Facts About Character Area Planning

Posted By Les Conklin on Jul 30, 2015

Prologue

In 1999, the City of Scottsdale was in the process of establishing “character areas.” Many of us were involved in that process. The April 1999 issue of The Peak, which included the excellent introduction to the City of Scottsdale General Plan, also included the article below, written by Randy Grant, then a City of Scottsdale Senior Community Planner. The areas were established and changes have been made since 1999, but this easy-to-read article is a very good starting point for those interested in the future of their area. I’ve made few editorial changes, limiting the changes to pointing the reader to current city information. Editor

Facts About Character Area Planning

Character areas are portions of the city that have achieved or will achieve a unique, recognizable character that is different from neighboring areas. The character areas have been identified through a number of factors such as: topography, age and style of housing, street patterns, landscaping, land use patterns and dominant unifying open spaces. A total of 25 different character areas have been established throughout the city that range from undeveloped to almost fully developed, open, low density to urban, and mostly residential to mostly business.

What are character-area studies and plans being done?

The citizen-driven CityShape 2020 process recommended the creation of a character-area planning process as a way to recognize the physical diversity of our community and enhance public participation in long-range planning.

How are character areas selected for study?

City staff selects potential study areas each year. Those areas are reviewed with the Planning Commission and City Council for further consideration. Selected areas are based upon a number of factors such as volume of new development; impact on external factors, such as freeways or other major development in adjacent cities; levels of citizen involvement; changes within an area; and length of time since the area was last studied.

What is included in a character-area plan?

A comprehensive set of policies, guidelines, and recommendations for subjects such as land use, transportation, public utilities, landscaping, architecture, and drainage, plus implementation strategies, are included in a character-area plan.

What will not be included in a character-area plan? The following will not be included in a character-area plan: zoning for specific parcels, binding rules and regulations; and guarantees and/or assurances that are not otherwise provided for in regulation and processes included in the city code. How are character-area plans typically prepared? Character-area plans will usually include five major steps:

1. Background Research -collection of a wide range of information and existing plans for the area such as environmental, land uses, ownerships, etc.
2. Issues and goals identification -confirmation of concerns, desires and perceptions of those who live, own property, do business or work in the area.
3. Alternative plans -explore and assess various ways to achieve the desired goals.
4. Final recommendations -presentation of final recommen­dations via a formal public hearing process.
5. Implementation -carrying out the final recommendations of the plan. Who prepares the character-area plan? Several different groups will be involved in the character area planning process. The

Planning Commission will provide ongoing direction. The Community Planning division will act as project leader with assistance from other city departments. And, citizens, residents, property owners, businessmen and other interested parties will play a pivotal role in the focus and basic direction of the plan.

PNorthbound Scenic Drive Entry Sign located just north of Happy Valley Road on the east side of Scottsdale Road.

What are the expected results of a character-area plan?

A number of “direct results” are expected such as community-wide awareness of the character of an area; specific strategies to implement the goals; and a strong basis for decision making on matters affecting the area. Several “indirect results” are also anticipated, such as increased dialogue and networking; and private initiatives undertaken to reach a higher quality of environment and lifestyle for the area as discovered via the planning process.

How is this character-area planning program different from prior planning in Scottsdale?

There are two primary differences between character-area planning and prior planning practices in Scottsdale. First, char­acter-area plans will have a strong focus on the physical character of an area will include specific implementations measures. Second, character-area planning will be ongoing. These plans will be revised as external conditions change, and new needs and/or opportunities to update or amend the character area arise.

How can I get more information about character-area planning?

For additional information, contact City of Scottsdale Long Range Planning at 480-312-7225.

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