Public Hearing, Consideration and Possible Adoption of Resolution No. 2016-12:  A resolution amending the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 to change the area type designation on Maps 21 and 22 from Area in White area type and State Land to Parks/Open Space area type for approximately 2253.20 acres located on Observatory Mesa. (Observatory Mesa Minor Regional Plan Amendment)

1) Hold the Public Hearing
2) Read resolution No. 2016-12 by title only
3) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2016-12 by title only (if approved above)
4) Adopt Resolution No. 2016-12

A minor Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 amendment request to change the area type designation on Map 21 and 22 from Area in White and State Land to Parks/Open Space for approximately 2253.20 acres.

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 E&C.6. Protect, restore and improve ecosystem health and maintain native plant and animal community Goal E&C.7. Give special consideration to environmentally sensitive lands in the development design and review process.diversity across all land ownerships in the Flagstaff region.
Goal OS.1. The region has a system of open lands, such as undeveloped natural areas, wildlife corridors and habitat areas, trails, access to public lands, and greenways to support the natural environment that sustains our quality of life, cultural heritage, and ecosystem health.
Goal CC.1. Reflect and respect the region’s natural setting and dramatic views in the built environment.
Goal REC.1. Maintain and grow the region’s healthy system of convenient and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and trails.

None

1) Approve the resolution as proposed
2) Approve the resolution with conditions
3) Deny the resolution

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Program, (the “Applicant”) on behalf of the property owner, The City of Flagstaff, is requesting a minor Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030 (FRP 2030) amendment to ensure conformance with a proposed Zoning Map Amendment to Public Open Space (POS) zoning. The Zoning Map Amendment includes a total of 2253.20 acres. The proposed amendment to the FRP 2030 will affect approximately 2253.20 acres of land depicted on the Future Growth Illustration (Maps 21 and 22).

A Regional Plan Amendment is required for expanding or changing the boundaries of one area type to another area type. The table describing the “Proposed Regional Plan Amendment Processes” is silent on how to process a plan amendment for some area types including Area in White. The Comprehensive Planning Manager has made an interpretation that if the change being requested for an area type is not shown on the table on page III-9, then the amendment will be considered a minor amendment unless it falls into the defined major amendment category.

The subject property is known as Observatory Mesa and was purchased by the City of Flagstaff from the Arizona State Land Department in November 2013 with funding from the 2004 voter approved Open Space bond. The property was purchased for the express purpose of preserving its unique recreational, educational, and natural resources.
 

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 specific plan amendments, 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 and 22 (same map; one is regional scale and one 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 has two types of land use designations: “Area Types” describe the placemaking context of Urban, Suburban, Rural, or Employment and “Place Types” such as activity centers, corridors and neighborhoods provide the framework for the density, intensities, and mix of uses within the area types. This application proposes to change the area type of “Areas in white retain their existing entitlements” but not the place type for this project. “Areas in white retain their existing entitlements” is used to describe areas that have not been assigned an area type. In most cases, these parcels are public lands held by the Forest Service or City. The Comprehensive Planning Manager has made the interpretation that the surrounding area types on Maps 21 and 22 should be taken into account for consistency. In cases where a parcel is adjacent to more than one area type, either could be extended to the property. With this request the existing “Area in White” will, if approved, be assigned the Parks/Open Space area type.

Community benefits and considerations related to this minor Regional Plan amendment request are addressed in the attached Planning & Zoning Commission staff report dated February 12, 2016.

Inform, Consult, Involve, Collaborate, Empower
 
Public hearings before the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council are conducted in conjunction with the Annexation, Regional Plan, and Zoning Map Amendment requests. 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 were 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 property (exceeding the 300-foot requirement).

All property owners within 600-feet of this site were notified via mail of the zoning map amendment, annexation, and regional plan amendment and asked to attend the Open Space Commission meeting on October 22, 2015.