Tempe Development Review Commission Meeting - May 24, 2022

The Development Review Commission met on May 24, 2022, to consider nine agenda items including consent calendar items, a major development proposal, two design guideline recommendations, and a zoning code text amendment. The meeting began at approximately 2:15 PM MT and concluded with Commissioner farewells. All items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1 through 5 were approved unanimously in a single vote. These included:
  • Item 1: Development Plan Review for Broadstone at the Grand Phase II, a four-story, 289-unit multi-family development at 1013 West Washington Street.
  • Item 2: Development Plan Review for Tempe Municipal Operations Center Phase I, two buildings totaling 42,736 square feet at 2090 West Rio Salado Parkway.
  • Item 3: Development Plan Review for Scooter’s Coffee, a single-story restaurant at 8775 South Priest Drive.
  • Item 4: Use Permit Standard to increase height for a detached accessory building at the Turley Residence, 9108 South Dromedary Drive.
  • Item 5: Use Permit for Catalyst Crafted Ales, a brewery with taproom at 1845 East Broadway Road, Suite 106.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke on any of the agenda items during the public comment periods.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 – 250 Rio (PL210130): The applicant (Gammage & Burnham) requested a General Plan Land Use Map Amendment, Density Map Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment, Planned Area Development Overlay, and Development Plan Review for a 14-story office building with ground-floor commercial at 250 West Rio Salado Parkway. The project includes 210,000 square feet of office, 4,000 square feet of flex/retail, 500 square feet of outdoor commercial space, a six-level parking garage with shade-sail fabric screening, and rehabilitation of the historic Ash Avenue roadbed. The design emphasizes pedestrian activation via Ash Avenue, with a multi-level lobby, staircase, and ADA ramp to the Ash Avenue bridge abutment. The applicant addressed concerns about shade fabric longevity, activation, viewshed impact on Hayden Butte, and landscaping (including native species and Joshua trees). The commission discussed the need for a clearer definition of "mixed-use," noting that only about 2% of the total square footage is non-office. The project was approved unanimously (7-0), with Commissioner Schwartz recused and Alternate Commissioner Redman seated.
• Item 7 – Smith Innovation Hub Design Guidelines (PL220117): Staff presented design guidelines for the Smith Innovation Hub area (bounded by University Drive, Price Road, Rio Salado Parkway, and McClintock Drive). The guidelines are advisory, not regulatory, and were developed with community input and consultant Architecton. They cover mixed-use, building design, sustainability, and public realm. Commissioner Amarosi questioned the inclusion of urban core density on the density map (from the 2019 General Plan) and the lack of emphasis on Perry Lane improvements. Staff noted that Perry Lane improvements are in the infrastructure master plan. The item was approved unanimously (7-0) for recommendation to City Council.
• Item 8 – Broadway Maker District Design Guidelines (PL220118): Similar to item 7, but for the Maker District (bounded by Southern Avenue, Kyrene Road alignment, Broadway Road Parkway, and Priest Drive). Commissioner Amarosi asked about repurposing abandoned rail spurs and the absence of high-density zoning. Staff explained that densities are set by the 2019 General Plan and guidelines cannot change them, but could be revisited later. The item was approved unanimously (7-0) for recommendation to City Council.
• Item 9 – Marijuana Infusion Text Amendment (PL220083): The applicant (Gammage & Burnham) proposed changes to Section 3-426 and other Zoning and Development Code sections to allow alternate separation requirements for marijuana infusion facilities, update land use tables, and clean up definitions. Staff noted that Tucson has adopted similar provisions. Commissioner Summers appreciated the straightforward language comparing infusion facilities to a lab or bakery. Commissioner Amarosi noted the amendment could allow such businesses in the Smith Innovation Hub. The commission unanimously (7-0) recommended approval to City Council.

Key Outcomes

• Items 1-5 (Consent Calendar): Approved unanimously.
• Item 6 (250 Rio): Approved (7-0) subject to stipulations. Commissioner Schwartz recused; Commissioner Redman participated. The recommendation will go to City Council for final decision.
• Item 7 (Smith Hub Design Guidelines): Recommended for approval to City Council unanimously (7-0).
• Item 8 (Maker District Design Guidelines): Recommended for approval to City Council unanimously (7-0).
• Item 9 (Marijuana Infusion Text Amendment): Recommended for approval to City Council unanimously (7-0).
• Commission Announcements: Vice Chair Steve Bauer announced his departure due to leaving Tempe residency after 38 years. Commissioners expressed appreciation for his service. The next meeting is scheduled for June 28, 2022.