Support of Foothills Overlay is Critical 

The support of residents of Scottsdale's Desert Foothills Character area of the Foothills is absolutely critical if the ambiance of the area is to preserved.  This may be the last chance to enact many of the protections that so many residents have been fighting for, for a long, long time.

Today, the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive cuts through the center of the City of Scottsdale’s Desert Foothills Character area, coving an area of approximately 10 square miles (see map below). When residents created the Scenic Drive almost 40 years ago they didn’t want to stop development, they sought to establish scenic setbacks, protect roadside plants, scenic vistas; i.e. protect rural character. Theirs’ was the first of countless group and individual  battles that residents have fought  against tall buildings, high walls, abusive lighting and all the things that over time diminish and eventually will destroy the rural character of the foothills area.  Over all the years, residents of the Desert Foothills Character area have also contributed countless hours to planning sessions and put forth creative thoughts and research for protecting what is left of “what makes Scottsdale great” while  permitting development to continue at the same time.  

Below is  information about the Foothills Overlay including the names of residents who can answer your questions. 

Background of Foothills Overlay 

Document mailed to all property owners in the Desert Foothills Character Area 

by the 

City of Scottsdale 

Upcoming Public Meetings  Comparison of Overlay to Existing Zoning

On December 10, 2002 the Scottsdale City Council started the process of placing the Foothills Overlay on properties in the Desert Foothills area. The Desert Foothills covers approximately 10 square miles, and is shown on the following map. This mailer is designed to give residents and property owners in the area some basic facts, and to let you know how to get more information. 

Q. What is the purpose of the Foothills Overlay?

A. Over the past few years, residents of the Desert Foothills area have met with city planners to find ways to protect the unique rural character of this area. The Desert Foothills Character Plan, which was approved by the City Council in July of 1999, resulted from this effort. One of the options for achieving the goals in the Desert Foothills Plan is to use a zoning overlay. 

Q. What is an overlay?

A. An overlay is an addition to the existing residential zoning that you already have on your properties. The Foothills Overlay will use new zoning standards to protect the rural character of the area. The Foothills Overlay was created by the City Council in February 2001, but has yet to be placed on any properties in the City. It is important to note that the overlay will not impact existing buildings and development. 

Q. What will the Foothills Overlay accomplish?

A. The major features of the Foothills Overlay are:

Limiting Building Heights - generally to heights that just above the desert trees, while still allowing for some two story buildings and covered arenas.

Limiting Walled-in Areas (only applicable to wall, not corral fences) - so that there is more openness across properties and so that the area doesn't end up with a wall-to-wall development pattern more common to suburban neighborhoods.

Limiting the Size, Amount and Extent of Accessory Buildings - accessory buildings are structures on residential lots that are in addition to the house. The Foothills Overlay helps to assure that the size of these accessory buildings is in keeping with the residential buildings in the area, and creates more space between homes and accessory buildings.

The proposed overlay would also include a special review process that would allow the Development Review Board (DRB) or the City Council to approve adjustments to these standards where there are significant existing improvements on a parcel at the time the ordinance is applied or there are major natural features that affect the ability to use a property given these standards. On the reverse side of this letter is a chart that identifies the current zoning and the changes that would occur with the application of the overlay.

Q. What are the specific standards contained in the overlay?

A. To see the specific standards in the Foothills Overlay, refer to the chart attached to this flyer.

Q. Where can I get a copy of the Foothills Overlay?

A. The text of the Foothills Overlay is available on the City's Web site at 
http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/project/ProjectsInNews/Foothills Overlay/Default.asp  or by calling (480) 312-7000.

Q. How can I learn more?

A. Several of your neighbors who were integrally involved in the creation of the overlay have agreed to serve as contacts for this project. Their names and contact information are provided below.

Tony Nelssen, (480) 585-3840, redbirdranch@earthlink.net
John Aleo, (480) 502-9500, jsaleo@msn.com
Jim Heitel, (480) 563-5924, jheitel@mindspring.com
Howard Myers, (480) 473-0109, howard_myers@sensor-tech.com
Les Conklin, lesconklin@scenicdrive.org 
Sonny & Kay Goldsmith, (480) 515-2375, gcactus@aol.com

Upcoming Public Meetings

Information will also be provided at three meetings:

Jan. 14, 2003 - Coalition of Pinnacle Peak Member Meeting, Legend Trails Community Center, (North of Pima past Lone Mountain Road to Legend Trail Parkway, Right on Legend Trail Parkway 1.5 miles to the Community Center on the right), 7 p.m. There will be a brief overview (10 minutes or less) on each of the following topics, then time for Q&A.

• Tonto Foothills 
• Foothills Overlay
• ESLO
• Trails Master Plan
• Streets Master Plan
• LAMPS
• Scenic Corridors
• Sign Ordinance
• Wireless Ordinance

Jan 15, 2003 - Community Open House, La Mirada Desert Center, 8950 E. Pinnacle Peak Road. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Jan 22, 2003 - Community Open House, 1st floor One Civic Center, 7447 E. Indian School Road. There will be information stations covering each of the topics listed above.

You can also contact Principal Planner Jerry Stabley, who is the city's contact person on this project. He can be reached at (480) 312-7872 or be e-mail at jstabley@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.   

Comparison of the Foothills Overlay with Existing Zoning in the Desert Foothills Area

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