thousand feet high and stretching miles across. Monsoon dust storms frequently lead to multi-vehicle accidents due to reduced visibility. Monsoon storms bring a welcome but brief respite from the extreme summer heat. In Arizona, monsoon season typically arrives in mid-to-late June and lasts until September. Winds from the south bring moisture, leading to thunderstorms across the state. Monsoon storms are typically brief and intense, with the season delivering nearly half of Maricopa County’s annual 8.03 inches of rainfall (Phoenix averages - usclimatedata.com). In areas with steep terrain, these storms can cause flash flooding in low-lying roads and dry washes. Flash floods also pose risks and often start in rural mountainous regions where heavy rainstorms rapidly transport water through dry washes and riverbeds. Special Flood Hazard Areas (commonly known as 100-year floodplains, or areas with a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year) are shown on the Future Land Use Map and on Figure 16 on page 52 within the WTGP Area Plan. Land Subsidence and Earth Fissures Land subsidence has also been identified in the planning area. This phenomenon occurs when water is removed from underground reservoirs, and the weight of the overlying material compresses, causing the land to settle. Once compressed, alluvial deposits take up less space than before, and the ground surface sinks. The effects of subsidence can be significant, including damage to infrastructure (e.g., highways, railroads, utilities, irrigation systems, sewage disposal facilities, recreational facilities, and private residences, increased flooding, increased potential for groundwater pollution, and accelerated soil erosion). Land subsidence also creates another potential problem: earth fissures. Earth fissures are cracks in the ground surface that occur because of uneven or differentiated land subsidence. Earth fissures, found in several areas around LAFB, usually occur along the periphery of subsidence areas and carry large volumes of surface water runoff. Depending on circumstances, fissures can form gullies as much as 50 feet wide and 10 to 15 feet deep. Once fissures begin, they tend to increase in number and length, spreading at uneven speeds and directions for several miles. Figure 16 identifies both significant land subsidence and known earth fissure activity areas. Water conservation and reduction measures, as discussed in the Water Resource section, will continue to be an important factor in alleviating additional impacts resulting from these issues. Phoenix Dust Storm, Alan Stark 51 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Environmental Analysis As noted in this section, there are several environmental issues that potentially impact the WTGA planning area. As growth and development continues in this region, the following strategies should be considered to help mitigate and improve to the extent possible these factors. Environmental Strategies 1. Prioritize and encourage protection of the natural and cultural environment. Policies within the WTGA Area Plan will be designed to protect native vegetation and wildlife though identification of native habitats, migration routes, and natural flood channels. Coordination with Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and surrounding jurisdictions is key in helping project migration routes and corridors that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Continued coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is critical for identifying and protecting historic and archaeological resources as new development occurs. Infill and compact development can also help create areas for protection of the natural and cultural environments. 2. Maintain and improve the environment. Though levels of air and water quality are satisfactory in the WTGA planning area today, it is important that they be maintained for the benefit of existing and future residents of the region. Policies discouraging mass grading as well as innovative planning and site design techniques, such as the use of low impact development process, will be encouraged to reduce or mitigate environmental degradation. Implementation of the Maricopa County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan is important for the WTGA planning area. As development and redevelopment occurs, dark sky standards will be applied to continue improving the dark skies within the region for management of outdoor lighting. 3. Protect and buffer existing noise generating and potentially hazardous uses. As discussed, there are a number of uses in the region that are important to the economy of the region, but also produce adverse impacts such as noise or other hazards. It is important to continue support of public notification of these uses as well as protection of the uses from encroachment and the public from harm. Policies are aimed at notification, buffering, and coordination to ensure that proximate land uses are compatible around or in areas potentially affected by PVNGS, the proving grounds, and military facilities. Cover of Maricopa County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Maricopa County 52 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Figure 16. Environmental Features 53 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Environment Goal #1: Encourage development practices that improve the natural and cultural environments and mitigate high risk hazard areas and natural hazards. Environment Goal #2: Protect and support military facilities, missions, and operations within and around the state delineated high noise and accident potential zones. Environment Policy #1: Where feasible and effective, Maricopa County supports new development utilizing Low Impact Development (LID) techniques in site design. LID techniques help reduce flooding, control dust, and improve water quality, including minimizing the clearing of native vegetation and mature trees, and retention of stormwater onsite and for fire prevention. Environment Policy #2: Maricopa County supports development that considers adverse environmental impacts on the natural and cultural environment. Specifically, Maricopa County supports preserving the White Tank Mountains, Agua Fria River, Hassayampa River ecosystems, and wildlife corridors, as well as cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions, and the interface with the surrounding region. Environment Policy #3: Maricopa County supports continuing to build relationships and collaborations to preserve ecosystems by including entities, such as Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality along with Maricopa County’s Environmental Services and Flood Control District of Maricopa County (MCFCD) Floodplain Management, in the entitlement and plan review process. Environment Policy #4: Maricopa County supports enforcing its Military Compatible land use designation and zoning districts for compatible development within and around the HNAPZ and protecting the viability of the military presence in the area and the region. Environment Policy #5: Maricopa County supports the enforcement of the Dark Sky Ordinance and supports regional efforts to limit excessive nighttime light in accordance with Dark Skies Association standards. Environment Policy #6: Maricopa County will continue to support the implementation of decisions to buffer noisy or hazardous activities from quieter less intense areas. This can be accomplished through coordination with appropriate entities as well as encouraging site development techniques to preserve open spaces through naturalized washes and wildlife corridors. Environment Policy #7: Maricopa County supports and encourages the preservation of floodplains and washes and the protection of viewsheds within scenic corridors. Environment Policy #8: Maricopa County supports development projects that survey and integrate or protect native plants for landscaping and shading, regional flood control, and minimal emissions. Environment Policy #9: Maricopa County supports the removal of non-native vegetation in close proximity to development to reduce fire hazards and the revegetation of drought-tolerant plants that minimize wildfire risk. Environment Policy #10: Maricopa County supports biological and cultural surveys in consultation with the SHPO and AGFD for new developments prior to any new construction or trail projects. Environment Policy #11: Maricopa County supports continued coordination with proving ground facilities to ensure that they are aware of any new development within proximity of their facilities. ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals and policies are identified to ensure the environment is maintained, protected, and improved in the WTGA planning area. 54 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS GROWTH AREAS ELEMENT The Growth Areas Element is required by ARS and addresses an overview of growth trends and associated policies with special attention toward areas suitable for planned multimodal transportation and infrastructure expansion and improvements designated to support a planned concentration of a variety of uses. Growth Trends Per MAG data, the WTGA planning area is expected to grow significantly over the next forty years. Most of this area’s growth will occur within annexed areas outside of Maricopa County’s jurisdiction. MAG’s projections are driven by proposed and potential development within this area along with consideration of proscribed land uses for undeveloped areas. The unincorporated area is projected to grow in population from 65,988 to 68,454. The table below represents projected population growth within the planning area, including the breakdown between growth within unincorporated Maricopa County and within local jurisdictions. Projected Population Growth within WTGA Area Sun City, Shutterstock 55 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Employment growth will accompany population growth in the WTGA planning area. The table above shows the projected number of jobs within the planning area, including both incorporated and unincorporated Maricopa County. Employment types included in the job projections include permanent jobs as well as construction, work-at-home and other non-site-based employment. MAG developed the above projections based on both land uses within the planning area and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sector-based job categories. A steady increase in employment is projected between 2020 and 2060 within the WTGA planning area. Growth Constraints The County Comprehensive Plan identified and analyzed three categories of growth constraints which affect the location of growth within the WTGA planning area: 1. Physical constraints such as floodplains, subsidence/earth fissures, and water availability. Floodways and special flood hazard areas cover substantial portions of the planning area, specifically in the southwest area. Topography and open spaces, such as Vulture Mountains Recreation Area, White Tank Mountain Regional Park and the Hassayampa River Preserve also constrain growth to existing corridors of development. 2. Built constraints such as infrastructure and services, noise generating land uses, and hazardous areas. There are limited infrastructure and services within the western portion of the planning area, which limits the potential for new development. The HNAPZs of LAFB and Luke Auxiliary Airfield #1 also limit the types of development permitted surrounding these areas. 3. Ownership constraints such as federal land, state trust land, and Maricopa County regional parks. A significant portion of the planning area is owned by the BLM. This land has been designated as open space, which limits development potential in much of the north and western portion of the area. In addition, ASLD owns significant land in the planning area and their lands are meant to be used for the highest and best use for the State designated beneficiaries. Much of this land has been designed as rural. Though growth may occur anywhere in the WTGA planning area, combining growth trends with growth constraints logically leads to two higher potential growth areas. That said, growth in these areas needs to be planned and managed to ensure the quality and sustainability of the region as development occurs. Road infrastructure, water and sewer capacity, public safety needs, schools, and sensitivity to the natural environment must also be considered and addressed. Employment Growth within the WTGA Area (2020-2060) 56 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Growth Areas Two potential growth areas are identified in the Future Land Use Map and in Figures 17 and 18. Both potential growth areas take into consideration recent past growth trends and are driven by projected population and jobs growth depicted in Figure 19 and Figure 20. Whether the growth in these areas occurs in the unincorporated County or whether it is annexed and occurs in an adjoining municipality will greatly depend on the nature of the development as well as the services and infrastructure available to service the development adequately. As per its existing comprehensive plan policy, the County will continue to encourage urban development to annex into cities and towns where appropriate levels of service and infrastructure are more readily available, as well as ensure that County development has the appropriate level of services for water, wastewater, education, and public safety. If development is proposed in unincorporated Maricopa County, each development will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis during the planning and entitlement process. Potential Growth Area - A Potential Growth Area A (PGA-A) in Figure 17 on page 57 is located along US 60 between the City of Surprise and the Town of Wickenburg’s planning areas and north of the HNAPZs of Luke Auxiliary Airfield #1. This area has been under high development pressure over the last decade and is projected to have increased population and job growth. The area contains the unincorporated communities of Wittmann, Circle City, and Morristown, as well as approved comprehensive plan amendments for Santa Barbara Ranch, Broadstone Ranch, Rancho Maria, and Walden Ranch, as well as the BNSF industrial project going through preliminary entitlement in the City of Surprise. While some of these developments have zoning in place and others do not, the key factor in the continued development momentum will be the ability to service the projects with utilities and public safety adequately. Other factors in PGA-A will be providing land use transitions and buffering for new development for the established and existing rural communities, as well as protection of the viewsheds and scenic corridors, such as State Route 74, Castle Hot Springs, and Wickenburg Highway Scenic Corridor. Potential Growth Area B Potential Growth Area B (PGA-B) in Figure 18 on page 58 is located between the City of Buckeye’s planning area and east of Loop 303 and the HNAPZs of LAFB and between Peoria Avenue and Indian School Road. This area has also seen a lot of development pressure with high projections in job and population growth and is currently under varying degrees of construction with the master planned communities of Cortessa, White Tank Foothills, Granite Vista, and Zanjero Trails. Other factors in PGA-B will be providing land use transitions and buffering for new development for established and existing rural and large lot communities, as well as protection of the viewsheds and the Olive Avenue Scenic Corridor. 57 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Figure 17. Potential Growth Area A 58 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Figure 18. Potential Growth Area B 59 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Figure 19. Projected Population Growth 60 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Figure 20. Projected Employment Growth 61 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Growth Areas Goal #1: Support growth in the potential growth areas that is fiscally and environmentally responsible, protects public health and safety, preserves scenic corridors and open space, buffers and enhances established rural areas, and promotes sensible annexation patterns. Growth Areas Policy #1: Maricopa County supports new development located within designated potential growth areas as long as the development is provided with the appropriate level of services and infrastructure. Growth Areas Policy #2: Maricopa County supports annexation for growth with higher levels of service and infrastructure needs than can be provided for in the County. Growth Areas Policy #3: Maricopa County supports continuing to build relationships with municipalities, school districts, and other providers and stakeholders within the WTGA planning area to ensure that both existing and future residents within the potential growth areas are best served. Growth Areas Policy #4: As new development occurs within the potential growth areas, Maricopa County supports preserving viewsheds and scenic corridors as well as the provision of open space buffers around established rural and large lot developments. Growth Areas Policy #5: Maricopa County supports development within the growth areas that both accommodates and provides for multi-modal transportation. Growth Areas Policy #6: Maricopa County supports nonresidential development within the growth areas that is compatible with established development and mitigates any adverse effects such as traffic congestion, strain on water supply, and viewshed obstruction. Growth Areas Policy #7: Maricopa County supports a planned concentration of a variety of uses within the potential growth areas as long as uses are served adequately and designed to provide transition and buffers between established uses. GROWTH AREAS GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals and policies have been identified and intended to guide decisions related to growth within the WTGA planning area. Dysart High School, dysart.org 62 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS ECONOMIC GROWTH ELEMENT The Economic Growth Element is not required by ARS, however, it is an important topic to Maricopa County and is addressed in the comprehensive plan. This section addresses economic strengths and economic growth within the WTGA Planning Area specifically in relation to the retail and housing industries. Economic Strengths The strengths of a local economy can be illustrated by a very simple metric known as the “Location Quotient” or LQ. LQ compares the percentage of jobs in each industry in a community to a larger economy, such as a county or state. An LQ over 1.0 indicates that a particular industry has a greater presence in the local economy compared to the larger economy indicating the strength of the local area. An LQ less than 1.0 shows the potential weaknesses of an economy. The WTGA planning area has been compared to that of Maricopa County. The data below includes all employers with more than 5 employees. As shown on the table below, the WTGA planning area has a number of strengths in its local economy compared to the County that benefit the residents and communities of the area. Location Quotient for WTGA Area WTGA Area Maricopa County Industry Cluster Employees % of Total Employees % of Total LQ Business Services 3,410 4.27% 235,910 12.78% 0.33 Construction 4,870 6.09% 130,570 7.07% 0.86 Consumer Goods Manufacturing 1,580 1.98% 25,540 1.38% 1.43 Consumer Services 9,880 12.36% 206,060 11.16% 1.11 Education 5,290 6.62% 135,900 7.36% 0.90 Finance, Insurance, & Real Estate (FIRE) 2,550 3.19% 162,940 8.83% 0.36 Government, Social, & Advocacy Services 13,500 16.89% 141,780 7.68% 2.20 Health Care 3,670 17.10% 224,780 12.18% 1.40 High Tech Manufacturing & Development 480 0.60% 79,360 4.30% 0.14 Hospitality, Tourism, & Recreation 3,210 4.02% 72,580 3.93% 1.02 Media, Publishing, & Entertainment 590 0.74% 13,670 0.74% 1.00 Metal Inputs & Transportation-Related Manuf 480 0.60% 20,270 1.10% 0.55 Non-Metallic Manufacturing 370 0.46% 19,730 1.07% 0.43 Resource-Dependent Activities 1,760 2.20% 21,030 1.14% 1.93 Retail 12,720 15.91% 215,910 11.70% 1.36 Telecommunications 400 0.50% 22,330 1.21% 0.41 Transportation & Distribution 5,180 6.48% 117,550 6.37% 1.02 Total 79,940 1,845,910 Location Quotient for WTGA Area, MAG Arizona Employment Viewer 63 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY The strongest clusters within the local economy include: » Government, Social, and Advocacy Services » Resource-Dependent Activities (agriculture, mining) » Consumer Goods Manufacturing » Health Care » Retail » Consumer Services (restaurants, dry cleaners, etc.) » Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreational » Transportation and Distribution » Media, Publishing, and Entertainment In particular, the WTGA planning shows significant strength in the government sector primarily due to the presence of LAFB. Resource dependent activities also have a high LQ although employment in that cluster is modest. Consumer goods manufacturers include Subzero, Mlily USA, and Ball Corporation. Weaknesses in the local economy include Business Services; Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate; High Tech Manufacturing; Metal Inputs and Transportation- Related Manufacturing; Non-Metallic Manufacturing; and Telecommunications. Typically, newly developing areas of Maricopa County first experience residential development followed by retail development that is following rooftops. True job growth in business services, manufacturing, and other industries lags by a number of years. Transportation & Distribution is shown as about equal to Maricopa County levels. It is possible that the data from MAG does not yet reflect distribution companies that have entered the area over the past few years. Economic Growth The economy of the WTGA planning area is diverse and among the fastest growing regions of Maricopa County. The completion of the Loop 303 Freeway has provided a significant stimulus to economic growth that will further expand employment opportunities for the area’s residents. As noted, the area has a number of strengths that benefit the residents and communities of the WTGA Planning area. The predominant industry clusters include government, consumer goods, and health care. Since 2018, the WTGA planning area has captured 34% of all industrial development in Maricopa County. More than 15 million square feet of industrial space is currently under construction in the WTGA Area. Given its resources of modern interstate and state highways (particularly the Loop 303 Freeway), rail service, and proximity to the Southern California markets, the long- term outlook for the area to improve its employment base is very positive. Retail The retail market of the WTGA Planning area is experiencing significant construction activity spurred by residential growth. With recovery from the lingering effects of the 2007 – 2009 recession and its weak recovery, the retail market throughout Maricopa County is finally seeing new shopping center development. The retail vacancy rate within the area stands at 1.1%, a level not seen in recent history, and will stimulate new development activity. Most of the new retail development in the area is occurring in the Prasada master planned community in Surprise near the intersection of Loop 303 and Waddell Road. Housing The WTGA planning area has grown rapidly over the past two decades from an estimated population of 149,000 in 2000 to 391,900 in 2020, creating huge demand for housing. Today, the area accounts for 20.8% of all single family housing permits in the metro area with the majority of that activity occurring in the City of Surprise. Multifamily housing development has grown modestly over the past decade, but increased by nearly 1,500 units in 2021. Most of the units were built in the urbanized parts of the area in the cities of Surprise and Glendale. Housing construction will continue in the future in the region to satisfy the demand for housing generated by population growth. 64 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS ECONOMIC GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES The key economic factor for the WTGA planning area is diversification of the employment base. As the area continues to grow, it will offer a broader range of employment opportunities and higher wage jobs. Ultimately, this will increase the jobs-to-population ratio of the area and reduce commuting for many residents. Economic Growth Analysis Building on the population and employment growth illustrated in the Growth Areas section and the factors considered in this section, the WTGA planning area is forecasted by the MAG to increase in population by approximately 285,700 persons through 2040, an increase of 61.5%. Job growth will accelerate at an even faster pace of 70%, creating nearly 93,000 new jobs over the next 18 years. As a result, the job-to-population ratio for the WGTA planning area is expected to increase from 0.27 in 2018 to 0.30 by 2040. These rapid growth rates will have tremendous impact on the region’s economy, housing market, and employment opportunities. A population increase of 285,700 persons will likely create demand for over 114,000 housing units. In order to accommodate that population, a full range of housing types will be required, from suburban ranches to high density apartment complexes. Retail development will continue to follow the rooftops and should be in active areas where they can provide the services demanded by the new population. Most importantly, the expansion of the population will provide a ready source of labor for the expanding employment base. Further diversification of the area’s economy is needed to reverse today’s pattern of commuting and improve wage levels of the area’s residents. Of the 145,755 employed individuals living in the WTGA planning area, 87% leave the area each day for work. The basic infrastructure assets of the WTGA planning Area, including freeway access and rail and airport availability, are well developed. Proximity to the Southern California markets is a key asset as well as the ample open spaces in the region which provide an opportunity for expansion of eco-tourism. Continued expansion of the WTGA planning areas educational opportunities is also an important component for expanding the skill sets of residents. Secondarily, a greater focus on attracting different types of industries that can take advantage of the area’s resident workforce (both college and non-college educated), will need to be a key focus of the economic development strategy moving forward. Housing Construction, Wikimedia Commons 65 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Economic Growth Goal #1: Assist municipalities in the WTGA planning area to diversify their economies consistent with available resources and to improve the quality of employment opportunities. Economic Growth Goal #2: Support an economic environment that nurtures locally based employment and economic opportunity. Economic Growth Goal #3: Support the presence of higher education facilities in the WTGA planning area to enhance the workforce development pipeline. Economic Growth Policy #1: Maricopa County supports coordination with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), WESTMARC, and other organizations to support industry clusters that will provide long term, stable growth in the area. Economic Growth Policy #2: Where feasible and effective, Maricopa County supports the use of tax-exempt bond financing from the Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for affordable housing, manufacturing facilities, infrastructure projects, and non-profit facilities. Economic Growth Policy #3: Maricopa County supports the provision of information and assistance to prospective businesses about Maricopa County and the resources available from the County. Economic Growth Policy #4: Maricopa County supports meeting the consumer needs of the area’s expanding population by encouraging additional retail and neighborhood commercial businesses. Economic Growth Policy #5: Maricopa County supports partnerships with local organizations such as Local First Arizona and others to provide programs to small businesses. Economic Growth Policy #6: Maricopa County supports the development and expansion of vocational and technical schools such as WestMEC in the WTGA planning area that provide technology training at the high school level. Economic Growth Policy #7: Where feasible and effective, Maricopa County supports collaboration efforts with educational providers within the WTGA planning area to develop the local workforce’s skills in key industry clusters. Economic Growth Policy #8: Maricopa County supports collaboration efforts with nonprofits and developers to increase eco-tourism in the region. ECONOMIC GROWTH GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals and policies are identified to aid in supporting economic growth in the WTGA planning area. 66 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS OPEN SPACE ELEMENT The Open Space Element is required by Arizona statute and includes a comprehensive inventory of open space and recreational areas within the WTGA planning area. Following the inventory, this element analyzes forecasted needs and demonstrates strategies, goals and policies to acquire, establish, integrate and promote open space areas and recreational resources. Open Space Network Open Space is an asset that is overwhelmingly appreciated by the community. The WTGA planning area contains approximately 114,267 acres, or 30% of open space, within the 727 sq. mile planning area. This open space designation includes the County regional parks and preserves listed below and illustrated in Figure 23 on page 73, as well as land owned and managed by the BLM, that typically designates their land for open space and recreational purposes unless disposed of to another entity. There are also significant trails, scenic corridors, floodways, and special flood hazard areas that comprise the open space network. Additionally, there are other open space areas found in subdivision parks, subdivision open spaces, schools, and golf courses scattered across the WTGA planning area. White Tank Mountain Regional Park White Tank Mountain Regional Park is the largest park in the County’s regional park system with 29,557 acres. According to the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan, “most of the park is made up of the rugged and beautiful White Tank Mountains,” but the park also includes amenities such as parking, picnic sites, ramadas, restrooms, volleyball courts, playgrounds, 40 reservable sites for tent or RV camping, 43.26 miles of trails, an amphitheater, and equestrian facilities. Vulture Mountain Recreation Area Vulture Mountain Recreation Area is 71,000 acres, and MCPRD has leased acres in the area to provide recreation facilities and services for visitors. The Recreation and Public Purpose (R&PP) lease in the Vulture Mountain Recreation Area is for the management of 1,046 (park) acres of the Vulture Mountain Regional Area. The lease allows for the construction of amenities such as an entry station, parking, picnic areas, campsites, a playground, restrooms, ramadas, trailheads, trails, an amphitheater, and an OHV staging area. Hassayampa River Preserve The Hassayampa River Preserve is a 776 acre habitat for wildlife, including foxes, javelinas, bobcats, reptiles, amphibians, dragonflies, and over 300 bird species. According to the Parks Vision 2030 Plan, the preserve includes several short trails that traverse riparian areas, woodlands, a lake, and lead to the stunning view at Lyke’s Lookout. Other amenities include parking, picnic areas and campsites. Top: White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Jan Pauw Middle: Vulture Mountain Recreation Area, Kyle M. Bottom: Hassayampa River Preserve, John Menard 67 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Trails In addition to the trails mentioned above, the WTGA planning area also contains the Maricopa Trail System (MTS). Maricopa Trail System The MTS shown in the illustration below includes over 315 miles of existing trails that ring the County and was originally part of the Sun Circle Trail. The Board of Supervisors (BOS) formed a trail commission in 2000, and by 2002, the County developed the trail concept for the MTS, which grew from 19 miles of trails in 2019 to the current day mileage. The overarching goal is to connect surrounding municipalities and major regional parks across Maricopa County. The trails accommodate walkers, hikers, runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and inline skaters. In 1965, the Arizona State Horseman’s Association and appointed Maricopa County Hiking and Riding Trails Committee worked together to establish the 110-mile Sun Circle Trail. The Sun Circle Trail is also designated as a National Recreation Trail and is now a part of the larger MTS. The original agreement by the BOS, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and Salt River Project (SRP) allowed for portions of canal banks to be used as trails. In 2015, all parties renewed the agreement. Maricopa County’s Sun Circle Trails, Maricopa County 68 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Scenic Corridors While not designated as “open space”, there are five adopted scenic corridors in the WTGA planning area which are illustrated on the Future Land Use Map. These scenic corridors are designed to protect valuable viewsheds related to open space and are described below. Two of the five scenic corridors are regulatory which means that the design requirements, or a portion thereof, are mandatory. The remainder three scenic corridors have policy guidelines and design guidelines; however, developers are not required to implement such guidelines under by right uses of land. Castle Hot Springs Road Scenic Corridor The Castle Hot Springs Road Scenic Corridor extends ¼ mile on each side of the centerline of Castle Hot Springs Road in Maricopa County. The 2000 White Tank Grand Avenue Area Plan proposed a study of the corridor. Following the study, the Board adopted this corridor in 2006 in response to area public involvement. While the corridor is non-regulatory, the guidelines protect mountains, vegetation, washes, and the unique views and characteristics of the area. State Route 74 Scenic Corridor The State Route 74 Scenic Corridor is a scenic corridor that is both regulatory and policy. The regulatory portion extends to 500’ on each side of the centerline of State Route 74 in Maricopa County. The non-regulatory, or policy portion, extends from 500’ to ¼ mile on each side of the centerline of State Route 74. The Board adopted the original regulatory portion of the Corridor in 1994 while the policy portion was adopted in 2006 in conjunction with a corridor study. The corridor is intended to help integrate growth into the community and minimize impacts to personal property and quality of life. There are design guidelines in place that include policies for landscape, natural habitats, character/ identity, building height, lighting, signs, and fencing. Regulatory requirements associated with the corridor may be found within the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance. McMicken Dam Scenic Corridor The McMicken Dam Scenic Corridor is a non-regulatory scenic corridor with boundaries that extend ¼ mile on each side of the property owned by the FCDMC and the Maricopa County Regional Trail, except properties within the City of Surprise. The intent of the design guidelines established within this corridor is for the protection and enhancement of the McMicken Dam area to be implemented as development occurs. Olive Avenue Scenic Corridor The Olive Avenue Scenic Corridor is a non-regulatory scenic corridor that extends ¼ mile on both sides of Olive Avenue right-of-way in Maricopa County between State Route 303 and White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Design guidelines are in place to promote physical and visual public access to open space resources. Goals within the plan include entry or gateway into the White Tank Mountain Regional Park and blending of urban and rural land uses. Wickenburg Highway Scenic Corridor The boundaries of the Wickenburg Scenic Corridor encompass lands within two miles of the edge of the right-of-way of both sides of the Wickenburg Highway (U.S. Highway 60- 89) extending from Bell Road to the Town of Wickenburg corporate limits. Policies in the plan address orderly development, growth accommodation, adequate transportation and utilities, and no down zoning with negative impact. Regulatory requirements associated with the corridor may be found in the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance. Floodway and Special Flood Hazard Areas As can be seen in Figure 23 on page 73, the WTGA planning area contains a significant amount of designated Floodways and Special Flood Hazard Areas. Though some of these areas may be developed or channelized, with these options being expensive, some communities within the planning area have designed these areas as open-space corridors. According to the FCDMC, a floodway is the channel of a river or stream and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood within cumulatively increasing water surface elevation more than a designated height. A special flood hazard zone is an area that has a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year, also known as the 100-year flood zone. 69 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Wildlife Connectivity Linkages As shown below in Figure 21, AZGFD has identified a wildlife connectivity linkage that traverses the WTGA planning area. The region’s wildlife resources are a critical component of the state’s natural environment, especially open spaces. As the region continues to grow, wildlife will be forced to find new routes through areas they traditionally traveled due to the development of roads, buildings, and energy corridors. Increasing connectivity for wildlife through the planning area will reduce negative interactions between people and wildlife and will allow for animals to travel and access resources they need more easily and safely. Figure 21. Wildlife Connectivity 70 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Conservation Opportunity Areas AZGFD defines Conservation Opportunity Areas (COAs) as “specific areas on the landscape where actions will most likely lead to substantial improvements for wildlife and their habitats.” This area provides voluntary guidance to prioritize areas for conservation. One of these COAs is located within the WTGA planning area, as depicted on Figure 22 below. This COA, is located within the Hassayampa River floodplain and serves as an important travel corridor for “wildlife, habitat for upland and riparian species, and migration stopover sites and breeding habitat for migratory birds, including [species] such as the southwestern willow flycatcher and western yellow-billed cuckoo,” according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Figure 22. Conservation Opportunity Area 71 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Open Space Analysis Per Arizona statutes, this section provides an analysis of forecasted needs and strategies. Open Space in the WTGA planning area is a collective network of passive natural areas and preserves, active parks with a variety of amenities, trails, and scenic corridors. The look and feel of open space can vary across landscapes, appearing as undeveloped physical spaces that feel more natural, or they can be curated, such as community parks or golf courses. The formal and informal dedication of open space areas can serve as habitats for endangered species, protect visual resources, reduce the urban heat effect, and enhance community identity. Open space gives the community and visitors the opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of an area through the preservation of the landscape that makes it a dynamic place to live, and having access to open space is beneficial to a community’s overall well-being, including mental and physical health. Through the planning process, the community uniformly confirmed that the ample and beautiful open spaces in the planning area are appreciated and merit protection for the enjoyment of existing and future residents and visitors. This overarching goal will occur through the life of this plan and beyond and will only work with a multifaceted approach of government policies and regulations, non-profit acquisitions, and support from the private development. Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department (MCPRD) does an excellent job of maintaining and enhancing parks and is poised to update their parks plan, which will continue to implement such measures within the WTGA planning area and across Maricopa County. The Maricopa County Planning and Development Department also coordinates open spaces, parks, and trails when new development occurs by encouraging usage of their adopted scenic corridor guidelines. The Flood Control District of Maricopa County (FCDMC) works toward their mission and goals with community and State partnership to create viable natural drainage areas and wildlife corridors within their flood control facilities. The BLM and the AZGFD also maintain their lands for recreation, open space, and wildlife habitats. Lastly, non-profit organizations such as the White Tank Mountains Conservancy assist by collecting donations to acquire and preserve open spaces. As part of the plan update, BLM land that was previously designated as Single-Family Rural is reclassified as open space to align with BLM’s preferred land uses in these areas. The updated Future Land Use Map includes over 114,000 acres of open space, which equates to approximately 30% of the planning area. The Parks Vision 2030 identified population growth as one of the key challenges associated with preservation of open spaces, fragmented ecosystems, diminished wildlife richness, and placing undue demand on existing natural and outdoor recreation systems. MCPRD’s report also states that high-quality natural resources, regional open spaces, wildlife habitats, trails, and regional parks are top priorities for the community. Open Space and Recreation Forecast According to the County’s Parks Vision 2030, MCPRD estimates a need to acquire approximately 15,000 acres every ten years to maintain the current baseline of 27 acres of undeveloped natural areas per thousand people across the County. Resident access to these areas will become increasingly important as the population continues to grow. 72 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Year Planning Area Population Open Space Acres / 1,000 People Acres Required 2020 478,193 27 12,911 2050 917,446 27 24,771 The WTGA planning area provides 238 acres of open space per thousand residents, which greatly exceeds the County’s baseline of 27 acres per thousand residents. The projected acreage required for the planning area is 12,911; however, the current acreage of County Parks and Open Spaces within the planning area is approximately 114,000 acres. Expansion of the parks and open space network is not required in this planning area to meet the needs of current and future residents. Open Space Strategies 1. Expand opportunities to promote community health and wellbeing through access and programming of parks and open spaces. This strategy, which is referenced in the Parks Vision 2030, requires partnerships with non-profits, business organizations, and cities and towns to promote initiatives highlighting the importance of regional parks and trail systems as a means to support the health and wellbeing of all residents. 2. Reinvest, protect, and continue to improve our existing park system. This strategy, which is referenced in the Parks Vision 2030, stems from the need to improve parks, especially as the County’s population grows and parks and open spaces become overburdened. While expansion of parks is not needed in the planning area, maintenance and programming is critical. 3. Bring the Maricopa Trail into Vulture Mountains Recreation Area and the Hassayampa River Preserve and continue working with municipalities to include connector trails to neighborhoods and points of interest. Connecting existing regional parks to the County’s trail systems will further allow the community opportunities to access the County’s great open space and recreation amenities. Part of this strategy involves developing partnerships between Wickenburg, Maricopa County, and ASLD to assist in acquiring trail easements to Vulture Mountains, south of the Town’s planning limits. 4. Continue partnership with BLM to develop and maintain a cooperative management framework for the 71,000-acre recreation area. The 2009 Strategic System Master Plan identified the need for a new regional park near Wickenburg, which led to the BLM and Maricopa County entering into a Recreation and Public Purposes (R&PP) lease in the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area in 2019. The continued construction and operation of recreation facilities and the continued partnership between BLM and Maricopa County will be essential to the success of this new recreation area. 5. Provide open space and recreational amenities in subdivisions and ensure that they are connecting to existing trails and pathways where appropriate. Although not a mandate of MCPRD, open space and park planning is an important aspect of consideration in the development of subdivisions. Ample open space and active amenities add to the quality of life and health of future residents. Active amenities could include but are not limited to dog parks, sport courts, exercise equipment, and playgrounds. Cover of Maricopa County Parks Vision 2030 73 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Figure 23. Open Space Network 74 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Open Space Goal #1: Protect, provide, and expand access to regional parks and to coordinate the amount of protected open space parks proportionately with population growth. Open Space Goal #2: Continue to enhance the Maricopa Trail System and cooperate with adjoining municipalities to ensure this trail system is connected to their systems of parks and open spaces. Open Space Goal #3: Have quality neighborhood parks and open spaces with adequate and appropriate recreational amenities and access points to serve residential developments with connections to regional parks and trails. Open Space Goal #4: Protect scenic corridors, views, and open spaces and use open space buffers around established parks and rural neighborhoods. Open Space Policy #1: Maricopa County supports maintenance and improvements to regional parks and preserves in the WTGA planning area. Open Space Policy #2: Maricopa County supports non-profit and community groups’ efforts to acquire and preserve open spaces and wildlife corridors. Open Space Policy #3: Maricopa County supports continued coordination with the BLM, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and adjoining municipalities to maintain and preserve open spaces. Open Space Policy #4: Maricopa County supports coordination with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to identify locations for potential open space development, including endangered species habitats, migration routes and wildlife corridors, and sensitive lands. Open Space Policy #5: Maricopa County supports dedication and improvement of trail rights-of-way within and around new development. Open Space Policy #6: Maricopa County supports soft edge treatments along the perimeter of regional parks and trails systems. Open Space Policy #7: To help maintain high quality parks and trails, Maricopa County supports user-based funding options for its regional parks system and, where feasible, regional trail system. Open Space Policy #8: Maricopa County supports the protection of scenic corridors and views as outlined in adopted scenic corridor plans and in Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance. Open Space Policy #9: Maricopa County supports the natural treatment of drainageways and the preservation of floodways and special flood hazard zones in a natural state. Open Space Policy #10: Maricopa County supports provisions for open space, such as a minimum of 15% open space with 5% of the open space reserved for active recreation amenities. Open Space Policy #11: Maricopa County supports utilizing natural open space as transitions and buffers between established rural communities and other types of development. Open Space Policy #12: Maricopa County supports jurisdictional coordination when utility corridors, such as powerlines and pipelines, cross municipal boundaries. Where feasible and effective, jurisdictions should work with utility providers to use easements and utility corridors as open space, trails, or other compatible passive recreational uses. OPEN SPACE GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals and policies are identified to aid in ensuring the open space within the WTGA planning area is maintained, protected, and enhanced. 75 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY WATER RESOURCES ELEMENT The Water Resources Element is required by Arizona statute and addresses the known and legally physical available surface water, groundwater, and effluent supplies; the demand for water that will result from future projected growth: and an analysis of how the demand for water will be served. Water Resources Surface Water and Groundwater Due to the arid climate of the southwest, prioritization of water infrastructure is important to the continued growth of the area. The entirety of the area falls within the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA), which requires that most residential development demonstrate that a 100-year assured water supply is available. See AMA boundary on page 79. The 336-mile Central Arizona Project CAP canal begins at Lake Havasu and ends at its terminus just south of Tucson, Central Arizona Project Website 76 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS A Community Water Service (CWS) is any water system that serves fifteen (15) or more service connections. There are approximately fifty (50) different CWSs that provide water distribution services in the WTGA planning area with the connections served ranging from 19 to over 150,000. The ten (10) largest providers are: » EPCOR » City of Peoria » City of Avondale » Liberty Utilities (Litchfield Park Water and Sewer) » City of Goodyear » City of El Mirage » City of Surprise » City of Buckeye » Arizona Water Company » LAFB Within the WTGA planning area, approximately 130 square miles are served by a CWS. The remaining 597 square miles do not currently have water infrastructure. The bulk of the areas with water service are within Loop 303 or east of the White Tank Mountains. Outside of these areas, water service is limited to isolated locations along US 60 as shown in Figure 24 on page 77. In June of 2023, state leadership announced that further residential subdivisions that rely on groundwater will not be issued the required certificates for assured water due to a projected 4% shortfall in the 100-year groundwater supply in the Phoenix AMA. Additionally, any multifamily residential project with six or more units must now obtain an assured water supply certificate. For residential development to continue beyond what is already approved in the WTGA planning area, sources of water from a municipal provider will need to be identified and secured. Sewer and Effluent Sewer service providers in the WTGA planning area include the City of Surprise, City of Peoria, City of Glendale, City of El Mirage, City of Goodyear, Liberty Utilities, and EPCOR. Figure 24 on page 34 also shows the sewer distribution system in the area. Like water distribution, sewer infrastructure is available within Loop 303 and east of the White Tank Mountains. Areas to the north and west of the White Tank Mountains do not have sewer infrastructure currently. Private water wells and septic systems are common in unincorporated areas not serviced by water and sewer providers. Greywater is wastewater from homes and businesses that is reclaimed for irrigation and landscaping use. Currently, only 5% of Arizona’s water supply comes from reclaimed water. Treated greywater will become an increasingly important source of additional water. As water is a scarce resource for the WTGA planning area, using greywater will be a critical part of the water mix for accommodating growth. Specifically, if greywater can be used for irrigation and landscaping, it will free up additional fresh water within current water rights and allotments for use by residential, commercial, and industrial growth. To rely more on greywater in the future, Maricopa County will need to coordinate with municipal and private water suppliers in the permitting and development of reclamation facilities and reuse pipeline infrastructure. Central Arizona Project The CAP Canal, managed by the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, brings approximately 1½ million acre feet of water annually from the Colorado River to Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima Counties. The CAP Canal extends nearly 340 miles from Lake Havasu to the San Xavier Indian Reservation near Tucson and is considered a vital source of water for the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Colorado River water is allocated to several western states based on the 1922 Colorado River Compact where Arizona, California and Nevada comprise what are known as Lower Division states, while Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico comprise the Upper Division states. Each Division receives 7½ million acre-feet annually that is apportioned to each state in various amounts. Arizona has rights to 2.8 million acre-feet annually which is either used or stored in underground aquifers to help alleviate potential future water shortages. The complex process of storing and managing water in these aquifers is overseen by the Arizona Water Banking Authority. CAP, fronterasdesk.org