Scottsdale initiates process for subdivision ordinance update
Changes aim to make process more detailed
by Brian DiTullio

SCOTTSDALE – Keeping up with the times, the City of Scottsdale is proposing several changes on how it approves the planning of new subdivisions.

During the past 12 months, Scottsdale’s planning and legal staff have prepared an update to the city’s subdivision ordinance to ensure compliance with state law and acknowledgment of 21st century construction conditions, according to a press release from the city.

“It’s going in for a study session with the Development Review Board,” said Robin Meinhart, with the Scottsdale Planning Department. The meeting is scheduled for April 5.

Proposed changes include removing the current development standards information and relocating to the city’s Design Standards & Policy Manual, which will now include platting and construction standards. In addition, the new provisions call for condos and minor subdivisions consisting of five or fewer lots to replace lot splits. Perimeter exceptions such as retail centers and mixed‑use shopping centers that are treated as master‑planned developments would be provided for in the new rules as well.

“The changes will preclude the current process and channel it into the two divisions, major and minor,” said Meinhart. “It helps put us into parity with the State Land Division.”

The proposed changes would also require minor subdivisions to provide proportional public improvements, enhance bonding program for improvements, and document an appeals process complete with a violations/remedies section.

Currently, the code allows an applicant to effectively split the land and walk away, according to Meinhart. Under the proposed rules, the process would become much more detailed, providing for infrastructure needs and looking at the surrounding area.

“We need to see if the roads need widening, infrastructure improvements that might be needed. This creates a more comprehensive planning process,” said Meinhart, adding that the changes would result in the planning “not being done ina vacuum.”

Any proposed changes would have to be approved by the Scottsdale City Council after a public hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for June. The city plans to schedule workshops and targeted outreach with primary stakeholders in May.

In addition to bringing this ordinance into compliance with state law, the proposed changes will resolve process inconsistencies and provide clarity on the city’s land division submittal requirements. The proposed changes and a link to the draft subdivision ordinance text is available on the city’s Web site at scottsdaleaz.gov/codes/Subdivisions/Default.asp.