Land Use - Scottsdale, ArizonaPlan/Land+Use... · Land Use Element Page ... Preserve Scottsdale’s unique southwestern character, b. Plan for and manage growth in harmony with the

Land Use Element Page ��

Land Use cottsdale is first and foremost a residential community and Southwest tourist destination where the diversity and arrangement of land uses is designed to enhance quality of life and ensure long-term prosperity. Our land uses must complement each other visually, aesthetically, socially, and economically. We will protect large, unspoiled portions of our mountain and desert areas, as well as view corridors to those areas. We will avoid conflicting, damaging, or otherwise unwanted land uses from compromising the overall character of a site, a neighborhood, or the community. Scottsdale will ensure a variety of living, working, and leisure opportunities through different land uses, vital neighborhoods, thriving business and tourism communities, and open spaces for people to recreate, reflect, and enjoy.

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Introduction

Scottsdalehasevolvedandgrownsinceitsfoundinginthelate1800’sanditsincorporationin1951.Startingasasmallresidentialcommunitysprinkledwithfarmsandcitrusgroves,throughgrowthcycles(thataffectedtheentirePhoenixmetroarea),annexationsoflargeareasofunincorporatedlands,preservationofnaturalenvironmentthroughtheHillsideandEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsOrdinances,andconcentrationsofresortuses,arts,tourismandculturalfacilities,Scottsdalehasbecomeacommunitythatfeaturesavarietyoflandusescontributingtoadiverseeconomy,uniquecommunitycharacter,andanationalreputationforquality.

Currently,Scottsdale’splannedandexistinglandusesaredistributedasfollows. (The figures are approximations and don’t equal 100% due to other uses,suchasstreetsandeasements.):

· Residentialuses 54%· OpenSpace 30%· Commercial 2.5%· Cultural/Institutional 2.4%· Employment 1.8%· Office 1%· Resort 1%· Utilities .8%· MixedUse/Downtown .5%

see Introduction section, pages ��-��

Page �� Scottsdale �00� General Plan

Preservation effortsThetremendousgrowthcycleofthemidtolate1990’sledtoastrongcommunitydesiretopreservelargeexpansesofSonoranDesert,particularlyinandaroundtheMcDowellMountains.Duringthistimeperiod,Scottsdaleemergedasaleadingcommunityinthepreservationofnaturalopenspacewiththeanticipationofpreservingonethirdofitslandmassinanaturalpreserve(calledtheMcDowellSonoranPreserve)linkingtheMcDowellMountainswithMcDowellMountainRegionalParktotheeast,theTontoNationalForesttothenorthandthecityofPhoenixopenspacenetworkstothewest.

Regional employment centerInrecentyears,thedevelopmentofthePimaFreeway(101)hascontributedtoamoreconcentratedmixed-uselandusepatternalongthiscorridor.TheScottsdale Airpark has emerged as one of the most significant employment coreswithintheStateofArizona.Theseregionallandusesalongwiththecity’slandpreservationeffortshavecontributedtoScottsdale’sstrongeconomy,whichinturncontributestoahighqualityoflifeforitsresidentsandvisitors.

Employment and retail hubScottsdaleisregardedasasuburbofPhoenix,butunlikethetypicalsuburbancommunity,itisanetimporterofemploymentandservesasaregionalretailcenter.HouseholdsizesaretypicallysmallerthaninothercommunitiesintheValley,andhouseholdincomesarehigherthanmostcommunitiesinthearea.Becauseoftherelativescarcityofservicesinsomeareasadjacenttothecity,residentsoutsideofthecityheavilyuseScottsdale’sretailcenters,parks,employmentcenters,andlibraries.

ResortsScottsdaleisthemajorresortcenterofthemetropolitanarea.Althoughnotalllocalmajorresortsarelocatedinthecity,Scottsdalecontainsthecoreofspecialtyshopping,artgalleries,andrecreationalfacilities,andmanyoftheculturalandsportingeventsthatattractandsustainthelocaltourismindustry.Preservingthequalityofthecity’svisualenvironmentisanimportantcomponentofmaintainingthisindustry.

Land Use PatternsNowandinthefutureitisimportantthatlandusepatternsarefosteredthathelpconservenaturalresources,reducethedependenceontheautomobileandalleviate traffic congestion, contribute to the character of the community, and adequatelyservetheneedsofthecitizens.Landusedecisionsmusttakeintoconsiderationtherelationshipofadjacentlandusestosensitivelyintegrateproposedlanduseswithexistingnaturalandphysicalenvironments.


Character-based General PlanningAsaresultofCityShape2020recommendations,ScottsdalehasimplementedCharacter-basedGeneralPlanning.TheCharacter-basedGeneralPlanconsistsoftheSixGuidingPrinciplesandastructurethatcontainsthreedistinctandinterrelatedlevels.TheLandUseElementandalltheElementsoftheGeneralPlanapplytothecitywidelevelofplanning.Citywideplanningincorporatesallpoliciesthatapplytothecityasawhole.MoredetailedplanningisfoundattheCharacterAreaandNeighborhoodplanninglevels.Insomecases,specific land use considerations may be better addressed at the Character andNeighborhoodplanninglevels,insteadofthecitywideGeneralPlanlevel.CharacterareaandNeighborhoodplanningwillensurethatqualityofdevelopmentandconsistencyofcharacterdriveScottsdale’sGeneralPlanattheCharacterPlanandNeighborhoodlevels,withinthecontextofcommunity-widegoalsandthecitywideGeneralPlan.TheLandUseElementgivesbroadgoals,andgeneraldirectionforthecity’slandusedistributionandrelationships.

The Land Use ElementTomaintainacommunitywithahealthyeconomicbaseandprovideservicesforourresidentsandvisitors,adiversityoflandusesshouldbeprovidedthatincludeschools,parks(bothactiverecreationareasandpassiveopenspace)communitycenters,residentialusesfordifferentsocialeconomiclevels,andretail,commercialandemploymentcenterstoservetheseresidentialareas.Publicinfrastructure,suchasstreets,trails,paths,water,sewerandutilities,areneededtoservetheselanduses.TheLandUseElementanditsmapsindicatethegeneraldistribution,location,type,andrelationshipofalloftheselanduses.

TheLandUseElementestablishesthegeneralpolicesforthetypesandlocationoflandusesthroughoutthecity.TheZoningOrdinanceimplementsthesepoliciesbyestablishingthelegalparametersforthedevelopmentofaparcelofland.ThepolicieswithintheLandUseElementfocusonthreedistinctivebutinterrelatedlevels:regionalrelationships,citywiderelationships, and local relationships. This hierarchy helps define Scottsdale’s rolewithinthemetropolitanarea,reinforceScottsdale’squalityoflifeanddefines policies that sensitively integrate and balance land uses into the local naturalandphysicalenvironments.AlthoughtheLandUseElementisoftenthemostvisibleelementoftheGeneralPlan,itisonlyonepartoftheGeneralPlan.CoordinationbetweenandamongalloftheGeneralPlanElementsisrequiredtohaveacomprehensivepolicydocumentthatspeakstothefutureneedsofthecommunity.

TheLandUseElementissimilartootherElementswithintheGeneralPlaninthatitillustratesacommondirectionorvision.Thiscitizen-initiatedvisionmaychangeovertimeduetochangesinamaturingcommunity.TheGeneralPlan must be refined over time to reflect these changing community needs.

see the Scottsdale Values and Vision section

see the Character and Design Element

Page �0 Scottsdale �00� General Plan

Major General Plan AmendmentsIn2000,theArizonaStateLegislaturerevisedthestatutesregardingmajorGeneralPlanamendments.The“GeneralPlan”sectioninthePrefaceoutlinesthecriteriatodetermineifaproposedchangeisa“majoramendment”totheGeneralPlanandwhatprocessisrequiredtomakeamendmentstothePlan.ThefollowingcriteriaformajorGeneralPlanamendmentswereadoptedbytheCityCouncilinFebruary2001.

Criteria for a Major Amendment to the General Plan(City Council approved 2/6/01 and revised to reflect the land use designations of the updated Conceptual Land Use Map)

Scottsdale’s Mission: Inguidingtheformationofthemajoramendmentcriteria,itisimportanttoconsiderthemajormissionelementsofthecity,thesebeing–

a. PreserveScottsdale’suniquesouthwesterncharacter,b. Planforandmanagegrowthinharmonywiththenaturaldesert

surroundings,c. Promotethelivabilityofthecommunity,d. Enhanceandprotectneighborhoods,ande. Ensureandsustainthequalityoflifeforallresidentsandvisitors.

Proposedchangestothelanduseelementofthecity’sGeneralPlanthatcompromisethespiritandintentofthesemissionstatementswillqualifyforconsiderationasamajoramendmenttotheGeneralPlan.

Scottsdale’s Land Use Element: Itisimportantthatasproposalsareconsideredinregardtothefollowingcriteriathatthevaluesandstructureofthelanduseelementbeusedasaguide.Thesevaluesareanimportantpartofthecity’slanduseplan:

a. Landusesshouldrespectthenaturalandman-madeenvironment,b. Landusesshouldprovideforanunsurpassedqualityoflifeforbothits

citizensandvisitors,c. LandusesshouldcontributetotheuniqueidentitythatisScottsdale,d. Landusesshouldcontributetothebuildingofcommunityunityand

cohesiveness,e. Landusesshouldworkinconcertwithtransportationsystemsinorder

topromotechoiceandreducenegativeimpactsuponthelifestyleofcitizensandthequalityoftheenvironment,

f. Landusesshouldbebalancedinordertoallowforthecommunitytoprovideadequatelive,workandplayopportunities,and

g. Land uses should provide opportunities for the design of uses to fit andrespectthecharacter,scaleandqualityofusesthatexistinthecommunity.


Itisrecognizedthataproposedchangeoflanduseswithinanygivenportionofthecitymayhaveasubstantialimpactuponthebalanceoflanduseswithinthecityasawhole.TheGeneralPlanLandUseElementwasformulatedandadoptedwithfullconsiderationofthecharacterandbalanceoflandusesthatareappropriatewithinalldistinctareasofthecity.Beyondthislevelofconsideration,theplanconsiderstherelationshipsbetweenandamongthevariousplanningareasandstudiesthathavehelpedtobuildtheplan.Thisleads to a balance and pattern of land uses that reflects the community’s values,aspirationsandthecity’sstatedmission.

Character of Land Uses: Achangeintheplannedlandusesmayhaveasubstantialimpactuponthecitybytransformingthecharacterofthelanduseswithinagivenplanningarea.Thecharacterofthelandusesmaybeindicatedbythephysicalintensityoftheuseintermsofmassing,heightorrelationshipsbetweenuses;theblendingofdifferenttypesofusesandthepatternsandscaleinherenttoeach;ortherelativeamount,typeandplacementofopenspaces.Significant changes in the established land use character will be considered in determiningwhetherornotaproposalisamajoramendment.


To: Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E

From: LandUse PlanCategory Group A Rural Yes Yes Yes Yes Neighborhoods NaturalOpen Space Group B Suburban Yes Yes Yes Neighborhoods

Developed OpenSpace

Cultural/ Institutional orPublicUse

Group C Urban Yes Yes Neighborhoods

Resorts/Tourism

Group D Neighborhood Yes Yes Yes Commercial

Minor Office

Minor Employment

Group E Commercial Yes Yes

Office

Employment

MixedUse

RegionalUse Overlay

1. Change in Land Use Category Achangeinthelandusecategoryonthelanduseplanthatchangesthe

landusecharacterfromonetypetoanotherasdelineatedinthefollowingtable:


2a. Area of Change Criteria Achangeinthelandusedesignationthatincludesthefollowinggross

acreages:

*PlanningZonesA,B 10acresormore *PlanningZoneC1,C2,DandE 15acresormore

2b. Acreage Criteria Overriding Incentives Certainexceptionstocriteriacontainedin2aare

consideredtobeintheinterestofthegeneralpublicandinkeepingwiththemissionandvaluesofthecommunity.Aproposalthatincludesanyofthefollowingconditionswillnotbeconsideredamajoramendment:• Apropertyownerinitiateddecreaseinthe

residentiallandusecategoryofunitsplannedbythelanduseelement,or

• Aproposalforachangeinthelandusedesignationthatresultsinnoincreaseintheplannednumberofdwellingunitsandincludesatleast30%moreNaturalAreaOpenSpacethanisrequiredbytheEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsOrdinanceforthepropertyandthatis:- ofsubstantialsize,thatbeingatleastseven

ormorecontiguousacres,andprotectedinsuchamannersoastobedesignatedwiththelandusecategoryofNaturalAreaOpenSpace,

- andwheresuchopenspaceprotectssensitivenaturalfeaturesandisvisuallyand/orphysicallyaccessibletothegeneralpublicanddoesnotincludelandscontainedwithinsceniccorridorsorvistacorridors,or

• AproposaltochangethelandusecategorytoCultural/Institutionalor Public Use with a municipal, public school or non-profit cultural facilitywhensuchaproposedfacilityisnotadjacenttoasingle-familylandusedesignation(designationsofRuralorSuburbanNeighborhoods)ordoesnotsharedirectaccesstoanystreetthathassingle-familyresidentialdrivewayaccesswithinone-half(1/2)mileoftheproposal.

• AproposalwithintheDowntownPlanareathatmaintainsthesamedevelopmentstandardstype(e.g.Type1,Type1.5orType2)andcontains no more than fifteen (15) gross acres or less.

see Planning Zones map on page ��


3. Character Area CriteriaCharacterareashavebeenaddedtothecity’splanningprocessinordertorecognizeandmaintaintheuniquephysical,visualandfunctionalconditionsthatoccurindistinctareasacrossthecommunity.Thecityrecognizesthattheseformacontextthatisimportanttothelifestyle,economicwellbeingandlongtermviabilityofthecommunity.Theseareas are identified by a number of parameters including but not limited tobuildingscale,openspacetypesandpatterns,ageofdevelopmentandtopographicsetting.

Ifaproposaltochangethelandusecategoryhasnotbeenclearlydemonstratedbytheapplicanttocomplywiththeguidelinesandstandardsembodiedwithinanapprovedcharacterareaplan,itwillbeconsideredamajoramendment.(Note:ThecharacterareaplansthatqualifyforconsiderationasofNovember,2000includetheDesertFoothillsPlan,DynamiteFoothillsPlan,CactusCorridorPlanandDowntownPlan.)

4. Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Criteria Ifaproposaltochangetheplannedlandusecategoryresultsinthe

prematureincreaseinthesizeofamasterplannedwatertransmissionorsewercollectionfacility,itwillqualifyasamajoramendment.


Scottsdale Values ...

Respectforthenaturalenvironment.

Respectfortheexistingandhistoricalcontextofthebuiltenvironment.

Anunsurpassedqualityoflifeforcitizensandvisitors.

Recognitionofthecommunity’suniqueidentityandreputation.

Landuseandtransportationplanningthatcreates logical and efficient transportation optionsandpatternstohelpconnectpeopletojobs,servicesandamenities.

Arichmixofliving,working,andplayingenvironmentsthatdonotviolateorintrudeuponthevaluesthatmakeeachplaceuniqueorspecial.

Aesthetic design of uses to fit with the surrounding character and scale.

Well-sited mixed-use districts that integrate residential, retail, office, and other uses in specific areas supported by compatible infrastructure.

Goals and ApproachesRegional Context:

1. Recognize Scottsdale’s role as a major regional economic and cultural center, featuring business, tourism, and cultural activities.

• StrengthentheidentityofScottsdalebyencouraginglandusesthatcontributetothecharacterofthecommunityandsustainaviableeconomicbase.

• Encourage land uses that preserve a high quality of life and define Scottsdale’ssenseofplacewithintheregion.


• SupportaregionalopenspacenetworkthatcelebratesScottsdaleidentityasadesertcityandmaintainstheviabilityandconnectivityofthenaturalecosystems.

• Promotelandusesthataccommodatedestinationresortsalongwiththerecreation,retail,residential,andculturalusesthatsupporttourismactivityandsustainaresort-likelifestyle.

2. Coordinate land uses affecting regional networks (mobility, economic, and open space) with adjacent jurisdictions to maintain the integrity and efficiency of each network.

• WorkwithadjacentjurisdictionstounderstandthedynamicsoftheemergingandredevelopingareasonthebordersofScottsdale.

• Supportthelocationofregionallanduses,suchasmajoremploymentcentersalongregionalmobilitynetworks.

• Relateregionaltransportationcorridorstoregionallanduseintensities.• SupporttheregionalopenspacenetworkusingtheMaricopaAssociation

ofGovernmentsDesertSpacesPlan(1995)orfutureupdatesasabaselinetocoordinatewithadjacentjurisdictionsopenspacesystems,recreationopportunities,stormwaterdrainage,andsensitivewildlifehabitatandmigrationroutes.

Citywide Land Use Policies:

3. Encourage the transition of land uses from more intense regional and citywide activity areas to less intense activity areas within local neighborhoods.

• Ensurethatneighborhoodedgestransitiontooneanotherbyconsideringappropriatelanduses,developmentpatterns,characterelementsandaccesstovariousmobilitynetworks.

• Encouragethelocationofmoreintensemixed-usecentersandregionalemploymentcoresalongregionalnetworkswhileincorporatingappropriatetransitionstoadjoininglanduses.

• MaintainthenaturalintegrityofopenspacepreservesbyensuringdevelopmentpatternsandlandusesaresensitivelyintegratedalongtheedgesofthePreserve.

• Locateemploymentuseswhereimpactsonresidentialneighborhoodsarelimitedandaccessisavailableatcitywideandregionallevels.

• Guidegrowthtolocationscontiguoustoexistingdevelopmenttoprovidecity services in a cost effective and efficient manner.

• Encouragetransitionsbetweendifferentlandusesandintensitiesthroughtheuseofgraduallandusechanges,particularlywherenaturalorman-madebuffersarenotavailable.

see Preservation and Environmental

Planning Element

see Growth Areas Element


4. Maintain a balance of land uses that support a high quality of life, a diverse mixture of housing and leisure opportunities and the economic base needed to secure resources to support the community.

• Allowforadiversityofresidentialusesandsupportingservicesthatprovidefortheneedsofthecommunity.

• EnsurethehighestlevelofservicesandpublicamenitiesareprovidedtothecitizensofScottsdaleatthelowestcostsintermsofpropertytaxesandtraveldistances.

• Supportjobs/housingbalancebyintegratinghousing,employment,andsupportinginfrastructureinmixed-usecenterslocatedatappropriatelocations.

• Provideavarietyofhousingtypesanddensitiesandinnovativedevelopmentpatternsandbuildingmethodsthatwillresultingreaterhousingaffordability.

• Maintainacitywidebalanceoflandusesthatsupportchangesincommunityvision/dynamics(establishedbyfuturecommunityvisioningprocesses)overtime.

5. Develop land use patterns that are compatible with and support a variety of mobility opportunities/choices and service provisions.

• Integratethepatternoflandusesandmobilitysystemsinwaysthatallowforshorterandfewerautomobiletripsandgreaterchoicesformobility.

• Encouragenon-motorized(pedestrianandbicycle)access/circulationwithinandtomixed-usecenterstoreducerelianceontheautomobile.

• Provideabalanceoflive,work,andplaylandusesanddevelopmentintensitiesthatenableconvenientnon-automotivetrips(pedestrianandcyclingandtransit)whereenvironmentallyandphysicallyfeasible.

• Supportthephysicalintegrationofresidentialuseswithretailusestoprovideopportunitiesforpedestrianorienteddevelopment.

• EnsureScottsdale’stransportationchoicesrespondtothelandusepatternsandlocalneighborhoodlifestyles.

• Provideaninterconnectedopenspacesystemthatisaccessibletothepublic,includingpedestrianandequestrianlinks,recreationareas,anddrainageways.

• Ensurethatbasiclevelsofenvironmentalhealthandhumanservicesareprovidedforallsocio-economiclevelswithinthecommunity.

• Encouragethatlanduseswiththehighestintensitybelocatedinareasconducivetoalternativemodesoftransportation.

see also the Community Mobility Element

see the Open Space and Recreation Elementsee the Public Services and Facilities Elementsee the Growth Areas Element


6. Promote land use patterns that conserve resources, such as land, clean air, water, and energy, and serve all people, within the community.

• Supporttheessentialcyclesandlifesupportfunctionsofourecosystemthroughlandusesanddevelopmentactivities.

• RespectandpreservethebiodiversityoftheSonoranDesertenvironmentindevelopment.

• Protectandrestoreessentialecosystemservicesthatmaintainwaterquality, reduce flooding, and enhance sustainable resource development.

• Encourageavarietyofcompatiblemixed-uselandusesthroughoutthecityinappropriatelocationsallowingpeopletolive,work,playandshopinthesamegeneralarea.

• Concentratefuturedevelopmentin“growthareas”andothercentersofactivity,therebydiscouragingsprawl,conservingenergy,andpromotingcommunityidentity.

• Integratelanduseandtransportationpoliciestopromoteadecreaseinvehiclemilestraveledtoreduceairpollutionandresourceconsumption,increaseinteractionamongcitizensandprovideastrongersenseofcommunity.

• Protectandrevitalizeestablishedareas/neighborhoodsbypromotingnewdevelopmentandtheadaptivereuseofexistingcommunityresourcesthatre-energizeanarea.

• Minimizeenvironmentalhazardsandprotectthenaturalcharacterofthedesertbydiscouragingdevelopmentonenvironmentallysensitivelands.

• ImplementtheacquisitionoflandfortheMcDowellSonoranPreserve.

Local Land Use Relationships:

7. Sensitively integrate land uses into the surrounding physical and natural environments, the neighborhood setting, and the neighborhood itself.

• Protectsensitivenaturalfeaturesfromincompatibledevelopment,andmaintaintheintegrityofnaturalsystems.

• Incorporateappropriatelandusetransitionstohelpintegrateintosurroundingneighborhoods.

• Focusintenselandusesalongmajortransportationnetworks(suchasthePimaFreewayandmajorarterialstreets)andinurbancenters(suchasDowntownandtheAirpark).Lessintenselandusesshouldbelocatedwithinmoreenvironmentallysensitivelands.

• Sensitivelyintegrateneighborhoodservices,schools,parks,andothercivicamenitiesintothelocalphysicalandnaturalenvironmentsbyestablishingreasonablebuffersandpreservingtheintegrityofthenaturalterrainandopenspacenetworks.

see also the Preservation and

Environmental Planning Element

see Growth Areas Element


• Incorporateopenspace,mobility,anddrainagenetworkswhileprotectingthearea’scharacterandnaturalsystems.

8. Encourage land uses that create a sense of community among those who work, live, and play within local neighborhoods.

• Promotepubliclanduses,suchasparks,schoolsandothercivicusesthatactasthenucleusofneighborhoodsandpromotecommunityinteraction.

• Developandreinforcelinks(i.e.trails,paths,openspace,transit,andstreets)withinandbetweenresidential,retail,employment,recreationalandotherpubliclanduses.

• Promotedevelopmentpatternsandstandardsthatareconsistentwiththesurroundingusesandreinforceanarea’scharacter.

9. Provide a broad variety of land uses that create a high level of synergy within mixed-use neighborhoods.

• Incorporateadiverserangeofresidentialandnon-residentialusesanddensitieswithinmixed-useneighborhoods.

• Promoteresidentialusesthatsupportthescaleandfunctionofretail,commercialandemploymentuseswithintheseneighborhoods,includingthe use of mixed-use structures (retail or office on lower level and residentialusesonupperlevels).

• Encourageredevelopmentthatinvigoratesanareawhilealsorespectingthecharacterofadjacentneighborhoods.

• Encouragecompactmixed-use,pedestrianorienteddevelopmentpatterns,aturbandensities,thatlimitthedemandforparkingandunnecessaryautomobiletrips,andsupportalternativemodesofmobility.

Land Use Map DesignationsThepurposeoftheLandUseElementistoencouragetheorderlyandefficient distribution of land uses in the city. A full range and mix of land uses, includingrural,suburban,andurbanneighborhoods,employment,commercial,andrecreational,cultural,andpreservationareasareprovidedintheElement.Thefollowingisadescriptionoftheselandusecategories:

“Neighborhoods” focus on a range of mostly residential classifications. Land usesaredesignatedtoaccommodateamixofdwellingtypesanddensitiesforavarietyofneighborhoodandenvironmentalconditions,andotherusesthatsupportresidentiallanduses,suchasshoppingandsmallbusiness.Zoningregulationsalsoallowalimitednumberofnon-residentialuses,suchasplacesofworship,neighborhoodparks,schools,etc.,thatprovidecommunityassets

Page �0 Scottsdale �00� General Plan

andservicesessentialtobalancedresidentialareas.Specialcareshouldbetakentoprovideadequatetransitionsbetweenusesthathavedifferentintensitiesofdevelopment.

Inthepast,manymasterplanneddevelopmentswereapprovedandbuiltinScottsdale.Master-planneddevelopmentsincludeavarietyofresidentialdensitiesordwellingtypes,buttheoveralldensityiscomparableonagrossacreagebasistothedensitiesshownontheLandUsemap.Individuallotsizesmayvaryinmaster-planneddevelopmentsduetoclusteringofdwellingsandthepreservationofsensitiveenvironmentalfeatures.Inthefuture,developmentinnewerpartsofthecitywilltendtobecomelessfocusedonmaster-plannedcommunities,sincemostlargerparcelswillalreadybecommitted.Assemblingofsmallerpropertiestoaccommodatealargermasterplanned community is still possible, however, infill development will become more significant, and redevelopment will become a major focus of activity in thecommunityinthefuture.

RURALNEIGHBORHOODS:Thiscategoryincludesareasofrelativelylargelotsingle-familyneighborhoods.DensitiesinRuralNeighborhoodsareusuallyonehouseperoneacre(ormore)ofland.Nativedesertvegetationpredominatesmanyareasandspecialcareisrequiredtopreservethearea’sopendesertcharacterandenvironmentalfeatures.Muchoftheterrainincludesgentletomoderateslopesandrollingground,intersectedbyseveralwashes.Gradingoftenrequiresextracareinareaswithmoderateslopes.Clusteringisencouragedtopreservedesertvegetation,washes,andnaturalfeatures.Someoftheseareasweredevelopedwithone-acrelotsunderMaricopaCountystandardspriortoannexationbyScottsdale.Equestrianusesandprivilegesmay exist in the flatter areas as many lots are large enough for horses and severalexistingdevelopmentspermithorsecorrals.SouthoftheC.A.P.Canal,theseneighborhoodstakeonarural,equestriancharacterwhencomparedtosurroundingareasthathavesmaller,suburbanlots.

SUBURBANNEIGHBORHOODS:Thiscategoryincludesmediumtosmall-lotsingle-familyneighborhoodsorsubdivisions.DensitiesinSuburbanNeighborhoodsareusuallymorethanonehouseperacre,butlessthaneighthousesperacre.Thiscategoryalsoincludessometownhousesandcanalsobeusedforsmalllotsingle-familyhomes,suchaspatiohomes.ItcanbeincorporatedintoneighborhoodsneartheDowntownareaandinoradjacenttoothernon-residentialactivitycenters.Theseusesmaybeusedasatransitionbetweenlessintenseresidentialareasandnon-residentialareas,such as offices or retail centers. The terrain should be relatively flat, or gently sloping,toaccommodatethisdensity.Preservationofenvironmentalfeatures(particularly


indesertsettingsnearthemountains)isakeyconsiderationandinthepasthasoftenbeenaccommodatedthroughmaster-plannedcommunitiesorclustering.

URBANNEIGHBORHOODS:Thiscategoryincludesareasofmulti-familydwellings/apartments.DensitiesinUrbanNeighborhoodsareusuallymorethaneightdwellingsperacre.Thesehigh-densityusesaregenerallylocated near retail centers, offices, or other compatible non-residential uses.Caremustbetakentominimizeimpactsonotherresidentialareasand to provide adequate circulation to accommodate the traffic volumes. Accesstotransportationchoices(e.g.pedestrian,bicycle,transit,etc.)isakeyconsiderationforurbanneighborhoods.Areascontaininghigh-densityresidentialdevelopmentshouldhaveminimalenvironmentalconstraints.

MIXED-USENEIGHBORHOODS:Mixed-useneighborhoodsarelocatedinareaswithstrongaccesstomultiplemodesoftransportationandmajorregionalaccessandservices,andhaveafocusonhumanscaledevelopment.Theseareascouldaccommodatehigherdensityhousingcombinedwithcomplementary office or retail uses or mixed-use structures with residential above commercial or office. The Downtown area, some areas of the DC Ranchdevelopment,areasinthePimaFreewaycorridornorthoftheAirpark,theLosArcosarea,andMcCormickRanchCenterareaaremostsuitableformixed-useneighborhoods.

Whenever non-residential uses are adjacent to established or planned residential areas, special care must be taken to ensure privacy and to protect personal property. Methods of protecting residential areas by providing transitions and buffers between areas include increased setbacks, landscaping, restricted land uses, diversion of traffic, controlled noise or light, height limitations, and transitional land uses, such as minor offices, minor employment uses, or medium-high density residential uses. Mixed-use areas can still provide a mix of residential and non-residential uses while respecting privacy and personal property rights.

RESORT/TOURISM:Thiscategoryisdesignedforhotelsandavarietyofresorts.Theycanbefreestandingorpartofaresortcommunityormaster-planneddevelopment.Resortlocationscapitalizeongoodtransportation,thephysicalamenitiesofthearea,andrecreationalorshoppingopportunities.Hotelsorresortsoftenincludesomeancillaryretail,culturalandrecreationaluses.Insomeareasofthecommunitylowerdensitymayberequiredtopreservedesertcharacterandenvironmentalfeatures,oritmaybenecessarydue to land slopes or other physical constraints of the specific area. Medium densityresidentialuseswitharesortcharacterandlifestylemaybeintegratedintoresortusesandmayshareresortamenities.Resortusesoftenareplacesnexttoopenspacesasakeyamenity.


COMMERCIAL:Theseusesprovideavarietyofgoodsandservicestothepeoplewholivein,workin,orvisitScottsdaleandhavebeendesignatedthroughoutthecommunityatanappropriatescaleandlocation.Thiscategoryincludesareasdesignatedforcommercialcentersprovidinggoodsandservicesfrequentlyneededbythesurroundingresidentialpopulation,andretailbusinesses,majorsingleuses,andshoppingcenters,whichservecommunityandregionalneeds.Thiscategorymayalsoincludeotheruses,likehousingand office uses, to attain environmental and mobility goals. Neighborhood retailshouldbelocatedatfrequentintervalsinrelationshiptothedensityofnearbyresidentialareastoreducetraveltimeanddistance.Thesizeandscaleofneighborhoodcommercialcentersshouldbecompatiblewithsurroundingresidentialusesandcaremustbetakentoavoidundesirableimpactsonsurroundingareas.Neighborhoodcommercialusesarebestlocatedoncollectororarterialstreets.Communityorregionalcommercialusesshouldusually be located on arterial streets for high visibility and traffic volumes. Communityandregionalcommercialusesfunctionbestwhentheyareintegratedwithmixed-useareas.

OFFICE: The office designation includes a variety of office uses. Minor offices have a residential scale and character, often in a campus setting. Minor office uses generate low to moderate traffic volumes, and could be locatedalongcollectoraswellasarterialstreets.Theyaregenerallyone-storystructures,withat-gradeparking(Zoningcategoriesdeterminebuildingheightsandsetbacks).Strictdevelopmentandlandscapingrequirementswillprotect adjacent residential uses. Major offices include offices and related uses thathavemorethanonestoryandmayhaveundergroundparking.Typically,thisuseisinandaroundthecentralbusinessdistrict,othermajorcommercialcores,orfreewayinterchanges.Arterialroadwayaccessisdesirable.Landscaping and development standards for major offices vary, depending uponthelocationoftheuse.

EMPLOYMENT:Theemploymentcategorypermitsarangeofemploymentuses from light manufacturing to light industrial and office uses. Employment areasshouldhaveaccesstoadequatemobilitysystemsandprovideopportunities for business enterprises. Locations have been identified for employmentareaswhereimpactsonresidentialneighborhoodsarelimitedandaccessisavailabletolaborpoolsandtransportationfacilities.Landscapingrequirementsmayhelpcreateapark-likesettingforemployment.Strictdevelopmentstandardswillprotectadjacentresidentialareas.Majorstreetsserving employment areas should accommodate truck traffic. Transit facilities are also needed at significant employment centers to accommodate commuters.

The following land uses include passive and active recreational areas, permanent open space, government and educational facilities, public or quasi-public uses, and areas with significant environmental constraints which


impact development. The locations for these activities are interspersed within residential and non-residential areas.

In some cases, the city does not control the location of special uses, such as schools or major transmission lines, and the state and federal government can preempt local land use authority. However, the city can work with other jurisdictions and agencies on decisions regarding land use. Every effort will be made to mitigate negative impacts, including visual impacts.

NATURALOPENSPACE:Thenaturalopenspacecategoryappliesto locations where significant environmental amenities or hazards may exist. In most cases these areas represent mountainous terrain. Significant environmentalconditionsincludesteepslopes,unstablesoils,boulderfeatures, flood hazard areas, lush desert vegetation, bedrock areas, mountain peaksandridges,naturaldrainagechannelsneededtomaintainriparianvegetation, migration routes, and historic water flows. It is intended that lands inthenaturalopenspacecategoryremainaspermanentopenspace.Thisclassification is often the result of rezoning actions where developers have agreedtoleavepartofapropertyinanaturalconditioninreturnforplacinganagreed-uponintensityinalessenvironmentallysensitivearea.Effortstopreservemountainousareas,washes,andareaswithnativedesertvegetationshouldcontinue.Avarietyofmethodscanbeusedtopreserveenvironmentallysensitiveareas,includingdensitytransfers,easements,dedicationstoaconservancyorpublicagency,andlandacquisition.Lowimpactrecreationalactivitiesaresuitableforthesesensitiveareasandmayincludehiking,equestrian,ormountainbicyclingtrails.TheEnvironmentallySensitiveLandsOrdinance(ESLO)includesdetailedprovisionsforNaturalAreaOpenSpace(NAOS),densitytransfer,andforprotectionofenvironmentallysensitivelands.

THEMcDOWELLSONORANPRESERVE:TheMcDowellSonoranPreserveconsistsofmountainanddesertlandincludedinthecity’sPreserve.Thislandgenerallypossessesoutstandingscenicvalue;valuablewildlifehabitatandmigrationroutes;lushdesertvegetation;significant environmental conditions, such as sensitivewashes,riparianareasandmountainpeaksandvalleys;archaeologicalandhistoricsites;andopportunitiesforappropriatepassiverecreationindesignatedareas.Preservelandwillremainaspermanentopenspacewithlimitedpermanentimprovements.TherecommendedstudyboundaryoftheMcDowellSonoranPreserveincludesmountainanddesertlanddesignatedbytheCityCouncilassuitableforpreservationandsomelandspreservedbyzoningactionasNAOS.


DEVELOPEDOPENSPACE:Developedopenspaceincludespublicorprivaterecreationareas,suchasgolfcoursesandcityparks.Somedevelopedopen space may also be used as drainage facilities for flood control. This designationappliestoIndianBendWash,theCamelbackWalk,andtheTPCandWestworldfacilities.Developedopenspacesprovideamenitiesforbothresidentsandvisitors.Theymayalsoprovidelinksbetweenneighborhoods.Theirdesignshouldintegratewithadjacentneighborhoods.Tourismandpublicusesareencouragedtolocatenexttodevelopedopenspaces.

CULTURAL/INSTITUTIONALORPUBLICUSE:Thiscategoryincludesavarietyofpublicandprivatefacilitiesincludinggovernmentbuildings,schools,privateandpublicutilities,andairports.PrivatefacilitiesincludeTaliesinWest,theMayoClinic,ScottsdaleMemorialandScottsdaleMemorialNorthhospitals.SomeareasnorthoftheC.A.P.Canalmayincludeamixtureofrecreation,tourism,destinationattraction,equestrianfacilities,hotelsorresorts,andculturalusesservingalargearea.Zoningfortheseopportunitiesshouldbebasedonademonstrationthattheprojectcanbesuccessfullycompleted,hasgoodtransportationaccess,andiscompatiblewithsurroundingareas.

OtherLandUseMapDesignations

STAR/CIRCLE:Acircleorstaronthelandusemapsmeansthatanexactlocationfortheusehasnotyetbeendetermined,buttheneedforthatusehasbeen identified in the general area.

REGIONAL USE: The regional use designation provides flexibility for land useswhenitcanbedemonstratedthatnewlandusesareviableinservingaregional market. Regional uses include, but are not limited to, corporate office, regionservingretail,majormedical,educationalcampus,communityservicefacilities,tourism,anddestinationattractionuses.Indeterminingwhetherproposedlandusesareregionalinnature,thecitywillconsiderwhethertheusehasaregionaldraw,implementscurrenteconomicdevelopmentpolicies,enhancestheemploymentcoreandthecity’sattractivenesstoregionalmarkets, benefits from good freeway access, and complements the established characterforthearea.

SHEACORRIDOR:TheSheaCorridorisindicatedalongSheaBoulevard.Within this corridor specific guidelines are in effect. Policies relating to the corridorinclude:

- Enhanceandprotecttheexistingresidentialareaswhileallowingflexibility in residential parcels having Shea frontage

- Allowemployersofferinguses,suchasmedicallyrelatedservices,corporateheadquarters,orhotelaccommodations

- Neighborhoodlevelretailcenters,whichprovideeverydaygoodsandservices,suchasgroceries,drugstores,drycleaning,etc.


shouldoccurwithintheneighborhoods,onarterialstreets,andoutsideoftheSheaCorridorsothatconvenientvehicularandpedestrian access can occur, and local traffic will not need to use SheaBoulevard.

Theumbrellagoals,policies,andguidelines(containedintheSheaAreaPlanadoptedJune15,1993)shouldbefollowed.

MAYOSUPPORTDISTRICT:TheMayoSupportDistrictisindicatedforthe area surrounding the Mayo Clinic. For a specific area surrounding the MayoClinic,aMayoClinicSupportDistrictshouldbeestablished.Withinthis district, a flexible approach to locating support uses should be considered. PoliciesforthisareaarealsoincludedintheSheaAreaPlanadoptedJune15,1993.


Related Plans and Policies:• EnvironmentallySensitiveLandsOrdinance(1991,revised2001)• SheaAreaPlan(1993)• TheDowntownPlan• MaricopaAssociationofGovernmentsDesertSpacesPlan,1995

Reference:• ExistingLandUsemap• StateLandCommissionerOrder#078-2001/2002

Element Graphic:• ConceptualLandUsemap

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LAND USE ELEMENT

Locations depicted on this map are generalized

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

City Boundary

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Recommended Study Boundary of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Land Uses shown outside Scottsdale city boundariesare advisory and use the closest comparable Scottsdale land use categories. They are reflective ofother communities’ General Plan Land Uses as of 2001

Adopted by City Council October 30, 2001Ratified by Scottsdale voters March 12, 2002

revised to depict McDowell Sonoran Preserve through October 2016revised to reflect General Plan amendments through January 2018

Conceptual Land Use MapCommercial

Employment

Office

Rural Neighborhoods

Suburban Neighborhoods

Urban Neighborhoods

Mixed-Use Neighborhoods

Resorts/Tourism Developed Open Space (Parks)

Developed Open Space (Golf Courses)

Cultural/Institutional or Public UseShea CorridorMayo Support District

Regional Use District

Natural Open Space

Land Uses for areas outside the Scottsdale corporate

boundary are advisory





G

LINCOLN DR.

McDowellMountainRegionalPark

Tonto NationalForest

MaricopaCounty

City ofPhoenix

Town ofCarefree

Town ofCave Creek

City ofTempe

City ofPhoenix

City ofPhoenix

Town ofParadiseValley

Town ofFountainHills

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

INDIAN SCHOOL RD.

McDONALD DR.

CHAPARRAL/CAMELBACK RD.

INDIAN BEND RD.

McCORMICK PKWY.

DOUBLE TREE RANCH RD.

SHEA BLVD.

CACTUS RD.

THUNDERBIRD RD.

GREENWAY RD.

BELL RD./FRANK LLOYDWRIGHT BLVD.

CAMELBACK RD.

McKELLIPS RD.

McDOWELL RD.

City ofMesa

SaltRiver

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SeeDowntown

Plan

Location not yet determined

77 egaPLand Use Element

Documents

Land Use - Scottsdale, ArizonaPlan/Land+Use... · Land Use Element Page ... Preserve Scottsdale’s unique southwestern character, b. Plan for and manage growth in harmony with the