Scottsdale is proposing a way to make it easier to build mixed-use developments that combine residential and commercial uses.
Nearly a year ago, the city started researching ways to amend its decades-old zoning regulations and create a planned unit development ordinance to achieve these goals.
“The idea is that it provides the flexibility you need to get multiple uses on a site,” said Frank Gray, Scottsdale planning general manager.
Next week, some of the city’s findings will be presented at two public meetings, where residents and interested parties can also provide feedback.
Gray said Scottsdale’s zoning ordinances are based on a 1929 federal act that encouraged the segregation of different uses rather than integrating them. These proposed changes would allow the city to incorporate the different uses and would help in the development of infill parcels.
Scottsdale has not determined in what parts of town these new standards would be used.
One option, according to a memo from advance planning director John Lusardi to the Planning Commission, is creation of a pedestrian transitoriented development model district for street corridors.
The city is currently updating its master transportation plan, which will include the option of approving light rail, streetcar or bus rapid transit along Scottsdale Road. Gray said the city is looking at all transit corridors with frequent bus use, and the zoning proposal is not tied to the possibility of light rail.
Planning district open houses
July 11
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Water Campus 8787 E. Hualapai Drive
July 12
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Granite Reef Senior Center 1700 N. Granite Reef Road
Brian Powell, Tribune
