Why We Have Zoning and a General Plan

Posted By Les Conklin on Jul 19, 2015

Courtesy of the City of Scottsdale
As published in A Peek at the Peak magazine, March 1999 issue

Zoning, the legal classification ofproperty into certain land uses dates back to 1916 when New York City’s zoning ordinance segregated residential areas from more intense commercial and industrial uses for the health and well being of citizens. Currently, zoning and land use law addresses conflicts between private property rights and the rights of ownership, and government’s efforts to create a functional, safe and beautiful community. We all know that private property ownership is part of the American dream. But, private property ownership does not give an owner unfettered rights to develop their land. Private property rights are at the heart of issues concerning the development of Scottsdale. To better understand how Scottsdale has dealt with these issues, you need to understand the city’s history.

Prior to becoming acity in 1941, Scottsdale’s land was part of Maricopa County and much of it was zoned for residential uses. Why? At that time, Scottsdale was seen as a suburb of Phoenix, with much of the commercial activity of the Valley occurring in Phoenix’s downtown.

In the mid ’60s, the city began what would become a tradition in Scottsdale, a citizen-wide dialogue about the future form ofthe community. Dubbed the Scottsdale Town Enrichment Program, these gatherings led to the adoption ofthe city’s comprehensive general plan in 1967. The general plan now required by all Arizona communities, guides the future development of the community through policies and vision as defined by citizens. Because Scottsdale is always growing and changing, the vision for the general plan has been revisited over the years to ensure we’re on the right track. In the early’90s, the community participated in the Visioning process that defined key themes for the community to ensure its health and vitality. In the mid ’90s, the citizens dissected the general plan via City Shape 2020 and called for a three-tiered approach to long-range planning that requires the city to view its future from a citywide, character-area and neighborhood perspective.
An owners’ development of land must reflect acceptable uses prescribed by the City of Scottsdale General Plan and the city’s zoning ordinance. Otherwise, whether a general plan amendment or a rezoning request, or both as appropriate, must be initiated by the developer, and approved by a vote of the city council prior to a development of the property.