CC - Agendas - City Council - REGULAR - 11/4/2008

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Agenda Item: GP08-004 Major General Plan Amendment Multi-family land uses are proposed in areas relatively close to the airport. This is a departure from the current ASAP where residential uses are discouraged within the approach/departure zones. The current FAA guidelines permit residential uses in portions of this area. During discussions with land owners, residential uses were strongly preferred as to not limit possible future development scenarios. Multi-family uses are generally more tolerant of airport activity than single family uses, and, are appropriate as a buffer between commercial uses adjacent to the airport and single family uses further away. The use of the medium high density residential designation was questioned by both the P&Z Commissioners and the public. During discussions with land owners, higher density residential uses were strongly preferred, again to not limit possible future development scenarios. This was a needed concession to maintain the support of the land owners. Ed Dietrich of the AZ State Land Department addressed the Commission objecting to limiting the General Plan to lower density uses stating that lower density development is not consistent with the State Land charter. The area in question is currently zoned for low density residential by the County. Should the proposed major General Plan amendment be approved, and annexation were occur, the area would initially be zoned for low density residential according to State Statutes. If the developer wishes, he may then develop at low density residential or request a rezoning to medium high residential both without the need to amend the General Plan further. Regional Open Space does not appear on the proposed land use map except in areas known to be undevelopable. This is consistent with the current General Plan land use map. The General Plan contains a complete element discussing the desirability and benefit of open space. However, Growing Smarter legislation prohibits showing open space on the land use map unless permission is granted by the land owner. Further analysis is needed before possible open space tracts can be determined. The appropriate time to require open space is during master plan discussions and annexation. Attachments: Current General Plan Land Use Map Proposed General Plan Land Use Map prepared by Coe & Van Loo Application narrative Impact Zone and LDN study prepared by Louis Berger Group Written comments and letters General Plan Use Category Descriptions ASAP Land Use Plan Planning & Zoning Commission Recommendation: MOVE to close the Public Hearing OR MOVE to continue the Public Hearing to the November 18, 2008 City Council Study Session. 4