9.A.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 09/15/2026
- From:
- Tiffany Antol, Zoning Code Manager
TITLE:
Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-46 and Ordinance No. 2026-20: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona, declaring as a public record that certain document filed with the City Clerk, entitled "PZ-25-00200 - Planned Community (PC) Zone" and an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona, amending the Flagstaff City Code, Title 10, Flagstaff Zoning Code.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
At the September 15, 2026, Council Meeting:
1) Read Resolution No. 2026-46 by title only
2) City Clerk reads Resolution No. 2026-46 by title only (if approved above)
3) Read Ordinance No. 2026-20 by title only for the first time
4) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2026-20 by title only (if approved above)
At the October 6, 2026 Council Meeting:
5) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-46
6) Read Ordinance No. 2026-20 by title only for the final time
7) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2026-20 by title only (if approved above)
8) Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-20
Executive Summary:
City’s request for a Zoning Code Text Amendment to modify Zoning Code provisions in Chapter 10-40: Specific to Zones, Division 10-40.20: Establishment and Designation of Zones, Division 10-40.30: Non-Transect Zones to add Section 10-40.30.070: Planned Community Zone. The Planned Community (PC) zone is an alternative zoning district and development process to accommodate master-planned developments that allow flexibility not otherwise possible with other zoning districts and allow for adjustments to changing community and market conditions.
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of this text amendment by a vote of 5-0 at their August 12, 2026 public hearing.
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of this text amendment by a vote of 5-0 at their August 12, 2026 public hearing.
Financial Impact:
There are no anticipated financial impacts affiliate with the proposed Zoning Code Text Amendment.
Policy Impact:
There are no anticipated policy impacts affiliated with the proposed Zoning Code Text Amendment.
Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:
There has not been a previous City Council decition on this ordinance.
Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:
The City Council may adopt, modify, or deny the proposed amendment.
Background and History:
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to add Section 10-40.30.070: Planned Community Zone standards. The PC zoning district is intended to encourage creative and efficient design; integrated land uses; preservation of natural resources; integration of Common Space areas; multimodal connectivity; and the orderly provision of infrastructure and services. The district is intended to implement the general plan, related specific plans, and the City’s housing and sustainability goals. The PC zoning district accommodates developments that may include a full mix of land uses including residential, commercial, industrial, civic, and common space. The amendment includes the following changes to the Zoning Code:
A. Finding #1: The proposed amendment is consistent with and conforms to the objectives and policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.
B. Finding #2: The proposed amendment will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.
The amendment provisions are not anticipated to be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City. The proposed Planned Community Zone may only be utilized by a development project through a rezoning of land. The PC zone will not be assigned to any land within the City of Flagstaff and each application will need to be reviewed and evaluated on the required findings for a Zoning Map Amendment. The intention of the amendment is to create a flexible, streamlined development review for master planned developments.
C. Finding #3: The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.
The amendments are internally consistent, utilize the existing format, and do not conflict with other Zoning Code provisions. The amendments maintain the Zoning Code’s purpose as a comprehensive contemporary set of land uses and requirements that are straightforward, usable, and easily understood.
- Chapter 10-40: Specific to Zones, Division 10-40.20: Establishment and Designation of Zones, Table 10-40.20.020.A Zones – is amended to correct the name of the Public and Open Space Zones and add a new category of zones called Special Use Zones including the Planned Community zone.
- Chapter 10-40: Specific to Zones, Division 10-40.30: Non-Transect Zones – is amended to standards for the new Planned Community (PC) zone including the following:
-
- Applicability
- The PC zone may be established on any lot or parcel regardless of size under unified ownership or control with a Planned Community Master Plan (PCMP).
- Land uses not listed as a permitted use in the Zoning Code may be considered as part of the PC zone.
- All development within a PC zone shall conform to the review process set out in City Code including Title 10 Flagstaff Zoning Code, Title 11 General Plans and Subdivisions, and Title 13 Engineering Design Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure.
- PCMP Requirements
- Land Use Plan
- Building Form and Property Development Standards
- Common Spaces and Amenities Plan
- Master Streets Plan
- Infrastructure Plan
- Phasing Plan
- A Zoning Map Amendment is required to establish the PC zone.
- Amendments
- Minor amendments may be approved administratively by the Planning Director. Minor amendments include anything not considered a major amendment.
- Major amendments include the following:
- The addition of land uses
- A ten percent or more increase or decrease in the square footage of nonresidential uses or the number of residential units that may be developed
- An increase in building height
- Increases in development intensity that requires additional impact analysis and exceed the approved infrastructure plans for the development
- Any amendment, as determined by the Planning Director, that changes the character of the proposed development or has additional significant external impacts on adjacent properties
- The PCMP may establish unique development standards for the development.
- 20% of the gross land area is required to be provided as Common Space with both conservation and recreational spaces required.
- A multi-use path/trail is required to connect all land uses areas and common spaces as well as adjacent properties.
- Applicability
A. Finding #1: The proposed amendment is consistent with and conforms to the objectives and policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan.
Core Priority Supporting Policies
HA.2 Expand access to homeownership through the development of a variety of housing types, providing resources and programs to support homebuyers; and reducing barriers to homeownership opportunities.
HA.4 Further the development and rehabilitation of affordable and accessible rental opportunities for residents at all income levels.
NE.2 Include a range of housing options for all income levels in neighborhoods.
GM.1 Promote medium-to-high density residential developments and mixed-use developments within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to resist urban sprawl.
MT.2a Improve the network connectivity and accessibility to surrounding and supporting local roads, collectors, ad arterials to achieve lower Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and improve the pedestrian, bike, and transit network.
MT.4 Reduce the demand for driving and vehicle dependency which will, in turn, reduce the cost of the transportation system, increase transportation equity, and achieve carbon neutrality.
MT.5 Increase the accessibility, connectivity, and use of pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, including the Flagstaff Urban Trail System and other trail systems, as a critical element of a safe and livable community and to promote transit access.
Complementary Priority Supporting Policies
DP.1 Promote compact and pedestrian-oriented design appropriate to, and within the context of, each land use category: Urban, Suburban, and Rural.
DP.2 Support development and redevelopment with a diversity of housing types by expanding opportunities for missing middle housing.
DP.5 Support the incorporation of nature-based infrastructure solutions in new development, parks, and open space to enhance climate resilience, manage stormwater, promote land-use efficiency, and reduce impacts to significant natural resources.
DP.7 Create and enhance the sense of place in walkable mixed-use communities and public spaces.
TS.3a Provide and maintain Complete Streets and systems with functional, comfortable, and safe sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and transit stops, that provide accommodation for all users, even in temporary or interim conditions.
TS.7 Design trail systems to provide safe and comfortable connections between trails that emphasize the natural setting and Landscapes and those that provide comfortable low carbon transportation within Neighborhoods, Districts, and Centers.
PROS.1 Provide parks and complementary open spaces within a 10-minute walk of all residents, prioritizing underserved areas of the Region, to support livable, sustainable compact development and climate resilience.
PROS.3 Create and maintain opportunities for access to recreation and community centers through adaptive reuse of appropriate buildings, partnerships with non-profit organizations and neighborhoods, and new construction identified in master plans.
PROS.4 Support and incentivize public access points and trail hubs for passive and active recreation and events through interagency coordination and local trail partnerships.
RS.5 Incorporate the protection, conservation, and restoration of significant natural resources in the development of regulations and property acquisition.
Action Item:
Develop a Planned Area Development zoning district that allows for a greater mix of land uses to support a variety of housing types and economic development.
HA.2 Expand access to homeownership through the development of a variety of housing types, providing resources and programs to support homebuyers; and reducing barriers to homeownership opportunities.
HA.4 Further the development and rehabilitation of affordable and accessible rental opportunities for residents at all income levels.
NE.2 Include a range of housing options for all income levels in neighborhoods.
GM.1 Promote medium-to-high density residential developments and mixed-use developments within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) to resist urban sprawl.
MT.2a Improve the network connectivity and accessibility to surrounding and supporting local roads, collectors, ad arterials to achieve lower Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and improve the pedestrian, bike, and transit network.
MT.4 Reduce the demand for driving and vehicle dependency which will, in turn, reduce the cost of the transportation system, increase transportation equity, and achieve carbon neutrality.
MT.5 Increase the accessibility, connectivity, and use of pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, including the Flagstaff Urban Trail System and other trail systems, as a critical element of a safe and livable community and to promote transit access.
Complementary Priority Supporting Policies
DP.1 Promote compact and pedestrian-oriented design appropriate to, and within the context of, each land use category: Urban, Suburban, and Rural.
DP.2 Support development and redevelopment with a diversity of housing types by expanding opportunities for missing middle housing.
DP.5 Support the incorporation of nature-based infrastructure solutions in new development, parks, and open space to enhance climate resilience, manage stormwater, promote land-use efficiency, and reduce impacts to significant natural resources.
DP.7 Create and enhance the sense of place in walkable mixed-use communities and public spaces.
TS.3a Provide and maintain Complete Streets and systems with functional, comfortable, and safe sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and transit stops, that provide accommodation for all users, even in temporary or interim conditions.
TS.7 Design trail systems to provide safe and comfortable connections between trails that emphasize the natural setting and Landscapes and those that provide comfortable low carbon transportation within Neighborhoods, Districts, and Centers.
PROS.1 Provide parks and complementary open spaces within a 10-minute walk of all residents, prioritizing underserved areas of the Region, to support livable, sustainable compact development and climate resilience.
PROS.3 Create and maintain opportunities for access to recreation and community centers through adaptive reuse of appropriate buildings, partnerships with non-profit organizations and neighborhoods, and new construction identified in master plans.
PROS.4 Support and incentivize public access points and trail hubs for passive and active recreation and events through interagency coordination and local trail partnerships.
RS.5 Incorporate the protection, conservation, and restoration of significant natural resources in the development of regulations and property acquisition.
Action Item:
Develop a Planned Area Development zoning district that allows for a greater mix of land uses to support a variety of housing types and economic development.
B. Finding #2: The proposed amendment will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.
The amendment provisions are not anticipated to be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City. The proposed Planned Community Zone may only be utilized by a development project through a rezoning of land. The PC zone will not be assigned to any land within the City of Flagstaff and each application will need to be reviewed and evaluated on the required findings for a Zoning Map Amendment. The intention of the amendment is to create a flexible, streamlined development review for master planned developments.
C. Finding #3: The proposed amendment is internally consistent with other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.
The amendments are internally consistent, utilize the existing format, and do not conflict with other Zoning Code provisions. The amendments maintain the Zoning Code’s purpose as a comprehensive contemporary set of land uses and requirements that are straightforward, usable, and easily understood.
Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:
Achieve a well-maintained community thrugh comprehensive & equitable code compliance, & development is compatible with community values.
Connection to Regional Plan:
See Background and History section.
Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:
This amendment has no connection to the Carbon Neutrality Plan.
Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:
This amendment has not direct connection to the 10-Year Housing Plan.
Attachments
- Presentation
- Res. 2026-46
- Exhibit A PZ-25-00200 PC Zone
- Ord. 2026-20
- PZ-25-00200 PC Zone Housing Statement