Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

The Tempe City Council held a work study session on September 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, the formation of two new council subcommittees, updates from existing subcommittees, and a request for a future agenda item. Announcements and Proclamations - Mayor Corey Woods read a proclamation declaring September 2026 as National Voter Registration Month, with council members donning

The Development Review Commission held a public hearing on September 8, 2026, to consider several use permits, a zoning map amendment, and a code text amendment. The meeting included public comment, discussion, and votes on multiple items. Consent agendas were used to approve several routine items. Consent Calendar - First Consent Agenda (approved unanimously): - Item 4C: Use Permit for Level Up Gaming (arcade) at 1301 East University Drive, Suite 102. - Item 4D: Use Permit for Murray Residence – second story addition to detached garage and setback reduction at 929 East Driftwood Drive. - Item 6A: Zoning and Development Code Text Amendment for Section 3-409 (Group Homes) and definitions, in conformance with Arizona SB 1473. - Second Consent Agenda (approved with Commissioner Young abstaining): - Item 4E: Use Permit for Swisher Residence – allowing two parking spaces within front yard setback and front yard building setback reduction from 20 to 16 feet for an 8-foot patio wall at 441 East Wesleyan Drive. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4B (Cecchinelli Residence): - Amir Moyed (resident for 32 years, neighbor) expressed opposition, stating he did not receive proper notice, concerns about privacy, potential devaluation of property, and misleading presentation. He requested more community notification and clarity on the structure's use. - Mike Zamora (Tempe resident) suggested adding a condition to require frosted or painted windows on the clearstory windows to protect neighbor privacy, based on his own experience. Discussion Items - Item 4B – Cecchinelli Residence Use Permits: - Applicant Joshua Cecchinelli presented a request for a detached accessory building over 15 feet and a second-story addition (half-loft) for a home office/storage. The building is 199 square feet, set back 9 feet from side property line, with clearstory windows. Staff (Whitney Mayfield) recommended approval subject to standard conditions, noting 12 written comments in opposition regarding privacy and potential residential use. The applicant agreed to consider frosting the windows. The commission discussed orientation and privacy. Motion to approve passed unanimously. - Item 5A – Emerald Center Mixed-Use (Zoning Map Amendment & PAD): - Applicant Alexis Proper requested a zoning change from GID to MU-4 and a Planned Area Development Overlay for 376 multi-family dwelling units on approximately 25 acres at 8550 South Priest Drive. The project includes 590 parking spaces, 20% landscape coverage, and a four-story building (65 feet). Staff (Chris Jasper) supported the request, noting no public comments were received. Commissioner Young raised concerns about the voluntary International Green Construction Code (IGCC) compliance and water-intensive landscaping (turf and date palms). The applicant noted 30 EV chargers and adherence to South Tempe historic plant palette. The motion to approve passed 6-1 (Commissioner Young opposed, citing lack of IGCC verification process). Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda 1 approved unanimously. - Consent Agenda 2 approved with Commissioner Young abstaining. - Item 4B (Cecchinelli Residence): Approved unanimously with staff to consider adding a condition for frosted windows. - Item 5A (Emerald Center Mixed-Use): Approved 6-1 (Young opposed) – zoning map amendment and PAD granted. Commissioner Young requested future verification of IGCC elements. - Next Meeting: September 22, 2026.

The Tempe City Council held a work study session on September 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM. The meeting included proclamations, public comments, and discussions on proposed and existing council subcommittees. Two new subcommittees were created, and the Mixed-Use Space Council Subcommittee presented final recommendations that were approved by consensus. Proclamations - Mayor Corey Woods proclaimed September 2026 as National Voter Registration Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Tempe. The mayor shared a personal connection to ovarian cancer, noting his mother's passing from the disease. Public Comments & Testimony - Finn Howe (Tempe resident): Expressed strong support for creating the Tenants and Rental Properties Council Subcommittee. He cited Tempe's rising eviction rates (25% real rent increase from 2012-2022) and highlighted New York City Mayor Zora Mandani's success in freezing rents through a rent stabilization board. He urged the council to pursue tenant protections such as rent stabilization, right to counsel, and eviction moratoriums. - Kobe Preston (future Tempe resident, currently of Scottsdale): Shared a personal experience with a Greystar property that failed to make timely repairs and imposed an unaffordable rent increase, forcing him to move. He expressed support for the subcommittee to address corporate monopolization of rental housing and urged Tempe to act. He noted he is a recent ASU Law graduate working as a law clerk in Tempe. Discussion Items - Proposed Council Subcommittees (Item 6A) - Tenants and Rental Properties Council Subcommittee (proposed by Councilmember Nichols): The subcommittee will examine policies including rent stabilization for city-owned/subsidized units, tenant right to counsel, resources for tenant unions, extreme weather eviction moratoriums, and public/social housing. Members: Councilmember Nichols (chair), Mayor Woods, and Councilmember Keating. The council reached consensus to form the subcommittee. - Public Safety and Community Oversight Council Subcommittee (proposed by Councilmember Nichols): The subcommittee will evaluate progress on the 2020-2021 Public Safety Advisory Task Force recommendations, and review policies on 911 response, de-escalation, use of force, and data transparency. Members: Councilmember Nichols (chair), Mayor Woods, and Councilmember St. George. The council reached consensus to form the subcommittee. - Council Subcommittee Status Updates (Item 6B) - Mixed-Use Space Council Subcommittee (6B1): Council Assistant Ty Lee presented final recommendations to reduce retail vacancies in new mixed-use developments. The subcommittee held six meetings from September 2025 to June 2026. Recommendations include: 1. Conduct an aerial survey of vacant/underutilized properties within the Transportation Overlay District (TOD). 2. Perform a market analysis study to identify gaps in businesses and services. 3. Implement site plan review process improvements: set expectations early, use market data to inform commercial space design, and consider requiring additional project narratives or market studies. 4. Evaluate the success of these changes after one year and consider code amendments if developers resist. Vice Mayor Chin noted the need for intentional communication with developers, who often lack expertise in retail activation. The city manager agreed to implement the recommendations and report back in 6-8 months. The council approved the recommendations by consensus, and the subcommittee was closed. - Community Solutions for Livability and Well-being Council Subcommittee (6B2) – Councilmember Garland: Next meeting scheduled for September 16, 2026 at 3 PM at the Tempe Public Library, featuring officials from MAG and Maricopa County Public Health. - Federal and State Advocacy Review Council Subcommittee (6B3) – Councilmember Amberg: Last meeting August 14, 2026 covered priorities from the City Clerk's and DEI offices. Next meeting September 11, 2026 at 11 AM will focus on public works and water issues. - Governance, Representation and Elections Council Subcommittee (6B4) – Councilmember Keating: The former Tempe Term Limits Policy Review has been renamed and expanded to include ranked-choice voting and council districts. Membership changed: Councilmember Keating (chair) will be joined by Vice Mayor Chin and Councilmember Nichols. A meeting will be scheduled soon. - Revitalization of Tempe Town Lake Council Subcommittee (6B5) – Councilmember Amberg: First meeting with new members Councilmembers Garland and St. George received updates on the Tempe Boat Cruising (riders are being dropped off on the South Bank to go to Mill Avenue) and the North Shore Master Plan. The subcommittee will continue with quarterly meetings. Key Outcomes - Two new subcommittees created by consensus: Tenants and Rental Properties, and Public Safety and Community Oversight. - Mixed-Use Space Subcommittee recommendations approved by consensus; the city manager will implement and report progress in 6-8 months. The subcommittee is closed. - Future agenda item requested: Councilmember Garland requested an update on the Climate Action Plan, including building green codes and the Rain to Roots program, before the end of the year. The city manager acknowledged the request. - Next meeting: The next work study session is scheduled for October 8, 2026.

The Tempe City Council met on September 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the Harry E. Mitchell Government Center. The meeting included proclamations, appointments, public comments on a wide range of issues, and votes on consent and non-consent agenda items. Notably, item 8A1 (a proposed contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc.) was removed from the agenda due to a clerical error involving language about automated license plate readers (ALPRs), which the city has ended. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 7-0, except for items 7C1, 7C16, and 7C17, which were removed for separate consideration by Councilmember Keating. - The items removed included a resolution accepting $5,000 from Tempe Diablos Charities for the All-Abilities Awards (7C1), a resolution accepting $59,000 for Community Services programs (7C16), and a resolution accepting $80,000 for Community Health and Human Services programs (7C17). Each was approved 7-0 after brief remarks. - The remaining consent items (approval of minutes, reappointments, contracts, resolutions) were approved in a single 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Anjali Swamy (Tempe resident) addressed disinformation and bias against the Hindu community, emphasizing shared values of dharma. - Mario Martinez (Tempe) criticized police oversight and referenced the Aaron Bonner case and the Kathleen Tierney lawsuit, alleging misconduct and a lack of accountability. - Susan Sharkey Johnson (Tempe) spoke about safety issues in Daily Park related to food distributions at the Community Christian Church, citing police call statistics: 351 calls in 2025 for Daily Park, 48 for the church, costing the city an estimated $134,803.52 in 2025. She expressed concern about escalating crime and called for enforcement. - Jay Johnson (Tempe) echoed concerns about the trajectory of crime from the Daily Park feedings, warning of potential death if unaddressed. - Alex Logman (Tempe) criticized council communication, urging individual council members to share personal opinions on their own websites rather than relying on PR-approved statements. - Nathan Taylor Taft (Chandler, student at ASU) opposed ALPRs, referencing the Axon contract that included mobile ALPR cameras. He cited Oakland, California, examples and asked the council to stick to its word to end ALPRs. - Elizabeth Lee (Tempe, congressional nominee) thanked the council for clarifying the ALPR issue but urged a technology-neutral policy to protect privacy, suggesting Tempe could lead with an ordinance. - David Sokolowski (Tempe) called for building 4,000 housing units per year to address the housing crisis, citing a report that the metro area needs 22,000 units by 2030. He criticized the city's lack of long-term low-income housing plans. - Diane Melrose (Tempe) praised Councilmembers St. George and Nichols for speaking out on the Mill Avenue incident but criticized Councilmember Keating's stance on ballot measures and the inaccessibility of subcommittee meetings (held at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m., minutes not including stakeholder input). She requested video recordings be posted. - Mandy Everett (Tempe) thanked the council for ending the Flock contract but expressed concern about the Axon contract and its data practices. She called for meaningful civilian oversight and dropping charges against Aaron Bonner. - Angelica Delgado (Mesa, food service worker at ASU) spoke about unfair labor practices by Aramark, including reduced hours and injuries, and asked the city to hold large corporations accountable. - Eric Cadman (Tempe, Aramark worker) described suppression of worker protests by ASUPD and demanded accountability. - Vicente Martinez (Tempe, Aramark worker) stated he works extra jobs and donates plasma to survive on $19/hour, urging the city to act on poverty wages. - Catherine Dorn (Tempe) urged the council to enshrine a right to privacy and avoid warrantless mass surveillance programs. - Yogor Zenkov (Chandler) warned about Axon's scope creep, including partnerships and AI tools like Draft One, and the misuse of ALPR data by insurance companies. He asked for citizen auditing and clear definitions of abuse. - Amani Thomas (Tempe) requested inclusive housing for different abilities and artists, and better vetting in voucher programs for safety. - Nolan Williams (Tempe) described the difficulty of obtaining shelter, citing a 200-person waiting list for domestic violence shelters. He called for non-congregate shelters and rapid rehousing. - Megan Rickerick (Tempe) raised police misconduct concerns, referencing the Aaron Bonner case and the city's allowance of "On Patrol Live" ride-alongs. She asked for dropped charges, fired officers, and a transparency ordinance on city AI use. - Emily Kirkland (Tempe, Phoenix Metro DSA co-chair) thanked the council for ending Flock but urged codification and broader police accountability, including dropping charges against Bonner and removing officers. - Phil Amorosi (Tempe, 50-year resident) criticized the previous council's handling of the Marshall on Spence student housing project, urging new members to use form-based planning and visit proposed developments in person. - Ed Buffard (Tempe, 80 years old) praised Harry Mitchell and requested a committee to address social isolation among seniors, referencing data that 153 per 1,000 people are found deceased alone (LA example). - Noah James Markham (Tempe) addressed heat and shade, while also expressing support for Flock cameras and making statements on gender identity and other topics. - Eric Fowler (Chandler, Maricopa County Libertarian Party chair) thanked the council for removing ALPRs but warned that the Axon contract still includes Fusus (camera streams with AI), which could be used for mass surveillance. He urged the council not to approve the contract until limits on data retention, sharing, and vendor AI use are in writing. - Elsa Gabriahannis (Phoenix) called for justice for Aaron Bonner, stating charges are retaliation and demanding dropped charges and fired officers. - Joel Cornejo (South Phoenix, organizer) connected the Flock fight to police violence, referencing Antonio Arce, Sean Bickings, and the Aaron Bonner case. He called for independent oversight and following the lead of Councilmembers St. George and Nichols. - Donna Lopez (Phoenix, 16-year-old youth member) spoke about Antonio Arce, saying young people shouldn't fear police, and demanded real oversight. - Dylan Wilde (Tempe) thanked the council for ending Flock but demanded justice for Bonner and consequences for the officer, and urged civilian oversight. - June Kerr (Scottsdale) praised the termination of ALPRs but called for further action on police brutality, referencing the Bonner case and the need for a systemic effort. - Jay Jefferson (Sacramento) asked the city to dismiss misdemeanor charges against Aaron Bonner and independently investigate the officer's conduct, alleging excessive force and sexual assault. - Angel Roque (20-year-old youth member) spoke about Antonio Arce, asking for stronger community oversight. - Julie Jallas (Tempe) thanked the council for ending Flock, urged continuing that policy with Axon, and called for dropped charges, civilian oversight, and affordable housing. - Mia Vozbaz (Tempe) spoke about feeding unhoused neighbors through AZ Hugs, warning that restrictive park ordinances push people toward starvation. She urged the city to engage with advocates. - Dominique Carter (Tempe homeowner) demanded four things: drop charges against Bonner, independent investigation, real civilian oversight, and justice. - Carlos Fernandez (Mesa) called the Bonner arrest "animalistic" and demanded dropped charges and firing of officers, referencing past deaths of Antonio Arce and Sean Bickings. - Kelsey Anderson (Tempe) said Bonner's crime was "being black in Tempe" and demanded dropped charges and charging the officers. - Rob Ferraro (Chandler, Tempe Officers Association president) defended the police department, stating that in 125,000 emergency calls per year, 99.7% involve no use of force. He claimed the department is under attack by anti-police activists and urged the council to stand with law enforcement. Discussion Items - Item 8A1 Removed: Mayor Woods announced that item 8A1 (approving a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise for police equipment, including body cameras, Tasers, and software) was removed from the agenda due to a clerical error that still included language about automated license plate readers (ALPRs). The mayor reiterated that Tempe has ended its ALPR program and will not seek another provider. City Manager Rosa Schausty clarified that Flock cameras were bagged on Friday (August 29), and Axon cameras will be removed on Wednesday (September 3). - Item 8B1 – First Hearing on 526 S. Mill Ave Lease: A public hearing was held. One speaker (Finn Howe) urged the city to prioritize a tenant that supports local musicians, noting the loss of venues like Darkstar and the Rhythm Room. Another speaker (Noah James Markham) suggested a club with later hours. The mayor noted the city is working to revitalize Mill Avenue with a mix of businesses. The second hearing is set for September 10, 2026. - Item 8B2 – First Hearing on 524 S. Mill Ave Lease: No public testimony. Second hearing on September 10, 2026. - Item 8B3 – First Hearing on APS Power Easement: No public testimony. Second hearing on September 10, 2026. - Item 8B4 – First Hearing on Abandonment of Vehicular Non-Access Easement (Goettel Residence): A resident (Charles Royalty) objected, citing safety concerns near Wagner Elementary and Kyrene Middle School, violations of CC&Rs, and dominance of the planned garage. The applicant's representative (John Gillespie) argued the new driveway would be safer and offered self-imposed height limits. Councilmembers expressed concerns about pedestrian safety, community engagement, and enforcement of forward-only exiting. Councilmember St. George requested a response from Kyrene School District before final decision. The second hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2026. - Item 8B5 – First Hearing on Abandonment of Water Line Easements (Wendler Drive): No public testimony. Second hearing on September 24, 2026. - Item 8B6 – First Hearing on Abandonment of Water Line Easement (Tempe Tech): No public testimony. Second hearing on September 24, 2026. - Item 8C1 – Second Hearing and Final Adoption of Water Line Easement Abandonment (The Den): No public testimony. Approved 7-0. Key Outcomes - Approved consent agenda (except removed items) 7-0. - Approved resolutions R2026.88, R2026.103, and R2026.104 (Tempe Diablos grants) each 7-0. - Approved minutes and appointments. - Approved proclamations for United Arizona Employees Association Day (August 19, 2026) and Honorable Harry E. Mitchell Life of Service Day (August 31, 2026). - Introduced ordinances for lease of 526 S. Mill Ave, 524 S. Mill Ave, APS power easement, and abandonments (Goettel, Wendler, Tempe Tech) with second hearings set for September 10 or September 24, 2026. - Adopted Ordinance O2026.35 (The Den water line easement abandonment) 7-0. - Item 8A1 (Axon contract) removed from agenda; contract language to be corrected and brought back at a future meeting.

The City of Tempe Board of Adjustment met on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting was called to order with six board members present (Mary Foy absent) after a brief technical issue with Board Member Brett Siegel was resolved. The board considered approval of prior meeting minutes, a variance request for an attached accessory dwelling unit, adoption of its rules of procedure, and an executive session. Consent Calendar - Approval of Meeting Minutes: The board approved the study session and regular meeting minutes from April 29, 2026. The vote was 5 in favor (Jamiska, Joseph, Cross, Siegel, McCarley) and 1 abstention (Morrow). Public Comments & Testimony - John and Debbie Barton (1714 East Citation Lane, adjacent neighbor) spoke in opposition to the variance, stating the request fails to meet the approval criteria, could set unwanted precedent, and expressed concerns about the ADU becoming a rental with on-street parking hazards and inconsistency with neighborhood character. - Jackie Beals (1620 East Citation Lane, neighbor of 45 years) opposed the variance, noting the applicants’ stated reluctance to build in the backyard despite many other Sunburst Farms properties having rear-yard structures, and questioned the stated need for multigenerational housing given the daughter’s age. Discussion Items - Variance Request (PL260219): The applicants, Simen Marstokk and Michelle Schwartz, requested two variances: reduce the minimum front yard building setback from 35 feet to 28 feet (a 20% reduction) and reduce the minimum front yard open structure setback from 35 feet to 23 feet (a 35% reduction) to construct an attached 682-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 1706 East Citation Lane. The property is in the AG zoning district within the Sunburst Farms Planned Residential Development (PRD). Staff Planner Warren Rivera presented staff’s recommendation for denial, citing that the requested variances do not meet the four criteria in Section 6309 D of the Zoning and Development Code. Staff noted that the PRD already provides reduced setbacks (35 feet front yard, 15 feet side) and that eight alternative locations for the addition exist without requiring variances. The applicants argued that special circumstances—such as the PRD’s lack of open-structure language, a utility easement, and the neighbor’s adult-care facility—justify the request and that 20% reductions are standard use permits elsewhere. Board members discussed the self-imposed nature of the variance, the availability of alternatives, and the precedent set by prior approvals (including one variance to 31 feet at 1710 East Secretariat Drive, though never built). The board questioned whether the first criterion (special circumstances) and fourth criterion (not self-imposed) were satisfied. - Adoption of Rules of Procedure: Staff presented updated rules of procedure following a prior study session. The city attorney requested a minor amendment to Section 202G to reference the city clerk’s conflict-of-interest form. The board discussed the form and voted unanimously to adopt the rules with that amendment. Key Outcomes - Variance Denied: The board voted 6–0 to deny the variance request (PL260219). The motion carried, meaning the requested reductions from 35 feet to 28 feet (building setback) and 35 feet to 23 feet (open structure setback) were not granted. The board concluded that the criteria for a variance were not met, particularly regarding self-imposed circumstances and the availability of alternative designs. - Rules of Procedure Adopted: The board unanimously approved the proposed rules of procedure with the amendment to Section 202G regarding conflict-of-interest disclosures. - Executive Session Authorized: The board voted to hold an executive session in the community development conference room immediately following the hearing. - Next Meeting: No meeting scheduled for September 2026; the next regular meeting date will be determined.

The Tempe Development Review Commission (DRC) held a regular meeting on August 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM (14:00). The meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes, a consent agenda, and a public hearing on a zoning map amendment and use permit for an assisted living training school. All votes were unanimous. The next scheduled meeting is September 8, 2026. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: The DRC unanimously approved the minutes from the August 11, 2026 study session and regular meeting (Items 2A and 2B). - Consent Agenda: The commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included Item 4A: a request for two use permits for the Baker-Vassett Residence at 1190 South Maple Avenue to allow two required parking spaces in the street side yard setback and a detached engineered shade structure over the driveway. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke on any agenda item. A neighborhood meeting for Item 5A was held in January 2026 with no public attendance; a petition of support was submitted. Discussion Items - Item 5A – Assisted Living Training School: The applicant, Casey Latinovich representing Precious Living LLC, requested a Zoning Map Amendment from Residential Office (R/O) to Commercial Shopping and Services (CSS) for approximately 0.34 acres at 1843 East Southern Avenue, along with a Use Permit for a vocational school in the CSS district. The school has operated for over 25 years, training caregivers and managers for senior care. Operations are low-intensity: primarily online, with 1–2 in-person classes per week (maximum 20 students). Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. The existing building was constructed in 1988. The proposal includes 15 parking spaces (12 required) and will add bicycle parking. Conditions of approval, as presented by Senior Planner Karen Stovall, require a minor Development Plan Review (DPR) for site modifications, a building permit within one year of City Council approval, a shared refuse agreement with the adjacent property to the south, and landscaping installation by February 1, 2027. Key Outcomes - The DRC unanimously voted (6-0) to recommend approval of Item 5A (PL260008) to the City Council, subject to the conditions in the staff report. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:30 PM. The next regular DRC meeting is scheduled for September 8, 2026.

The City of Tempe hearing officer, Vanessa McDonald, convened a hearing on August 18, 2026, to approve minutes from a prior meeting and consider a property abatement request. The meeting was conducted in accordance with Arizona law and the Tempe zoning code. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The hearing officer approved the minutes from the August 4, 2026 hearing, stating that they accurately reflected the proceedings. Discussion Items - Abatement Request for 1161 West Two Lane: Code Inspector John Salazar presented a request for a 180-day open abatement for the property owned by Randy Shreve. The violations included overheight grass and weeds, junk, trash and debris in the backyard, and an unregistered vehicle (a Ford pickup with registration expired December 2023). The case was initiated by a public complaint on September 2, 2025, for a dead pine tree and junk trash debris. Subsequent violations were added. Inspector Salazar stated that he had been in contact with Mr. Shreve for nine months, mailed four correction notices, and received another public complaint on June 9, 2026. Photos taken on the hearing date showed ongoing violations including metal, furniture, tarps, and overgrown grass. The property owner, Randy Shreve, stated that he has been working to clean up the property but lacks time and physical energy due to long work hours. He mentioned that the truck would be removed on Thursday, that the vehicles all run, and that he was addressing the mess. The hearing officer noted that the case had been open for nearly a year and emphasized the need for significant progress within the next two weeks. Key Outcomes - Approval of 180-Day Open Abatement: The hearing officer approved the abatement request for case number CE255252, covering the violations of junk trash debris, unregistered vehicle, and overheight grass and weeds at 1161 West Two Lane. The property owner has 14 days (by September 1, 2026) to either appeal to the Board of Adjustment or bring the property into compliance. If not resolved, the city will abate the property at the owner's expense. The deadline to appeal this decision is 3:00 p.m. on September 1, 2026. The next hearing officer meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2026.

The Development Review Commission (DRC) met on August 11, 2026, to consider two use permit requests: a three-story single-family home on Bonarden Lane and a Dutch Bros Coffee drive-through on Southern Avenue. The meeting also included approval of previous meeting minutes and a consent agenda item. The DRC approved both use permits, with the Bonarden Home approval subject to conditions modifying the balconies. Consent Calendar - Approval of Meeting Minutes (July 28, 2026): The minutes from the July 28, 2026, study session and regular meeting were approved unanimously by a voice vote. - Item 4A – Farabee Residence Shade Structure: A use permit for a detached engineered shade structure within the front yard setback at 1233 East Marigold Lane was approved as part of the consent agenda. No public comment was received, and the vote was unanimous. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4B – Bonarden Home (1408 South Bonarden Lane): Raul Ruiz, a neighbor whose family owns adjacent properties, spoke in opposition. He noted that the current property is an eyesore with police calls (11 calls in the previous month) and expressed concerns about the scale, traffic, and potential for future multifamily rental. He also highlighted that the street is narrow and that emergency vehicle access is difficult. - Item 4C – Dutch Bros Coffee (1801 East Southern Avenue): Lauren Whitaker, a resident of a nearby neighborhood, spoke in opposition. She cited traffic stacking issues at other Dutch Bros locations in Arizona (e.g., Phoenix and Queen Creek), safety concerns near McClintock High School, air quality impacts from idling vehicles, and the fact that the intersection already has three other coffee shops with drive-throughs (including two locally owned). Discussion Items - Item 4B – Bonarden Home (Use Permit for Three-Story Single-Family House): The applicant, a design professional representing the investor-owner, presented a 2,700-square-foot, four-bedroom (plus flex room) home with a two-car garage, balconies, and a rooftop terrace. Staff noted the property is zoned R4 (multifamily) and that a use permit is required because the home exceeds one story. The existing home was 900 square feet, two-bedroom, one-bath. The design meets all setbacks and height limits (40 feet max, building is 36 feet). Staff recommended approval subject to conditions. Commissioners raised concerns about compatibility with the existing single-story neighborhood, potential for student rental, and nuisance from the rooftop terraces. Commissioner Spears proposed adding a condition to eliminate the west-facing balcony and shrink the east-facing balcony. The motion passed 5–2, with Commissioners Miller and Young opposed. - Item 4C – Dutch Bros Coffee (Use Permit for Drive-Through Restaurant in CSS Zoning): The applicant presented a 1,060-square-foot coffee shop with dual drive-through lanes, a bypass lane, and a walk-up window. The site is a former vacant bank. A traffic impact study found that the project would increase intersection delay by less than one second during peak periods and that the queue would be contained on site 99% of the time. Parking includes 19 spaces. Staff noted that the use permit was only for the drive-through; a separate development plan review will address landscaping and other details. Commissioners discussed traffic, queuing, and the plant palette. Commissioner Young questioned the use of honey locust trees (not desert-adapted) and suggested using native species. Commissioner Richter concurred. The motion to approve the use permit was made by Commissioner Lloyd, seconded by Commissioner Miller, and passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Item 4A – Farabee Residence Shade Structure: Approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda. - Item 4B – Bonarden Home (Use Permit): Approved 5–2 with a condition to eliminate the west-facing balcony and reduce the size of the east-facing balcony. Commissioners Miller and Young opposed. - Item 4C – Dutch Bros Coffee (Use Permit): Approved unanimously. - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. (study session begins at 5:15 p.m.).

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Hearing Officer Vanessa McDonald convened a meeting of the City of Tempe Hearing Officer. The meeting addressed three agenda items: approval of previous meeting minutes, two requests for abatement of public nuisances at residential properties, and the withdrawal of a third abatement request due to compliance. No members of the public spoke on any agenda item. Consent Calendar - Approval of July 21, 2026 Meeting Minutes: Hearing Officer McDonald reviewed and approved the minutes from the July 21, 2026 hearing, stating they accurately reflected the proceedings. Discussion Items - Item 2 – Cardoza-Rodriguez Property (1431 West Geneva Drive): Code Inspector Melissa Ensing presented a request for a 180-day open abatement order for violations including uncultivated vegetation (grass, weeds, dead palm fronds), trash and debris in yards and alley. The case was initiated on February 3, 2026. One citation was issued on May 13, 2026, and the owner paid fines but did not fully remediate. Photos taken that day showed ongoing violations. The property owner was unresponsive. Hearing Officer McDonald approved the 180-day abatement request (application CE260703). - Item 3 – Skrdla-Cedillo Property (902 West 19th Street): Inspector Ensing requested abatement for violations of overheight grass and weeds, deteriorated landscape, dead palm fronds, uncultivated vegetation, and trash and debris. The case was initiated on March 16, 2026. Four notices were sent; one citation was issued on May 1, 2026, but the owner failed to appear in court. Inspector Ensing initially sought a 100-day open abatement, but Hearing Officer McDonald approved a 180-day abatement order (application CE261596) due to the owner's lack of responsiveness. - Item 4 – Peng Property (1652 East Verlea Drive): This item was withdrawn prior to the hearing because the property had been brought into compliance with city code. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of July 21, 2026. - Granted a 180-day open abatement order for 1431 West Geneva Drive (Cardoza-Rodriguez) to allow the city to abate the nuisance if not remedied by the owner. - Granted a 180-day open abatement order for 902 West 19th Street (Skrdla-Cedillo). - Removed from agenda: 1652 East Verlea Drive (Peng) due to compliance. - The next hearing officer meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM.