carried, 5-0.
Planning Manager Bayer Vella provided a presentation that included the following:
- Purpose
- A formal application by Tucson Electric Power (TEP) to change the code relative to how we regulate the different utility poles
- Staff did encourage TEP to move forward
- Current code was created in the mid-1980s; an update is long overdue
- Current code requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and public hearings for most improvements/maintenance
- Offered a site tour to the Commission to view in person
- General Plan provisions
- The reasons for this request (from both the TEP and Town perspective)
- Proposal
- Process and next steps
- Summary
Applicant Todd Stocksdale with TEP provided a presentation that included the following:
- Application Purpose and Objectives
- Considerations
- Pole Segment Replacement Length
- Pole Height
- Distribution
- Grading Considerations
- Pole Diameter and Self-supporting Poles
- Diameter Exception
- Pole-mounted Equipment
- Wire Diameter
Key issues raised by the Commission and addressed by the applicant and staff:
- At what frequency have we had to issue the conditional use permits in the last 5 years?
- Regarding the above ground equipment, can the devices be on the ground?
- Is it more expensive for smaller, shorter poles as it is assumed the diameter would need to be thicker? Are there poles available that are shorter than what you are proposing, but just as structurally sound?
- Regarding the revised code amendment, it only addresses visual impact on adjoining land uses. This seems quite narrow and limiting for these types of CUP requests.
- What is the science behind the 1/2 mile requirement versus one or two miles?
- Inquired about the thicker wire on one of the photos shown.
- Would be tremendously in favor of higher poles, including the wires, to get them out of the line of sight.
- The Town should not be regulating; TEP are the experts, let them do their job without interference.
- Is the two-inch wire diameter requirement restrictive?
- Are the metal poles standardized or are they custom made?
- What is the emergency repair provision?
- The diameter doesn't really matter at the base; has never heard a compliant about diameters.
- Is there a standard as to distance between the poles?
- Would like to see matching up the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) with Town Code.
- How will metal poles affect how and when we work toward undergounding?
Long Range Principal Planner Elisa Hamblin provided a presentation that included the following:
- Main Streets project update
- Basics of project
- Overview of timeline and next steps
- Concept map/plan
- Improvement plan
- How form-based code works and the five features
- Palm Desert, California's recent adoption of form-based code
- Examples showing revitalized downtown areas of Arizona and California
- Oro Valley's approach to form-based code
- Forum on November 30th as part of the Community Academy on Main Streets and the Economy
Key issues raised by the Commission and addressed by staff:
- Regarding examples shown, how do we drive to that model? Does form-based code accomplish this?
- Focus is on Lambert/La Canada, have you mentioned other areas, such as the Oro Valley Marketplace? Downtown Summerlin in Las Vegas is a great example.
- Looking at the examples, there is a large amount of greenery, which means a lot of water and sees a tremendous amount of municipal maintenance costs. Rooney Ranch is a good option, but need to get Pima County to clean up wash. Getting people to walk places is hard; most prefer driving.
- Everything looks good and likes the form-based code approach.
Planning Manager Bayer Vella provided the Planning Update:
- Next Town Council meeting is November 1 (no Planning items)
- Another neighborhood specific meeting for the La Cholla and Naranja/Lambert rezoning project will be on November 2
- The next Planning and Zoning Commission on November 8 will involve formal recommendations on the three general plan amendment cases
- A Community Academy Session on November 30 will be open to the Chamber of Commerce and the Commission regarding economic vitality and the viability of Main Streets
- A volunteer appreciation dinner is scheduled for December 14
Chair Hurt adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
Prepared by:
Jeanna Ancona
Senior Office Specialist
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the special session Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 25th day of October, 2017. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.