Attachment B - VPC Summary - Desert Ridge Specific Plan Development Parcel 5.A Parcel G.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2025-05-07)

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City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
Desert Ridge Specific Plan, Superblock 5, Development Parcel 5.A, 
Parcel G 
Date of VPC Meeting 
April 1, 2025 
Request 
Review of buildings in excess of four floors in 
Development Parcel 5.A of the Desert Ridge Specific 
Plan per requirements in the Desert Ridge Specific 
Plan and the Areas C and D General Plan 
Location 
Northwest corner of 56th Street and the Loop 101 
freeway 
VPC Recommendation 
Affirmation with no comment 
VPC Vote 
12-0
VPC DISCUSSION:
Committee Member Rick Nowell joined the meeting during this item, bringing the 
quorum to 12 members. 
No members of the public registered to speak on this item. 
Staff Presentation: 
Adrian Zambrano, staff, provided an overview of the location of the request. Mr. 
Zambrano provided background on the Desert Ridge Specific Plan, the section subject 
to the request, and the purpose and intent of the Desert Ridge Specific Plan. Mr. 
Zambrano provided background on the Peripheral Areas C and D General Plan and the 
goals of the plan. Mr. Zambrano discussed Superblock 5 of the Desert Ridge Specific 
Plan, noting that it is the designated Village Primary Core, and that Development Parcel 
5.A is permitted to have a maximum building height of 140 feet, given other conditions
are met. Mr. Zambrano shared the purpose of the request and displayed the building
height setback and height exhibit and renderings. Mr. Zambrano shared staff findings
and stated that staff was supportive of the applicant’s submittal and find that they meet
the requirements of Chapter 4, Section E.2.a.2 of the Desert Ridge Specific Plan.
Applicant Presentation: 
Benjamin Tate, representative with Withey Morris Baugh, PLC, introduced himself and 
provided an overview of the site, surrounding context, and request. Mr. Tate displayed 
ATTACHMENT B

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
Desert Ridge Specific Plan, Superblock 5, Development Parcel 5.A, Parcel G 
Page 2 of 2 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
and discussed the building setback and height exhibit. Mr. Tate displayed and explained 
two options of building height locations on the site. Mr. Tate reiterated a summary and 
purpose of the request.  
 
Questions from Committee: 
Committee Member Mark Warren asked if the building height was being requested 
since the Loop 101 freeway or arterial road could act as a sound and noise barrier. Mr. 
Tate responded that it could, noting that taller building height is typically more 
appropriate along a freeway or major arterial. Committee Member Warren asked if 140 
feet is about 14 stories. Mr. Tate responded that it could be between 10 stories to 14 
stories depending on the heights of the ceilings.  
 
Committee Member Richard Carlucci asked if building heights taller than 140 feet 
were considered, noting that they would be appropriate in this location. Mr. Tate 
responded that the Desert Ridge Specific Plan does not allow building heights taller 
than 140 feet, and if a building height taller than 140 feet was desired, an amendment 
would need to be made to the Desert Ridge Specific Plan. 
 
Chair Steven Bowser agreed that the building height along the freeway could be taller. 
Chair Bowser asked what the next steps would be. Mr. Tate responded that once the 
height confirmation is obtained, the next steps would be the site plan review process.  
 
Public Comments: 
None. 
 
Applicant Response: 
None. 
 
MOTION:  
Committee Member Warren made a motion to affirm, with no comment, the plans are 
consistent with the Desert Ridge Specific Plan and the Peripheral Areas C and D 
General Plan. Vice Chair Louis Lagrave seconded the motion. 
 
VOTE:  
12-0; the motion to affirm, with no comment, that the plans are consistent with the 
Desert Ridge Specific Plan and the Peripheral Areas C and D General Plan passed with 
Committee Members Barto, Birchby, Bunnell, Carlucci, Israel, Kirkilas, Nowell, 
Reynolds, Santoro, Warren, Lagrave and Bowser in favor. 
 
STAFF COMMENTS REGARDING VPC RECOMMENDATION: 
 
Staff has no comments.