HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 05-35RESOLUTION NO.05-35
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
CASE GPA-2-05,A CITY -INITIATED TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE 1999
CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION GENERAL PLAN BY ADDING NEW SUBSECTION
(A)(4)(e),MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY.
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Council,on November 2,1999,adopted
the City of Apache Junction General Plan;and
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Council understand that changes
occasionally need to be made to the General Plan to allow for new and
impending development proposals and opportunities,and to keep current
with land planning concepts and ideas;and
WHEREAS,changes are currently proposed for the City's planning
area mostly south of Baseline Avenue,referred to as the Lost Dutchman
Heights and other lands beyond,to promote comprehensive and cohesive
land use planning and to allow for the creation of a new land use
designation called the "Master Planned Community";and
WHEREAS,guiding language and development criteria are needed to
address development proposals in the new Master Planned Community;and
WHEREAS,numerous public workshops,Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Council work sessions,and Planning and Zoning
Commission public hearings have been held regarding proposed text
amendment GPA-2-05 to allow for maximum public input;and
WHEREAS,the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 22,2005,
recommended approval of the Master Planned Community Text Amendment
(November 2005 version)by a vote of 5 to 0:and
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Council have complied with the
requirements for the preparation and adoption of a General Plan
Amendment pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes Annotated Section
9-461.06:and
RESOLUTION NO.05-35
PAGE 1 OF 3
commercial use is the dominant land use in this area. While connected to the
surrounding neighborhoods via the neighborhood pathway system, these areas
are heavily buffered from the adjoining residential uses as they typically are not
compatible with the neighborhood setting.
Land use plans for all MPC developments shall address the above seven criteria
and reflect the application of the above three scales in the final plan. While the
areas in the Development Plan identify the specific location of Community
Service Centers and Business Parks, the locations shown as Neighborhood
Centers are approximations that may change based on the final determination of
the number of neighborhoods, circulation plans, and other design considerations.
Additional information that will be added to the General Plan includes defining the
map designations below:
Wash Corridors:As shown on the Development Plan are approximations based
upon the City of Apache Junction Small Area Transportation Study (May 2004)
and Federal Emergency management Agency (FEMA) maps, and are not meant
to represent actual wash area boundaries. At the development phase, each wash
corridor shall be evaluated to determine actual constraints upon the site and may
be mitigated accordingly. Accommodation of wash corridors, once defined, shall
be accomplished by providing natural wash corridors that while protecting
adjacent property, enhance the amount of natural open space available, and
provide cohesive habitat for wildlife and native plant species.
A.D.O.T. Corridor Studies:These studies identify approximate locations shown
in current (2005) studies for future possible roadways or state routes in the
Apache Junction area. The final design of the roadways, (whether they will be
limited vs. regular access, number of lanes, or specific routing) is not determined
yet. At the time of development, all MPC designated properties shall consider the
most current information regarding roadway plans available and design
accordingly.
Future Arterial Streets:The street alignments depicted south of Baseline
Avenue are based on the City of Apache Junction Small Area Transportation
Study, which are conceptual at this time. Actual alignments may vary as
development progresses and more information is available.
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Council present the following
findings of fact in support of the approval of Case GPA-1-05:
1)The Text Amendment complements the best alternative
for the future development of the City's planning
area south of Baseline Avenue.
2)The Text Amendment represents sound planning principles,
environmental sensitivity,duly considered public input
and provides for the needs of the current and future
residents of the City.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION,ARIZONA,THAT:
Case GPA-2-05,a City -initiated General Plan Text Amendment
(November 2005 version,attached as Exhibit A)proposing to amend the
1999 City of Apache Junction General Plan,Chapter II.General Plan
Elements,Section A,Land Use Element,by adding Subsection (4)(4)(e)
Master Planned Community.be approved and adopted.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF APACHE
JUNCTION,ARIZONA,THIS 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER ,2005.
SIGNED AND ATTESTED TO THIS 6TH DAY OF _DECEMBER ,2005.
DOUGLAS tOLEMAN
Mayor
ATTEST:
KATHLEEN CONNELLY
City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO.05-35
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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RICHARD JOEL STERN
City Attorney
RESOLUTION NO.05-35
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e.Master Planned Community (MPC)
A Master Planned Community designation establishes planning and development
control parameters tailored to the opportunities and constraints of the identified
areas to enable greater flexibility to accommodate creative, innovative, and
sustainable approaches to the design and development of a property. The City of
Apache Junction General Plan applies this designation to lands located south of
US60, primarily between Baseline Avenue and Ray Avenue on the north and
south, respectively; and between Meridian Drive and the southeast bound leg of
US60 on the west and east, respectively as shown on the Development Plan
Map. A Master Planned Community designation allows for coordinated growth of
a large area in a cohesive manner. MPC permits the application of overall density
figures to larger areas, providing the opportunity for more and less intensive
densities and land uses throughout the development area as appropriate.
The primary elements of a MPC are a series of neighborhoods, neighborhood
centers, community service centers and other land uses integrated through the
connectivity of natural open space systems, pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian, and
motorized transportation facilities.
A MPC will contain a mixture of land uses, densities, and intensities built at
appropriate scales creating distinctive development that responds to and
connects at the neighborhood, community, and regional levels. The development
vision for MPC lands include the following seven criteria that must be met:
a.Open Spaces:An overall system of preserved natural features, serving
both as usable open space and reserved natural spaces
b.Circulation:Comprehensive mixed land uses utilizing both motorized and
non -motorized circulation.
c.Environmentally Sensitive Development:Sensitive site planning for each
parcel that relates to and responds to the existing natural conditions.
d.Architecture:Overall design of all major structures that create a
connection to places and strong neighborhood identities and a sense of
place.
e.Roadway Design:Provision of streets that are designed to satisfy
engineering criteria and promote safety, as well as complement and utilize
the natural land forms, washes and environmental opportunities.
f.Housing:A wide variety of housing types, sizes, designs and densities (an
average of 6-8 dwelling units per acre) that are appropriate in an urban
environment.
g.Urban Design:Coordination of all urban design elements, including but not
limited to public spaces, lighting, landscaping, walls, fences, signs, paving
materials and building materials for each development unit.
In addition to these criteria the City will refer to the Public Facilities Element for
guidance as to how the necessary public facilities will be addressed.
The vision of a MPC is to create communities that strengthen the City identity
while building on the past to create a place that will be valued in the future. The
MPC is based on three scales of development that provide uniquely different
opportunities and experiences for residents as well as visitors:
Neighborhoods:The sub -areas defined by
natural and constructed features with clearly
perceptible edges. Neighborhoods contain only
residential uses and are well connected with other
neighborhoods. Circulation is focused on non-
motorized methods between neighborhoods and the
neighborhood center and focuses on motorized
methods of transportation for trips beyond the
neighborhood area into the larger community. Primary
internal roadways focus on the neighborhood
entrance points (at arterials and collector streets) and
the Neighborhood Centers to provide easy circulation.
Ig i "t;i.;;TE:A-other mixed -uses that have a primary focus on
servicing the immediate neighborhood area. While
secondary to commercial uses, more intensive
residential development, such as multi -story, multi-
family living spaces, as well as live/work
opportunities will be emphasized.The neighborhood pathway systems all lead to
the center, with intensity of land uses increasing
dramatically at the center, particularly within 1000 feet KA0.0.Aereitan,
of the center point.
Neighborhood Centers:This is the primary node for one neighborhood (or
more, if appropriate), typically located in the center of an area bounded by
primary arterial streets or by identified neighborhood edges, ideally no further
than one-half mile from any neighborhood edge toC.,pleiblipc010Uvv a t - ....IbUIC d VVdIRdIJICUI LdIILid 110111 dll FAH LICH lb 0 1 LII
surrounding neighborhood. Centers are of varying
scale, responsive to the unique needs of each
neighborhood, designed to provide an area of
intensity within the larger neighborhood context.
Land uses in these centers are usually smaller
scale enterprises, including neighborhood
servicing retail, offices, educational/civic uses, and
Community Service Centers:These areas are
identified as the large commercial and business park
opportunity areas which are typically located at the
intersection of major arterial roadways. Larger stores,
office park development, or other intensive
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