Character and Design Element Page ��
Introduction
The1994-96CityShape2020citizen-drivenprocess,concludedthatthereweretwomajordeterminantsthatmakeScottsdaleagoodplaceandcontinuetomakeitagoodplace:“character”and“quality.”Thecitizensdeterminedthat these two factors have been a major influence on how the community hasgrownandwillcontinuetogrowanddevelop.Theyalsosaidthatourexpectationsforandappreciationofcharacterandqualitymightbeverydifferentfromonepartofthecitytoanotherbecauseourindividualneighborhoodsareuniqueinsomanyways.
Ourneighborhoodswerebuiltatdifferenttimes,beginningintheearly1950’s.Theymightcontainsimple,well-builthomeswithinwalkingdistanceofDowntownScottsdale,townhouseswitharesort-likelifestyleorlargehomeswithequestrianfacilitiesandadesertsetting.Eachstyleisrichlydiverseinitsownright,yetapartofthelargerScottsdalecommunityform.
Valuingourphysicaldiversitycreatedthedrivetore-evaluateourcommunity’sGeneralPlaninanewlight.Todayweapproachgeneralplanningatthreelevels:theoverarchingwholecommunity,thecharacterofspecific areas, and the individual neighborhoods.
Design StandardsScottsdalehasarichheritageofinitiatingqualitydesignstandardsandreviewprocesses.Examplesofthisfocusoncharacteranddesignincludeastrongsignordinance,theDevelopment(design)Reviewprocess,parkinglotlandscaping,protectedNaturalAreaOpenSpace(NAOS),theIndianBendWashgreenbelt,ScenicCorridors,andtheEnvironmentallySensitiveLands
Character and Design cottsdale residents and visitors value the diverse char-acter and unique quality of design that our Sonoran Desert community offers. Scottsdale promotes a quality of develop-ment and redevelopment that is considered above the norm in terms of aesthetic composition and sustainable durability. Appropriate development in Scottsdale will strike a balance that respects the natural desert settings, historically signifi-cant sites and structure and the surrounding neighborhood context, with the objectives and needs of future generations. Art and aesthetic enhancement will continue to be essential components of our community’s character and lifestyle.
SVI
SION
STAT
EMEN
T
see the General Plan section
Page �0 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
Ordinance(ESLO),tonameafew.Eachrepresentsunconventionalandinspiredsolutionstocommunitydesignissues.
ThevisionofScottsdale’sdesignandcharacterstrivesforqualitythatishigherthantheaverageorcommonplace.Residents,visitorsandneighborsconsiderScottsdaleasthe“JeweloftheValley”andhavecometoacceptnolessthanappropriate“qualitydesign”responsesasourcommunitydevelops.Scottsdale’srootsofcommitmenttotheartsandcultureareanimportantcontributortothiscommunity’sattitude.Whilethisresponsemayvaryinappearancefromcharacterareatocharacterarea,thefoundationofourvisionofaqualitycommunityisbasedongooddesign.
Gooddesignisaresultofsensitivelyrespondingtothecharacterofthesurroundingnaturalandbuiltsettingsaswellasthemultitudeofexcellent
regional,historical,cultural,andenvironmentalresourcestodrawfrom.Thebeautyofournaturalfeaturesincludingthedesert,mountains,andwashesprovidesauniquebackdroptothecommunity.Inaddition,welldesignedneighborhoods,distinctiveshoppingareasandbusinesses,recreationalandculturalfacilitiesandpublicstructurescombinetomakeacommunitythatisattractive,desirable,andmemorable.
Variouscomponentsofthecommunityhelptocreate and define place, identity and character. Developmentpatterns,landmarks,drainageandmulti-usecorridors,travelpatterns,edges,nodes,andotherphysicalcharacteristicshelptocreatedistinctionsandasenseofuniquenessfordifferentareaswithinourcommunity.Appropriatelyuniqueresponsestothesevalueddiverseenvironmentsensureproperrelationshipstothevarietyofliving,workingandleisureopportunitiesthatarefundamentaltoourcommunityidentity.
Community CharacterThecharacterofourcommunityiscomplexanddiverse.Eachneighborhoodsettingholdsanimportantimagethatwhengroupedtogether
completeScottsdale’sidentityassinglecommunity.Urban,suburban,rural,andnativeSonoranDesertcharactersprovideabroadpalletofexperiencesandexpressionseachofferingauniqueopportunityforanelegantcomposition.Itisthevalueofqualityandtheprideofthecitizensthatunifyalloftheserichexpressionstogetherasacommunity.Itisthecity’sleadershipresponsibility
Density - An inherent concern or not?High-density development generally is regarded as inherently inconsistent with Scottsdale’s image and character. People often have strong reservations about development of higher density in the community. Yet, closer analysis of public opinion reveals that perception can be more critical than reality on this high-profile issue. Bulky buildings devoid of design features and landscaping are commonly rejected as unacceptable, but other high-density projects that incorporate innovative designs that blend with the surrounding landscapes generate favorable response. Thus, from a “character” perspective, the challenge is not so much to avoid high density as it is to ensure aesthetic appeal.
Character and Design Element Page ��
tooverseeconnections,transitionsandblendingofthesecharacterstobesurethat our community comes together to create a unified composition.
Development ReviewCommunityoversighthasbeenandcontinuestobeanimportantpartofourcommunity’sheritage,andonethatdidnotoccurbyhappenstance.Ourcommunityleadershavecarefullyscrutinizednewdevelopment,redevelopment,andrelatedactivityfordecades.Thisforwardthinkinghasresultedinaqualitycommunityevenwiththeexplosivegrowthexperiencedintherecentpast.Throughcommitmenttoquality,respectfulprideinpastcreations,andanongoingstrivingforexcellence,ourcityhasandwillcontinuetocreateacommunityheldinhighregardlocally,nationally,andeveninternationally.
Historic and Archeological PreservationAlthoughScottsdaleisarelativelyyoungcommunityithasrecognizedthesignificance of its historical and archeological past. A Historic Preservation CommissionandOrdinancehavebeenrecentlyestablished.ThisCommissionischargedwithassuringthatthelegacyofScottsdaleisnotlostinitsgrowthandevolution.Theamountofhistoricresourceswillincreasegreatlyinthecomingdecades.
Arts and CultureTheartsareasintegraltoScottsdale’scharacterasisitsSonorandesertsetting.In1909,beforeasingleScottsdalestreetwaspaved,MarjorieThomasbuiltherartstudioatwhatisnowtheintersectionofIndianSchoolRoadandDrinkwaterBoulevard.Intheyearsthatfollowed,Scottsdalewas“discovered”timeandtimeagainbyartists,poetsandothercreativeindividuals.TheScottsdaleVisioningprocessrecognizedtheimportanceofartsandculturetoScottsdale,makingitoneoftheFourDominantThemesthat define Scottsdale’s unique characteristics.
Scottsdaleboastsmoreartgalleriespercapitathanmostmajorcitiesintheworld.Themorethan80artgalleriesextendingfromDowntowntothenorthernreachesofthecityhavegivenScottsdaleaninternationalreputationasamajorartmarket,onparwithNewYork,LosAngeles,andSantaFe.Artdealersandcollectorscomefromallovertheworldtoshopatthelocalgalleries.AdditionallyScottsdalehasrecentlybeguntointegratepublicart into its urban fabric. It is appropriately fitting that a community known synonymouslyforartwouldchooseartasanecessarycomponentofitscharacterandfunction.
Scottsdalehasastrongtraditionofpublicandprivatesupportforthearts.Sincethecity’sincorporationin1951,Scottsdalehasgainedanationalreputationasanartcenterthatincludespublicart,galleries,residentartists,andspecialevents.ThecityhascreatedapublicartprogramtobringartintothedailylivesofpeoplethatliveinorvisitScottsdale.
see Scottsdale’s Values and Vision section
Page �� Scottsdale �00� General Plan
Since 1968, the city has accepted donations to develop a city fine arts collection,beautifypublicspaces,anddecoratecitystructures.ThecityhasadoptedaPercentforArtOrdinancethatallowsforthecommissioningofspecific art works for public spaces and establishes a cultural improvements programfortheDowntowndistrict.AsecondordinanceestablishedtheFineArtsTrustFundtobeusedforcommissioningworksofart.Anadditionalfundingsourceforthetrustcomesfromonepercentofthecity’sannualcapitalimprovementprojectbudgetandthesefundscanbeusedcitywide.
Publicartincludesartworkplacedonandintegratedintopublicproperty,suchasparks,streets,walkways,plazas,landscapedareas,buildingsurfaces,orinpublicbuildings.Civicartworkshouldbeexperiencedfromthestreetorotherpublicaccessibleplaces.Artworkinpublicbuildingsshouldbeaccessibletothepublicasmuchaspossible.
ThecityhascontractedwiththeScottsdaleCulturalCouncilsince1988toadminister its collection of fine art and the public art program. The Cultural CouncilchargedtheirArtCollectionsAdvisoryBoard(ACAB)withmanagingthePublicArtProgramandwithdevelopingproceduresandpoliciesfortheacquisitionandplacementofpublicart.TheACABdeterminesannualobjectivesthroughaPublicArtMasterPlan.Citizeninvolvementinthedevelopmentofacitywidepublicartplanisongoing.
Scottsdale Values ... ThespecialcharacteristicsoftheSonoranDesertsetting,including
climate,vegetation,andtopography.
ThecultureandhistoryembodiedinthedesertSouthwestregionanditscharacteranddesignimplications.
Qualitydesignthatincorporatesconcepts,suchasbutnotlimitedtocontext,aesthetics,craftsmanship,function,durability,andsustainability.
Physicalsettingsthatenhancepeople’ssenseofplaceandcomfort.Publicandprivatespacesincorporatedwithinandlinkedtoadjacentdevelopmentsthatenablecomfort,humanscale,andsocialinteraction.
Diversityprovidedbythevaryingcharacterofdifferentareaswithinthecity,whileunderstandingtheroleofeachinthecompositionofourcommunityasawhole.
Character and Design Element Page ��
Protection of significant historic buildings and settings.
Artintegratedintoourcommunityasanimportantcomponentofgooddesign.
Goals and Approaches1. Determine the appropriateness of all development in terms of
community goals, surrounding area character, and the specific context of the surrounding neighborhood.
• Respondtoregionalandcitywidecontextswithnewandrevitalizeddevelopmentintermsof:
- Scottsdaleasasouthwesterndesertcommunity.- Scottsdaleasapartofalargemetropolitanareawithaunique
reputation,image,characterandidentitywithinitsregionalsetting.- Relationshipstosurroundinglandforms,landusesand
transportationcorridors.- Contributionstocitywidelinkagesofopenspaceandactivity
zones.- Consistentlyhighcommunityqualityexpectations.- Physicalscalerelatingtothehumanperceptionatdifferentpoints
ofexperience.- Visualimpacts(views,lighting,etc.)uponpublicsettingsand
neighboringproperties.- Visualandaccessibilityconnectionsandseparations.- Publicbuildingsandfacilitiesthatdemonstratetheseconceptsand
“lead”byexample.• EnrichthelivesofallScottsdalecitizensbypromotingsafe,attractive,
andcontextcompatibledevelopment.• Encourageprojectsthatareresponsivetothenaturalenvironment,site
conditions,anduniquecharacterofeacharea,whilebeingresponsivetopeople’sneeds.
• Ensure that alldevelopmentisapartofandcontributestotheestablishedorplannedcharacteroftheareaoftheproposedlocation.Charactercancrosslandusesandzoningtoincludecommunityregionscontainingamixtureofhousing,employment,cultural,educational,commercial,andrecreationaluses.Theoveralltypeofcharactertypethattheseusesareapart of describes the pattern and intensity of how these uses fit together. Thefollowinggeneralcharactertypesarefoundinourcommunity:Urban Character Typescontainhigher-densityresidential,non-residential,andmixed-useneighborhoods.Thedistrictsincludeapartments,high-densitytownhouses,commercialandemployment
see the Character Types map for character type location
Page �� Scottsdale �00� General Plan
centers,andresorts.Urbandistrictsshouldhaveapedestrianorientationwithshade,activitynodesandsmallintimatedevelopedopenspacesthatencourageinteractionamongpeople.SomeexamplesofUrbanDistrictsinclude:
- The Downtown isahighlyfunctionalmixed-usecenter,containingareasofdifferentdensitiesandarchitecturalstylesthatemphasizeregional and specialty retail, office and residential/hotel uses.
- The Resort Corridor consistsofconcentrationsofmajorresortfacilitiesalongScottsdaleRoadnearDowntown.Avarietyoftourist accommodations, quality office, specialty retail, recreation usesincludinggolfcoursesandtenniscourts,employment,andcompatiblehighamenityresidentialneighborhoodsareallcomponents.
- Employment Cores areprimaryemploymentcentersforthecity.Thesecoressupportawiderangeofactivitiesandregionalandcommunitylevelemploymentuses.
- Freeway Corridor/Regional Core willbeadensemixed-useemployment core that includes a number of region-serving offices, retail,andhoteluses.Thiscorewillincludemorethanamillionsquarefeetofregionalandcommunityretailcenters.EmploymentalongthefreewaycorridorwillbesecondonlytotheDowntownDistrictinintensityandpositiveimpactontheCity’seconomicdevelopment.
Suburban/Suburban Desert Character Types containmedium-densityneighborhoodsthatincludeavarietyofcommercialandemploymentcentersandresorts.Awidevarietyofrecreationalandleisureopportunitiesareintegratedintothefabricofthesedistricts.Pedestrianandbicyclelinkagesfromneighborhoodtoneighborhoodandfromneighborhoodtocommercial,cultural,educationalandrecreationalcomponentsarevitalinweavingtheseareasintoalivablecommunity.Thephysicalcharacterofthesedistrictsvarieswidelythroughoutthecommunityandisbasedonperiodofconstructionandthesurroundingtopographyandnaturalfeatures.Thesedistrictscomprisemostofthesouthernandcentralareasofthecity.Therearesomespecialfeatureswithinsuburbancharactertypesthatembodyuniquelandusesorphysicalelements:- Activity Centers includemajormixed-useareasthataresmaller
thantheemploymentcores,butlargerthanneighborhoodcenters.- The Tourism/Recreation Areasaremajoropenspaceand
recreationalamenitieslocatedattheCentralArizonaProjectcorridor.FacilitiesincludetheTPCgolfcourses,PrincessHotel,WestworldEquestrianPark,andTaliesinWest.Sensitivitytosurroundingneighborhoodsisencouraged.
- Resort Villages areconcentrationsofmajorresortfacilities.Avariety of tourist accommodations, quality office, specialty retail,
Character and Design Element Page ��
recreationusesincludinggolfcoursesandtenniscourts,employment,and compatible high amenity residential neighborhoods are allcomponents.
Rural/Rural Desert Character Typescontainrelativelylow-densityandlargelotdevelopment,includinghorseprivilegeneighborhoodsandlow-densityresortsaswellasareaswithparticularlysensitiveanduniquenaturalenvironments.Thesedistrictsprovidearurallifestylethatincludespreservationofthedesertcharacter.Theidentityandnaturaldesertcharacterofthisdistrictshouldbestrengthenedandmaintainedbypreventingencroachmentofnonconformingusesandarchitecturalstyles,protectingopenspacesandvistas,encouragingconservation of desert vegetation, building low profile structures, discouragingwalls,andlimitingroadaccess.Specialcareshouldbetakentopreservethenaturalcharacterofthelandandnaturaldrainagecorridors.Desertvegetationismaintainedineitherincommonopen-spaceareasoronindividuallots.Theimpactsofdevelopmentondesertpreservationshouldbeminimizedthroughclustering,preservingwashes,andtheuseofnaturalbuffersontheperimeterofdevelopments.Siteplansfordevelopmentsonlargervacanttractsshouldbesensitivetotopography,vegetationandnaturaldrainagearea.
Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Native Desert Character TypesThese districts include areas defined by the Environmentally Sensitive LandsOrdinance(ESLO)overlay-zoningdistrict.Mostoftheseruggedareasshouldultimatelybepreservedasnaturalopenspace,andallareaswillfollowtheregulationsofESLO.TheMcDowellSonoranPreserveislocatedintheseareas.
- Desert Districts includeareasofallcharacterdistrictswiththeidentifying title “Desert.” They include areas with significant environmentalamenitiesorhazards.Specialcareshouldbetakentominimizetheimpactsofdevelopmentinthesedistricts.AnydevelopmentinthesedistrictswillfollowtheESLOguidelines.
- Mountain DistrictsincludetheMcDowellandContinentalMountainsandthemountainousregionsofnorthScottsdale.Thisareaischaracterizedbysteepmountainsides,boulderfeatures,mountainpeaksandridges,andincisedwashes.Developmentregulationsshouldofferincentivestopreservelandinthesedistrictsandtotransferanyallowabledensitytoadjacentlandcontainingfewenvironmentalconstraints.Anydevelopmentpermittedinthisdistrictshouldbeverylowdensityandspecialcareshouldbetakentominimizetheimpactsofdevelopmentonthenaturalcharacteroftheland.Lowimpactrecreationalopportunitiesmaybeconsideredfortheseareas,includinghiking,mountainbikingandequestriantrails.
Page �� Scottsdale �00� General Plan
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve consistsofmountainanddesertlandincludedinthecity’sPreserve.Thislandgenerallypossessesoutstandingscenicvalue;valuablewildlifehabitatandmigrationroutes; lush desert vegetation; significant environmental conditions,suchassensitivewashes,riparianareas,andmountainpeaksandvalleys;archaeologicalandhistoricsites;andopportunitiesforappropriatepassiverecreationindesignatedareas.Preservelandwillremainaspermanentopenspacewithlimitedpermanentimprovements.TherecommendedstudyboundaryoftheMcDowellSonoranPreserveincludesmountainanddesertlanddesignatedbytheCityCouncilassuitableforpreservation.
• Continue to develop and refine Character Areas and Character Area Plans. CharacterAreasaresetsofneighborhoodsthatsharethesameoverallcharactertype(describedabove)andoftenhaveotherunifyingelementsthatdistinguishthearea.ThereisoftenmorethanoneCharacterAreainageneralcharacterdistrictoracharacterdistrictcategory.Forexample:BoththeDesertFoothillsandtheDynamiteFoothillsCharacterAreasareRuralDesertCharacterTypes,thoughlocatedindifferentplacesinthecity.
CharacterAreaPlanswillbedevelopedonaprioritybasisoveraperiodoftime,basedonCityCouncildirection,potentialforchangeandthedesire of residents. Each plan will speak specifically to the goals and special attributes of an identifiable and functional character area i.e.,
its land uses, infrastructure, broadly defined urbanarchitecturaldesignphilosophy,andtransitions.CharacterPlansshouldensurethatqualityofdevelopmentandconsistencyofcharacterdriveScottsdale’sGeneralPlanataCharacterPlanlevel,allwithinthecontextofcommunity-widegoals.AnadditionalstrengthoftheCharacterPlanapproachisitsabilitytoaddress“edges,”thoseplaceswheretwocharacterareasmeetorplaceswhereScottsdale’sboundariesabutothergovernmentaljurisdictions.CharacterAreaPlanningwillpursuetheinvolvementandparticipationofanarea’sresidentsandpropertyownersintheplanningandimplementationprocess.
• Develop and refine Neighborhood Planning and Neighborhood Plans.Becausethehealthandvitalityofaneighborhoodisdependentonitsabilitytoadapttothefuture,stepsneedtobetakentoaddresschanges
see the Character Areas map for
character area locations
Character and Design Element Page ��
thatwilltakeplaceintheneighborhood.Neighborhoodplanswillidentify and implement efforts to improve specific neighborhoods withinthecity.Everyneighborhoodhasdifferentneeds,issues,constraints,andopportunities.ANeighborhoodPlanmightbroadlydefine a neighborhood’s goals together with an action plan, issues brief, orotherpolicyandimplementationtools.Theplanningprocessmusthavethein-depthinvolvementofthepeoplewholiveandworkinthatneighborhood.
2. Review the design of all development proposals to foster quality design that enhances Scottsdale as a unique southwestern desert community. (The City Charter excludes review of detached single family residential)
• Continuethedevelopmentreviewprocess.TheDevelopmentReviewBoardcurrentlyreviewsallproposednewandrevitalizeddevelopment,otherthansingle-familyresidential,intermsofappropriatecontextualcharacter,qualityofdesign,andsiteplanning.
• RecognizethatScottsdale’seconomicandenvironmentalwell-beingdependsagreatdealuponthedistinctivecharacterandnaturalattractivenessofthecommunity,whicharebasedinpartongoodsiteplanningandaestheticsinthedesignanddevelopmentreviewprocess.Thesecharacteristicscontributesubstantiallytothecommunity’spotentialasarecreationalresortareaandregionaltradecenter.
• UsethedesignanddevelopmentreviewprocesstoenrichthelivesofallScottsdaleresidentsandvisitorsbypromotingsafe,attractive,andcontextcompatibledevelopment.
• Promote,develop,andadoptcomprehensivepolicesandguidelinesforuseinthedesignanddevelopmentreviewprocess,whichestablishprinciplesandstandardsforpublicandprivatedevelopmentandrecognizethediversescopeofdevelopmentprojectsinthecommunity.Theseshouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto,designguidelinesforCharacterDistricts,CharacterAreas,specialdistricts,visuallyimportantroadways, open spaces, public and private infrastructure, specific buildingtypes,andinteractionwithourSonoranDesert.
• Promotedevelopmentthatrespectsandenhancestheuniqueclimate,topography,vegetationandhistoricalcontextofScottsdale’sSonoranDesertenvironment,allofwhichareconsideredamenitiesthathelpsustainourcommunityanditsqualityoflife.
• Promote,evaluateandmaintaintheScottsdaleSensitiveDesignPrinciplesthatwhenfollowedwillhelpimproveandreinforcethequalityofdesigninourcommunity.
see Scottsdale Sensitive Design Principles in Appendices
Page �� Scottsdale �00� General Plan
3. Identify Scottsdale’s historic, archaeological and cultural resources, promote an awareness of them for future generations, and support their preservation and conservation.
• ContinuetheHistoricandArchaeologicalPreservationProcess.TheHistoricPreservationCommissionadvisesthePlanningCommissionandCityCouncilinallmattersconcerninghistoricandarchaeologicalpreservation.
• Enforce and refine the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance and theArchaeologicalResourcePreservationOrdinancetoprotectoursignificant resources and mitigate unavoidable loss.
• ContinuetheprocessofidentifyingScottsdale’shistoric,archaeological,andculturalresources.
• Provideavarietyofsupportandincentivestoenhanceandmaintainsignificant historic and archaeological resources.
• Establishstandardsrequiredtopreserveandretainthehistoriccharacterofdesignatedresources.
• Promote revitalization of identified significant current or future historic resourcesthroughpreservation,adaptivereuseorothermeansasanalternativetowholesaleredevelopment.
• Initiateprogramsforthepreservation,restorationorrehabilitationofCity-owned historically significant structures and resources.
• Advocateprogramsfortherestorationandrehabilitationofprivatelyowned significant structures and resources.
• Discourageandworktopreventunwanteddemolitionofbuildingsand structures identified by the Commission as significant and work to prevent the destruction of significant archaeological resources.
• Developpartnershipswithgroups,suchastheScottsdaleHistoricalSociety, State Historic Preservation Office, and other local, regional, and nationalhistoricandarchaeologicalboardsandcommissionsinsupportofthesegoals.
• PromotetheHistoricalandArchaeologicalPreservationprogramswithinthecommunitythrougheducationandpublicoutreach.
4. Encourage “streetscapes” for major roadways that promote the city’s visual quality and character, and blend into the character of the surrounding area.
Streetscapeisatermusedtodescribethecombinationofindividualdesignelementsthatgivecharactertothestreetfrontagesofthecity.Someexamplesoftheseelementsarelandscaping,streetfurniture,lighting,andsidewalkdesign.Streetscapedesignplaysamajorroleinsettingastandardofqualityandinnovationforotherdesignissues.
see the Streetscape map for Streetscape
classification area locations
see the Goals of the Historic
Preservation Commission in
Appendices
Character and Design Element Page ��
• Create specific design guidelines for highly visible major city streets.• DesignDowntown/Urbanareastoconcentrateonthoseelementsthat
willprovidepedestriancomfort,suchasarcade-coveredwalkways,shade,decorativepaving,andlandscaping,sothatacomfortablesettingcanbecreatedforthisuse-intensivearea.
• AchievecompatibilitybetweenpedestriansandtransportationroutesintheSuburbanareasofthecity.Useoftreesthatarenativeand/ordesertadaptedandachieveadense,broadcanopyisencouragedforthemainthemeofthisstreetscapetype.Separationofpedestriansfromtraffic flow can be realized through the use of landscape areas and considerationofsidewalkalignment.
• ApplytheTransitional classification to areas of the city where the developmentpatternismediumtolow,andthestreetscapeservesasabuffer between traffic and adjacent land uses. Include native plants or plantscompatiblewithadesertenvironmentintheTransitionalarea’slandscapematerials.Specialcareshouldbegiventotheprotectionofexistingvegetationandnaturalfeaturesthatcanbeincorporatedintothedesign.
• Ensurecompatibilitywiththenaturaldesertin Naturalstreetscapeareas.Plantselectionshouldbethosethatarenativetothedesertanddensitiesofplantingareasshouldbesimilartonaturalconditions.
• Blenddifferentstreetscapecategorieswheretheyjointopreventamarkeddifferencebetweenopposingsidesofstreets.
• Applystreetscapeguidelinestoalllandscapedareaswithinthepublicright-of-way.Encouragetheuseofstreetscapeguidelinesinareasbetweentheright-of-wayandbuildingsetbacklinesorperimeterwalls.
• Designate specific design standards to be implemented on select streets whereaspecialthemeisdesired.
• ApplytheScenic Corridor designationincircumstanceswhereasubstantiallandscapebufferisdesiredtomaintainviews,thedesertcharacterisavitalpartoftheneighborhoodsetting,andbufferingofroadwayimpactsisimportant.Thisallowsforalargerlandscapedareathatcanminimizetheimpactofhighlytraveledroadsadjacenttoneighborhoods.
• Establish specific Scenic Corridor guidelines and policies for the design and maintenance of these visually significant roadways.
• Other visually significant roadways include roadways with buffered setbacks,DesertScenicRoadways(inESLOdistricts),androadwayswith specific streetscape design themes. Each of these designated roadwayshaveindividualdesignguidelinepolicies.
• Formandimplementpoliciestoguidelandscapemaintenanceinthepublicright-of-waysandeasementsinamannerconsistentwiththedesiredstreetscapecharacter.
• Retainmaturetreesinpublicright-of-waystopreserveshadeandthecharacterofthestreet.
• UsemarkersandentryfeaturesatkeyentrancestoScottsdalesothatresidentsandvisitorshaveasenseofarrivalintothecity.
see Shea Boulevard, Via Linda, and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard Streetscape Design Guidelines
Page �0 Scottsdale �00� General Plan
• Makesurestreetlightsareconsistentwiththeintensityofadjacentland usesandtheimageofScottsdale.Insomeareasofthecity,special
streetlightdesignshouldbeusedtoenhancetheuniquecharacterofthestreetscape.
• Placestreetlightsatintervalsandlocationstoenhancesafety.• Keepstreetlightingtoaminimuminlow-densityareas,ruralareas,and
areas near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and shield the light fixtures tomaintainadarksky.
5. Build upon the significant role the arts have played in shaping our community’s image and lifestyle by maximizing the potential of public art to enrich the daily lives of people that live in or visit Scottsdale.
• Informcitizensandvisitorsoftheroleartplaysinthepast,present,andfutureidentityofScottsdale.
• ExpressScottsdale’suniqueheritage,culture,andenvironmentthroughprivateandpublicart.
• Useartasacatalysttofostercivicprideandidentityinbothpublicandprivateimprovements.
• Increase the public’s knowledge and sensitivity to artistic influences and aestheticaspectsofScottsdale’sman-madeandnaturalenvironment.
• Emphasizeartthatpromotespubliceducationandstimulatesdialogueandinteractionwithinthecommunity.
• CreateandmaintainaPublicArtMasterPlanthroughapartnershipwiththeScottsdaleCulturalCouncil.ThePublicArtMasterPlanshouldmaximize the role of all forms of public art in the beautification of the cityandintegrateartintothesurroundingcontext.
• Includeartasanintegralpartofpublicinfrastructuredesign,includingbutnotlimitedtocivicbuildings,streetscapes,parks,andcivilstructures(i.e.bridges,waterreservoirs,drainagestructures,etc.).
• Introduceandintegratepublicartatvariousscalesintothebuiltenvironment.(forexample;artasmonumentalurbanexpressionsorpedestrianlevelartdetails.)
• Considerestablishingartdistrictsthatcelebratethecitytraditionofartandprovideamenitiesforresidentsandvisitors.
• Maximizethepotentialofartandculturaleventsforstimulatingeconomicgrowth.
• Encourageprivateparticipationinpublicartthroughthedonationofartworktothecityandtheplacementofartworkonprivatepropertythatcanbepubliclyviewed.
• Celebratethedominantlifestyleorcharacterofanareaofthecitybyusingart.
Character and Design Element Page ��
6. Recognize the value and visual significance that landscaping has upon the character of the community and maintain standards that result in substantial, mature landscaping that reinforces the character of the city.
• Requiresubstantiallandscapingbeprovidedaspartofnewdevelopmentorredevelopment.
• Maintainthelandscapingmaterialsandpatternwithinacharacterarea.• Encouragetheuseoflandscapingtoreducetheeffectsofheatandglare
onbuildingsandpedestrianareasaswellascontributetowardbetterairquality.
• Discourageplantmaterialsthatcontributesubstantialair-bornepollen.
• Encouragelandscapedesignsthatpromotewaterconservation,safepublicsettings,erosionprotection,andreducethe“urbanheatisland”effect.
• Encouragetheretentionofmaturelandscapeplantmaterials.
7. Encourage sensitive outdoor lighting that reflects the needs and character of different parts of the city.
• Establishlightingstandardsthatrelatetotheambientlightingdesignationscontainedwithinthe2000I.E.S.standardsrevisions.
• Encouragelightingdesignsthatminimizeglareandlightingintrusionsintoneighborhoodsettings.
• Encourage creative and high quality designs for outdoor lighting fixtures and standards that reflect the character of the local context.
• DiscouragelightingthatreducestheviabilityofastronomicalobservationfacilitieswithinArizona.
• Allowforlightingsystemsthatsupportactivepedestrianusesandcontributetopublicsafety.
Page �� Scottsdale �00� General Plan
Related Plans and Policies:• OpenSpacePlan• GreatSonoranDesertDesignPrinciples• EnvironmentallySensitiveLandsOrdinanceDesignGuidelines• ScottsdaleSensitiveDesignPrinciples• DesignGuidelines(forvariousbuildingtypes-ongoing)• ScenicCorridorPolicy• FrankLloydWrightStreetscapeDesignGuidelines• ViaLindaStreetscapeDesignGuidelines• SheaBoulevardStreetscapeDesignGuidelines• DowntownDesignGuidelines• PublicArtMasterPlan• HistoricPreservationOrdinance• CharacterAreaPlanningSummaries• DynamiteFoothillsCharacterAreaPlan(2000)• DesertFoothillsCharacterAreaPlan(1999)
Element Graphics:• CharacterTypesmap• CharacterAreasmap• Streetscapesmap
Character and Design Element Page ��
C. A. P.
airpo
rt
CANAL
Salt River
desertestate
Pim
a Fr
eew
ay (1
01)
Red Mountain Freeway (202)
Beeli
ne H
ighw
ay (8
7)
104t
h ST
.
96th
ST.
110t
h ST
.
124t
h ST
.
120t
h ST
.
136t
h ST
.
144t
h ST
.
130t
h ST
.
PIM
A RD
.
HAYD
EN R
D.
SCOT
TSDA
LE R
D.
64th
ST.
56th
ST.
McKELLIPS RD.
McDOWELL RD.
THOMAS RD.
INDIAN SCHOOL RD.
McDONALD DR.
LINCOLN DR.
CHAPARRAL/CAMELBACK RD.
INDIAN BEND RD.
McCORMICK PKWY.
DOUBLE TREE RANCH RD.
SHEA BLVD.
CACTUS RD.
THUNDERBIRD RD.
GREENWAY RD.
BELL RD./FRANK LLOYDWRIGHT BLVD.
BEARDSLEY RD.
JENNY LYNN
CIRCLE MOUNTAIN
HONDA BOW
ROCKAWAY HILLS
DESERT HILLS DR.
JOY RANCH RD.
STAGECOACH PASS
CAREFREE HWY.
DOVE VALLEY RD.
LONE MOUNTAIN RD.
DIXILETA DR.
DYNAMITE BLVD.
JOMAX RD.
HAPPY VALLEY RD.
PINNACLE PEAK RD.
DEER VALLEY RD.
CAMELBACK RD.
UNION HILLS DR.
640 ac.
1 m
ile general planscottsdale, arizona
CHARACTER AND DESIGN ELEMENT
Locations depicted on this map are generalized
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
City Boundary
Character Types MapRural/Rural Desert Character
Suburban/Suburban Desert Character
Urban CharacterRoadwayDowntown
Resort Corridor and Resort Villages
Employment Core
Tourism and Recreational Corridor Activity Center
Mountain
McDowell Sonoran Preserve (as of 4/2002)
Recommended Study Boundary (RSB) of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Freeway Corridor/Regional Core
State Trust Lands Reclassified for Conservation
State Trust Lands Reclassified, but not limited to Conservation
RIO VERDE DR.
CAVE
CREE
K RD.
TATU
M B
LVD.
Adopted by City Council October 30, 2001Ratified by Scottsdale voters March 12, 2002
revised to show McDowell Sonoran Preserve as of April 2, 2002
Visually Important
Character and Design Element Page ��
C. A. P.
airport
CANAL
Salt River
Pim
a Fr
eew
ay (1
01)
Red Mountain Freeway (202)
Beel
ine
Hig
hway
(87)
104t
h ST
.
96th
ST.
110t
h ST
.
124t
h ST
.
120t
h ST
.
136t
h ST
.
144t
h ST
.
130t
h ST
.
PIM
A R
D.
HAY
DEN
RD
.
SCO
TTSD
ALE
RD
.
64th
ST.
56th
ST.
McKELLIPS RD.
McDOWELL RD.
THOMAS RD.
INDIAN SCHOOL RD.
McDONALD DR.
LINCOLN DR.
CHAPARRAL/CAMELBACK RD.
INDIAN BEND RD.
McCORMICK PKWY.
DOUBLE TREE RANCH RD.
SHEA BLVD.
CACTUS RD.
THUNDERBIRD RD.
GREENWAY RD.
BELL RD./FRANK LLOYDWRIGHT BLVD.
BEARDSLEY RD.
JENNY LYNN
CIRCLE MOUNTAIN
HONDA BOW
ROCKAWAY HILLS
DESERT HILLS DR.
JOY RANCH RD.
STAGECOACH PASS
CAREFREE HWY.
DOVE VALLEY RD.
LONE MOUNTAIN RD.
DIXILETA DR.
DYNAMITE BLVD.
JOMAX RD.
HAPPY VALLEY RD.
PINNACLE PEAK RD.
DEER VALLEY RD.
CAMELBACK RD.
UNION HILLS DR.
640 ac.
1 m
ile general planscottsdale, arizona
CHARACTER AND DESIGN ELEMENTLocations depicted on this map are generalized
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
City Boundary
McDowell Sonoran Preserve (as of 4/2002)
Recommended Study Boundary of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Streetscape Map
RIO VERDE DR.
CAVE
CRE
EK R
D.
TATU
M B
LVD
.
State Trust Lands Reclassified for Conservation
State Trust Lands Reclassified, but not limited to Conservation
Adopted by City Council October 30, 2001Ratified by Scottsdale voters March 12, 2002
revised to show McDowell Sonoran Preserve as of April 2, 2002
Top Related