Public Hearing, Consideration and Possible Adoption of Resolution No. 2016-11:  A resolution amending the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 to change the area type designation on Maps 21 and 22 from Future Suburban area type to Park/Open Space area type for approximately 5.31 acres located off Highland Avenue. (Highland Avenue Minor Regional Plan Amendment)

A minor Regional Plan amendment request to change the area type designation on Maps 21 and 22 from Existing Suburban to Park/Open Space for approximately 5.31 acres located off Highland Avenue.

None

COUNCIL GOALS:
1) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
2) Continue to implement the Flagstaff Regional Plan and focus efforts on specific plans
 

REGIONAL PLAN:
Goal REC.1. Maintain and grow the region’s healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails.
Goal NH.1. Foster and maintain healthy and diverse urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods in the Flagstaff region.

None

Options and Alternatives:
1) Approve the resolution as proposed
2) Approve the resolution with conditions
3) Deny the resolution

The applicant, City of Flagstaff Recreation Department, is requesting a minor Plan amendment to ensure conformance with a proposed Zoning Map amendment to designate city owned property with Public Facility (PF) zoning. The change in area type from Existing Suburban to Park/Open Space will affect approximately 5.31 acres of land depicted on the Future Growth Illustration (Maps 21 and 22). The amendment table on page III-9 of the Plan states that a minor Plan amendment is appropriate for the designation of any land for open space. In this instance, the Public Facility (PF) zoning category is considered a Park/Open Space land use category given the development and use restrictions of that zone. Most public parks in the city are also zoned Public Facility (PF). Formalizing the Parks/Open Space area type over the subject site will formerly designate the intended land use of the subject property, and will enact the deed restrictions placed on both parcels.
 
The subject property is located off Highland Avenue in the Woodlands Village Unit 3 subdivision. Details about future park facilities and other improvements to the site will be determined by the Parks Department.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall find that the proposed Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 (FRP30 or the Plan) amendment meets the requirements of the General Plan and Subdivision Code (City Code Title 11). In considering the request for an amendment to the Plan, the goals and policies in the Plan should be considered to ensure that the requested change to the Future Growth Illustration is in conformance to the overall vision of the Plan. “The Flagstaff Regional Plan establishes the vision for the future growth and development of Flagstaff and its surrounding area through goals and policies” (p. III-4). “General plans are not static documents; they recognize growth as a dynamic process, which may require revisions to the plan as circumstances or changes warrant” (p. III-1).
 
As discussed in the “How This Plan Works” chapter (page III-4), the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 is used in the regulatory decision-making process by the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council and city staff.  The Commission and the Council are responsible for making development decisions such as zoning map amendments or annexations, approval which depends on whether the proposed changes or projects are consistent with the Plan’s goals and policies. The Future Growth Illustration on Maps 21 (regional scale) and 22 (city scale) and the text of the Plan will provide supplemental information for the interpretation of goals and policies. In case of any conflict between the Future Growth Illustration and the Plan’s goals and policies, the goals and policies will prevail. The Future Growth Illustration displays broad land use categories, called “area types,” which describe the placemaking context of Urban, Suburban, Rural, Special Planning Area, Park/Open Space, or in some cases, Area in White. Areas in White retain existing entitlements and have no other assigned area type. In most cases, these parcels are public lands held by the Forest Service or city.

None

Community benefits and considerations related to this minor Regional Plan amendment request are addressed in the attached Planning and Zoning Commission staff report dated February 19, 2016.

Public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council are conducted in conjunction with the Zoning Map amendment request.  In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute and Section 10-20.30.080 (p. 20.30-9) of the Zoning Code, notice of the public hearings was provided by placing an ad in the Daily Sun, posting notices on the property, and mailing a notice to all property owners within 600 feet of the subject property.  The mailing asked residents and property owners to attend the October 19, 2015 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting as a venue for discussion.  The Commission did not meet quorum for their advertised meeting, but a public meeting for the rezoning was still held with the applicant and other city staff present.  No members of the public attended this meeting and there were no email inquiries about this plan amendment.

None