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.

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see the General Plan section

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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

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SHEA BLVD.

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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