Scenic Corridor Recommendations: Draft 10/5/98
Recommendations re: General Issues
Designation Implementation Restoration Evaluation
Issue: Designation
Current Policies: GP maps of scenic corridors and buffered parkways
Recommendations:
Examine applying scenic corridor concepts to additional streets where it is possible and there are still opportunities to retain or restore the desert. Start by evaluating the possibilities for including major collectors or higher classification streets, and areas of special character for designation.
If new streets are designated, the priority for funding City improvements should be the existing designated scenic corridors.
Rationale. The designation of scenic corridors has had positive impacts on several streets and the concept could be applied to additional streets with beneficial results. Developments also have to meet the Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) requirements within the Environmentally Sensitive Lands zoning overlay and this requirement could be met with landscape setbacks for the scenic corridor. Also the Dynamite Character Area Study proposed setbacks along 128th Street which is a minor collector.
Issue: Implementation
Current Policies: Scenic Corridors & Buffered Parkways identified in General Plan. Community Planning is preparing a policy booklet.
Recommendations:
Place recommended policies into an enforceable document and establish an accountable process.
Keep recommendation together so they are easily accessible.
Identify one staff as point of contact.
Amend General Plan as needed.
Complete landscaping section of "Design Standards and Policy Manual".
Coordinators begin stipulating according to recommendations as soon as possible.
Prepare specific design standards for Scottsdale Road and other corridors.
Develop City improvement projects. Funding will be needed for land acquisition, preparing design guidelines, medians, eliminating gaps in trails or paths, and staffing.
Integrate scenic drives into the trails plan and system.
Rationale. Designating scenic corridors in the General Plan, but not establishing standards in ordinances or some other enforceable document, has made it more difficult for staff to implement the concept when reviewing applications. The objective of the above recommendations is to be sure that staff and applicants have a clear and consistent approach to implementation based upon clear descriptions and illustrations of what is required. It is also recognized that the concept can not be fully realized through private development. Public funding and projects will be required to complete each corridor, including the preparation of design standards.
Issue: Restoration
Current Policies: No City sponsored revegetation projects are currently budgeted.
Recommendations:
If grandfathered uses change, require new development to restore the desert in the landscape setback and on the edge of the right of way. Consider restoration opportunities to bring a project up to standard when a use changes along a scenic corridor.
Investigate setting a time period within which non-conforming developments must meet the new standards.
Rational: The existing landscaping, or lack of landscaping, for some existing developments along designated scenic corridors does not comply with the existing or proposed policies on landscape setbacks and landscaping. Typically, non-conforming uses can only be required to comply with current standards if the property is redeveloped or the use changes. The objective is to have a continuous and consistent character.
Issue: Evaluation
Current Policies: No set process.
Recommendations:
Complete an evaluation of how the implementation of the policies are doing in two years.
Rationale. It is desirable to review progress when new policies and standards are in place to be sure that everything works as intended.
