Flooding fears prompt review of planned mountainside home
by Brian DiTullio 

CAREFREE – A proposed mountainside home raised fears of drainage issues in Ridgeview Estates on the side of Black Mountain.

While the design of the house didn’t raise any issues, potential changes to the flow of water did. The 6,300‑square‑foot house will be terraced to match the hillside conditions.

Homeowner Gregory Spencer, whose property is downhill from his new neighbor, presented photos of the area to the town’s Development Advisory Board on March 19 depicting where water flow is directed. His chief concern was once the property is developed and water directed away from the new home, the subsequent water flow will negatively impact his property.

Bob Long, architect of the new home, assured the board and Spencer that the development agreement with the town demands water flows stay within the natural channels and washes, but Spencer indicated he was looking for more assurances.

A stipulation then was added to the development agreement stating water flow onto adjacent properties will not exceed pre‑construction levels.

Long said he was fine with that stipulation, noting the plans already called for an 18‑inch culvert to prevent water from being directed onto Spencer’s property, or the road next to it.

The board approved the design unanimously.

Also considered was a new home to be built on Breathless Drive, directly west of SkyRanch at Carefree airport and just south of Cave Creek Road. It is classified as a mountainside development and is the last undeveloped lot on the street. The home is planned to be more than 9,100 square feet.

The board was to consider this application at its March 5 meeting, but wanted the applicant present to question him about the location–specifically its proximity to the airport.

The applicant, Matt Walls, indicated his clients were well aware of the property’s location.

Board Member Al Mascha pointed out the airport’s flight pattern passes right over the proposed home’s location and he wanted that spelled out for the homeowner prior to construction so there would be no surprises.

Walls said he would make sure that was done and the motion carried unanimously.

Upon adjourning the meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting convened. The only item on its agenda was approval of the Sun Rock Estates preliminary plat.

Tyler Green of Sun Rock Development Inc., requested permission to replat approximately 11 acres at the corner of Pima Road and Stagecoach Pass from three to seven residential lots. One house already exists on the property. The minimum size of the remaining lots is 43,560 square feet.

Access to Sun Rock Estates would be through a gate off Stagecoach Pass. All utilities are proposed to be put underground.

The item was unanimously approved.