The Development Review Commission (DRC) held a public hearing on June 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to consider two main agenda items: a request for two use permits to reduce setbacks for a residential accessory structure (Item 4C) and a request for a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay to convert an existing hotel into a 142‑unit multifamily complex with commercial space (Item 5A). The consent agenda was approved unanimously at the start of the meeting.
Item 4C – Casper Residence (1038 East Buena Vista Drive)
The applicant, Jeremy Magoon (RG Pro Builders), requested two use permits: reduce the required rear yard setback from 35 feet to 28 feet, and reduce the side yard setback from 20 feet to 16 feet, to construct a 1,240‑square‑foot personal shop (with office, storage, and bathroom) on a pie‑shaped lot. The owners, John and Diane Casper, have lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years. The original building location had been approved by Tempe Building Safety but had to be moved a few feet to avoid the septic system, now requiring the setback reductions. Staff (planner Mr. Rivera) presented site photos and an analysis of the eight approval criteria, concluding the proposal would not increase traffic, noise, or nuisance, and would be compatible with the neighborhood. Commissioners questioned the applicant about HOA approval; the applicants stated they are working cordially with the HOA and that compliance with CC&Rs is a separate matter. No public comments were offered. The motion to approve Item 4C passed unanimously (with one commissioner initially not voting but later confirmed).
Item 5A – Tempe Oasis PAD (1634 North Scottsdale Road)
The applicant, Deborah Silva (Camber and True Collective), proposed a PAD overlay to convert the former Ramada Inn into a 142‑unit multifamily development (130 one‑bedroom, 7 two‑bedroom, 5 studio apartments) plus a publicly accessible coffee shop/retail space. The site was rezoned to MU4 in 2022 to encourage housing. The existing hotel footprint and structures would be retained; renovations include exterior materials, a gated parking lot, and a new dog run. Parking was a key issue: city code would require 255 spaces for the proposed unit mix, but the PAD standards propose a minimum of 0.75 spaces per studio/one‑bedroom and 1.0 per two‑bedroom, resulting in a required minimum of 135 spaces. The applicant actually provides 147 spaces (including 9 accessible). A parking study using ITE generation rates (submitted the preceding Friday) estimated a weekday peak demand of 139 spaces. Traffic engineer Chris Williams explained that the study relies on national average rates and that the unit sizes (small studios/one‑bedrooms) may attract fewer car owners. He also noted proximity to bus routes and ample bicycle parking (134 spaces vs. 138 required). Commissioner Miller expressed skepticism about relying on averages when every unit could have at least one car. Commissioner Forte opposed the reduced parking and questioned the mixed‑use requirement. Staff (Robert Mansalillo) noted that a SEPTED review is required and that a low wall along the southern alley will be raised to 4 feet of CMU plus steel picket for security. The applicant stated the commercial component is intended to be a vibrant coffee shop. A neighborhood meeting on March 23, 2026, drew about 20 attendees, with concerns about parking spillover and density. The commission discussed whether the project met the intent of the 2022 upzoning; some members felt it was an improvement over the current hotel despite being a reuse rather than full redevelopment. A motion to approve Item 5A was made and seconded. The vote passed with Commissioner Forte opposing.
Yes. That's why it was already on the ground. All right. Good evening, everyone. We will uh call the meeting to order at uh six o'clock here. Uh welcome everyone to the June 9th, 2026 Development Review Commission hearing. Uh the development review commission is created to hold public meetings and hearings to provide analysis and recommendations to the city council regarding general land use and land use policies and applications where the commission has recommended recommendatory power and to render final decisions on specified applications where the commission has final decision making power. The development review commission recognizes that the creation of a desirable environment throughout the city for residents, businesses, and industry is a prime requisite for the interdependence of land values, aesthetics, and good site planning by promoting harmonious, safe, and attractive compatible development that is therefore considered to be in the best interest of public health safety and general welfare. Any person agreed by a final decision of the DRC may file an appeal to the city council within fourteen calendar days after the development review commission has rendered its decision. The DRC recommendations to the city council are not final decisions. We'll do a roll call for tonight's meeting. Request a use permit to allow commercial parking for 55 spaces for air garage and the first United Methodist Church of Tempe. Item 4D, request a use permit for a vocational school in GID zoning that is 16 feet in height for the boroughs garage located at 7852 East Gemini. Alright, well, that is our consent agenda for this evening. Do I have a motion for the consent agenda? Motion to approve the consent agenda as stated. Second. Thank you. All those in favor. Any opposed? Consent agenda passes. Okay. All right. So the first uh item that we will hear this evening is item 4C. Um request for two use permits to reduce the rear yard setback and uh to reduce the side yard setback for the Casper residence shop. Um yes, if the applicant is here and would like to uh come to the podium, state your name, and uh City of Residence for the record. Got it, thank you. There's also an arrow on the side over there if you move on the table box. Right. Got it. Okay. Uh higher so that the microphone's coming out there. Oh, got it, got it. Appreciate it. Now you can hear me, right? Awesome. I'm Jeremy Magoon. I'm with RG Pro Builders. Awesome. Um, so we are requesting the two use permits for the Casper residents at uh 1038 East Buena Vista Drive, Tempe, Arizona. Uh the owners of the properties are here. John and Diane Casper as well. Um there's the request. Here is an overview of the neighborhood. Um, as you can see, I have outlined and pinned where their property is. It would be in that blank space right there in that the northwest area. Um, I did hear in the study session when discussing if you look just even one street over into the next cul-de-sac. There has been a precedent set by the HOA of approving with inside setbacks. Um, two houses over. Is there do I get a laser pointer I could point in it somehow or no?