Tempe Development Review Commission Hearing – September 12, 2024

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the hearing occurred on September 10, 2024, but the date provided for this summary is September 12, 2024. This discrepancy is noted here per accuracy requirements.

The Development Review Commission (DRC) met to consider a consent agenda item, a use permit for a property at Priest Drive, and to provide a recommendation on the Southwest Tempe Character Area Plan (Character Area 6). Commissioners present: Chair Johnson, Commissioners Stefan Richter, Rian Corbett, Robert Miller, Joe Forte, Linda Spears, and Barbara Lloyd. Staff included Jeff Tamlovich, Ryan Levake, Michelle Dohki, Diana Kaminsky, Mbika Darke, Jacob Payne, Lucas Jensen, Joanna Berry, and Eddie Garcia.

Consent Calendar

• Dealer's Depot: Approved unanimously. No public comments were received, so the item remained on the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Priest Property (Item 4A): Norm, a 35-year resident, expressed opposition to the proposed conversion of the home into a six-bedroom unit (he called it a “miniature apartment complex”) and questioned the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. He confirmed he understood the use permit only addressed parking and not the interior remodel. Applicant Anna Contreras responded that the house would have six bedrooms, but one would be used as an office, and only one tenant is planned. She stated the owner has cameras showing no more than three cars parked at the property.
• Southwest Tempe Character Area Plan (Item 6A):
  • Veronica Gonzalez (Tempe resident, 44 years) raised concerns about train switching near Kyrene that causes traffic backups on Kyrene and Guadalupe, and she questioned whether the plan addressed traffic issues. She noted the noise was moved south from St. Luke’s without neighborhood input.
  • William Gibson (Tempe resident) complimented staff on the plan, specifically supporting sections F.7 (preservation of neighborhood character) and F.12 (encouraging homeownership and compatibility). He emphasized that the plan should guide developments like the proposed Cabana Kyrene project.
  • Beth Thompson (Tempe resident) thanked staff for their work, noting she participated from the start and appreciated that comments about bike path improvements and history were included.

Discussion Items

• Priest Property (PL240248): Anna Contreras applied for a use permit to allow three required parking spaces in the front yard and street side yard setbacks. The existing home is being remodeled (interior only, no footprint change) to add two bedrooms and one bath, resulting in six bedrooms, requiring additional parking. The existing driveway already accommodates three spaces, but two more are needed on the side setback. Staff (Lucas Jensen) confirmed the transportation department found the location adequate. One call of opposition was received. Staff recommended approval with standard conditions. Commissioners noted an increase in similar use permits and requested a study session on the topic of use permits and front-yard parking at the next meeting (staff confirmed this would be scheduled). The commission then voted unanimously to approve the use permit.
• Southwest Tempe Character Area Plan (PL240240): Principal Planner Ambika Darke and Senior Planner Jacob Payne presented the final draft of the Character Area 6 plan, emphasizing the 14 placemaking and design principles (including climate change, green infrastructure, affordable housing, aging in place, mobility, and canal side path design). The plan was developed through extensive community outreach (over 30 events, surveys, focus groups with seniors and renters, and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions). The final September draft incorporates feedback from earlier drafts and from previous commission presentations. Commissioners praised the work and noted the plan will guide future development. A motion to recommend the plan to City Council passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Dealer's Depot: Approved on consent agenda (unanimous).
• Priest Property Use Permit (PL240248): Approved unanimously (motion by Commissioner Miller, second by Commissioner Richter).
• Southwest Tempe Character Area Plan (PL240240): Recommended to City Council unanimously (motion by Commissioner Lloyd, second by Commissioner Richter). The City Council hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2024.
• Study Session: Staff will present on use permits and front-yard parking at the next DRC meeting (September 24, 2024).
• Next Meeting: September 24, 2024, at the regular location and time.