Development Review Commission Hearing – June 9, 2026

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.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was moved and seconded, then approved by a vote of all in favor, none opposed. It included Item 4D (a use permit for a vocational school at 7852 East Gemini) and other routine approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lane Caraway (resident of North Tempe for 34 years) spoke in opposition to the Tempe Oasis project (Item 5A). He cited the property owner’s history of neglecting the property, attracting crime and homeless individuals, and operating a now‑defunct Native American treatment center that led to neighborhood disruptions. He expressed concerns that on‑site parking (147 spaces for 142 units) would force residents and guests to park in adjacent neighborhoods, and questioned the viability of the proposed coffee shop. He urged the commission to deny the application.

Discussion Items

• 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.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously.
• Item 4C (Casper Residence) – Approved unanimously. The use permits allow the shop to be built with reduced rear and side setbacks, subject to standard conditions.
• Item 5A (Tempe Oasis PAD) – Approved 4‑1 (Commissioner Forte opposed). The PAD overlay establishes development standards for the conversion of the hotel to 142 apartments and a commercial space. The approval is conditioned on the parking management plan, SEPTED review, wall upgrades along the south alley, and continued compliance with the proposed parking count of 147 spaces.
• The next regularly scheduled DRC meeting is June 23, 2026.