INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS:  Mon., March 2, 2009

City votes for changes in new developments

The Tucson City Council voted Feb. 24 to amend the Land Use Code making what was the Residential Cluster Project ordinance into what is now named Flexible Lot Development.

David Godlewski, government liason for the Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association, said his group had hoped the original ordinance would have remained since almost 80% of its members use it in their development process.

There are six changes to the ordinance:

• Functional open space: To be approved under the new ordinance subdivisions must set aside functional open space with the amount depending on the density of the project. The previous ordinance did not require any open space.
• Privacy mitigation: Multiple story homes adjacent to single-story homes cannot have windows or balconies overlooking the single-story property. This requirement did not exist in the previous ordinance.
• Landscaping: New developments must place a native or drought-tolerant canopy tree for every 40 feet of a pedestrian walkway. This is in additional to the landscaping requirements already in effect along roadways.
• Architectural design requirements: Homes along arterial and collector roadways are required to have architectural design variations and there is a limit on the percentage of units that can have a garage-dominant appearance. This is required to minimize design monotony.
• Design examiner: This is a new city position created to review architectural designs. The position will be paid for through fees coming from the new process.
• Review and approval procedure: In an attempt to address issues with so-called “mini-dorms” near the University of Arizona, projects of five acres or less are now required to go through meetings with surrounding property owners, the neighborhood association and an administrative review. It also includes an appeals process to the city council.

The changes go into effect for any projects submitted for review starting March 26.