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77 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Figure 24. Water and Sewer Service Area 78 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Water Resources Analysis As future development occurs in the WTGA planning area, special consideration must be taken to properly manage existing water resources and plan for anticipated water resources into the future. These considerations include proper land use planning to provide residential, industrial, and commercial customers with safe and reliable water supplies. Partnerships between municipal and private water providers are critical to implement management plans for both water consumption and conservation. Feedback from residents in the area demonstrated that there are concerns about the availability of water for existing residents and for future development. The recent reduction in water allocated from the Colorado River and findings presented in the Phoenix AMA water model will have an impact on cities, towns, and private water suppliers looking to expand. However, there is still a need to identify and supplement non-groundwater water rights and the shortage does not negate the need to plan for responsible growth and development as the WTGA planning area develops. WATER RESOURCES OPPORTUNITIES A large portion of the WTGA planning area does not have infrastructure or service for water and sewer. Development will be impacted in areas north and west of Loop 303 due to lack of assured water and limited infrastructure. Unless water and sewer service boundaries are expanded to the northwest or southeast of Wickenburg, future development will likely occur at densities that can be supported by private wells and septic systems. 79 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY The increase in water usage would not be evenly distributed throughout the WTGA planning area. Figure 25 on page 80 shows the potential relative changes in water consumption based on the difference between existing land uses and the Future Land Use Map. Notable geographical changes in water use include: » The most intense increases in water needs would be at the nodes of Regional Commercial and Mixed- Use Employment located along Loop 303 and east of LAFB. These areas are already largely within water and sewer distribution systems with infrastructure. » Large areas of increasing water needs are located around the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, the unincorporated areas on either side of 163rd Avenue north of US 60, and potentially the non-residential uses that would surround the Luke Auxiliary Field #1 Airfield. Major investments in water and wastewater infrastructure would be needed before growth could occur in these areas. » The large areas of rural residential in the northwestern reaches of the WTGA planning area would have minimal increases in water and sewer needs. Wastewater would likely be accommodated through personal septic systems. » There is a reduction in water use anticipated as agricultural land surrounding LAFB develops into commercial or industrial development that is less water intensive. » Most of the increased water need falls within the MPAs of WTGA planning area jurisdictions, including Surprise and Peoria. As annexation occurs, the water to serve growth would need to be identified with these jurisdictions and connections to municipal water systems would be required at that time. Rural development in unincorporated Maricopa County would continue to be served by private wells. » There would be a proportional increase in the demand of sewer capacity for fresh water. Greywater reclamation could serve a dual benefit of reducing sewer capacity needs and help reduce the use of fresh water for landscaping or agricultural irrigation. Rainwater harvesting could further reduce the need for fresh water for landscaping. Map of Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA), ADWR 80 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Figure 25. Forecasted Change in Water Usage Note: Water usage rates per acre by land use were taken from the 2022 City of Surprise Integrated Water Master Plan and applied to a comparison between the existing land use map and future land use map to show where water usage could increase or decrease over time. 81 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Water Resources Goal #1: Balance water availability with growth. Water Resources Goal #2: Support efforts to improve regional cooperation and communication on water use among WTGA planning area jurisdictions. Water Resources Goal #3 Increase renewable water use and reduce demand through water conservation. Water Resources Goal #4 Continue to invest in best management practices of stormwater to ensure health and safety of residents. Water Resources Policy #1 Maricopa County supports appropriately scaled water service in potential growth areas that are not currently covered by a Community Water System. Water Resources Policy #2 Maricopa County supports appropriately scaled sewer service, greywater reclamation, and rainwater harvesting efforts in potential growth areas that are not currently covered by existing sewer infrastructure or providers. Water Resources Policy #3 Maricopa County supports appropriate fees, development requirements, and other funding mechanisms to ensure that new development pays its fair share of providing new services in potential growth areas, such as potable water, wastewater, and stormwater drainage. Water Resources Policy #4 Maricopa County supports the collaboration of WTGA planning area jurisdictions for water planning and conservation efforts, particularly during the annexation process to accommodate growth that is compliant with the Future Land Use Map. Water Resources Policy #5 Maricopa County supports minimizing water usage by new public facilities in the WTGA planning area, including on landscaping, parks, artificial lakes, and decorative water features through low water use and drought tolerant landscaping to mitigate the forecasted water availability shortfall. Water Resources Policy #6 Maricopa County supports the maintenance and expansion of major stormwater drainage facilities within the WTGA planning area, in partnership with the MCFCD, to accommodate the needs of existing and planned development to accommodate stormwater that cannot be retained in developments in potential growth areas and for emergencies. WATER RESOURCES GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals and policies are identified to aid in ensuring the water and sewer infrastructure in the WTGA planning area can support future development, as planned in the Future Land Use Map. 82 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS ENERGY, UTILITIES, & PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT The Energy Element is required by ARS and addresses incentives for efficient use of energy and policies and practices for greater use of renewable energy. Additionally, this section addresses other utilities and facilities within the WTGA planning area. Energy and Utilities The entirety of the WTGA planning area is served by Arizona Public Service (APS) for electricity service and Southwest Gas for natural gas service. As the area develops, consideration of energy needs is important to sustain the population. Because of the existing development profile of the area, energy use is relatively low compared to more urbanized areas of Maricopa County. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, major power infrastructure in the WTGA planning area includes: 1. Northwest Regional Plant Landfill Gas-to-Energy Plant. Landfill gas is collected through wells installed within the landfill to generate up to 3.2 megawatts of electricity. 2. LAFB Solar Array. This solar installation covers 106 acres of LAFB land and generates 15 megawatts of electricity. Typically, LAFB uses 100% of the energy produced by the array. 3. El Sol Battery Energy Center (currently under construction). This facility is a battery electric storage system (BESS), which stores excess power generated during off-peak times to supplement the power supply during peak times. The facility will be able to handle 200 megawatt-hours of excess power storage. LAFB Solar Array, LAFB 83 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY ENERGY, UTILITIES, & FACILITIES OPPORTUNITIES » Most public facilities are east of Loop 303, in incorporated areas. Additional police or Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) stations, fire stations, and schools west of Loop 202 would be necessary as the areas continue to grow. » Due to the potential for solar energy generation, Maricopa County can encourage additional renewable energy generation in appropriate locations in the WTGA planning area. With the Phoenix region experiencing more and more days of extreme heat, electricity capacity is being increasingly stretched, according to APS. On July 15, 2023, APS broke its all-time record for the maximum amount of electricity consumed at once, 8,191 megawatts. Accommodating additional clean energy production in the WTGA planning area will contribute to the area’s ability to provide enough power during peak times. There are three landfills and waste transfer centers in the WTGA planning area. The Northwest Regional Landfill is located along Deer Valley Road, west of US 60. The Morristown Waste Disposal and Recycling Center is located southeast of the US 60 and SR 74. The Goodyear White Tank Hauling and Transfer Station is located on McDowell Road, east of Jackrabbit Trail. Figure 26 on page 84 shows solid waste facilities in the area. There is also a planned waste transfer station near El Mirage Rd. & the 303. Public Facilities There are a variety of public facilities in the WTGA planning area, including police, fire, education, and parks. Police services for the area is served by the MCSO, Avondale Police Department, Buckeye Police Department, El Mirage Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Goodyear Police Department, Peoria Police Department, and City of Surprise Police Department. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has two stations in the WTGA planning area, both along US 60. Currently, average response times for MCSO beats within the area are ranging from 10 to 34 minutes for priority 1 (the most urgent) calls, 9 minutes to over 1 hour for priority 2 calls, and five minutes to over an hour for priority 3 calls. There are twenty-two (22) fire stations in the WTGA planning area. Fire protection is provided by Rural Metro, City of Surprise Fire-Medical Department, El Mirage Fire Department, Sun City Fire and Medical Department, Peoria Fire Department, Wittman Fire District, Arizona Fire and Medical Authority, and Circle City/ Morristown Fire Department. On average, each fire station in the plan boundary serves 33 square miles. There are eighteen K-12 schools and one post-secondary campus (Ottawa University) in the WTGA planning area. School districts in the area include: » Agua Fria Union High School » Dysart Unified #89 » Liberty #25 » Litchfield #79 » Morristown #75 » Nadaburg Unified #8 » Pendergast #92 » Peoria #11 » Peoria Unified High School » Saddle Mountain Unified #90 » Tolleson Unified High School » Wickenburg Unified #9 The existing educational facilities are primarily located east of Loop 303. The average age of school facilities is 20 years and the average enrollment for elementary, middle, and high schools are 655, 1,755, and 2,300, respectively. Public facilities are shown in Figure 26 on page 84. Sun City Fire and Medical Station, Perlman Architects 84 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Figure 26. Public Facilities and Utilities 85 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Analysis Energy and Utilities As future development occurs in the WTGA planning area, expansion of the electric and gas infrastructure will be needed to accommodate growth. Figure 27 shows locations that are identified as potential growth areas or where the Future Land Use Map shows that major land use changes could occur, resulting in urbanization. These areas include the growth areas along the US 60 corridor southeast of SR 74 and west of Loop 303 between Indian School Road and Peoria Avenue, the land surrounding the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and either side of 163rd Avenue north of US 60. Public Facilities Ensuring public services maintain their current high level of service and adequate response times as the area grows is an important and often life-saving goal of WTGA planning area residents and stakeholders. As development expands into currently vacant land, additional fire, police, and educational facilities will be needed to support the population. The table below shows the number of existing public facilities in the two growth areas in identified the Future Land Use Map. POTENTIAL GROWTH AREAS FIRE POLICE SCHOOL A. US 60 CORRIDOR SOUTHEAST OF SR 74 3 0 2 B. WEST OF SR 303 BETWEEN INDIAN SCHOOL AND PEORIA 0 0 0 Areas that are expecting land use changes, shown in blue in Figure 27 on page 86, have the potential for increases in density before the horizon year of this plan. Many of these areas do not have any fire coverage. While these areas are unlikely to develop before the identified growth areas, they have very limited public facilities in proximity. The potential growth surrounding the White Tank Mountain Regional Park will require additional public facilities, as the area west of the park will be secluded from existing development to the east. Additional public facilities will also be needed as development occurs along either side of 163rd Avenue north of US 60. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, MCSO 86 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Figure 27. Future Utility and Facility Needs 87 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Goal #1 Ensure Maricopa County has adequate infrastructure to accommodate utilities and waste disposal before growth is permitted in unincorporated areas or encourage annexation into WTGA planning area jurisdictions. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Goal #2 Ensure there are adequate public facilities, including police, fire, and educational coverage, before growth is permitted in unincorporated areas and encourage annexation into WTGA planning area jurisdictions. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Goal #3 Remain a leader in alternative energy research and development. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Goal #4 Ensure that development adjacent to electrical, gas, and other utility corridors is context appropriate and environmentally responsible. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Policy #1 Maricopa County supports municipal annexation of a development site when urban services are available or relatively available in accordance with the Maricopa County Comprehensive Plan policy on Urban Services for Urban Development. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Policy #2 Maricopa County supports planning for residential, commercial, and employment land uses in potential growth areas that are proximate to each other rather than separated to reduce fuel usage, energy consumption, and wear and tear on roads. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Policy #3 Maricopa County supports intergovernmental coordination for the development and implementation of strategic energy planning with WTGA planning area jurisdictions. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Policy #4 Where feasible and effective, Maricopa County supports cooperation with developers to integrate public facilities, such as schools and libraries, into neighborhoods rather than having them physically separated and located on major arterial roadways. Where feasible, joint use facilities, such as swimming pools and playgrounds, should be incorporated into schools and libraries. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Policy #5 Maricopa County supports partnering with jurisdictions in the WTGA planning area and the private sector to develop and maintain an integrated approach to solid waste management. Energy, Utilities, and Public Facilities Policy #6 Maricopa County supports the development of renewable energy generation with safe distancing requirements to prevent fire hazards at BESS facilities. ENERGY, UTILITIES, AND PUBLIC FACILITIES GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals and policies are identified to aid in improving utilities and facilities as well as incentivizing the use of renewable energy for residents and visitors of the WTGA planning area. 88 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS COST OF DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT The Cost of Development Element is required by ARS and identifies policies and strategies that the County will use to require development to pay its fair share toward the cost of additional public service needs generated by new development. This section will also identify various mechanisms that are allowed by law and can be used to fund and finance additional public services necessary to serve developments. Policies specifically ensure that any mechanisms that are adopted by the County result in a beneficial use to development and bear a reasonable relationship to the burden imposed on the County to provide the additional necessary public services. Cost of Development In fast growing areas, capital infrastructure is needed to provide services and infrastructure to new residential and commercial developments. Some of the funding mechanisms that are allowed by Arizona law include bonding, special taxing districts, development impact fees (DIFs), in-lieu fees, facility construction, dedications, and service privatization. This section addresses important cost of development issues by stressing that new development pay its proportionate share of improvements and services without burdening existing taxpayers. Its important to recognize the County does not provide utility services within its jurisdiction and relies on the municipalities and private companies to provide these services. The County has not adopted development impact fees for non-utility services, one of the primary financing tools available to local jurisdictions. The County, however, through cooperation with WTGA planning area municipalities, maintains the ability to negotiate development agreements and stipulations related to new developments that may affect the road system, the area’s floodplains, and other services. WTGA Service Providers The WTGA planning area has a large mix of public and private service providers and regulatory authorities that include, in addition to Maricopa County, parts of eight cities and nine private utility companies. The number of public and private service providers in the WTGA planning area creates a complex maze of fees and regulations that developers must negotiate. Maricopa County’s unincorporated areas account for a majority of the WTGA planning area. Maricopa County does not operate any utility systems and does not impose DIFs on new development. Service Providers in WTGA Plan Area Public Entities Private Entities Maricopa County Arizona Water Company City of Buckeye Beardsley Water Company City of El Mirage Brooks Water Utilities City of Glendale Chaparral Water Company City of Goodyear Circle City Water Company City of Litchfield Park EPCOR City of Peoria Liberty Utilities 89 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY However, it still has regulatory authority through zoning and over improvements to the county road system and floodplain areas. Most cities use a wide variety of tools to accommodate new developments including development impact fees, improvement districts, community facilities districts (CFDs), development agreements, and dedication of facilities and streets improvements. Five of the cities in the area also operate their own water and wastewater utility systems in addition to the nine private utility companies operating in the area. Most cities also impose development impact fees on new development for a variety of services and utilities including water, sewer, and in some cases, future water resource needs. Large private utility providers also require impact fees or “hook-up” fees for new water and sewer services while smaller utility companies do not charge the fees. Cost of Development Analysis Maricopa County prefers new development projects in the WTGA planning area to annex to one of the local municipalities. However, the lack of impact fees in the unincorporated areas often causes developers to seek zoning through the County rather than the municipality and to obtain utility service from one of the private utility companies operating in the area. Further, the strip annexation of land between Camelback Road and Peoria Avenue by Glendale many years ago has led to the expansion of service areas by private utility companies. EPCOR and Liberty Utilities have since become the primary utility providers in much of the WTGA planning area. This has at times thwarted the annexation of development projects into nearby cities, leaving them under the purview of Maricopa County. Maricopa County is rightly concerned with the financial impacts that new development can have on the County and on local governments and taxpayers. This section identifies techniques and methods that the County can use to fund additional public services generated from new development. The County’s Comprehensive Plan provides a discussion of funding methods that are specific to funding improvements for new development. The methods that are relevant to the WGTA planning area and supported by the County include: » Development agreements for master planned communities. » Community improvement districts on a limited basis where specific public improvements are considered necessary. » Intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with municipalities to help share infrastructure improvement costs. » Fee for service requirements to ensure the recovery of the cost of services in a way that does not unfairly burden those most in need of such services. While multiple municipalities are included with the boundaries of the WTGA Area Plan, this section is only intended to apply to new developments that are seeking rezoning in the County or are subject to the County’s policies and regulations. In most cases, the County prefers that new development projects annex into a municipality prior to seeking zoning through the County and most cities require annexation as a condition of providing utility services to a development project. The goals and policies that follow are designed to outline the County’s position on the important financial equity issue that new development pays its proportionate share of improvements and services without burdening existing taxpayers. The goals and policies recognize the County does not provide utility services within its jurisdiction and relies on cities, towns, and private companies to provide these services. The County has also not adopted development impact fees for non-utility services, one of the primary financing tools available to local jurisdictions. 90 CHAPTER 3: PLAN ELEMENTS Cost of Development Goal #1: Implement policies and procedures that require new development to pay its fair share of public infrastructure needs generated by the development. Cost of Development Goal #2: Encourage the annexation of new development projects to neighboring municipalities to promote more efficient development patterns within the WTGA planning area. Cost of Development Goal #3: Plan for the continued funding of new and existing facilities and services such as highways and roads, public safety, parks, and other community needs within the WTGA Planning Area. Cost of Development Policy #1: In the WTGA planning area, Maricopa County supports cooperative relationships with municipalities in the review of new development projects that may impact municipal facilities and services. Cost of Development Policy #2: Where feasible and effective, Maricopa County supports using all tools at the County’s disposal including development agreements, community improvement districts, intergovernmental agreements, and fee for service charges to ensure new development pays its fair share of infrastructure costs. Cost of Development Policy #3: In the WTGA planning area, Maricopa County supports working cooperatively with municipalities to align projects that address regional issues. Cost of Development Policy #4: Maricopa County supports coordination with utility service providers to ensure ongoing and timely notice of proposed projects or newly approved projects. Cost of Development Policy #5: Maricopa County supports continued planning of future growth trends and patterns in the WTGA planning area and analysis of the impact on County services. Cost of Development Policy #6: Where feasible and effective, Maricopa County supports the development of capital improvement plans through applicable County departments and other area entities that address ongoing infrastructure and service needs within the WTGA planning area. COST OF DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND POLICIES The following goals and policies are identified to address the cost of development in the WTGA planning area. Loop 303 I-10 Interchange, ADOT 91 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK » Appendix A: » Appendix B: » Appendix C: 92 APPENDICES Appendices » Appendix A: 2000 WTGA Land Uses » Appendix B: Community Outreach Materials » Appendix C: Development Master Plans (DMPs) » Appendix D: Glossary APPENDICES 93 WHITE TANK GRAND AVENUE AREA PLAN | MARICOPA COUNTY Add Appendices Overview Here “Transparency does not only encompass the mere access to information, but also entitlement to openness of procedures or even outcomes of planning processes and their implementation.” - Jan Polívka and Christa Reicher 94 APPENDIX A: 2000 WTGA LAND USES APPENDIX A: 2000 WTGA LAND USES The following map depicts the future land uses within the WTGA planning area, based both on 2000 WTGA Area Plan boundary and/or the comprehensive plan.