HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 99-49RESOLUTION NO.99-49
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION,PINAL AND MARICOPA COUNTIES,ARIZONA,ADOPTING BY REFERENCE
AND APPROVING THE APACHE JUNCTION GENERAL PLAN.
WHEREAS.Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated ("A.R.S.")§ 9-461.05 authorizes
a municipality to prepare a general plan for the comprehensive,long-range
development of the municipality:and
WHEREAS,on July 20.1982,the Apache Junction City Council did adopt a
General Plan entitled "Apache Junction:2001,Apache Junction,Arizona,General
Plan" by approval of Resolution No.82-01.said document being declared on the same
date as a public record by passage of resolution 82-48:and
WHEREAS.on December 20.1983,the Apache Junction City Council did adopt by
Resolution No.83-62 an amendment to the Apache Junction General Plan (GP -83-1):
and
WHEREAS,on March 20,1984.the Apache Junction City Council did adopt
Resolution No.83-63 an amendment to the Apache Junction General Plan Land Use Map,
entitled "Revised Apache Junction,Arizona.2001 Land Use Map,Dated October 31.
1983";and
WHEREAS,on March 7,1995,the Apache Junction City Council did adopt
Resolution No.94-34 an amendment to the Apache Junction General Plan and the
Apache Junction General Plan Land Use Map,entitled "1994 General Plan Update".
and:
WHEREAS,on June 16,1987.the Apache Junction City Council did adopt
Resolution No.87-26 an amendment to the Apache Junction General Plan:and
WHEREAS,on October 8.1997,the Apache Junction City Council approved and
entered into a contract for the drafting of an updated General Plan;and
WHEREAS.on November 25,1997.the initial public workshop was conducted
resulting in the formation of a Vision Statement and a list of goals for the future
of the City of Apache Junction:and
RESOLUTION NO.99-49
PAGE ONE OF FOUR
WHEREAS.on February 2.1998,the second public workshop dealt with community
preference and correlation to the Goals and Objectives of the community;and
WHEREAS,on February 27,28 and March 1,1998,surveys regarding community
character,open space,and growth management were conducted during Lost Dutchman
Days activities;and
WHEREAS.on April 8.1998,the third public workshop was conducted outlining
potential planning alternatives and concepts for the community;and
WHEREAS.on May 27,1998,the fourth public workshop was conducted discussing
preferred alternatives for the community with participants choosing preferred
development concepts for the community;and
WHEREAS.on August 21.1998.the Arizona State Legislature did adopt the
"Growing Smarter Act" which reformed the planning and zoning laws and requirements
for municipalities,counties and the Arizona State Land Department,and which
mandated a December 31,2001 compliance deadline for inclusion of the "Growing
Smarter Act"requirements in the Apache Junction General Plan,as amended to
December 31,2002,by the Legislature in 1999;and
WHEREAS.on April 20,1999.the Apache Junction City Council did adopt
Resolution No.99-11 outlining the City's plan for provision of early continuous
public participation;and
WHEREAS,on May 15,1999.the fifth public workshop was conducted with
discussions centering on an introduction to the proposed "Growing Smarter" elements
to be considered for addition to the Apache Junction General Plan;and
WHEREAS,A.R.S.§ 9-461.06(C)the General Plan proposal,or any amendments
thereto,were circulated for at least sixty (60)days to specified agencies and
groups;and
WHEREAS,on June 8,1999.a sixth public workshop was conducted specifically
dealing with the "Growing Smarter"elements of the Apache Junction General Plan;
and
WHEREAS,on June 22,1999,after proper public notice,the Apache Junction
Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposed General
Plan,which included "Growing Smarter"Elements,and recommended approval to the
Apache Junction City Council by a vote of five (5)in favor and zero (0)opposing,
two (2)members being absent;and
RESOLUTION NO.99-49
PAGE TWO OF FOUR
WHEREAS.A.R.S.§ 9-461.06(G)requires that the adoption or readoption of the
General Plan or any amendment to such plan shall be by resolution of the
legislative body of the municipality,and that the adoption or re -adoption of or
a major amendment to the general plan shall be approved by affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of the members of the legislative body of the municipality:and
WHEREAS,on July 17,1999,a notice of the August 3,1999,public hearing on
the General Plan,before the Apache Junction City Council was advertised as a
display ad in the Mesa Tribune in accordance with A.R.S.§ 9-461.06(D):and
WHEREAS,on July 19 and 20,1999,a work session and discussion was held by
the Apache Junction City Council as preparation for the advertised public hearing
on August 3,1999;and
WHEREAS.on July 20,1999,the sixty (60)day review period,as required by
Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated,officially ended with responses being received
from two (2)of the seventeen (17)reviewing entities;and
WHEREAS,on August 2,1999.the second work session before the Apache
Junction City Council was conducted;and
WHEREAS,on August 3,1999.the second public hearing on the proposed General
Plan was conducted by the Apache Junction City Council and the public hearing was
continued to the Council meeting of October 5,1999;and
WHEREAS,on September 11,1999,a General Plan Open House was held and hosted
by the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss the revised format of the General
Plan and take public input on the -Growing Smarter"Elements within the Plan;and
WHEREAS.on October 4 and 5,1999,a work session and discussion was held
with the Apache Junction City Council and public comment was taken during the
public hearing;and
WHEREAS,on November 2,1999,the Apache Junction City Council adopted
Resolution No.99-48 declaring that certain document entitled "Apache Junction
General Plan"a matter of public record.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of
Apache Junction,Arizona.as follows:
1.That certain document entitled "Apache Junction General Plan",
is hereby adopted as the City of Apache Junction General Plan,
in compliance with all statutory mandates.
RESOLUTION NO.99-49
PAGE THREE OF FOUR
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION,ARIZONA,THIS 2ND DAY OF NOVEMBER .1999.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 2ND
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/0.2 7. 7,
RICHARD J.STERN
City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO.99-49
PAGE FOUR OF FOUR
DAY OF NOVEMBER
DOUGLAS COLEMAN
Mayor
,1999.
City of
Apache Junction
\GENERAL PLAN I
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Content Summary Chart ii
List of Tables iii
List of Graphics iv
Chapter I.Apache Junction Vision
A.Trends for Growth 1
B.Establishing A Vision, Goals, Objectives And Strategies 7
Vision Statement 7
Chapter II General Plan Elements 9
A.Land Use 9
B.Circulation 18 .
C.Public Services and Facilities 22
D.Housing 27
Chapter III Growing Smarter Elements 35
A.Open Space 35
B.Environmental Planning 42
C.Growth Areas 45
D.Costs of Development 52
Chapter IV Implementation Strategies 58
A.Action Program 58
B.General Plan Monitoring 59
C.Land Use Decision Keys 62
Appendices A-1
Glossary of Planning Terms G-1
Index I-1
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Apache Junction General Plan
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Through the cooperative efforts of the citizens of Apache Junction, elected officials, City
Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and City staff, the General Plan process culminated
in the development of this Apache Junction General Plan, adopted , 1999.
Mayor
Douglas Coleman
Vice Mayor
Anne Surra
City Council
Rick Dietz Joe Durbala
R. E. Eck, Jr.John Insalaco
Carol Urich
Planning and Zoning Commission
Tom Kelley -Devaney, Chairman Rick Gardner, Vice Chairman
Rosalie Gifford Ron Reinagel
Pat Richmond Edward D. Tirador
Dave Waldron
City Staff
Curtis A. Shook, City Manager
George R. Hoffman, Assistant City Manager
Kathleen Connelly, City Clerk
Richard J. Stern, City Attorney
Glen Van Nimwegen, Development Services Director
Kate Morris, Long Range Planner
Jeff Bell, Parks and Recreation Director
Ken Simpkins, Economic Development Specialist
Coordinating Groups/Agencies
Focused Future 2020
Main Street Program
Arizona State Land Department
Consultants
Community Sciences Corporation dba CSC/Counts
Richard F. Counts
Steve Dale
John Prior Associates
John Prior; Bill Verschuren
Traffic Study - Research & Analysis, Inc. (TRA)
Apache Junction General Plan
GENERAL PLAN
CONTENT SUMMARY
1•Trends
•Establishing a Vision, Goals, Objectives, Strategies
,
.d
APACHE JUNCTION VISION
BASE ELEMENTS
•Land Use
•Circulation
•Public Services/Facilities
•Housing
ELEMENTS
GROWING SMARTER I
•Open Space[
•Environmental Planning
•Growth Areas
•Costs of Development
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IMPLEMENTATION
•Action Program
•General Plan Monitoring
•Land Use Decision Keys
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List of Tables
Table 1: Existing Land Use 10
Table 2:Service Providers within Apache Junction 22
Table 3:Types of Housing Units 29
Table 4:Homes Sold — 1997 31
Table 5:Growth Areas Potential 50
Table 6:1997 Municipal Service Costs 52
Table 7:Table of Infrastructure Costs 53
Table 8:Short -Term Action Program 1999-2002 57
Table 9:Mid -Range Action Program 2002-2006 58
Table 10:Long -Range Action Program 2007-2020+58
Apache Junction General Plan iii
List of Graphics
Regional Locator 2
Geologic Conditions 5
Existing Land Use 11
Population Projection Chart 15
Development Plan 16
Circulation 20
Existing Facilities 24
Existing Parks and Open Space 39
Parks and Recreation Master Plan 40
Natural Resources 46
Growth Areas 50
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4Apache Junction General Plan iv
The City of Apache Junction recognizes the importance of community planning.Soon after
municipal incorporation in 1978, dedicated local residents drafted the first General Plan.It was last
amended in a comprehensive fashion in June of 1987.A citizen's committee further updated the
Apache Junction General Plan in 1995.Continuing changes in community character and population
caused further amendments to the Plan.As a result of two decades worth of growth and changing
circumstances, it became apparent that there was a need to reach out to the citizens for a fresh look at
the future of their community.
Through an interactive public participation process, residents, landowners, business people and civic
leaders have expressed their ideas to lead Apache Junction into the twenty-first century (see Public
Participation Process diagram in the Appendix).The Apache Junction General Plan is intended to
provide a comprehensive framework for positive growth, establishing a goal -oriented system within
which future development evaluations can be made. The citizen -driven planning process identified
simple, basic community values: social and economic stability; community security; respect for. thp
environment; and specific directions for change.
The Planning Area for the City of Apache Junction is made up of two components.First, the area
within the City limits, encompassing approximately 34.8 square miles, and second, the "area of
influence".The "area of influence" extends three miles beyond the City limits. It is probable that
some of these lands will be taken into the City by annexation at the property owner's request. Other
publicly held preserves, such as the Tonto National Forest and Superstition Mountain Wilderness
Area, may remain unincorporated within Pinal or Maricopa County.
The Apache Junction General Plan is intended as a reference guide for future community
development.This document is organized to list broad, general goals for civic improvements and to
recommend actions for achieving them through citizen involvement in the current and future planning
processes.
A.TRENDS FOR GROWTH
Apache Junction, although situated mainly in Pinal County, experiences the strong influence of rapid
growth from Maricopa County's East Valley (refer to Regional Locator Map on page 2). Three
primary factors that attract people to the area are accessible location, available land, and community
character. With the natural allure of the Superstition Mountains, and Apache and Canyon Lakes to the
northeast, the City has served as a tourism hub for many years.More recently, available land with
easy access to U.S. 60 is being developed for residential communities.Homebuilding activity is
responsible for expanding Apache Junction's year-round population base.In turn, these changing
demographics will help to reshape the community's image from a haven for seasonal visitors to a
unique, sustainable Arizona living experience.
CHAPTER I APACHE JUNCTION VISION
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•1.History
The Apache Junction area, like much of Arizona, has an ancient history of human habitation.
The Hohokham Indians resided in the area from approximately 500 BC to 1100 AD. Artifacts
from this period of history remain along the Multi -Use Trail that bounds the community and
in the surrounding mountains.Following the Indians were pioneers and adventurers seeking
gold. The lore of the Lost Dutchman's Mine in the Superstition Mountains continues to attract
visitors to the area.Massive Federal water reclamation construction projects from the 1920's
through the 40's brought growth to this future city as workers flooded the area to construct the
Roosevelt Dam project on the Salt River.
D George Curtis, a traveling salesman from Logan, Utah, and his family were among the area's
D first residents in the modern era.What is now known as Apache Trail was once a trading
route for settlers and travelers connecting the Apache Junction area to the Arizona Territory's
0 mining and farming communities.The trail became a designated road in 1905 as the demand
0 for supplies increased to the Roosevelt Dam construction site at the confluence of the Tonto
P Creek and Salt River.Curtis saw the potential here and laid claim to 160 acres under the
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Homestead Act.He established a multi -service station for families, "The Apache Junction
Inn", which gave the City its name.Old West Highway was built in 1921, serving as the
0 community's principal regional roadway until U.S. 60 was relocated to its present alignment
0 in the 1990's, one-half mile south of Southern Avenue and one-half mile north of Baseline
0 Avenue.
I The establishment of Apache Junction as a vacation spot for visitors escaping the cold winters
,of Canada, the Midwest and East Coast began in the 1950s.Locational convenience to the
0 nearby metropolitan area and to outdoor attractions, combined with relatively inexpensive
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living accommodations, are the principal reasons for the large number of recreational vehicle
and manufactured home parks located in Apache Junction today.Since incorporating in 1978,
0 the City has served as an important service and tourist center for travelers enroute to nearby
0 lakes and recreation areas and as a major retirement community for winter visitors.
2.Physical Assessment
Situated in the Upper Sonoran Desert of Central Arizona, the City enjoys a variety of natural
resources ranging from the scenic qualities of majestic mountain views to the expanses of
relatively undisturbed desert of the Upper Sonoran ecosystem.The Planning Area's
combination of attributes,vegetation,wildlife,desert terrain and climate create an
environment that has served as an attraction for many years.
a.Geology, Soils and Topography
Apache Junction lies in an area called the Basin and Range Physiographic Region,
which is characteristic of southern and western Arizona.This geologic designation is
used to describe lands in alluvial filled valleys surrounded by mountain range bedrock.
Major geologic formations in the Apache Junction vicinity include the Goldfield and
the Superstition Mountains; both comprised primarily of volcanics and intrusive
igneous rock such as granite.The City itself is located on various sediments, called
alluvium, which are soils eroded from the surrounding mountains.
Apache Junction General Plan 3
Two major combinations of soil types, or associations, occur within the Planning
Area:the Mohall-Vecont-Pinamt and the Tremant-Ebon-Pinamt.These are
Torrifluvent Associations commonly referred to as sandy loams and are characterized
by:sands, gravels and silty clays, that allow a moderate absorption of storm water to
seep into the ground.The characteristics of these soil types may provide valuable
information for determining the kinds and intensities of development that can occur in
specific areas.
An example of the importance of this information can be found in the southwestern
portion of Apache Junction where localized subsidence and fissuring has been
occurring in recent years.Subsidence means a measurable sinking in ground level, in
many instances associated with the depletion of ground water in the immediate area.
Fissuring means the appearance of cracks and crevasses in the earth's surface. These
occurrences produce serious constraints to development.Continued high levels of
groundwater pumping in this area could accelerate subsidence.4
The valley floor, or alluvial fan, upon which that the City sits, is at an elevation of 4
1,725 feet above sea level with nearby mountain ranges rising above at 3,000 to 6,000
feet in elevation. The remaining terrain in the area is generally flat, sloping gently to
the southwest at a zero to two percent grade.Moderately severe slopes of
approximately ten to fifteen percent occur at the base of the Goldfield and Superstition
Mountains.The topographic contour range is shown on the Geologic Conditions Map,41on page 5, indicating the steepest topography immediately to the north of the City, and
relatively even terrain in the eastern reaches.4
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b.Vegetation and Wildlife 4The wann,arid climate supports the desert plant communities of Creosote, Palo
Verde, and Saguaro.This vegetation, especially in desert wash riparian areas, creates 4
habitat for wildlife that have adapted to the desert: coyotes, desert foxes, roadrunners,4
doves, and a wide variety of reptiles ranging from common rattlesnakes to species 4classified as "sensitive" by the U.S. Forest Service, such as Gila Monsters.Arizona
Fish and Game has identified areas within our Planning Area that are possible habitats
for the endangered pygmy owl.4
c.Drainage and Hydrology
Surface water drainage is handled primarily in shallow washes created by local
411precipitation and the stormwater runoff from the mountains.There are two major
washes located in the eastern portion of the Planning Area: Weekes Wash and Siphon
Draw. A major flood diversion project in the northern part of the City addresses the
drainage from the Goldfield Mountain area.Drainage for the east half of the City and
areas south of U.S. 60 must be dealt with separately, preferably with master -planned
stormwater runoff solutions derived from the current, flood -control research efforts.
Recommendations for future stormwater containment could include groundwater
recharging as a means of water conservation.
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Apache Junction General Plan 4
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(10 contour interval)
— — City Boundary
Soil Association:
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GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS
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Nearly three-quarters of the City is located within the 500 -year floodplain as defined
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA).Although this designation
does not hinder the possibilities for development, it does indicate susceptibility to
widespread, shallow, sheet -flow flooding.
d.Other Environmental Considerations
Apache Junction benefits from a generally mild climate in the spring, fall and winter,
but is subject to high temperatures in the summer months.The temperatures range
from an average high of 65°F and an average low of 35 ° F in January, to Julytemperatures ranging from an average low of 740 F to an average high of 1050 F. The
average annual rainfall of 7.5 inches keeps the humidity relatively low,making the
overall, year-round climate pleasant.
The absence of conditions that produce noise and vibration establish Apache Junction
among the best places in the metropolitan region for residential serenity; and, of
increasing importance,for sensitive high technology industry uses.Concern is
increasing, however,with regard to aviation noise.Recently a new approach to
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, put in place by the FAA, has routed planes over the
Superstitions.Residents have voiced concern over the impact of this increased air
traffic.Additionally, the growth of Williams Gateway Airport will impact the City to
a much greater extent than in the past.Mesa's Falcon Field and Scottsdale Air Park,
although located a considerable distance from Apache Junction, do have a limited
impact on the City.
A source of concern is also U.S. 60 Freeway noise. Noise levels are, at present, within
acceptable ranges,however, future increases in rapidly -moving traffic may affect
residential development along this corridor.Development plans for the property
adjacent to U.S. 60, therefore, should include business and industrial operations that
are less likely to be impacted by noise.
3.Federal and State Land Assessment
A significant portion of the city is under management of other jurisdictions.The City of
Apache Junction covers approximately thirty-five square miles.About 25,000 acres of State
Trust Land adjacent to the City represents as much land as is currently within City boundaries.
The City also currently has approximately eighteen square miles of State Trust Land located
within the City limits.In addition, approximately 1,600 acres of Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) holdings are inside the municipal limits.The majority of the State Trust Land is
located in the southern portion of the Planning Area.Considerable tracts of State Trust Land
surround the Multi -Use Trail area.The Multi -Use Trail system itself is located on land under
a long-term lease from BLM.A significant portion of the City, therefore,is under
management of other jurisdictions. The Existing Land Use graphic, on page 10, shows the
areas owned and managed by the State Land Department and Bureau of Land Management.
Meetings have been held with the Arizona State Land Department to discuss future plans for
areas owned by the State Land Trust.Department representatives have expressed their desire
to work with the community in preparing the five-year plan for State Lands they are required
Apache Junction General Plan 6
to provide. Generally, the State encourages the Trust Lands to be shown as compatible to the
existing or planned uses.Interest in State Trust Land from private developers is increasing.
This increased interest will help to encourage the completion of cooperative planning efforts
between the City and State Land Department for these areas.
The City has a recreational lease with the BLM for the Multi -Use Trail area.The two entities
continue to coordinate needed improvements and evaluate requests for Recreational Permits to
utilize the area that will have minimal impact on sensitive desert or archeological sites.
4.Plan Development
The City of Apache Junction General Plan is adopted as a broad collection of guiding policies
for municipal decisions pertaining to existing and future development.The Plan is divided
into four main chapters consisting of the Apache Junction Vision, General Plan Elements,
Growing Smarter Elements and Implementation Strategies.
The Plan has evolved from the City's previous General Plan document, research studies, land
use ordinances and citizen participation.Citizen participation included numerous workshops,
open houses, advisory meetings and briefings.City departments' staff were actively involved,
contributing information and advice to assure that the General Plan will be a useful tool for
guiding both private and public improvements.
In addition, to meet the challenges ahead, community leaders chose to pursue a plan for
economic development. In November 1998, an action team completed a Strategic Plan for
Economic Development process through Arizona Public Service's A Focused Future program.
The philosophy of this economic development plan is reflected throughout this General Plan
document.
B.ESTABLISHING A VISION, GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
At the initial General Plan workshop in November 1997, nearly sixty citizens came together to create
a Vision Statement.They also suggested goals for the future of Apache Junction.A series of four
public workshops during 1998 produced refinements to that Vision Statement.Sets of Goals,
Objectives, and Strategies were identified, debated and revised during the planning process.These
citizen -driven goals are addressed in the following chapters of the General Plan to assure that
citizens' aims are consistently represented.A time -line representing the public participation process
can be found in the Appendix.
Vision Statement
The people of Apache Junction envision their future community as a distinctive place that is unique
in its friendliness, attractive and livable to its residents, and welcoming to its visitors.An attractive
City image will result from planned improvements such as a unified downtown activity center,
transportation improvements, conservation of water, wildlife habitats and other natural resources.A
citizen -driven Plan calls for a balance of elements that emphasizes outdoor living enjoyment and the
ability for all people to live, work and play in a wholesome, vital and secure environment.
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Apache Junction General Plan 7
State law requires that communities develop goals and objectives as part of the General Plan.
Strategies are often added as examples of steps that may be taken toward the attainment of objectives
and goals.These terms are generally defined as follows:
Goal:A broad, flexible, long-range aim that, through long term pursuit, may be achieved.In terms
of Apache Junction's General Plan, the goals focus on community development, revitalization, and
preservation.
Objective:A realistic, affordable and verifiable end which, when implemented over time with other
objectives, results in the attainment of the desired goal.
Strategies:Strategies are specific actions that identify what may be accomplished.
Common Practice or Opportunity:Identifies what is presently being done, or has been done
effectively in other communities to meet similar goals.
The Goals, Objectives, and Strategies are not necessarily prioritized in any order.Citizen -identified
issues,concerns,opportunities and principles contributed to the following summary of Goals,
Objectives, and Strategies for each Element.
Apache Junction General Plan 8
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CHAPTER II GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
Plan Elements are the fundamental subject matter of the General Plan.Arizona's planning and
zoning statutes require smaller municipalities to include Land Use and Circulation Elements in their
General Plans.State legislation, passed in 1998, called for all General Plans to include "Growing
Smarter" Elements.These new components are highlighted in Chapter III.Additional topics were
selected by the community to ensure development that will reflect both local character and meet the
needs of residents and business.
Local citizens set broad goals to serve as direction for the General Plan, indicating aspirations for the
City's future.They were articulated and refined by citizens through the Public Participation Process
and public hearings.Each Element within the General Plan contains a table listing of the citizen-
driven Goals, Objectives and Common Practices or Opportunities for that Element's subject.These
tables are intended as a quick reference mechanism for both staff and public.
A.LAND USE ELEMENT
Apache Junction is concerned with the use of land, for either existing or prospective development, in
the City's entire area of influence as well as within its jurisdictional boundaries. County areas that
could be considered for future annexation or may be utilized in ways that would impact the City are
of special interest. Effective land use plans consider all changes in community size, demographics
and local economic base.
1.Land Use Goals
Efficient use of the City's land is the General Plan's central purpose. Improved quality of life,
increased property values and enhanced community character grow directly from
implementation of the Development Plan and Land Use Goals.The foundation for the Land
Use Element is established in four general Goals, dealing with diverse precepts of maintaining
open lands, procedural fairness, creation of a sustainable community and renewal of older
areas of the City.
2.Existing Land Use Conditions
Apache Junction has transitioned from a community of scattered development, dominated by
manufactured homes and recreational vehicle parks to one with a broader, more integrated
variety of uses. Diversification has been accomplished over the last two decades, accelerating
with the completion of U.S. 60.The City is now experiencing an unprecedented scope of
development that includes new uses previously missing in the Apache Junction area.Growth
has increased the City's scale, expanding the local market to include specialty retail and
hospitality uses, an improved array of commercial services and a greater variety of housing
types.Survey results shown in Table 1 indicate that two-thirds of the land within Apache
Junction is undeveloped:
Apache Junction General Plan 9
•Table 1
EXISTING LAND USE
LAND USE EXISTING AREA,
'Residential '10.5 square miles
'Re-tal`Office, Iii ustri '. '-.'tire miles-... ":lc 0.5 square miles
Open,Space- developed 0.3 square miles
Vacant 22.8 square miles
Source: CSC/Counts map analyses
a.Residential
The 1990 census data indicated that sixty percent of the City's housing stock was
manufactured housing.This would include both manufactured homes and recreational
vehicles or park model units.Of the existing housing stock, a significant percentage is
classified as "substandard".Many of the original homes and commercial develop-
ments where constructed under County jurisdiction and prior to the adoption of
building codes and standards.
LAND USE
GOAL 1:Retain a spacious (rural) community character and practice environmental sensitivity.
OBJECTIVES:
Preserve mountain views:
•restrict high-rise building
•protect scenic lines -of -sight (view sheds)
•preserve natural corridors
Encourage open space in all new developments:
•minimum of 20% open space in planned developments
•landscaping themes to unify neighbor -hoods
Plan lineal open space links throughout City (Multi -Use Trail System):
•provide dedicated bicycle lanes on streets
•establish shaded walking areas downtown
•require new developments to provide multi -use trail(s)
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•blend -open -space buffering with residential areas
•only allow large lot, single-family residential neighborhoods in the north and east City edges
•use office complexes to buffer residential neighborhoods
•acquire State Trust Land for permanent open space using "Growing Smarter" matching funds
•develop and adopt a Desert Preservation Ordinance for the City
•encourage pathway linkage between existing and new residential neighborhoods
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Apache Junction General Plan 10
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b.Retail - Industrial
Employment within the community has centered on the seasonal visitors and, until the
last few years,many businesses were operated only during the "season", usually
October through April.The types of job opportunities within the City have been
predominately with the service industry, with pay hovering near the minimum hourly
wage.
Commercial opportunities have historically developed along the former U.S. 60 route,
the Apache Trail corridor.As a consequence, the City currently has no "downtown".
It is challenging to create a downtown area from a former highway alignmenr that has
a rural cross-section.A right-of-way between 200-300 feet in width exists along
Apache Trail and Old West Highway.With three lanes of traffic flowing in each
direction and separated by a median, it is extremely difficult for pedestrian traffic to
cross and is not conducive to the development of a traditional downtown area.
Industrial opportunities within the City have been minimal and haphazardly located.
One of the industrial areas is located along Apache Trail and has been developed along
with commercial/retail activities. Two other small industrial areas that exist within the
City. are of very narrow lots directly abutting residential areas.The City's first
industrial park, Baseline Industrial Park, located south of U.S. 60, has only recently
been platted and is currently under development.
LAND USE
GOAL #2:Maintain consistency in land use decisions.
OBJECTIVES:
Participate in land management outside the City:
•work with surrounding communities
•support beneficial State Land Dept.decisions
Develop criteria for land use decisions:
•consistent application of requirements to all properties/proposals
•increase enforcement of codes
•more code compliance officers
Integrate new development with existing facilities:
•protect desired existing uses from negative impacts
•avoid "leap -frog"or sprawl development
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•take leadership role in regional planning
•conform to positive existing neighborhood characteristics
•continue land development code revisions
•provide compatibility transitions, open space buffers
•encourage site -built housing
•monitor costs of growth
Apache Junction General Plan 12
LAND USE
GOAL #3.Provide a balance of uses throughout the community.
OBJECTIVES:
Allow for the future development of regional shopping centers:
•attract leisure -time uses, such as a theater complex
•family activities such as bowling, and video arcades
Provide incentives for desired uses:
•implement incentive programs for businesses
•analyze unemployment rate and respond accordingly
Attract employment uses to the U.S. 60 corridor:
•ensure proper parking and access
•provide assistance for new business in the area
•allow appropriate signage for U.S. 60 corridor
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•focus on large, accessible sites
•attract shoppers from Pinal and Maricopa Counties
•provide opportunities for high tech campus development
•target commercial use to the U.S. 60 corridor, Apache Trail and Old West Highway
•focus warehousing and transportation -related industry to the area around the landfill and
the public works yard
•facilitate use of heavier industry in business parks south of U.S. 60
•develop clean industrial use areas along U.S. 60
c.Public / Parks / Open Space
The City is currently served by one main City Hall complex located on Idaho Road, a
Public Works annex located on Baseline Avenue south of U.S. 60, three fire stations,
three elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one community
college.School facilities are located either on BLM land or on land that has been
purchased from the State Land Department, with one exception. Superstition Mountain
Elementary school is the first of the school site developed and located within the City.
Enrollment continues to grow, but expansion of Superstition Mountain Elementary is
constrained by the availability of land.The site is completely surrounded by existing
residential and commercial developments.
Prospector Park is the largest recreational facility located within the City.
Neighborhood parks have been virtually non-existent in developed portions of the
City.However,new residential developments are beginning to provide amenity
packages and open space for their residents.A Multi -Use Trail System is planned on
the BLM land, along the alignment of the high -voltage power lines to the north and
•
•
0
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Apache Junction General Plan 13
east of the developed portions-of the City.The BLM land is abutted by State Trust
Land and gives the illusion of a protected open space corridor in these areas. That is a
misconception since the State Trust Land will be developed by whomever purchases
the land from the State unless the land is purchased for the express purpose of
remaining as open space.BLM land currently cannot be sold, but long term leases for
various uses can be obtained.
3.Recent Trends
The population of the greater Apache Junction trade area is climbing at a steady and relatively
rapid rate.A gain of nearly 40% has been attained thus far in the 1990's. The late 90's trend
of population growth of 8.6% per year is expected to "flatten out" somewhat by the year 2000.
This is due, in part, to declining inventories of single family, site -built home lots.An ad-
ditional twenty thousand residents are projected to move into the region over the next five
years and a similar number into the City within ten years (see Population Projection Chart on
page 15).
The City is experiencing a higher proportion of year-round family housing construction
compared to dwellings for seasonal use.This trend contributes to the growing year-round
population.As a result, there is an increased demand for retail businesses such as grocery
stores and basic services.
LAND USE
GOAL #4.Older neighborhoods and the downtown will be revitalized.
OBJECT PIES:
Revitalize older neighborhoods:
•expand the mix of compatible uses
•limit intensive uses to commercial areas
•provide parks in residential neighborhoods
•encourage remodeling and redevelopment loans
Promote downtown development:
•maintain lower density east of North Apache Trail and north of Old West Highway
•eliminate unsightly or dilapidated structures
•high -density housing toward the City Center
•establish functionally compatible uses (uses that are "good neighbors" to each other)
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•encourage infill development with a variety of housing types
•rehabilitate older housing structures
•direct pedestrian oriented multi -family housing to the downtown area
•use capital improvement plans to expand public facilities
•encourage locally owned business in the Crossroads Revitalization Area (see map in Appendix)
Apache Junction General Plan 14
Graphic 4:Population Projection Chart
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4.Land Use Recommendations
Zoning and related development code revisions are underway as critical first steps toward
preferred land use implementation.Specific directions include the following major initiatives:
a.Infill development
Strategies for utilizing eXisting infrastructure rather than allowing "leapfrog"
development, will be essential to achieving goals for retaining spacious community
character and preserving the natural environment.
b.Housing variety
Consistency in established dwelling unit densities is promoted. However, transitional
densities may also be appropriate in new, master -planned residential communities.A
greater mix of housing will help create a unique community character and aid in
attracting a variety of businesses.At the same time, retaining Apache Junction's
natural environment is a high priority.Therefore, density categories expressed •in •
dwelling units per acre for Plan purposes, show three category ranges.
(1)Low Density - Single -Family Uses, 0-1 dwelling unit per acre
Apache Junction residents prefer that much of the community's future
population be housed in family neighborhoods consisting of larger lots.This
guidance is particularly strong for areas where a similar pattern of low -density
housing has been previously established and for peripheral lands at the
northern and eastern edges of the community that abut the Multi -Use Trail
System.In the northwest part of the low -density area, existing zoning and
development is present that considerably exceeds what is recommended by the
Development Plan.Consideration may be given to new infill development
proposals that do not raise the overall density.The extensive acreage of future
master -planned communities, depicted conceptually on the Development Plan
graphic on page 17, should also incorporate large -lot, single-family residential
neighborhoods surrounding the anticipated mixed -use community cores.The
Target Density for the Low -Density category is one dwelling unit per acre.
(2)Medium Density - Single- and/or Multi -family, 1-6 dwelling units
per acre
The majority of the residential development that has taken place within the
City would fall into this category.The Medium Density Range is intended to
provide opportunities for mixed types of housing units and can act as a
transitional area between low- and high -density developments.The Target
Density for the Medium Density category is 3.5 dwelling units per acre.
Apache Junction General Plan 15
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McKellips Rd
Lost Dutchman Blvd
Superstition Blvd
Apache Trail
Broadway Ave
Southern Ave
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Guadalupe Ave
Elliot Ave
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Ray Ave.
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Medium Density Residential
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High Density Residential
Range 6+; Target Density 12'
Employment / Retail
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- - -City Boundary
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Anache Junction General Plan
(3)High Density - Multi -Family, 6+ dwelling units per acre
Multiple -family housing opportunities can be provided in many forms.They
include the traditional apartment building,duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes,
townhomes, or patio homes, to name just a few examples. Manufactured home
communities and recreational vehicle parks also tend to fall within the High-
Density category of residential development.The Target Density for the High-
Density category is 12 dwelling units per acre.
c.Attract targeted uses
Employment opportunities are especially important land use targets.Creating a better
balance of local employment opportunities can help Apache Junction gain a more
diverse economic base. This will reduce, to some extent, the necessity to rely so
heavily on sales tax revenue from the winter visitors. Attraction of "clean" industrial
development south of the U.S.60 corridor, together with retail and office uses
buffering residential neighborhoods, offer multiple opportunities for local job growth.
The Development Plan addresses the need to broaden the economic base of the City
and add jobs by showing the following opportunity areas:
(1)Employment/Retail
Rather than the typical "commercial" designation, the "employment/retail" area
is intended to provide a more accurate portrayal of the needs of the City.To
create a more balanced,sustainable community,the City must increase
employment opportunities and overall retail sales.
(2)Business Park/Industrial
Similar to the reasoning behind the employment/retail designation, the business
park/industrial designation is intended as a "guiding" description. The long-
term development of business or executive parks,in conjunction with
environmentally safe industrial -type uses, is the goal of the City.
d.Redevelopment
Revitalization is necessary in aging sections of the community where City capital
improvements may provide momentum for private reinvestment into these areas.
Small business and homeowners should be encouraged by an aggressive
redevelopment program to restore their properties rather than allowing them to decline
into unsightly, 'unsafe or blighted condition.
The City has a number of programs already in place that address property
revitalization. These programs include:
•The use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds,
for private property improvements needed to ensure the health, safety, and
welfare of the inhabitants.Projects include re -roofing, painting, remodeling,
up -grading utilities and general repairs.
•The City is preparing the first Community Revitalization Strategy, (CRS)
within the State.This is a new program funded through a grant from the
Apache Junction General Plan 17
CDBG Program.Designation of the CRS will mean better targeting of
revitalization funding.
For a number of years the City has sponsored a semi-annual City-wide Clean-
Up program that provides residents with an opportunity to do large scale
property clean-ups.For a nominal fee, the City's Public Works Department
picks up the debris and takes it to the local landfill.
As new development is encouraged,special efforts for revitalization and
redevelopment are necessary.The active Main Street Program and the Crossroads
Redevelopment Area (CRA)projects have developed a Vision for future
improvements to the downtown area that addresses economic development and
housing.The CRA (between Superstition Boulevard and Broadway Avenue) is
envisioned as a renewed cultural and business center to serve increasing numbers of
visitors and residents.
B.CIRCULATION ELEMENT
There is strong local interest in transportation planning,particularly in exploring the possibilities for
alternative travel modes. Two important trade corridors have shaped the City's land use.The historic
Apache Trail that originally connected distant Native American settlements has been in use for at
least 1,000 years. The second is the Old West Highway, constructed in 1921, bringing commerce and
visitors from other parts of Pinal County and southwest Arizona.These two routes have served to
channel traffic to, and through, Apache Junction.
1.Circulation Goals
Two main Goals have been distilled from the Public Participation process concerning Apache
Junction's circulation needs.These Goals focus on primary issues such as the freeway
corridor, internal circulation and alternative modes of transportation.The citizen -driven
Circulation Goals begin on page 21.
2.Existing Traffic/Circulation Conditions
The existing roadway system in Apache Junction follows a pattern similar to the grid street
system superimposed over much of the Phoenix metropolitan area.The City's population
surges of the 1970s and '80s created the need for additional collector streets.Since the
municipality's incorporation, the consistency of roadway construction standards has been
addressed through redesign, right-of-way improvements and maintenance.The vast majority
of the road network within the City remains unimproved and/or unpaved.Only about thirty
percent of the City's roads are currently paved.
1
•
Traffic counts collected in February 1998, during the peak of the tourist season, and again at 0
the end of summer, just after Labor Day, indicate that Apache Junction's traffic generation
demands are atypical.Especially in winter months, congestion occurs during mid -day hours
rather than at normal commuter peak hours.On an average day near the intersection of
Apache Trail and Idaho Road, over 25,000 cars traverse Apache Trail.
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Apache Junction General Plan 18
•
counts,differentiating between predominantly north/south and east/west traffic flow.
Intersections along Superstition Boulevard,although in the top ten recorded "heavy"
intersections, experienced approximately half the volume of those along Apache Trail.
3.Circulation Recommendations
Apache Junction's circulation system must be designed to maintain traffic flow during its
peak season when population exceeds 50,000, yet still provide scenic roadways and furnish
safe bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian linkages.Traffic calming measures are advocated to
relieve congestion during mid -day winter peaks.For example, streets may be narrowed, with
wider intersections retained to accommodate turning movements;or vehicles may be
channeled through by traffic medians and deviators to assist in controlling the extra trips
generated by visitors.A safer, more pedestrian -friendly city is the community's vision for
Apache Junction.
a.Create Master Street Plan
Indications from traffic counts demonstrate that the City should develop a Master
Street Plan, with corresponding Capital Improvement Program funding that responds
to Apache Junction's unique traffic demand patterns.
b.Improve internal circulation
Roadway redesign is advocated to improve traffic flow balance.Plans to modify
Apache Trail for slower traffic speeds, improved shopping access and pedestrian
convenience creates a necessity for accommodating more through traffic on other east-
west arterials.Reservation of rights -of -way for future roadway widening is
recommended, together with traffic calming techniques, on residential streets to assure
that collector streets will handle local trips without causing congestion in
neighborhoods.
c.Add transportation connections
New interchanges on U.S. 60 are suggested as means to keep pace with population and
trip generation increases as well as to improve access for economic development.
Continued traffic monitoring is advocated, particularly regarding recreational vehicle
through trips and peak season driving patterns, to help the City prioritize needs for
traffic flow alternatives.
Regional transit linkages could add significantly to the City's trip reduction program.
Park -and -ride,served by express buses, would allow long-distance commuters to
interface with metro area service in Mesa;likewise,city -to -city service would
accommodate seasonal residents' trips at non -peak hours, including visitors to the City
from other East Valley wintering locations.Future transit alignments, such as freeway
medians,should be reserved to allow for Apache Junction's integration with
metropolitan area systems.
Apache Junction General Plan 19
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McKellips Rd
Lost Dutchman Blvd.'.
Superstition Blvd
Apache Trail
Broadway Ave
Southern Ave
U.S. 60
Baseline Ave
,Guadalupe Ave
Elliot Ave
NORTH
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• UP. D. = Units Per Day
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••••
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CIRCULATION
GOAL #1.Improve circulation within the City.
OBJECTIVES:
Redesign Apache trail to slow traffic:
•adapt existing sidewalks and commercial structures to be "pedestrian friendly"
•separate business traffic from "thru" traffic
•educe traffic speed
Provide alternative transportation opportunities:
•provide low-cost transportation for those in need (elderly and youth)
•arrange rides to social and recreational services within the City
Design transportation infrastructure that can "grow" with the community:
•reserve and acquire rights -of -way prior to or during development
•adopt a Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) that includes a road improvement phasing plan
•locate high traffic generating uses in areas where there are road improvements in place or planned ti
accommodate the traffic increase
Design and implement aesthetically pleasing "streetscape" requirements:
•develop guidelines for landscaping major arterials and collector streets
•continue on -going road maintenance with HURF monies
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•consider narrowing Apache Trail, adding side walks, benches, providing shaded areas, and landscaping
•use "traffic calming" designs for streets
•provide alternate "thru" routes for non -business trips
•monitor recreational vehicle traffic
•connect to regional transportation system(s)
•promote limited service now for youth and elderly
•emphasize City-wide trail system
•prioritize CIP development and implementation
•improve balance of "thru" traffic on east -west arterials
•provide additional access points to/from U.S. 60
•implement traffic management techniques in new housing developments
•create standard format for directional street signs
•consider alternative paving surfaces/materials to enhance appearance and pedestrian safety
•provide bike lanes that are separated from vehicular traffic
d.Extend comprehensive trails and pathway systems
Trail improvements are recommended to establish an alternative internal transportation
system, as well as for recreational use potential. The system should be expedited with
both local funding and grants with the additional justification of its positive
contribution to local air quality objectives.
Apache Junction General Plan 21
CIRCULATION
GOAL #2.Plan for regional transportation.
OBJECTIVES:
Seek bus service connections:
•pursue local extension of Phoenix/Mesa service
•target linkages to regional centers
Plan for future "eco-safe" mass transit:
•coordinate with surrounding cities for regional transit
•explore future transit in freeway medians
•service should be cost-effective to serve local needs
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•plan "park -and -ride" lots for commuters
•schedule seasonal visitor/resident service at non -peak hours
•support clean fuel programs
•participate in regional transportation plans
C.PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES ELEMENT
Improvements to, and extension's of, municipal services are regarded as the local government's most
important growth -guiding decisions.Today, Apache Junction's public facilities represent a variety of
styles and standards.Services within the City are provided by a number of different sources, as
indicated in Table 2 below.
Table 2:Service Providers within Apache Junction
Service Provider .
Fire Protection -Apache Junction Fire District
Sewer •
,
-Superstition Mountain Community Facilities
District #1
Water
•
-Arizona VJater Company
-Water Utility Community Facilities District,
d.b.a. Apache Junction Water Company
Electricity -Salt River Project
Refuse Collection -A variety of private contractors
Public Safety -City of Apache Junction Department of Public
Safety (Polioe Department)_
Street/Road Maintenance -City of Apache Junction Public Works Dept.
Apache Junction General Plan 22
For General Plan purposes,public facilities • and services are divided into five main categories:
municipal administration, public safety, schools, health facilities, and utilities.
1.Public Services and Facilities Goals
Four Goals were selected to summarize desired service and facility improvements.Primary
issues addressed are municipal services, convenience and safety, water concerns and utility
development.
2.Existing Public Facilities and Services
The Public Facilities and Services Map, on page 24, shows existing public buildings and
facilities locations, as well as the water and sewer service areas. The City is completing and
reviewing the facilities needs survey. A Capital Improvement program is being contemplated
to re-evaluate priorities and funding sources for necessary public facilities and annually-
needed improvements.
a.Administration
City administrative offices are located at 1001 North Idaho. The twenty -acre municipal
complex includes fifteen separate structures, which provide local government office
and meeting space.
b.Public Safety
Community police protection is provided by the City Police Department, located in the
City Complex.The Apache Junction Fire District provides fire and emergency
medical response services from three station facilities within the City limits.
c.Schools
Currently, six schools are operating in the Apache Junction Unified School District
No. 43. All have been enlarged to meet the demands of a growing population base.
d.Health Facilities
There is currently no hospital within the City.The Casa Blanca Clinic and various
health care offices serve residents'needs.Although health care is not a City
responsibility, the City recognizes that the adequacy of local medical, dental and
related services is vital to municipal growth and citizens' wellbeing.
e.Utilities
There are two private water companies servicing Apache Junction residents: the
Arizona Water Company and the Water Utilities Community Facilities, doing business
as the Apache Junction Water Company. They obtain their water supply from the
Central Arizona Project and operate seven separate wells; five owned by the Arizona
Water Company.The two wells operated by Apache Junction Water Company are
currently the only local wells with an assured 100 -year water supply.The Apache
• Junction Water Company has a three -million gallon storage capacity and, with a
demand of 1.6 million gallons per day, is already near its service limit. Arizona Water
Apache Junction General Plan 23
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McKellips Rd
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Southern Ave
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Guadalupe Ave
Elliot Ave
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Apache Junction Water Company
FT Arizona Water Company
Et 16 WI
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Sewer Services Boundary
69 KV lines
230 KV lines
- - -500 KV lines
O SRP Substation
IO3 Receiving Station
1 Fire Station #1 (Admin.)
2 Fire Station # 2
3 Fire Station # 3
4 Four Peaks Elementary
5 Desert Vista Elementary
6 Thunder Mountain Middle School
7 Superstition Mountain terhentary
8 Desert Shadows Middle School
9 Apache Junction High School
10 Central Arizona College
11 Boys and Girls Club
12 City Hall Complex 8 Police Dept
13 Library and Senior Center
14 Casa Blanca Clinic
15 Superstition Mountain Community
Facilities DIstiict #1
16 Public Works
17 Apache Junction Water Company
tit Animal Central Center
161 •tic Pant Office
20 Arizona Water Company
21 Pins] County Annex
22.Lancffill
23 Wastewater Treatment Facility
DUSTING PUBLIC FACILITIES & SERVICES
Company has a storage capacity of 11.5 million gallons and a daily use, during peak
periods in July, of approximately 5.3 million gallons.
Expanded wastewater treatment facilities are operated by the Superstition Mountain
Community Facilities District No.1 and located on Ironwood Drive, south of the
Guadalupe Road alignment.The District is currently pursuing necessary certification
approvals through the State Departments of Environmental Quality and Water
Resources to allow for the expansion of the treatment plant's capacity.
Among other facilities that require upgrading or replacement in the foreseeable future
is the landfill operated by a private corporation which has an estimated life expectancy
of ten years.
3.Public Facilities and Services Recommendations
Municipal service and facility investment should meet fundamental cost -benefit tests. Priority
attention is directed to protect public safety.
PUBLIC SERVICES/FACILITIES
GOAL #1.Expand Municipal services.
OBJECTIVES:
Evaluate emergency services protection:
•evaluate on an annual basis
•maintain or exceed accepted performance standards
Plan for long-term solid waste disposal needs:
•convert to transfer station over time
•institute recycling program
Support increased utilization of "joint -use" educational facilities:
•organize community activities at schools
•establish special education volunteer programs
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•strengthen basic emergency services
•consider decentralized services as growth continues (such as: police substations)
•develop and implement long-term solid waste disposal plan
•identify and reserve future school sites as development occurs
c.Expand municipal services
Infrastructure extension,generally, is provided on a "pay-as-you-go" basis.It is
recommended that the City's Development Fees be assessed and recalibrated on a
Apache Junction General Plan 25
regular basis to determine new developments' fair share contribution as well as to
program needed expenditures of collected funds.
b.Respond to convenience and safety needs of citizens and visitors
Public safety response times should be considered when locating new facilities.
Decentralized services may be indicated as urban growth continues, particularly for
developments south of U.S. 60.
PUBLIC SERVICES/FACILITIES
GOAL# 2.Respond to convenience and safety needs of citizens, visitors and businesses.
OBJECTIVES:
Support social service agencies:
•coordinate with providers, such as youth organizations, rehabilitation programs
•facilitate Senior Citizen Center functions
Add pedestrian amenities:
•improve sidewalks and street crossings
•establish City-wide, "dark -sky" compliant pedestrian pathway lighting program
Identify capital investment and operational requirements:
•public safety should be identified as a high priority
•provide "state-of-the-art" infrastructure that can be easily upgraded
Adopt a 5 -year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for infrastructure:
•ensure citizen input into the CIP process
•determination of funding priorities should match project priorities
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•encourage growth of health care services, with ultimate goal of a hospital
within the community
•consider comfort features in pedestrian areas, such as misting systems
•maintain "fair -share" developer contributions during development (i.e. development fees)
•coordinate with private utilities and service providers to ensure CIP goals are met
c.Create comnrehensive water delivery.,assured water SUDDiV and
A -- -V 0 •I C 1//—
stormwater drainage plans 0
Comprehensive planning is called for in addressing the City's wet utilities. Water 0
resource development should also be funded for conservation and cost -savings.Re-0
charge and recycling of water are advocated as conservation measures to maintain the
community's future supply. A community -wide functional master plan for stormwater 0
management is recommended. Natural wash treatments are preferred, where feasible.0
4
4
Apache Junction General Plan 26
PUBLIC SERVICES/FACILITIES
GOAL #3.Develop comprehensive approaches for water delivery, removal, and supply.
OBJECTIVES:
Extended utility services to the City limits:
•conduct feasibility studies considering environmental, geological and fiscal impacts
Consider purchase of private water company:
•complete cost -benefit analyses
•determine funding alternatives
Improve storm water drainage:
•complete City-wide drainage study
•place storm sewers strategically
Provide assured water supply for growth:
•protect potable water supply and quality
•promote conservation techniques and groundwater recharge
•collect and update annually storage capacity data and expansion potential
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY
•focus on large, accessible sites
•establish method to conduct cost -benefit analysis on a regular basis or on demand
•work toward a City -owned and operated water supply system
•develop a master drainage plan for the City
•encourage "natural" drainage features whenever possible
•engineered drainage structures to be designed to "blend" into the natural surroundings as much as
possible
•study water recharge and recycling potential
D.HOUSING ELEMENT
Apache Junction is a predominantly residential community.Its initial attraction was to residents who
appreciate the spaciousness of houses on larger lots with nearby undisturbed desert.Its natural open
space areas appeal to retirees and seasonal residents who enjoyed the community's scenic desert
landscape, mountain views, recreational opportunities and relatively inexpensive cost of living.
Today, Apache Junction is gaining new, permanent residents as a result of affordable pricing in land
and housing units.
While Apache Junction continues to attract new residents with its lower housing prices, the City
wants greater diversity in residential choice, with the objective of correcting the "RV/manufactured
home" image perceptions.This Housing Element is the City's primary commitment to creating a
Apache Junction General Plan 27
PUBLIC SERVICES/FACILITIES
GOAL #4. Target redevelopment improvement efforts.
OBJECTIVES:
Revitalize older neighborhoods:
•expand the mix of compatible uses
•limit intensive uses to commercial areas
•provide parks in residential neighborhoods
•encourage remodeling and redevelopment loans
Promote downtown development:
•maintain lower residential density to the east of Idaho road and north of Old West Highway
•eliminate unsightly or dilapidated structures
•high -density housing can provide transition area around City center
•establish functionally compatible uses (uses that complement each other)
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•encourage infill with a variety of housing types
•rehabilitate older housing structures
•direct pedestrian oriented multiple -family housing to the downtown area
•use capital improvement plan to expand public facilities
•encourage locally owned businesses in the Crossroads Revitalization Area
wider range of living opportunities.The intention is to serve the needs of diverse socio-economic
groups by providing a variety of residential lifestyle choices.It is expected that all new development
will be compatible with existing housing,creating seamless neighborhoods with character.
Nonetheless, the General Plan's suggested density ranges allow for a mix of home sizes and lot areas
that counteract the "sameness" appearance that may detract from residential value.
1.Housing Goals
Citizens'vision for broadening housing choice through the design or maintenance of
sustainable, value-added neighborhoods is incorporated in the following four goals.The
Element restates them, reviews existing housing patterns and current construction trends and
provides specific recommendations for implementation actions.As found on page 32.
2.Existing Housing Characteristics
a.Households
Household sizes and home ownership rates have increased since 1980.Between 1990
and 1997, the number of households in Apache Junction increased by 40% from 7,705
to 10,744 according to local government data.Owners accounted for 76% of the
households in 1990 and renters 24%.The next Census, in 2000, is expected to show
an increased proportion, 80% or above, of owner -occupied homes.
1
4
1
1
0
Apache Junction General Plan 28
S••
•b.Unit Types
•In 1990,60%of Apache Junction's dwelling units were manufactured including
factory -built homes, park models or trailers.The 1990 U. S. Census information in
Table 3 below also noted that, of the City's dwelling total, 29% were single-family
homes,ten percent were multi -family units,including duplexes,triplexes,and
fourplexes,and 1%were other structural types.Again, housing development in the
1990s should result in a somewhat greater proportion of single-family (site built)
housing being recorded in the 2000 Census.
0
•
p
Table 3
TYPES OF HOUSING UNITS
Unit Type 1990 Percent of Housing Stock
Single-family 3,743
Manufactured Homes 7,631
Du-, Tr-, & Four-plexes
Apartments/condos
811
465 3.6%
Other 110 0.9%
Total 12,760'100.0%
Source:1990 U.S. Census of Population and Housing STF IA
c.Housing Satisfaction
According to a questionnaire circulated during the 1998 Lost Dutchman Days, local
residents are satisfied with their current residences.However, they are concerned with
neighborhood quality and character.They want stronger enforcement of ordinances
designed to clean up =maintained yards and restore deteriorating housing units.
Improvements are also desired to public streets, infrastructure, and open space.Most
respondents agreed with General Plan objectives for greater housing variety and
choice.
d.Incomes/Housing Costs
Apache Junction has a preponderance of modestly priced units that appeal to low and
moderate income households. The average resale price of existing single-family homes
in Apache Junction was $92,142 in 1997.Fifty-four percent (54%) had prices below
$80,000.The 1997 data showed that of 404 homes sold, 200 had list prices below
$80,000.(see Table 4, Homes Sold, on page 31).
Apache Junction General Plan 29
The lower price ranges have also accounted for the majority of the City's recent
residential construction activity. In the period of 1995-1998, the City has seen eleven
new residential subdivisions go through the approval process and into construction.
Prior to 1995, it had been 15 years since the last subdivision had been platted with the
City.
According to 1998 interviews with sales managers at new developments, typical
single-family home sales prices have been going up approximately three percent per
year.Targeted marketing strategies, these respondents report, are designed for appeal
to professionals,young families and first-time homebuyers.Efforts to design,
construct and sell "family" housing have been successful, although a significant
proportion, estimated at about 40% of site -built housing is being purchased by empty-
nesters or active retired persons.
Over the long term, the City can be more proactive, particularly in influencing the diversity of
housing units and compatibility, through design standards, with new and existing land uses.
Encouraging infill development in the older or mature areas of the City is also recommended.
This will establish or preserve a balance of housing types throughout the City.
e.Rental Housing
Rental units in Apache Junction are predominantly in single-family homes, or in 2-4
unit buildings.Two traditional apartment complexes in the community have been
converted to condominiums and sold off individually.There is a lack of well-
managed, affordable apartment communities in the City.Rental rates per month range
from $450 to $950 for single family homes, $350 to $450 for all duplex types, and
$425 to $550 for all types of manufactured housing.
3.Housing Dynamics
Over the next 20 years, the year-round population is forecast to grow steadily, with most
residential development occurring in master -planned communities accessible to U.S. 60.
a.Trends
Residential construction will remain the catalyst for community growth. In the absence
of major employment increases, Apache Junction's degree of success in attracting new
retail centers, a shopping mall, business parks and entertainment activities depends on
the community's ability to attract a wide range of housing options.
Since 1995, large national and regional housing corporations have begun to develop
single family master -planned communities in the City.This movement toward
housing diversity is a positive sign of Apache Junction's entry into the metropolitan
housing market mainstream.Planned developments'housing prices have been
increasing by approximately two to three percent per year.
Apache Junction General Plan 30
S
p
Table 4
HOMES SOLD - 1997
Price Range Number Percent
$20,000 - $29,999 6 1.5%
$30,000 - $39,999 16 4.0%
-$40,000 - $49,999 29 7.3%
$50,000 - $59,999 43
-
10.6%
'$60,000 -$69,999 61 15.1%
_
$70,000 - $79,999 65 16.1%
$80,000 -$89,999 39 9.7%
$90,000 - $99,999
_
37 9.2%
$100,000 - $119,999 29 7.2%
-10.1%$120,000 - $159,999 41
-$160,000 -$199,999 30 7.4%
$200,000 - $249,999 1 0.2%
,
$250,000 - $299,999 4 1.0%
$300,000 - $349,999 2 0.5%
$1,000,000 and over 1
'
0.2%
TOTAL 404 100.0%
Median Price $77,000
Average Price $92,142
Source:Multiple Listing Service
An aging population, resulting from a concentration of elderly residents, will create
demand for congregate facilities, nursing homes and other group living quarters, as
well as increased needs for home -based supportive services.
b.Future demand
Coinciding with the growth of eastern Maricopa County, which is running out of land
for affordable housing construction, there will be an increasing demand for new
housing units in Apache Junction.It is anticipated that there will be the construction
Apache Junction General Plan 31
of an estimated 400 year round, and 200 seasonal, units annually.Attracting upscale
housing, in the higher price ranges, is more likely to be achieved by creating new,
larger lot neighborhoods in undeveloped land areas, such as State Trust Lands. These
tracts provide ample space that would enable a developer to establish a unique
community with a signature theme.
HOUSING
GOAL #1.Promote residential variety and balance.
OBJECTIVES:
Create a "move -up" market as well as a starter home market::
•provide affordable housing at all income levels
•encourage diversity in density and zoning
Encourage superior quality multi -family housing:
•develop multiple family design criteria
•develop amenity features criteria
Adopt homebuilding standards for large, better -built, more varied dwelling units:
•encourage site -built (tick -built, conventional construction) homes
•establish minimum lot size standard for single-family residences to encourage larger lot sizes
•seek market rate multiple -family housing opportunities
•promote use of natural materials and environmental construction methods
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•provide more "move -up" (larger homes on larger lots0 homes, and reasonable rentals
•support first-time home buyer programs
•adopt residential design criteria for all types of housing (both single- and multiple -family)
•preference for master planned community developments for lots less than 1 acre in size
•consider increasing minimum lot size required for the "typical" single-family lot in a subdivision
(beyond the 7,000 square foot minimum now in place)
4.Housing Recommendations
Policies, which provide incentives for the community's desired housing mixture, are among
the General Plan's most significant aims.Specific recommendations include:
a.Site -built diversity
The community needs to establish a wide range of residential land uses throughout the
community and limit the building of more manufactured home and RV resorts.
b.Development requirements
It is recommended that local development code revisions challenge homebuilders to be
innovative in responding to the community's housing needs.
Apache Junction General Plan 32
KIP
•
HOUSING
GOAL #2.Integrate open space an public park requirements into housing developments.
OBJECTIVES:
Require recreation space for apartment (multiple -family) residents:
•provide at least 20% open space
•require recreational facilities in new apartment complexes (multiple -family developments)
•recreational facilities should be located where they are "high and dry" , not in the bottom of
retention basins
Ensure park access for all residents:
•build multi -use, accessible neighborhood parks
•provide linkages among parks
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•develop criteria for the provision of recreational areas/amenities in multiple -family and smaller lo
single-family developments
•include pathways/trails as open space components
•establish a standard for the maximum distance between residential dwellings and parks or park
linkages (trails, pathways)
GOAL #3.Allocate housing densities consistent with the General Plan.
OBJECTIVES:
Maintain neighborhood compatibility:
•require General Plan Amendments for exceptions to established density ranges
•phase out inconsistencies and non -conformities
Produce a variety of housing options for persons and families at all levels of income:
•create incentives for preferred density levels
•approve "target densities" where amenities substantially exceed minimum standards
•set minimum standards for amenities for residential planned developments
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•retain lower density, "rural", equestrian lifestyle residential neighborhoods along the northern and
eastern edges of the City
•plan moderate and higher density housing around commercial nodes or corridors
•allow the full range of densities in residential planned developments
•address shelter needs for special populations
c.Compatibility assurances
Land use guidelines should facilitate transitions from one land use to another.The
City of Apache Junction subdivision regulations should incorporate specific lot sizes,
open space requirements and trail specifications to integrate different, successive
levels of residential land use.
Apache Junction General Plan 33
d.Residential quality
The community needs to develop residential design guidelines to promote positive
appearance and quality in new developments.
e.Housing variety
Broadening the range of housing types is essential to achieve housing diversity. A mix
of small lot developments, affordable products, and multi -family units, in addition to
custom homes and master planned communities, will create the desired diversity
Apache Junction General Plan 34
CHAPTER III GROWING SMARTER ELEMENTS
This Chapter considers growth management principles in compliance with Arizona's "Growing
Smarter" legislation, as codified in Arizona Revised Statues Annotated §9-461.05 et. seq.Four new,
required General Plan components,together with an expanded public participation process,
characterize the Growing Smarter legislation. The additional Elements are:
•OPEN SPACE
•ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
•GROWTH AREAS
•COSTS OF DEVELOPMENT
A.OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
Spaciousness is a key component of the City's past, present and desired future image.Since
municipal incorporation, there has been cooperation among public agencies, such as the Bureau of
Land Management, the Apache Junction Unified School District and the City, to reserve lands for
active or passive open space.
At the community's edges, in particular, the Plan calls for lower density development and/or property
acquisition of lands to frame Apache Junction with a border of natural desert and to maintain open
public approaches to surrounding recreational assets.An outer trail system, along the community's ,
North and East peripheral areas, is planned to connect with the City's interior neighborhoods.This
lineal open space is envisioned as a means to contain urban growth as well as to provide recreational
and visual access to the Upper Sonoran Desert environment.
Continuing improvements to existing parks and trail systems are being incorporated into this Element
from the separate Parks and Recreation Master Plan document. The Master Plan was developed as a
result of a parallel citizen participation process in which residents and visitors expressed their ideas
for future outdoor enjoyment in the community.
Parlza
The Existing Parks and Open Space graphic, on page 39, identifies the City of Apache
Junction's varied range of facilities for outdoor recreation activities.The two largest 0
improved parks within the City are Prospector Park and Rodeo Park.Both sites have 0
the area to accommodate additional improvements and can be built -out in the
upcoming years as warranted.
0
Apache Junction General Plan 35
1.Open Space Goals
Responses to the public participation process are found in the Goals and Objectives beginning on
page 36.
2.Existing Open Space Conditions
The community enjoys a variety of outdoor resources.Parks and recreation planning stresses
the need for public and private cooperation in enhancing the local open space asset, with
attention to the wide range of interests and user groups exhibited in the City.
I
OPEN SPACE
GOAL #1.Maintain, develop and adapt existing sites and facilities.
OBJECTIVES:
Match activities at Prospector Park to future population needs:
•provide rest facilities
•include directional signage
Improve Rodeo park facilities:
•study expansion, adding fairgrounds
•promote revenue generation
Support youth -serving organizations:
•continue after -school and evening activities
•assist with a youth information/events newsletter
•encourage adult volunteer programs with youth
Consider converting racetrack to community entertainment center:
•conduct cost -benefit analysis
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•implement the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
•continue and expand the variety of programs offered via parks and Recreation
•consider merging functions at Prospector park and Rodeo parks for larger events
•include activities for all age groups
•plan and provide transportation to and from activities, especially to those areas away from the
downtown area
•determine appropriate activities, events for a community entertainment center
Prospector Park is a 265 -acre facility located north of Lost Dutchman Boulevard, with
the main access from Idaho Road.It is currently improved with two ballfields, picnic
ramados, a playground,an open soccer playfield,tennis courts,and courts for
racquetball and basketball.Expansion of the park, together with additional sport
facilities will allow this park to meet future community needs.
b.Trail System
The existing Multi -Use Trail System should be expanded to connect neighbor -hoods
with City functions and facilities. In 1993, a Multi -Use Trail Master Plan was
developed. This Master Plan addresses trail construction and separation, ingress and
egress gates needed into the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, potential
location of rest areas, signage and potential development of the archeological sites
within the BLM/Multi-Use Trail area.
Since 1995, when the first of the new residential subdivisions was going through the
approval process, there has been an "ad -hoc" attempt at creating a tail system
throughout some of the new residential areas. In the absence of a formal City-wide
Apache Junction General Plan 36
trail system plan this has provided the City with additional open space and limited trail
development.
c.Open Space
The City's proximity to the Tonto National Forest, the Superstition Mountains, and the
Goldfield Mountains creates its unique, natural character. Of the City's 34.8 square
miles, almost half of that area is owned by the State Trust, administered by the State
Land Department.An extremely small portion of the area within the City limits is
reserved or developed for parks or trails. The remainder, however, is largely available
for development.The community wants to assure that sufficient areas are reserved to
retain its spacious image and meet future populations' outdoor space requirements.
OPEN SPACE
GOAL #2.Increase open space usability.
OBJECTIVES:
Initiate access improvements to existing sites:
•connect parts via trails network
•maintain American with Disabilities Act (ADA)improvements
Locate facilities near "growth" areas:
•allocate investment in accordance with demographics (building the facilities where the people are
located)
•closely monitor demand for open space in "growth" areas
Plan for a centrally located aquatic Center:
•explore potential funding resources
•establish use parameters (City residents, County residents, seasonal residents)
Emphasize safety and security:
•provide on -site supervision
•install security lighting in accordance with the "dark sky" provisions, and emergency call boxes
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•coordinate functions with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the State Land
Department
•preserve open space assets (natural wash/arroyo areas, wildlife habitat areas, stands of native
vegetation)
•promote development of the City's various park classifications (as found in the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan)
•evaluate demand for "special use" parks, such as a skateboard park, or BMX track
•continue and expand joint use of the school facilities
•include lighting and security patrols in the improvement plans for recreation areas
41
4
0
0
0
Apache Junction General Plan 37
OPEN SPACE
GOAL #3.Plan a City-wide trail/pathway system.
OBJECTIVES:
Extend trail system to equestrian and hiking areas east of the City:
•implement and expand the Multi -Use Trail Plan
•establish trails as buffers to arterial streets
•implement Multi -Use Trail plan designs throughout the City (Plan includes specific design
features for equestrian, pedestrian and bike traffic)
Locate conveniences along trail routes:
•allow zoning for support businesses
•establish funding sources for rest areas intermittently along trail
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•utilize Multi -Use Trail system as "transition" zones between uses as well as an open space feature
•allocate funding to implement the Multi -Use Trail plan
•provide shade structures, benches and drinking fountains along trails
GOAL #4.Explore park opportunities south of Apache Trail.
OBJECTIVES:
Consider park locations and a municipal golf course:
•recycle water for irrigation
•conduct a cost -benefit analysis, and sizing study
•provide parks in residential neighborhoods
Continue Multi -Use Trail to encircle City:
•align corridors through existing open space to complete the buffer
•purchase/allocate land for trail system connections
•incorporate trail system in future development plans
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•implement requirements for park/recreation features in new developments (both residential and
commercial)
•require new developments to provide for, construct and maintain parks and/or recreational
features as part of the development proposal
•extend Multi -Use Trail System master Plan to include the southern portion of the City and
connections to nearby forest service and wilderness areas
Apache Junction General Plan 38
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Lost Dutchman Blvd
Superstition Blvd
Apache Trail .:l
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U.S. 60
Baseline Ave
Guadalupe Ave
Elliot Ann
Warner Ave
Ray Are
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APACHE
JUNCTION
GENERAL
PLAN
LEGEND
1:1 Undeveloped
National Forest
E l Perk/Gat Course
•Mixed Use
•Public
•BLM Lend
E 2 Slate Trust Land
- -City Boundary
......Multi -Use Trail Boundary
NM Parks
1 Ironwood Cove
Neighborhood Parks
2 Arroyo Verde Open Space
3 City /County Complex Retention
Basin
4 Goldmmers Park
5 Renaissance Point Open Space
Community Perim
6 City Hall Complex Park
7 City /School Rec Complex
8 Prospector Park
9 Silly Mountain Park
Special Use Parks
10 Little League Park
11 Rodeo Park
12 Senior Center
13 Veterans Memorial Park
14 Public Golf Course
Lineal Parks
15 mulhUse Trail
Schools
+6 Desert Vista Elementary
17 Four Peaks Elementary
+8 Superstition Elementary
i9 Thunder mountain Middle School
20 Desert Shadows Middle School
21 Apache Junction High School
22 Central Arizona College
01
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1:!
Gold
Canyon
Ranch
Subdivision
-1"11
EXISTING PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
S•
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Superstition Blvd
Apache Trail
Elliot Ave
Warner Ave
Ray -Ave.
NORTH
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APACHE
JUNCTION
GENERAL
PLAN
LEGEND
e Schools
Open Space
Trails / LandscapingL.,13
111 Park I Golf Course
t71 Potential sites for Community
or Special Use Park
Potentralseetors for
Neighborhood Parks
E :Mixed Use
City Boundary
Arterial Streets
Mutt -Use Trail Boundary
CAP Canal
Primary Trail Access
Focal Point
PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN
A mrso.1%.TIsv“.44,•••••DI....
One specific misconception held by many citizens within the community is that the
areas along the northern and eastern edges of the City are already reserved and set
aside for open space.In fact, this buffer area is made up of two types of property
ownership.State Land, which is held for sale and development to benefit the State
Trust, and BLM land, which is available for long-term leases for the development of
recreational facilities such as multi -use trails.Ultimately, the State Land may be
auctioned off and developed unless steps are taken to secure these areas for open
space. To ensure that these areas are used only for open space in the future, the
property would have to be purchased from the State Trust for that purpose. There are
means by which to accomplish this through the Arizona Preserve Initiative (API),
which may provide grant monies up to 50% of the total cost.
d.Recreation
Recreation is a mainstay of Apache Junction's community activity. The emphasis of
local recreation centers is on family participation and quality of life. The variety of
programs for sports and outdoor interests offered by the municipality rivals those of
older, long-established cities. There is clear evidence of planning for future recreation
in the reservations of public land that have been secured. Including leased BLM lands,
more than two thousand acres are available for public recreation use. Just beyond its
borders, the City of Apache Junction is surrounded with many recreational
opportunities.With the lakes to the north and the Superstition Mountains to the east,
outdoor recreation is a major attraction for both residents, and tourists.
Recently the City has had the opportunity to enter into a long-term lease agreement
with BLM for Silly Mountain, located in the southeast portion of the City. Plans to
remove communication antennas and revegetate disturbed, eroded areas on Silly
Mountain are currently underway.
The City offers a variety of recreational programs at existing facilities. Sports, outdoor
recreation, and educational opportunities are provided.Community events ranging
from Lost Dutchman Days and the Superstition Mountain Gathering of Cowboy Poets,
to the Fourth of July Special and Sports Show or Halloween Carnival are among the
activities provided for leisure time enjoyment.
3.Open Space Recommendations
Supported by the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Apache Junction is preparing for a
growing and diversifying population base by acquiring, improving and promoting its many
open space resources.See page 42 for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan graphic.
a.Implement the city-wide trail and pathway system
A perimeter, multi -purpose trail system is recommended, with connections to the
community's interior neighborhoods and outward links, especially for equestrian and
hiking uses, toward nearby wilderness areas.
Apache Junction General Plan 41
b.Maintain and develop existing sites and facilities
Recommendations range from adding playground equipment, sports fields and courts
to, as resources permit, designing aquatic facilities, merging functions at Prospector
Park and Rodeo Park where appropriate, and establishing a public golf course.
c.Increase open space usability
Access and user conveniences are especially stressed,including transportation
assistance and rest facilities.Recreation improvements are recommended to offer
flexibility of use, such as by adding shaded seating areas and enhancing public safety
with lighting.
d.Develop park opportunities in portions of the City south of Apache Trail
As a matter of municipal policy, new planned construction projects, both residential
and employment, are expected to contribute to public park and recreation facilities in
the City's southern sector.Dedication,improvement and maintenance provisions
should be included in Apache Junction development standards for locations where
there is a shortage of useable open space.
B.ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING ELEMENT
As noted by local residents, and reflected throughout this General Plan, the natural resources in and
surrounding the City of Apache Junction are regarded as the community's most valuable attribute.
Now specifically listed in State planning enabling legislation as an Element, the community's
environmental planning aspects provide additional guidance for preserving the area's natural
environment. The desert, as with many ecosystems, is a sensitive interactive environment that can
provide visual and recreational enjoyment for residents and visitors, while serving as a home for
many species of flora and fauna.
1.Environmental Goals
Attendees during the public participation process were generally more interested in sustaining
the area's natural resources than in accommodating population growth.This establishes
strong expectations that new development should fit into, rather than compete with or replace,
its desert mountain surroundings.
2.Existing Environmental Conditions
The Tonto National Forest and Salt River Project reservoir lakes, located to the north of the
City, represent an assurance that thousands of acres will be maintained as a relatively pristine
environment.Although these lands are destinations for considerable traffic through Apache
Junction, they are virtually guaranteed to retain their undeveloped condition.
State Trust Lands represent the single -most important land resource in the Apache Junction
vicinity for population growth accommodation.These lands are reserved for future
development, not "open space".It is observed, however, that large expanses of these lands
exhibit relatively undisturbed natural riparian areas, stands of native plant species and wildlife
habitats.
Apache Junction General Plan 42
S
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0
0
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p
0
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Environmental Planning
GOAL #1.Preserve archeological assets.
OBJECTIVES:
Develop information center on BLM land, per Multi -Use Trail Master Plan:
•establish funding sources for archeological inventory of Trail area
•implement Multi -use Trail Master Plan
Protect Sites:
•fence -off vulnerable resources
•develop preservation program in cooperation with the State Historical Preservation Office
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•respect BLM leasing agreements
•fund and implement Multi -Use Trail System Master Plan
•identify archeological areas which are to be open to the pubic, versus those with restricted access
•discourage public intrusion into sensitive study areas
GOAL #2.Preserve environmentally sensitive areas.
OBJECTIVES:
Preserve views:
•identify view -sheds, wildlife habitats, and stands of native vegetation
•develop and adopt development criteria for within a view -shed
Preserve water -sheds, washes (riparian areas):
•conduct a complete hydrology study of the entire City
•identify critical riparian areas to be preserved
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•produce view -shed preservation maps to increase public awareness of these areas
•implement and enforce development criteria within designated view -shed areas
•utilize results of hydrology study to produce map(s) showing riparian areas identified for
preservation
•develop and implement development criteria for development in and near riparian areas
3.Environmental Planning Recommendations
a.Preserve archeological assets
BLM leasing agreements that permit the City to use federal lands for recreational
purposes also require the City to determine which areas may be improved for public
access and educational use.The education component should be restricted for
archaeological studies.Apache Junction should acquire expert advice, either by
soliciting assistance from university researchers or hiring archaeologists, to meet this
evaluation goal.
Apache Junction General Plan 43
Environmental Planning
GOAL #3.Preserve and conserve native desert vegetation and wildlife habitats.
OBJECTIVES:
Preserve wildlife corridors:
•conduct research to establish habitat and migration patterns of indigenous wildlife
•maintain adequate buffers between preservation areas and developed areas
Encourage retention of natural land features and native vegetation:
•develop criteria to preserve or utilize the natural topography in proposed developments
•require percentage of native plant materials to be salvaged and used for revegetation of a
development site
•set guidelines for appropriate desert landscaping
•closely monitor demand for open space in growth areas
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•acquire expert assistance in identifying and designating areas to be preserved for wildlife habitats
or migration corridors
•establish methods to buffer wildlife areas from encroaching development
•discourage more intense development where desert washes, native flora and fauna, flood hazards
or land subsidence exists
•acquire expert assistance in identifying and designating significant stands of native vegetation an
natural land features to be Preserved
•advocate natural drainage solutions and, when those are not feasible, require finished grading and
revegetation that results in the closest possible recreation of the natural setting that was disturbed
GOAL #4.Establish a consistent, ecologically sensitive land use plan in concert with adjacent
land management agencies.
OBJECTIVES:
Preserve the City's native Sonoran desert:
•establish and implement a Desert Preservation Ordinance
•require xeriscape landscape practices and use of indigenous plant species in open space areas in
new development
Engage in cooperative land management efforts with other agencies and jurisdictions:
•establish and maintain open communication lines with State Land and BLM
•conduct regular reviews and updates of joint management policies and procedures
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•consider utilization of informal urban growth boundaries that conform with infrastructure
expansion plans
•coordinate and apply Growing Smarter elements when evaluating development proposals
•document and monitor water supply and quality, and air quality
•recognize other agencies mandates and priorities while trying to reach a common point of
understanding
0
0
0Apache Junction General Plan 44
b.Inventory existing environmentally sensitive areas
IP The Arizona Game and Fish Department, and wildlife conservation organizations
O should be asked to aid the City in documenting habitats and corridors for protection.
Riparian areas, locations of native plant species and lands subject to flood hazard or
•subsidence should be indicated and restricted from intense development.
c.Practice conservation of the land resource
The City is encouraged to continue adopting regulatory criteria that require
ecologically sound development practices. Water conservation policies need to be
strengthened to meet future development demands.Stringent management measures,
•as well as acquiring new allocations, are essential to continuing municipal growth.
Examples of methods that may be feasible for Apache Junction include: an effluent
reuse system, groundwater recharge and low water use using a requirement for new
construction.This General Plan advocates natural means of water resource
management, such as retaining desert washes and allowing percolation of stormwater
0 into the water table, thereby sustaining the limited potable water resource.
0 d.Reduce vehicular emissions
•The air quality in Apache Junction is generally good.However, local citizens and
visitors, observing the inversion haze that has been building over the metropolitan area
to the west in recent years, are increasingly concerned about air -borne petrochemicals
and particulates.Desiring a healthful, sustainable City, residents are vitally interested
in maintaining clean air.In 1998, the State of Arizona, Department of Environmental
Quality included Apache Junction in the Air Quality Control Area.As a result,
residents must now go through emissions testing on a regular basis.Alternative
transportation modes are being explored to reduce vehicular emissions.The warm
climate, number of sunny days and clear skies make solar energy an excellent power
option for residents and businesses in the area.
C.GROWTH AREAS ELEMENT
Development cost considerations,including potential investment sharing with the City or other
property owners, will affect the scale and timing of construction in response to market demand.
1.Growth Area Goals
Goals for facilitating positive Growth Area development are broken into two main categories.
Sustaining the City's economic viability and providing the necessary incentives to promote
growth are foremost in the minds of citizens while selecting Growth Areas and criteria for
their development.
2.Growth Areas Descriptions
Four potential growth areas within the Apache Junction Planning Area are identified in this
Element. Others may be added or sub -sectors defmed during the life of the General Plan. In
broadest terms, these lands fall into two general categories.The first includes infill sites and
sectors abutting the City's developed areas.The second category includes the extensive State
Land holdings located along the northern and eastern City limits and south of Baseline
Avenue.
Apache Junction General Plan 45
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APACHE
JUNCTION
GENERAL
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INash / Riparian Areas
Tonto National Forest
Natural Vegetaton
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(Potential Areas)
Archaeological Site
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- - - City Boundary
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The principal tests to be applied in judging prospective growth areas are:1) conformity with
community character and broad General Plan designations for use and density;2)sufficient
contribution to municipal revenues to defray the costs of facilities and services; 3) capability to meet
or exceed City improvement standards; and 4) enhancement of real estate values.Cost-effectiveness
and compatibility with the community's vision are essential.
a.Four Initial Growth Areas
The areas with high probability for desired development are described below.Each one is
summarized as to existing development categories with possible land absorption trends on the
spreadsheet that is provided on page 49.A Growth Areas graphic, on page 49, indicates the
potential development timing priority for each area identified.
(1)Downtown Infill
Core properties in the vicinity of Apache Trail and Idaho Road, encompassing the
City's Crossroads Revitalization Area and adjacent parcels, are specifically earmarked
for redevelopment enhancements. Prioritized as Growth Area 1 on the graphic which
appears at page 49,approximately 1.5 square miles are contained within this centrally
located transition area. A strong potential is seen for a shift toward more intense,
"pedestrian attractive" shopping precincts with office and service employment. The
sector has considerable promise for upscale multi -family and condominium dwelling
units to house downtown business people and professionals, seniors and faculty/staff
from the adjacent and growing community college.
Growth Areas
GOAL #1. Foster the City's sustainability.
OBJECTIVES:
Provide sites for increased retail/shopping development:
•capture greater shares of the year-round and seasonal residents' develop into a shopping
destination for the region
Maintain an inventory of opportunity sites:
•develop a listing of potential commercial development sites within the City
•improve access as a transportation hub and gateway to both the "Valley" and to the recreation
features found in the wilderness and forest service areas
•increase housing variety to attract major employers
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•designate,promote specific Growth Areas
•increase retail sales revenue
•attract shoppers from Pinal and Gila Counties through targeted marketing
•highlight development -ready parcels at or near U.S. 60 interchange
•emphasize creation of new jobs
Apache Junction General Plan 47
Growth Areas
GOAL #2.Exercise growth management principles to attract development.
OBJECTIVES:
Utilize existing municipal or private -provider services:
•promote Downtown and U.S. 60 Corridor for infill projects
•encourage projects that conform with the General Plan
•extend systems to Growth Areas with best cost -benefit potential
Practice flexible development guidance policies:
•accommodate developers willing to pay for infrastructure
•expedite processing for major revenue generating projects
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•indicate probable system extensions
•work with and provide incentives to owners of prime sites
•discourage proposals that underutilize property potential 'or are incompatible with the General
Plan
•adjust infrastructure improvement schedules for substantial private sector contributions
(2)U.S. 60 Corridor
Crossed by the City's gateway arterials (Ironwood and Idaho), the U.S. 60 Corridor
contains numerous developable sites in its 2800 -acre area.The prime locations
available in this area include high -visibility employment, retail, and business park sites
at the entrance and exit ramps. Commercial and a limited amount of light industrial uses
are expected to expand rapidly.An intensification of hospitality industry uses, already
begun, is anticipated. As employment campuses develop in the vicinity, such as south of
U.S. 60, a residence hotel would be a likely addition.Retail, including "big box" and
automotive sales would also be attracted by the Corridor's easy accessibility.
Labeled Area 2A on the graphic, the north portion of the Corridor has more than half of
its 1,150 acres available for development. Properly buffered from existing single-family
neighborhoods,interior parcels have community retail potential as well as probable
office park development. The Southern Avenue connection between the Ironwood and
Idaho freeway approaches offers excellent circulation for the Area. Quality multi -family
residential complexes are also considered appropriate adjacent to the Corridor. Higher
dwelling unit densities here would serve as a transitional separation from highway noise
and have lesser impact on peak hour traffic generation because of the proximity to the
freeway and major streets.
Growth Area 2B, the southern portion of the Freeway Corridor has begun to develop and
is expected to contain a mix of major retail, corporate employment and residential uses,
with an estimated 625 acres of the 1,650 acre total available for development. Access to
Apache Junction General Plan 48
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U.S. 60 is ideal for truck transport and commuting by shoppers and employees. Key
commercial locations along Baseline and near interchanges are indicated on the
Development Plan on page 17.
The Area projects special appeal for high amenity employment, and retail and business
park uses as a result of attractive residential and golf course neighbors and high visibility
from the freeway.Open space transitions are suggested to maintain compatibility among
residential and business properties.Heavier industrial uses, including warehousing,
would not be expected to locate in the Baseline to U.S. 60 stretch; however, land is
available for manufacturing, storage and fabrication operations south of Baseline, both
within and beyond this Growth Area.
(3)Southern State Lands
State Lands are envisioned as ideal future locations for industrial parks, more business
park/commercial center development,and master -planned communities.More than
twenty-five square miles may be made available for development and considered for
annexation into Apache Junction over time. A small portion of privately owned land is
currently being used, mostly for heavy industry.
(4)North/East City Edges
Much of the land along the City's northern and eastern borders, approximately 5,040
acres, is controlled by governmental land management agencies, including 1,900 acres
of designated open space secured under a long term lease from BLM. An estimated
2,300 acres could become available for development from State Land holdings.
As lands are released for development, the General Plan vision is that large, balanced,
master -planned developments would create freestanding villages.These new
communities could contain several different neighborhoods, community shopping,
employment opportunities and open space.In concept, the village clusters might
provide a model for land use management in response to the Growing Smarter
legislation.
b.Growth Areas Land Use
Table 5, provides estimates of current and future acreage totals for General Plan Land Use
categories.Short-, mid- and longer -term absorption are forecast for each Growth Area.
3.Growth Areas Recommendations
Apache Junction plans to stay ahead of growth, anticipating potential growth areas.
a.Sector Growth Potential by Land Use.
To varying extents, all prospective growth areas are expected to accommodate a mixture of
land uses and intensities.The Growth Area Potential Table on page 51, depicts current land
uses and possible land absorption by development to the year 2020. The forecasts serve to
illustrate a scenario of the General Plan's implementation. Annual monitoring and adjustment
to the Growth Areas Potential Table are necessary and can help track development activity in
each Growth Area.
Apache Junction General Plan 49
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GROWTH AREAS
APACHE
JUNCTION
GENERAL
PLAN
LEGEND
- , -City Boundary
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- -MOH:I-Use Trail Boundary
—CAP Canal
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Table 5:GROWTH AREA POTENTIAL
Growth Areas Potential
Category Description
• •
Use Type in Acres
,
Growth Area Time Frame
'
Employ /
Retail
Bus Pk!
Industrial
Residential
0-2
Residential
2-6
Residential
6+
Public/
Institutional
Park!
Trails
1
Vacant
1:Downtovm lnfill
Total Size:
1.5 Sq. Mi. or 960 Ac.
current 220 0,80 233 100 80 7 240
1999-2001 250 0 80 233 130 80 7 180
2002-2006 280 0 60 233 150 120 17,100
2007-2020 380 0 0 233 200 126 27 0
.2A:US 60 Corridor North
Total Size:
1.8 Sq. Mi. or 1150 Ac.
current 30 0 66 100 180 160 0 620
1999-2001 50 0 60 130 180 160
,
5 565
2002-2006 150 0 60 160 210 160 25 385
2007-2020 320 0 60 220 260 160
'
90 40
2B:US 60 Corridor South
Total Size:
2.6 Sq. Aili. or 1664 Ac.
current 150 45 q 100 540 d 160 655,
1999-2001 160 55 q 120 580 40 166 535
2002-2006 250 100 0 180 560 50 165 ,345
2007-2020 480 180 0 300 .440 80 170 0
3:Southem State Lands
Total Size:
16.5 Sq. Mi. or 10,560 Ac
current 0 430 0 0 0 40 6 10,090
1999-2001 0 430 0 0
-
0 70 0 10,060
2002-2006 0 430 0 0 6 130 0 10,000
2007-2020 225 505 120 920 80 170 40 8,500
4:North East City Edges
Total Size:
8.3 Sq. Mi. or 5312 Ac.
current 0 0 480 0 0 360 1900 2572
1999-2001 0 0 480 0 0 360 1900 2571
2002-2006 0 0 580 irt,o 390 2400 1942
2007-2020 0 0 1080 0 0 440 3000 792
As build -out is approached in a given Area, the City may wish to expedite the availability of
sites in other Growth Areas. If disproportionate activity is noted in a particular land use
category, the City may wish to consider measures to correct the imbalance.Public capital
investment, for instance, could be used as an incentive to expedite commercial growth when
housing starts are noted as outpacing retail growth.
Cooperation with individual property owners may include incentives, such as desirable
zoning, infrastructure improvements, streamlining municipal development approval processes,
to induce the desired scope and type of development.
b.Development threshold indicators
Evaluation tools and policies should be in place prior to the initiation of development in any
Growth Area.
(1)Annexation Policy
The City should aggressively promote pre -annexation agreements with landowners for
acquiring some or all of the Growth Area into the municipal boundaries of the City of
Apache Junction in advance of development.
(2)Municipal Service Capacity
Estimates of service and resource demands associated with the forecast development
of each Area should be maintained and updated on an annual or semi-annual basis.
For instance, predicted shortfalls in finding availability or potable water supply would
cause the City to revisit the desirability of pursuing development within a Growth
Apache Junction General Plan 51
Area.Or, the opposite may occur, a surplus of funding or potable water supply, may
lead to negotiations with the landowner to determine possible Options for encouraging
development of their property within a specific Growth Area.
(3)Cost -Benefit Balance
In conjunction with evaluations outlined in the Costs of Development Element,
specific evaluations should be conducted to determine the impacts, positive and
negative, for any major project proposed in a Growth Area.
Effective use of public capital investment funds will serve to attract businesses to
develop in Growth Areas where revenue generation is most probable. With limited
financial resources, the City should indicate the more probable system extensions and
schedules.However, the City should be flexible enough to redirect improvement
projects to accommodate developers willing to pay a substantial share of infrastructure
costs or commercial projects that will contribute significantly to municipal income
streams.
D.COSTS OF DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
Developments that require little or no extension of service systems are most desirable in terms of I
minimizing City costs. Infill or sites that are immediately adjacent to existing developments are least I
expensive to serve because utilities are already paid for and in place.When infrastructure has to be
extended by vacant properties to a development site, the economy of scale is lost.The resulting
demand for services may be the same, but the costs of providing services are many times greater. This
type of development is typically called "leap -frog" development.The demand/expenditure balance 4
will not be re-established until the vacant properties are developed and become paying customers of
the municipal services.4
Growth Areas Map
1.Costs of Development Goals 4ThePublicParticipationProcessestablishedthreemaingoalsforanalyzingCostsof
Development.Maintained or enhanced services, economies of scale and strategic allocations
of resources are encouraged.Detailed information regarding goals, objectives, strategies, and
opportunities can be found beginning on page 53.
02.Existing Development Cost Conditions
Municipal population growth creates demand for additional public facilities, expansion of
service areas, and increases in staffing and equipment. First and foremost in determining the •
cost of growth is estimating order -of -magnitude expenses that will be incurred simply to
continue current levels of service for an expanded population base.
a. Selected Costs
•A selection of typical "standards" currently applicable in Apache Junction suggests
increments of approximate costs that are required to serve an additional 1,000
residents:
Apache Junction General Plan 52
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Seasonal residents and the growing hospitality/tourism trade in the community are responsible
for local facility and service requirements being somewhat greater than in other jurisdictions
with comparable year-round populations. On the other hand, these "customer" categories tend
to replenish sales tax revenues at a rate greater than they use. As the City's year-round resident
base becomes proportionately larger, it will be advantageous for local businesses to capture a
greater volume of shopping dollars from seasonal residents, as well as to increase the
attraction for tourists and visitors from the Phoenix metropolitan area to come to Apache
Junction to shop.
Table 6
1997 MUNICIPAL SERVICE COSTS
Activity Cost
Police protection $271,440 per 1,000 residents
Apache Junction Unified School District $1,500,000 per 1,000 residents
$10,202 per 1,000 students
Municipal (land acquisition,
City facilities operations, maintenance)
$78,900 per 1,000 residents
Roads $381,125 per new lane mile
Source:1997 Duncan and Assoc. Development Fee Update Study
0 When the City has reached a certain population threshold, enterprise -type functions for which
/user -fees are charged,such as water use or specialized recreational facilities, may become
/cost-effective for the municipality to provide. Other activities, such as library expansion,
would likely be financed through General Fund revenues or General Obligation Bonds
I approved by the voters with payment shared by the increasing number of local residents.
b. Order -of -Magnitude Service Extension Costs
The so-called "costs of sprawl" are a principal target of Arizona's Growing Smarter
legislation. The inordinate expense of extending urban services over long distances,
substantial portions of which may be undeveloped, needs to be evaluated so that public
and private providers are able to determine their actual costs.
Police patrols, emergency services, trash pick-up, school transportation and other
municipal or private provider functions are other growth -oriented expenses that must
be factored in. In order to maintain adequate response time or scheduling standards,
personnel and equipment may need to be assigned at an increased cost for areas of
relatively sparse development.
Apache Junction General Plan 53
c. Economies of Scale -
Development feasibility is assessed on a per unit cost increment. For example, a
million dollar investment to extend urban services for one thousand dwelling units
plus related non-residential uses may be realistic.However, a similar expenditure to
serve fifty homes would add $20,000 to the cost of each home and be regarded as
prohibitive.The development yield, or the total number of dwelling units and/or
commercial properties, is the determinant of unit costs. Production unit costs include
land,infrastructure improvements,construction,amenities and marketing/sales
administration expenses.
Table 7
TABLE OF INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS
Infrastructure Estimate Cost/Running foot (dollars)Estimated cost/Mile (k dollars)
Waterline (12").40 $211.2
Sewer (8"-gravity, fixtures)45 237.6
_Roadway (211'. paved)250 1,320.0 _
Curb/Sidewalk (60")20 '05.6
ElectriciJtilitY H 10 52.8
NatUrat Gas 16 85.0 _
Telephone 10 52.8
Cable TV 5 26.4
Common Trenching ,9 47.5
TOTAL COST ESTIMATES $405 $2,138.9k _
Source: CSC Counts, 1998
Where any of these development related charges is extraordinary, it becomes necessary
to spread the cost over as many units as possible. In the Apache Junction Planning
Area the extension of infrastructure is the most likely cause of disproportionate
development expenses, thereby requiring larger scale projects. Accordingly, Growing
Smarter principles direct that development in outlying areas, such as the State Lands
south of the City, should be conducted on the scale of a new master -planned
community with a definite phasing schedule.
Master -planning large parcels generally creates an advantage in development cost
control.Where there is no need to counteract the costs of sprawl, economy of scale
may have the proactive effect of making lands more affordable to develop.Identified
growth areas where services are already in place, for example the City core or U.S. 60
Corridor, can adopt highly competitive pricing schedules that may attract commerce,
industry and multi -family residential projects into the community.
3.Costs of Development Recommendations
Policy recommendations contained in this General Plan suggest that future growth is most
appropriate where facilities and services are already in place, thereby better utilizing prior
infrastructure investment.
Apache Junction General Plan 54
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Costs of Development
GOAL #1.Maintain or enhance service levels.
OBJECTIVES:
Create service efficiency through an expanded customer base:
•match development demand with service system capacities
•adjust development fees as incentives for desired construction
Increase the capacity of the City's assured water supply:
•acquire additional resources and better use existing supplies
•expect large-scale development to provide ground water recharge credits or recycling
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•foster population increases to improve community service standards
•consider indirect costs such as police protection, recreational programs, and library services when
evaluating development proposals
•use incentives for attracting large numbers of new system customers
•evaluate water provider consolidation
•adopt water conservation criteria
•discourage high volume water use industrial processes and landscaping
GOAL #2. Achieve economy of scale.
OBJECTIVES:
Encourage larger residential planned developments:
•cluster densities for compact service areas, while providing meaningful open space areas
•adopt self-contained solutions such as police substations, school sites, and library annexes within
large residential planned developments
Promote public/private partnerships to reduce infrastructure costs:
•leverage private investment with Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funding
•allow credits for developer -funded improvements
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•provide baseline data of improvement costs for cost impact evaluation of a proposed development
•recognize that urban sprawl is NOT an economically feasible way for a city to grow
•factor in costs for operation and maintenance of substations and annexes
•offer pay -back or partial cost recovery mechanisms for developer installation of oversized
improvements
a.Maintain CIP guidance for growth
Municipal infrastructure expenditures are guided by the City's Capital Improvement
Program.Adjustments to Capital Improvement Planning priorities should be
considered in cases where expedited public funding is predicted to foster increases in
City revenues. Deferral of intended public spending is also warranted when private
development commitments do not keep pace with the adopted improvement schedule.
Apache Junction General Plan 55
Costs of Development
GOAL #3.Allocate resources strategically.
OBJECTIVES:
Employ Capital Improvement Planning projects to guide development:
•monitor City resource capacities (such as the water, streets and sewer) annually
•extend systems into areas with fewest physical constraints
Conduct cost -benefit analysis:
•require revenue projections compared with expenditures for major developments or annexation
proposals
•factor in the positive effects of retail uses, higher -priced housing, and jobs with above -average
wage levels
COMMON PRACTICE OR OPPORTUNITY:
•require new development to make fair -share capital investments
•develop accurate cost -benefit monitoring measures that can be easily utilized
b.Coordinate closely with the State Land Department
State lands have been designated for a mixture of uses and development intensities to
provide a favorable balance of revenue in terms both of land lease or sale and of return
on municipal investment.
c.Conduct cost -benefit analyses
It is expected, as a General Plan principle, that new development will provide its fair
share of funding to sustain Apache Junction civic quality. Construction is preferred on
properties in or near the developed portions of the community, where facilities and
services are already available.
d.Utilize multiple financial resources for growth accommodation
A variety of methods will be employed to collect costs of growth from the individuals
or entities that profit from future development in the City of Apache Junction. Some of
the proposed capital investment and revenue sources include, but are not limited to:
(1)Municipal bonds
City expansion will continue to be funded, in part, by voter -approved general
obligation bonds, subject to statutory limits, and revenue bonds backed by
income -producing enterprise activities. As the community's property valuation
increases with growth, its bonding capacity also rises.A broadening base of
taxpayers contributes to the retirement of the bonds.
(2)Development Fees
Apache Junction has adopted and administers a system of Development Fee
collections corresponding to the demands placed on the City's facilities by new
Apache Junction General Plan 56
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development. These charges are reviewed and updated regularly to assure that
costs of growth are borne by new development proportionate to the investment
represented by existing land uses.
(3)Shared Revenues
The City may wish to continue earmarking certain dedicated funds, such as
State transportation revenue disbursements, for capital expenditures related to
the funds' purpose.
(4)Economic Strength Grants
Apache Junction has utilized Economic Strength Grants to a limited extent thus
far. As employment -generating developments occur within the City there
exists the potential for addressing at least some of the infrastructure
improvement costs with this type of grant funding.
(5)Tax Increment Financing
This is a financing mechanism utilized mainly in the redevelopment and
revitalization arenas. In Growth Areas where infill projects are being done this
may be an option with the formation of a Revitalization/Redevelopment Area.
(6)Public/Private Partnerships
As the availability of grant monies become increasingly limited, many
communities and developers are establishing joint partnerships to aid both
entities involved with the costs of development.
Apache Junction General Plan 57
CHAPTER IV IMPLEMENTATION
•The backbone of the 1999 Apache Junction General Plan is implementation of a step-by-step Action
Program.This section of the document suggests certain actions that need to be taken by the City in
order to make the citizens' vision of Apache Junction become a reality.
A.ACTION PROGRAM
1
1.Short -Term Actions
Efforts that can be initiated or completed within a year or two of Plan adoption are specified.
A foundation for community -wide improvements must be created before the improvements
can become a reality.That foundation is the 1999 Apache Junction General Plan; however,
the General Plan is only the very first step. Essential ordinances, development requirements,
and standards must be revised, updated or created in order to make the "vision" a reality.
Table 8
SHORT-TERM ACTIONS
SHORT TERM ACTIONS 1999-2002
Action Timing Goal Consistency Responsibility
Code Revision 1999-2000 Land use decisions, incentives Council, P&Z, Planning •
Annexation Policy 1999-2000 Cost -benefit analysis format Council, Finance, Planning_
Cl? Development 1999-2000 Identify need/expand services Council, Public Works
Desert Preservation Ord.1999-2000 Environmental planning
,
Council, Planning, Parks/Rec
Downtown Revitalization 1999-2002
,
Crossroads Redevelopment,
Tourism, entertainment
Private Sector, Economic
Development, Council
•
Downtown Beautification 1999-2002
Target redevelopment improvements Economic Development,
Planning
Trails Plan 1999-2002 City-wide trail, path system Parks Department and Board
Growth Boundary Redefmed 1999-2002
Comprehensive approaches,
Ecologically -sound desert preserve Planning, Public Works
Housing Initiatives 2000-2002+Promote residential variety, balance Council, P&Z, Planning
2.Mid -Range Actions
Planned commerce parks, tourist attractions, additional services for residents would be added
in designated locations while rural neighborhood living opportunities are promoted for the
majority of Apache Junction's land area.Outdoor recreation improvements are essential
midrange improvements.
3.Long -Range Planning
Value-added public facilities,planned years ahead,allow for cost-effective municipal
!)expansion.High standards for quality engineering will help assure that roads, drainage, parks,
wet utilities, public safety and other local government functions can serve an expanded
,community with economy.
Apache Junction General Plan 58
Table 9
MID -RANGE ACTIONS
MID -RANGE Fiscal Years 2002-2006
Action Timing Goal Consistency Responsibility
Transportation Improvements 2001-2006+
Regional transportation, internal
Circulation, paving
.
Planning, Public Works
Water Resource Development 2001-2006+
Assured water supply, expansion of
Potable water reserves
.
WUCFD, Council
Apache Trail Roadway 2001-2003 Internal circulation, tourism Public Works, Planning, Main St
Park Development 2001-2006+
,
Facilities, increase utilization, land
Acquisition Parks Board, Department
Trail/Path Improvements 2001-2006+Improve City-wide system Parks Board, Department
Civic Complex 2002-2006
,
Convenience for residents, visitors
Council, Public Works,
Planning
Employment Nodes 2002-2006+Balance housing and jobs
Economic Development,
Planning, Council
Table 10
LONG-RANGE ACTIONS
LONG RANGE Fiscal Years 2007-2020+
Action Timing Goal Consistency Responsibility
Desert Preserves 2007-2020+Conserve vegetation, habitats Council, Parks & Rec.
Growth Boundary Refinement 2010-2020+Update infrastructure extension policy Council, P&Z, Planning
Develop Area Plans
2001-2006+
Housing, open space, employment,
Consistent density
Private, State Land,
Planning
Desert Preservation 2010-2020+Archaeological, habitat,spaciousness Council, Parks & Rec.
B.GENERAL PLAN MONITORING
Because the Apache Junction General Plan is meant to be responsive to change, methods for its
upkeep are provided.
1.Status Reporting
Data on development activity, population changes, municipal revenues and other indicators of
local conditions should be maintained by City staff and reported to decision -makers regularly.
This information fosters official actions that are consistent with adopted planning principles
and, as needed, allows intelligent, mid -course corrections in General Plan administration.
Apache Junction General Plan 59
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
Quarterly reporting is recommended, with cumulative annual statements at the end of each
fiscal year.Findings over at least a five-year period, sturunariimg development trends, serve
as useful indicators for numerous municipal management or policy decisions ranging from
Capital Improvement Program adjustments to rezoning requests.
Comparable statistics from the metropolitan region and State will be relevant to gauge the
City's "market share" in economic development and population growth.Particular attention
should be directed to analysis of Apache Junction's land absorption rates in terms of desired
changes such as housing variety, job creation and increased retail sales tax revenues.
Apache Junction General Plan Status Report Summaries should be published regularly for
interested citizens.The community's magazine, Cityscape, and web site page displays are
recommended as public information outlets.
2.Performance Measurement
"Early warning devices" may be established to alert community leadership of situations that
require attention.Business growth should be measured, for example, to assure that the
community's revenue capture is in line with residential expansion.Effective planning
management considers supply and demand for maintaining affordable housing, community
character and fiscal soundness.
Examples of performance achievement could include the following:
•Balanced housing production within the City.
•Sales tax revenues increasing at a greater percentage rate than estimated population
growth rate..
•Significant completion, depending on adequate funding, of designated CIP projects in
each fiscal year.
•Annual review of not less than three of the following: General Plan, CIP, development
fees, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, economic development and special project
strategies; and at least one new functional plan, such as a master drainage plan,
comprehensive street program or city-wide housing strategy,presented to,and
accepted by, City Council.
•Accomplishment of "Growing Smarter" initiatives for open space, costs of growth
and environmental protection.
3.Amendment/Updating
Specific guidelines should be set to evaluate requests for General Plan Amendments.Annual
review and adjustments, overseen by the Planning and Zoning Commission, are necessary
monitoring steps. State law requires comprehensive General Plan updating every ten years.
However, because of population growth projections, the Apache Junction General Plan would
likely require revision at. four- or five-year intervals.The periodic review would range from
tactical "fme-tuning" to comprehensive restructuring of the Plan, depending on changing
conditions.
By policy, the Council or Planning and Zoning Commission may add or refine amendment
guidelines over time.A rezoning request or zoning map amendment, may represent such a
Apache Junction General Plan 60
deviation from the Development Plan, as depicted on page 17, that an Amendment would be
required in order to justify its consistency.Because it is a "General" Plan, the color -coded
map is not intended to classify every parcel in the community. However, if the affected area is
larger,or the intensity of a proposed use is likely to impact neighboring properties
significantly, formal Amendment would be required.
Also, if planning policies change materially, revisions to the General Plan text may be in
order.Unforeseen circumstances,or simply technological advances such as extensive
increase in telecommuting, may alter Apache Junction's planning goals and objectives thereby
requiring some tactical editing to the General Plan and its Elements.For example,
environmental trends impacting water resources or air quality could necessitate the inclusion
of additional safeguards for accommodating development.As the City progresses, new
facilities and services should be recognized in the Plan.
Typical General Plan Amendment guidelines would include:
•Development Plan graphic amendments where a rezoning proposal:
—constitutes an intensification of use, considering impact and acreage; or
—represents an increase in residential density so substantial as to alter the Plan's
dwelling unit average for the proposed development's vicinity; or
—constitutes a lessening of economic development potential; or
—contains open space reservation, large lot designations and/or other restriction on
developability that reduces an area's likelihood of achieving its designated density
average.
•Graphic amendments where public ownership status, capital improvements or
institutional uses intensify use considering impact and acreage.
•General Plan text revisions where:
—City Council authorizes rewording of a Goal, Objective or Strategy at its own initiative
or upon recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission; or
—a private development proposal (for example, a resort with a mixture of privately-
owned casitas) would require text Amendment in order to maintain consistency with
the General Plan and is supported by a preponderance of evidence submitted as being
in the public interest; or
—lands under the management of other public bodies which may, when the agency's
policies change,require Amendment for General Plan consistency with a clear
showing of being in the best interests of the public (defined, in this instance, as the
citizens and visitors of the City of Apache Junction); or
—new Implementation Strategies or CIP priorities,not covered in the Plan,are
identified; or
—Additional planning specificity, beneficial to General Plan comprehension, is made
available by reason of additional functional master plans (e.g., a Master Drainage Plan)
and detailing of local Growing Smarter principles.
•Accepting new research or other materials, such as targeting phased acquisition of
open spaces, as General Plan Amendments subsequent to the document's adoption,
Apache Junction General Plan 61
which information substantially amplifies City planning policy contained in any
General Plan Element or other Plan component.
D.LAND USE DECISION KEYS
Principles for assessing development proposals are intended to assist applicants, staff and decision-
makers in evaluating the appropriateness of land uses and intensities with regard to the adopted
General Plan.Appropriate prerequisites for rezoning requests are determined before the fact so that
proposals may be judged objectively.Typical conditions or stipulations to assure quality growth in
conformance with the General Plan are listed for Commission and Council consideration as means to
mitigate possible negative impacts and to maintain consistency with community character.
Keys are neither meant to "pre -judge" individual development proposals nor to limit the full
evaluative judgment of City officials, including elected, appointed, or staff.Suggested standards,
such as minimum land area requirements for a General Plan Amendment case, are provided for
consideration by Apache Junction decision -makers. It is expected that further guidelines will be
developed through usage and will be acknowledged in General Plan Amendments.
These indicators represent criteria for upholding basic General Plan principles:
General City -Wide
•Multiple access points,appropriately separated, are required according to projected traffic
generation.
•Changes in General Plan use designation requiring a General Plan Amendment are considered
in relation to available, undeveloped land inventory.
•Perimeter tracts provide pedestrian links, landscaping, traffic separation and, as appropriate,
drainage.
•Lineal open space dedications are expected, particularly along natural drainage -ways.
Residential
•Lower density housing at City periphery provides access points to public trail system.
•New multi -family development is preferred proximate to freeway access and City core infill
sites.
•Developments of 40 acres or greater are required to provide three different density
classifications, lot -size variations and multiple elevations along each street frontage.
•Open space requirements should include pathway, trail linkages.
Commercial
•Location preferred on arterial roadway comers; consistent with existing development pattern;
discourage on collector streets, except with existing commercial zoning; none on residential
streets.
•Joint -use parking is encouraged for Apache Trail infill.
•Planned shopping centers are limited to one freestanding pad per five acres of gross site area.
•Driveway spacing may require shared entry points.
•Businesses adjacent to residences require full architectural treatment on all four sides and
screening.
•Pedestrian amenities, including neighborhood path connections, are expected.
Apache Junction General Plan 62
Employment
•New industrial uses encompassing twenty acres or more, and/or employing more than fifty
persons, should be sited south of Broadway Road; preferably within one half -mile of freeway
access ramps.
•New institutional uses (20 acres+, 50 employees+) sited on arterial streets except elementary
schools within planned neighborhood circulation systems.
•Heavy -industrial uses are preferred to locate south of U.S. 60.
•Outdoor operations and storage are to be screened from freeway or arterial roadway view.
Apache Junction General Plan 63
viw mor Nor v s ,W a 'NW MIP vs,maw low low sur>low y r MP isT tiOP ;110 CIF MP fiSHIV IP IP 41041P11100411000411111
1 1/2 5/97
Initial public workshop was held
at the City's Conference Center.
Over 60 people attended and
participated directly in drafting
the Vision Statement
12/1 1/1
Nov 25, 1997
2/27/98
A booth was set up
at the Lost Dutchman
Days event Five hundred
surveys were passed out,
150 were completed at the
event The results helped
form many of the policies
Included lathe Plan.
4/28/98
Twenty-five interested
citizens spent Tuesday
night reviewing
planning alternatives at
the Senior Center.
8/21/98
The Arizona State
Legislature adopted
"Growing Smarter
legislation, changing
the way communities
prepare long range
plans.Every General
Plan must now address
Open Space, Environ-
mental Planning, Growth
Areas and the Costs
of Development
4/20/99
The Council adopts
Resolution No.99-11
to outline a plan for
citizen participation,
specific to the new
Growing Smarter
elements that are
now required.
1 3/1 4 /1 5/1 8/1 7/1 8/1 9/1 10/1 11/1 12/1 1/1 2/1 3/1 4/1 5/
2/2/98
A public workshop
was held to determine
the community's
preferences for "what
they want to be when
they grow up".The
results are found
In the Goals and
Objectives of the Plan.
Thirty people participated
in the event held at the
Library's Senior Center.
5/27/98
The fourth public
workshop was held
In the Conference
Center.The
participants chose
the preferred
development concepts
for Apache Junction.
workshop was
held to focus
on the timing
and location of new
growth.Approx.
imatiay 30 n3sldents
participated.
6/1
5/21/99
A core group, Including
a representative from
the Planning Commission
met on Saturday to
hear an Introduction
to the new Growing
Smarter requirements
and discuss how
they relate to Apache
Junction.
Public Participation Process
for the Apache Junction
General Plan
V/1
8/3/99
Council public
hearing.
6 /2 3/99
The Planning
Commission
recommended
approval of the
General Plan
after hearing from
two residents
concerned about
density.
9/11/99
6/8 /9 9 An open house
A second Growing was held on
Smarter public Saturday to showcase
the Plan and
accept additional
Input Fifteen
people attended.11/2199
Council adopts
Resolution No. WO, after
much work by the citizens
of Apache Junction.
841 9/1 1f/n 11/1 12/1
Dec 31, 1999
10/5 /9 9
Council
public
hearing
tumuli
The General Plan
was presented at
the Old Town
community picnic
that was held as
a part of a Community
Revitalization Study.
Participants rated the
General Plan's Goals,
Objectives and Best
Practices.
CROSSROADS•
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SOURCE:Development Services Department, City of Apache Junction
May 6, 1998
;7;k
4
4
0
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) — a federal legislation requiring accessibility options
for persons with physical disabilities such as wheelchair ramps, handrails or automated doors.
GLOSSARY
Terms appearing the General Plan which may not be commonly understood are defined for user
convenience.Some words or phrases are specific to the City; other (e.g., "arterial", "buffering",
"urban farm") are more standard planning terms or acronyms (e.g., ADOT).
Examples are given where appropriate for clarification.
Absorption —the process of converting vacant, agricultural or underutilized real estate to
developed land uses with structures and other improvements.The General Plan contains
forecasts for the rate of land absorption to various types of development (such as housing,
commerce, industry, and institutions) as well as areas dedicated for open space and recreational
purposes.
ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) —the State agency responsible for planning,
engineering, improving and maintaining major transportation facilities, particularly highways.
Annexation —the process of municipal expansion by incorporating new land adjacent to the
City.
Arterial— a major City roadway usually a "mile" street, that is located along the one -mile
secuon line gnu.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) — a Federal agency which regulates and leases Federal
land for varied uses such as ranching, timber harvesting or development of recreation features.
Apache Junction is currently leasing lands from the BLM for its Multi -Use Trail.
Buffering --land -planning techniques that are employed to reduce negative impacts, such as
traffic noise, or to improve compatibility with surrounding development for sensitive land uses,
particularly single-family residences.Buffering measures may include separation distances or
setbacks, landscaping, walls,fences, earth berms or a combination of these techniques to protect
property enjoyment and privacy.
OP (Capital Improvement Program) — a prioritized schedule for municipal investments,
frequently covering a period of five years and updated annually to maintain a continuing forecast
for expenditures matched to anticipated resources.
Circulation — encompassing infrastructure related to travel.Pedestrian trails, vehicle routes and
busing all relate to circulation.
Apache Junction General Plan G-1
Collector — a "feeder" roadway that provides access between local arterial streets for efficient
vehicular traffic flow.Generally a "mid -section" or half -mile street in a 1 mile section grid
system.
CPTED ,(Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) — design principles intended to
decrease crime potential such as lighting dark areas and minimizing obstructions to view
corridors.
Crossroads Revitalization Area (CRA) — the area surrounding the intersection of Apache Trail
and Old West Highway designated for revitalization efforts by the City and the Main Street 2020
project.
Density -- the number of dwelling units per acre for residential developments.
Density, Low — 0-1 dwelling unit per acre, with a Target Density of 1 dwelling unit per acre.
Density, Medium — 1-6 dwelling units per acre, with a target Density of 3.5 dwelling units per
acre.
Density, High — 6 dwelling units per acre or more, with a Target Density of 12 dwelling units
per acre.
Density, Target — the "target" within any of the three given ranges of density categories, within
any given square mile of the City each density category is intended to have an overall average or
"target" number of dwelling units per acre.This development tool could allow for cluster type
proposals to allow for more open space, and potential density "trade-offs" between properties
within the same density range.
DES (Department of Economic Security) — Arizona State government agency which provides
multiple economic monitoring functions as well as unemployment services.Used primarily as a
data source for the General Plan economic development analysis.
Development Fees — Fees collected on vacant properties at the time of development to allocate
fair share costs for extending infrastructure systems and municipal services.
Development Plan — a proposed, composite scenario for the City's continuing, orderly growth.
Development opportunities and constraints are depicted, together with major specific plan areas,
to illustrate likely future development patterns. The Development Plan incorporates features that
were considered most desirable by citizens and staff participating in the General Plan process.
Elements — see Plan Elements
Environmental Impact Analysis — an in depth report required on large development projects
exploring possible impacts the proposed project will have on environmental systems such as
wash and riparian areas, wildlife habitat and scenic views.
Apache Junction General Plan G-2
•
Focused Future Strategic Plan for Development — a document adopted by the City presenting
information on opportunity areas and recommendations for bettering Apache Junction in areas
such as Business Development, Senior Living, Tourism and others.The specific intent of the
plan is to organize working "cluster groups" to address such issues.
Growing Smarter Legislation — legislation passes by the State of Arizona in August of 1998,
requiring specific issues to be addressed by all Municipal Plans.In addition to the required
elements of Land Use and Circulation,Open Space,environmental Planning,Costs of
Development and Growth Areas must be given similar evaluation.
116
Hohokam — descendants of early hunter -gatherers and original settlers of agricultural villages in
the Apache Junction area.These pottery -making people populated the vicinity for more than a
thousand years (A.D. 250-1350), after which the culture disappeared.
15
HURF (Highway User Revenue Funds) — Federal funds allotted to municipalities for highway
improvements.
Implementation Strategies — a section of the General Plan document that collects, establishes
15 priorities and suggests order -of -magnitude costs (where available) for recommendations
necessary to achieve the City's development goals. Basic performance targets area addressed for
each of the Plan Elements (see definition). The section arranges action initiatives by short-, mid-
and long-term time frames.
Infill Development —
Infrastructure — facilities and systems necessary to support community development including
roads, bridges, sidewalks, paths, trails, drainage structures or systems, water, wastewater,
electric, gas, telephone, cable, and other utilities.Services provided by these facilities may b
operated solely or jointly by the city or other public agencies, investor -owned utility companies
.11 or private associations. Standards set by the City or other regulatory bodies specify required
type, design capacity and quality of these facilities, which may be installed under the auspices
either of private developers or public bodies.
"Leapfrog" Development — community expansion occurring beyond the current service area of
local utilities, requiring extension of services, such as water, sewer and power.
MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) — an organization of representatives from
Maricopa County Municipalities which pursues goals that extend beyond the jurisdictional
boundaries of individual Cities and Towns.
Main Street Program — a Federal program administered by the State of Arizona intended to
strengthen the relationship between the local municipality and the business community in order
to beautify, build and improve the core business district. This program is active primarily in
non -urbanized areas.
Apache Junction General Plan 0-3
Main Street Vision 2020 - a revitalization plan for the downtown area of Apache Junction.
Master Plan- a comprehensive description, in graphics and text, of the proposed development
of a specific site. A mixture of land use types and development intensities is typically included
in a master planned development.
Parks and Recreation Master Plan - the document which focuses, in depth, on Parks and
Recreation issues within the city of Apache Junction. Goals, Elements and Action Plans are
similarly explored.
Parks, Classification of- see page ???? for definitions of the following classifications Vest
Pocket, Mini parks, Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks, Special Use Parks, and Lineal Park.
Plan Elements - basic subject matter components of the General Plan. Arizona planning
Statutes require every municipal general plan to include a Land Use, Circulation, Open Space,
Environmental Planning, Costs of Development and Growth Areas Element.Other elements
can be added at the desecration of the jurisdiction.
Planning and Zoning Commission - an appointed group of citizens responsible for
recommending approval or disapproval of proposed development projects within the City, to the
Apache Junction City Council.
Sprawl Development - development occurring without a balance of Uses, making long
commutes to employment or retail services necessary. An absence of organization results in
infrastructure and other types of problems.
SRP (Salt River Project) - a quasi -public institution supplying power to most of Maricopa
County and southern Arizona.
State Trust Land - land holdings dedicated by the United States government to the State of
Arizona for the benefit of its educational system. There are extensive State Trust lands in the
City of Apache Junction planning area, ranging in size from a quarter section to several
contiguous sections of land.
Traffic Calming Measures - various techniques for alleviating stress of traffic on certain areas.
Measures might include signage, signalization, traffic humps, traffic, bumps, depressions and
various curb and median designs.
Urban Growth Boundaries or Growth Boundaries - a proposed line describing the outer
limits for economical municipal service extensions in the foreseeable future. Although
exceptions may be considered for master plans with innovative, feasible urban services solutions,
land beyond the growth boundary would best be retained in agriculture, open land use or
residences on lots of an acre or larger.
Apache Junction General Plan G-4
A
Air Quality Control Area ...................................10
Annexation .................................................64, 76
Apache Junction Water Company ..............10, 31
Archaeological .................................................78
Arizona Water Company ............................. 10, 31
Baseline Industrial Park ...................................21
BLM ........................11, 21,45, 48, 51, 53, 55, 62
Bureau of Land Management ..................... 11,44
Capital Improvement Program....... 30, 33, 71, 78
CDBG ..............................................................24
Central Arizona Project ................................... 10
CFP ..........................28, 33, 68, 69, 71, 76, 78, 80
Circulation ................................14, 26, 28, 29, 30
Circulation Goals .............................................26
City-wide Clean-up ..........................................24
Common Practices ...........................................14
Community Development Block Grant ...........24
Community Revitalization Strategy .................24
Compatibility ...................................................43
Cost -Benefit Balance .......................................65
Costs of Development...............65, 67, 68, 69, 71
Costs of Development Goals ...........................65
CRA ...........................................................23,24
Crossroads Revitalization Area.18, 23, 24, 35, 60
CRS ..................................................................24
Density .......................................................22, 23
Development Fees .....................................38, 71
Diversification .................................................20
Downtown Infill...............................................60
Economic Development ..................3, 5, 76, 77
Economic Strength Grants ...............................72
Economies of Scale ..........................................70
Employment ..................................21, 23, 77, 81
Environmental Planning ................51, 52, 53, 55
INDEX
General Plan Amendment ....................79, 80, 81
Goals .................12, 13, 14, 26, 31, 39, 44, 50, 57
Growth Areas 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 72
Growth Areas Goals .........................................57
Health Facilities ...............................................37
History ...............................................................5
Homebuilding ....................................................5
Households ......................................................39
Housing ...................22, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 76, 77
Housing Costs ..................................................40
Hydrology ..........................................................9
Industrial ....................................................20,21
Infill .....................................................22, 60, 65
Lakes ..............................................................5, 9
Land Use Goals ................................................14
Main Street Program ..................................23,24
Maricopa County .....................................3, 5,42
Master Street Plan ............................................30
Multi -use Trail .......................................5, 11, 51
Municipal Service Capacity .............................64
Municipal services ...........................................32
North/East City Edges .....................................62
0
Objectives ......................................12, 13, 14,44
Open Space ...............................20, 44, 45, 48, 50
Open Space Goals ............................................44
Parks .......................44, 45, 48, 50, 76, 77, 78, 79
Parks and Recreation Master Plan .......44, 50, 79
Phoenix .................................5, 11, 26, 29,38, 66
Pinal County ....................................5, 20,26, 38
Planning Area ...........................
Federal Emergency Management Agency .......10 Population Data ...............................................
FEMA ..............................................................10 Preservation
Focused Future .......................................5, 23, 60
3, 6, 9, 11,60, 70
14
..............................15, 51, 53, 76, 78
Prospector Park ....................................21,45, 50
Public .............................................60, 64, 76, 77
Apache Junction General Plan I - 1
Public Participation Process ....................... 14, 65
Public Safety ..............................................31, 37
Public Services ..........................31, 32, 33, 34, 35
Public/Private Partnerships ..............................72
Recreation ......................................44, 48, 50, 79
Redevelopment ....................................23, 72, 76
Rental Housing ................................................41
Revitalization .................................24, 60, 72, 76
Schools .............................................................37
Shared Revenues ..............................................72
Soils ...................................................................6
Southern State Lands .......................................61
State Land3, 11, 16, 21, 48, 53, 60, 61, 62, 71,77
Strategies .......................................12, 13, 22, 80
Target Density .................................................23
Tax Increment Financing .................................72
Traffic ........................................................26,30
U.S. 606,9, 11, 17, 20, 21, 23, 28, 30, 38, 41, 58, 59,
60, 61, 70, 81
U.S. 60 Corridor ............................23, 59, 60, 70
Upper Sonoran Desert ..................................6, 44
Utilities ............................................................37
V
Vision Statement ........................................12, 13
Water Utilities Community Facilities District. 10
Apache Junction General Plan I - 2