Attachment C - PHO Summary - PHO-1-20-Z-14-09-7.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2020-12-16)

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REPORT OF PLANNING HEARING OFFICER ACTION 
Adam Stranieri, Planner III, Hearing Officer  
Julianna Pierre, Planner I, Assisting  
November 18, 2020 
ITEM NO: 4 
DISTRICT 7 
SUBJECT: 
Application #: 
PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Zoning:  
R1-10  
Location: 
Northeast corner of 99th Avenue and Southern Avenue 
Acreage: 
38.11 
Request: 
1)
Modification to Stipulation 1 regarding general
conformance to site plan date stamped March 24, 2009.
2)
Deletion of Stipulation 1.a regarding perimeter
landscape tracts.
3)
Deletion of Stipulation 1.b regarding interior landscape
tracts.
4)
Deletion of Stipulation 1.c regarding covered playground
equipment.
5)
Deletion of Stipulation 1.d regarding covered ramadas.
6)
Deletion of Stipulation 1.e regarding open grass areas.
7)
Modification to Stipulation 4 regarding view fencing on
interior walls.
8)
Modification to Stipulation 5 limiting the maximum
number of residential units to 126.
9)
Deletion of Stipulation 7 regarding dedication of 55-foot
right-of-way for the north half of Southern Avenue.
10) Planning Hearing Officer review and approval of
elevations per Stipulation 12.
11) Technical corrections to Stipulations 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10.
Applicant: 
Alex Fish, ABLA 
Owner: 
Keith Hughes, Prestige Developments, Inc. 
Representative: Alex Fish, ABLA 
ACTIONS 
Planning Hearing Officer Recommendation: The Planning Hearing Officer 
recommended denial as filed and approval with modifications and additional 
stipulations. 
Attachment C

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of November 18, 2020 
Application PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Page 2 
 
Village Planning Committee (VPC) Recommendation:  
The Estrella Village Planning Committee heard this request on October 20, 2020 
and recommended approval by a vote of 4-2-1. 
 
DISCUSSION 
 
Elyse DiMartino, representative with ABLA, provided information regarding the 
history of the site and surrounding zoning and uses.  She discussed the 
proposed site plan, circulation plan, and wall plan.  She compared the stipulated 
and proposed site plans, noting that the proposed plan provides more open 
space that is evenly distributed throughout the development, increased 
landscaping, and amenities.  She discussed the requests for modification and 
deletion of stipulations and their associated rationale.   
 
Mr. Stranieri asked for clarification regarding future plans along the east property 
line.  Ms. DiMartino stated that the east 172 feet of the site will be acquired by 
the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) for the planned State Route 
30.   
 
Mr. Stranieri stated that he was inclined to recommend approval of the 
applicant’s request for Stipulation 1, regarding general conformance to the site 
plan, since the proposed site plan depicts increased open space and an 
improved layout.   
 
Mr. Stranieri stated that Stipulations 1.a through 1.e applied to specific tracts on 
the original plan and that the language is no longer applicable.  He stated that he 
is not inclined to recommend additional sub-stipulations regarding the new open 
space proposal because the recommendation for general conformance will hold 
the developer to the percentage of increased open space and general layout as 
shown in the proposed plan. 
 
Mr. Stranieri stated that he had concerns regarding removal of view fencing on 
side yards adjacent to the Paseo.  He noted that the original stipulation would 
have applied in this location and that the modification would solely apply to the 
rear lot lines along the retention area laid out in an east-west pattern in the center 
of the site.  Ms. DiMartino stated that providing view fencing in this area will 
create privacy issues for buyers.  Since there will be a path through the Paseo, 
owners may have concerns about pedestrians who may be able to see into their 
homes.  She noted that the paseo was now adjacent to the smaller side yards of 
these lots, rather than the larger rear lots on the original site plan.  She stated 
that the proposed Paseo was significantly reduced in width from the original plan 
and there would a smaller area between the house walls and windows.  Mr. 
Stranieri and Ms. DiMartino discussed the variations in width of the Paseo and 
activity in those areas.  Chris Moore, engineer with Sunrise Engineering, 
discussed the grade differences in the Paseo, retention area, and home pads.  
Mr. Stranieri stated that he no longer had concerns regarding removal of view

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of November 18, 2020 
Application PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Page 3 
 
fencing since the walking path in the Paseo will be so close to the specific homes 
and the applicant would retain the view fencing along the central retention area.  
Mr. Stranieri stated that he recommended approval of the applicant’s request 
regarding Stipulation 4, because the developer is trying to retain the intent of the 
view fencing stipulations, but in different locations, relevant to the proposed plan. 
 
Mr. Stranieri stated that he was inclined to recommend deletion, rather than 
modification of Stipulation 5, limiting the maximum number of residential units to 
126.  He clarified that 153 units, as proposed by the applicant, represents the 
hypothetical maximum number of units permitted in the zoning district with the 
Planned Residential Development option and density bonuses.  He added that 
the bonus provisions would be reviewed by the Site Planning Division during the 
Plan Review process.  Mr. Stranieri asked if Ms. DiMartino was aware of the 
bonus provisions the applicant would propose.  Ms. DiMartino stated that she 
knew the increased open space, detached sidewalks, and landscape medians 
would be included. 
 
Mr. Stranieri asked for clarification regarding Southern Avenue. Ms. DiMartino 
stated that during the Site Plan Pre-Application meeting, Street Transportation 
Department staff noted that Southern Avenue will not be dedicated south of the 
subject site because a future extension of Southern Avenue will not be 
supported.  Mr. Stranieri stated that he was inclined to delete Stipulation 7, 
regarding the dedication of 55 feet of right-of-way for the north half of Southern 
Avenue. 
 
Mr. Stranieri stated that Stipulation 12, regarding Planning Hearing Officer review 
and approval of elevations, is language added in cases where the developer 
does not have elevations or has only limited conceptual elevations.  He added 
that since the applicant has provided the elevations, they have complied with the 
stipulation.  He stated that he would recommend deletion of Stipulation 12 and 
addition of a stipulation regarding general conformance to the proposed 
elevations.  He added that the elevations showed diversity in home styles with a 
wide variety of architectural details and features.  He stated that the height, 
design, color, and concepts are consistent with homes in the surrounding area.  
 
Mr. Stranieri noted that advisory comments were received from numerous 
departments consistent with those provided during the Site Plan Pre-Application 
meeting. 
 
FINDINGS 
 
1) The stipulated site plan depicted a single-family residential subdivision 
consisting of 126 lots at a density of approximately 3.30 dwelling units per 
gross acre.  The design included approximately 5.74 acres of open space 
(15.05% of the gross project area).  Building height, setbacks, and lot 
coverage were consistent with the R1-10 PRD standards for single-family

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of November 18, 2020 
Application PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Page 4 
 
uses.  The layout included one driveway each on 99th Avenue and 
Southern Avenue.  There was a central landscape tract aligned with the 
driveway on Southern Avenue running north/south through the center of 
the development.   
 
The proposed conceptual site plan depicts a similar single-family 
residential subdivision consisting of 153 lots at a density of approximately 
4.49 dwelling units per gross acre.  The proposed plan includes an 
increase in open space to 6.10 acres (17.9% of the gross project area).  
This is greater than three times the existing Ordinance standard and 
greater than the proposed open space on the original stipulated plan. 
Differences include two driveways on 99th Avenue and no access on 
Southern Avenue and interior lots are arranged in an east/west grid 
pattern, rather than north/south.  Additionally, discrepancy in the gross 
acreage of the project site between the two plans stems from the 
developer’s acknowledgement of a planned 172-foot wide area of land on 
the eastern perimeter that will be acquired by Arizona Department of 
Transportation (ADOT).  See Finding #10 for a more detailed discussion of 
this area.  The proposed site plan is compatible with the land use pattern 
in the area and general conformance to the plan is recommended. 
 
2) Original Stipulations 1.a through 1.e addressed the proposed open space 
on the original stipulated plan.  These stipulations required specific regard 
to the landscape tracts, open space, and some amenities as depicted on 
the original plan.  These stipulations are specific to that plan and do not 
need to be retained.  The recommendation for general conformance to the 
site plan will control potential deviation from the proposed 17.9% open 
space.  Additionally, the layout is similar with a central north/south 
paseo/open space spine.  The proposed plan also includes substantial 
improvements to the proposed open spaces including a retention area that 
provides east/west connectivity, an approximately 0.93 acre amenity 
space aligned with the primary entrance, and enhanced open spaces at 
the northwest and southwest corners of the site.  Deletion of the sub-
stipulations as requested is recommended to accommodate the revised 
design. 
 
3) The applicant’s request for modification of Stipulation 4 regarding view 
fencing locations is recommended for approval.  The modified language 
addresses the reorientation of the lots in the east/west grid configuration 
and retains the requirement for rear yards adjacent to open spaces to 
provide partial view fencing.  In the prior plan, this would have applied 
solely to the rear yards along the central open space spine. 
 
4) Stipulation 5 originally limited the development to a maximum of 126 units 
consistent with the stipulated plan.  The applicant requested to modify this 
stipulation to permit 153 units.  However, 153 units represents the

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of November 18, 2020 
Application PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Page 5 
 
maximum density permitted by the proposed R1-10 PRD development 
option.  It is not recommended to stipulate to Ordinance standards or 
hypothetical maximums.  This request is recommended to be denied as 
filed with the stipulation deleted.  This will allow the developer to propose 
a unit count consistent with the zoning designation and pursue potential 
density bonus points in the PRD option as required to permit the proposed 
design. 
 
5) The Street Transportation Department indicated no concerns with the 
applicant’s request to delete Stipulation 7 regarding a 55-foot right-of-way 
dedication for the north half of Southern Avenue.  This request is 
recommended to be approved. 
 
6) Stipulation 12 requiring Planning Hearing Officer review of elevations was 
originally established as the conceptual elevations in the original rezoning 
case were not tied to a specific builder for the project at the time.  The 
proposed elevations include 12 single-story homes with an approximate 
height of 18 feet and 3 two-story homes with an approximate height of 28 
feet.  Architectural features and detailing vary between elevations, but 
include stone veneers, decorative garage doors, windowsills, coach lights, 
window trim and sills, gable and eave ornamentation, wood siding, and 
many others.  The proposed designs are compatible with existing 
residences in the surrounding area.  The project will also be subject to 
Single-Family Design Review as a result of the proposed 45-foot lot 
widths.  This stipulation has been complied with through this application 
and is recommended to be deleted.  A new stipulation is recommended to 
require general conformance to the proposed conceptual elevations. 
 
7) The Floodplain Management Section of the Public Works Department 
noted that this parcel is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). 
Coordination with this Section is recommended regarding depiction of 
floodplain boundary limits on the Grading and Drainage plan, potential 
impacts to the proposed facilities, FEMA approved CLOMR-F or CLOMR 
submittals, and other considerations. 
 
8) The Parks and Recreation Department noted that current planned trails 
maps depict a proposed privately owned multi-use trail along the east 
perimeter of the site that continues east along the north perimeter of the 
Tres Rios Wetlands.  However, ADOT’s proposed project in this location 
regarding the SR-30, described in greater detail in Finding #10, would 
preclude the development of a trail in this location.  Therefore, an 
additional stipulation for a trail in this location is not recommended at this 
time. 
 
9) The Public Transit Department recommends an additional stipulation 
requiring the developer to dedicate right-of-way and construct a bus bay

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of November 18, 2020 
Application PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Page 6 
 
and stop pad along northbound 99th Avenue north of Southern Avenue. 
This stipulation is recommended to be added with additional details to 
specify design details and landscaping at the transit stop. 
 
10) The applicant’s proposed site plan includes a 172-foot wide area along the 
east perimeter designated as ADOT right-of-way.  They noted that ADOT 
has acquired (or is in the process of acquiring) this eastern 172 feet of 
Parcel No. 101-37-007B.  This is consistent with the design depicted in 
ADOT’s Final Location/Design Concept Report (L/DCR) and Appendix B – 
Plans of the Selected Alternative regarding the proposed SR-30.  This 
area is depicted as containing a potential drainage outfall channel and 
ADOT right-of-way.   
 
Additionally, the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) 
currently owns, operates, and/or maintains three legs at the intersection of 
99th Avenue and Southern Avenue and will need to review the TIA/TIS to 
understand potential impacts and improvements in this location.  This 
comment is made as an advisory note to the applicant and coordination 
with MCDOT in the planning process is recommended. 
 
Finally, it should be noted that the easternmost perimeter property line of 
the subject site is adjacent to the 91st Avenue alignment.  91st Avenue 
falls within MCDOT jurisdiction and therefore permits for the roadway 
improvements will be handled by MCDOT.  This is also provided as an 
advisory note and additional coordination with MCDOT on this issue is 
recommended. 
 
DECISION:  The Planning Hearing Officer recommended denial as filed and 
approval with modifications and additional stipulations. 
 
STIPULATIONS 
 
1. 
That The development shall be in general conformance with the site plan 
date stamped SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 March 24, 2009, with specific 
regard to the following, as MODIFIED BY THE FOLLOWING 
STIPULATIONS AND approved by the PLANNING AND Development 
Services Department: 
 
 
 
a. 
perimeter landscape tracts 
 
 
 
 
b. 
interior landscape tracts 
 
 
 
 
c. 
covered playground equipment in landscape tract 6 
 
 
 
 
d. 
covered ramadas in landscape tract 6

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of November 18, 2020 
Application PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Page 7 
 
 
 
 
 
e 
open grass areas in landscape tracts 1, 6, and 7 
 
 
2. 
THE DEVELOPMENT SHALL BE IN GENERAL CONFORMANCE WITH 
THE ELEVATIONS DATE STAMPED SEPTEMBER 28, 2020, AS 
APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 
DEPARTMENT. 
 
 
3. 
2. 
That The development shall include detached sidewalks with a minimum 
five-foot wide landscaped area situated between the sidewalk and back 
of curb. The landscape area shall include a minimum of two-inch caliper 
shade trees placed 20 feet on center exclusive of driveway/roadway 
crossings, as approved by THE PLANNING AND Development Services 
Department. 
 
 
4. 
3. 
That A total of six (6) benches a minimum four-foot in length shall be 
located in the common open space areas, as approved by the 
PLANNING AND Development Services Department. 
 
 
5. 
4. 
That The interior REAR walls OF INTERIOR LOTS directly abutting 
OPEN SPACES landscape tract six shall consist of a four-foot block wall 
with two-foot view fencing, as approved by the PLANNING AND 
Development Services Department. 
 
 
5. 
That the maximum number of residential units shall not exceed 126. 
 
 
6. 
That In the event archaeological material is encountered during 
construction, the developer shall immediately cease all ground disturbing 
activities within a 33-foot radius of the discovery, notify the City 
Archaeologist, and allow time for the Archaeology Office to properly 
assess the materials. 
 
 
7. 
That right-of-way totaling 55 feet shall be dedicated for the north half of 
Southern Avenue. Roadway geometry shall be reviewed and approved 
by the Street Transportation Department. Additional or less right-of-way 
may be required upon final design, as approved by the Development 
Services Department. 
 
 
7. 
8. 
That Right-of-way totaling 55 feet shall be dedicated for the east half of 
99th Avenue, as approved the PLANNING AND Development Services 
Department. 
 
 
8. 
9. 
That A 25-foot by 25-foot right-of-way triangle shall be dedicated at the 
northeast corner of 99th Avenue and Southern Avenue, as approved by 
the PLANNING AND Development Services Department.

Planning Hearing Officer Summary of November 18, 2020 
Application PHO-1-20--Z-14-09-7 
Page 8 
 
 
 
9. 
10. 
That The developer shall construct all streets within and adjacent to the 
development with paving, curb, gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, streetlights, 
median islands, landscaping and other incidentals as per plans approved 
by the PLANNING AND Development Services Department. All 
improvements shall comply with the ADA accessibility standards. 
 
 
10. 
11. 
That The applicant shall complete and submit the Developer Project 
Information Form for the MAG Transportation Improvement Program to 
the Street Transportation Department. This form is a requirement of the 
EPA to meet clean air quality requirements. 
 
 
11. 
12. 
That the conceptual elevations shall be approved by the Planning 
Hearing Officer through the public hearing process prior to Development 
Services Department final site plan approval. This review is for 
conceptual purposes only. Specific development standards and 
requirements will be determined by the Development Services 
Department. 
 
 
12. 
PRIOR TO PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN APPROVAL, THE LANDOWNER 
SHALL EXECUTE A PROPOSITION 207 WAIVER OF CLAIMS IN A 
FORM APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.  THE 
WAIVER SHALL BE RECORDED WITH THE MARICOPA COUNTY 
RECORDER'S OFFICE AND DELIVERED TO THE CITY TO BE 
INCLUDED IN THE REZONING APPLICATION FILE FOR RECORD. 
 
 
 
Upon request, this publication will be made available within a reasonable length 
of time through appropriate auxiliary aids or services to accommodate an 
individual with a disability. This publication may be made available through the 
following auxiliary aids or services: large print, Braille, audiotape or computer 
diskette.  Please contact the Planning and Development Department, Tamra 
Ingersoll at voice number 602-534-6648 or TTY use 7-1-1.