Development Review Commission Meeting 2025-11-18

The Development Review Commission (DRC) convened on November 18, 2025, to review the commission's 2025 Annual Report, approve the consent agenda, and adjudicate a quasi-judicial appeal regarding address number placement and aesthetics for the Kirene Commerce Plex.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously accepted the 2025 Annual Report upon motion by Commissioner Spears and second by Commissioner Tom.
• Unanimously approved the Consent Agenda consisting of:
  • Item 3A: Approved request for a time extension for a development plan review for an addition to Ashley Furniture Edition.
  • Item 4A: Approved a use permit allowing two required parking spaces within the front yard setback for the Cubisco residents.
  • Item 5B: Approved the updated recommendation for design and placemaking principles for the Apache Character Area Plan (November 2025).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Applicant Representative (Kirene Commerce Plex): Expressed full support for the existing address number placement, stating that the numbers meet the 80% background coverage code requirement and the 50% contrast standard. The speaker argued that lowering the numbers to the mid-band would require crossing score lines on two buildings and obstructed visibility due to dense landscaping (Palo Verde and Live Oak trees) mandated by the city's approved landscape plans. The applicant expressed willingness to change the color of the numbers to a uniform "Connors Lakeside" blue and repaint one building background, but opposed the cost and structural damage of relocating the numbers or reducing their size.
• Staff (Diana Kaminsky): Stated that while the Commission acknowledges the numbers are legally compliant, the design review process allows for adjustments to enhance compatibility and neighborhood visibility. Staff expressed strong support for uniformity in color, background, and horizontal orientation, and recommended lowering the numbers to the established sign band to mitigate visibility, acknowledging the size could remain large as a concession.
• Commissioner Spears: Expressed a position that locating numbers at the top of the building is "more pleasant to the eye" compared to the mid-band location, questioning the aesthetic rationale for lowering them.
• Commissioner Tom: Highlighted that there is currently no code requirement for maximum size or location of address numbers, noting that existing large numbers in the city were not previously caught as design review issues, and questioned if the staff's current position was based on code or subjective aesthetic criteria.

Discussion Items

• Address Number Aesthetics and Location: The Commission deliberated on the appeal to deny the administrative decision regarding the Kirene Commerce Plex address numbers. The applicant presented evidence (including site videos and calculations) that the current 12-inch numbers are functional, visible at night without causing light glare to neighbors (due to upgraded fixtures), and comply with the 80% background code. Staff reiterated that while code was met, the numbers were too large for the scale and proposed lowering them to reduce residential visibility. The discussion clarified that while the applicant and staff agreed on changing the color of numbers and backgrounds to ensure uniformity, the Commission ultimately decided on the location.
• Vegetation Visibility Concerns: The applicant argued that the 23 additional trees specified in the city's landscape plan (including Palo Verde and Live Oaks) would obstruct the numbers if lowered to the mid-band. Staff countered that transparent trees like Palo Verde could be strategically placed to avoid obstruction.
• Procedural Clarifications: The Commission clarified that the appeal was against a staff denial, and the motion required approval of the appeal (potentially with conditions). The Chair noted that address numbers should be subject to approval during the design review phase to avoid such extended debates in the future.

Key Outcomes

• Vote Outcome: The Commission voted 4-1 to grant the appeal regarding the Kirene Commerce Plex address numbers.
• Commissioner Vote Tally: All Commission members voted in favor except Vice Chair Michelle Schwartz, who voted against the motion.
• Decisions and Conditions: The appeal was granted, allowing the applicant to retain the existing size and vertical location of the address numbers. Conditions of approval required the applicant to:
  • Paint all address numbers the same color ("Connors Lakeside" blue).
  • Paint one building background to match the others for uniformity.
  • Ensure all horizontal orientations are consistent.
  • Install code-compliant lighting fixtures with a finish that matches the building background to reduce visual prominence.
• Next Steps: The Commission will move to the next meeting, scheduled for December 9, 2025.