HomeMy WebLinkAboutPackets - 2026 General Plan Advisory Meetings (2)
AGENDA
2026 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY GROUP
JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE FOLLOWING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
TOWN COUNCIL, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMISSION, HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION, PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD, PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION, STORMWATER UTILITY COMMISSION, WATER UTILITY COMMISSION, YOUTH ADVISORY
COUNCIL
January 19, 2023
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
OR BY ZOOM WEBINAR: https://orovalley.zoom.us/j/81612722685
To join by phone dial: +1-669-444-9171
Webinar ID: 816 1272 2685
STUDY SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
STUDY SESSION AGENDA
1.DISCUSSION ONLY WITH TOWN COUNCIL, BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS, YOUTH
ADVISORY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC ATTENDEES REGARDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
STRATEGIES FOR THE UPCOMING GENERAL PLAN
ADJOURNMENT
POSTED: 1/17/23 at 5:00 p.m. by dt
When possible, a packet of agenda materials as listed above is available for public inspection at least 24 hours prior to the Advisory meeting in the
Town Clerk's Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Town of Oro Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If any person with a disability needs any type of accommodation,
please notify the Town Clerk’s Office at least five days prior to the Commission meeting at 229-4700.
2026 General Plan Community Engagement Advisory
Group 1.
Meeting Date:01/19/2023
Requested by: Milini Simms, Community and Economic Development
Case Number: N/A
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION ONLY WITH TOWN COUNCIL, BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS, YOUTH ADVISORY
COUNCIL AND PUBLIC ATTENDEES REGARDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE
UPCOMING GENERAL PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
Discussion item only.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
See attached packet.
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
See attached packet.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
This item is for discussion only.
Attachments
CE Advisory Group Meeting Packet 1
Community and Economic Development
January 13, 2023
Dear Town Council, Board, Commission and Advisory Council members,
Welcome and thank you for participating in this advisory group! Your time, expertise and assistance
with the 2026 General Plan’s Community Engagement Plan is sincerely appreciated. This advisory group
is composed of members of Town Council and the following boards, commissions, and advisory groups:
• Board of Adjustment
• Budget and Finance Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Stormwater Utility Commission
• Water Utility Commission
• Youth Advisory Council
All members are invited to join this effort. To date, 36 have confirmed their participation. It’s not too late to
join in the conversation, please contact me at msimms@orovalleyaz.gov or 520-229-4836 if you would
like to participate.
Purpose of the advisory group
This advisory group is tasked with shaping the upcoming General Plan community engagement process.
In collaboration with Town staff and a marketing consultant, Gordley Group, the advisory group will:
• Share knowledge about the importance of the General Plan and identify changes in the
community since the previous General Plan effort. Provide opinions regarding key areas of focus
for the next General Plan.
• Identify key stakeholders and public participation values
• Analyze results of the active survey and help shape a communications strategy to reach Oro
Valley’s broad demographic range
• Select preferred communication methods among three public participation levels or alternatives
The final product of the advisory group is to recommend a communication strategy. We need everyone to
participate in the meetings to help guide this effort. The results of this collaborative work will be presented
to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council for approval in March.
What to expect
All meetings will be held in-person (preferred attendance) with the option to participate via Zoom. You can
expect to receive a packet of information, sent via email, prior to each meeting for your review.
Additionally, all meetings will be recorded should you want to go back and listen.
If you are going to attend via Zoom, please let me know 24 hours in advance so we can plan dinner and
materials accordingly. Meetings will be from 6 PM – 8 PM on Town Campus, located at 11000 N. La
Canada Drive.
Zoom link to participate online: https://orovalley.zoom.us/j/81612722685
To join by phone dial: +1-669-444-9171
Use webinar I.D. number: 816 1272 2685
2
The advisory group meeting dates, location and topics are provided below along with the tentative public
hearing dates.
Date Location Topic
Thursday, Jan. 19 Hopi Conference Room
(see map on next page)
History and overview of the General Plan & key areas of
interest
Thursday, Jan. 26 Council Chambers Guiding principles and stakeholder identification
Thursday, Feb. 9 Council Chambers Review survey results & communication methods
Thursday, Feb. 16 Council Chambers Preferred communication strategy and budget
Tuesday, March 7 Council Chambers Planning and Zoning Commission
Wed., March 15 Council Chambers Town Council
Survey now open
In addition to your participation in the advisory group, please take this brief survey linked below and
spread the word about it to your neighbors and friends. Multiple people in a household, of all ages can
take the survey until January 26.
Please click on this link to take the survey and share it:
https://arcg.is/10aGrK1.
Results from this survey will be reviewed by the advisory group during the February 9 meeting.
If at any time throughout this process you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Sincerely,
Milini Simms
Principal Planner
Town of Oro Valley
520-229-4836
msimms@orovalleyaz.gov
3
Community Engagement Advisory Group - Meeting #1 Packet
The following items are in this packet to assist the discussion on January 19. Click on each item below to
access and gain familiarity with the documents below:
• Town campus map (see below)
• Meeting #1 Agenda
• 2016 Your Voice, Our Future General Plan
• 2016 Public Participation Plan
• 2022 General Plan Progres s Report
• General Plan legal requirements
2026 General Plan Community Engagement Group
Meeting #1
Thursday, January 19 at 6 PM
Hopi Conference Room
1. Welcome and introductions 6:00 PM
2. Overview and importance of the General Plan 6:30 PM
Prep Material: 2016 General Plan and the 2022 Annual Progress Report
3. Overview of the Advisory Group’s purpose 6:35 PM
Previous community engagement process and results
Prep Material: 2016 Public Outreach Plan
4. Changes in the community since the last General Plan 6:40 PM
Prep Material: General Plan legal requirements
Group Discussion: In your experience, how has the community changed
since the last General Plan?
5. Identify likely focal topics of community discussion 7:10 PM
Exercise and discussion: What do you anticipate as focal topics
of community discussion for the next General Plan?
6. Adjournment 8:00 PM
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 1
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN
FOR
THE ORO VALLEY GENERAL PLAN
Adopted by Oro Valley Town Council
May 1, 2013
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 2
Acknowledgements
Town Council
Satish Hiremath, Mayor
Lou Waters, Vice Mayor
Council Member Brendan Burns
Council Member William Garner
Council Member Joe Hornat
Council Member Mary Snider
Council Member Mike Zinkin
Planning & Zoning Commission
William Rodman, Chair
Don Cox, Vice Chair
Commissioner John Buette
Commissioner D. Alan Caine
Commissioner Bill Leedy
Commissioner Robert E. Swope
General Plan Scoping Committee
Bill Adler Board of Adjustment
David Atler Conceptual Design Review Board
Don Cox Planning & Zoning Commission
Helen Dankwerth FOVPL and Board of Adjustment
Dick Eggerding Conceptual Design Review Board
Ellen Guyer Historic Preservation Commission
Joe Hornat Town Council
Hal Linton Conceptual Design Review Board
Stephen Roche Board of Adjustment
Bill Rodman Planning & Zoning Commission
Dino Sakellar Conceptual Design Review Board
John Scheuring Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Michael Schoeppach Board of Adjustment
Bob Swope Planning & Zoning Commission
Clifton Wickstrom Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Mike Zinkin Town Council
Staff Support
Greg Caton Town Manager
Paul Keesler DIS Director
David Williams Planning Manager
Misti Nowak Communications Administrator
Chris Cornelison Constituent Services Coordinator
Bayer Vella Conservation & Sustainability Administrator
Lynn Garcia Administrative Coordinator
Daniel Harrison Intern
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 3
Public Participation Plan
Table of Contents
I. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 4
II. Extent of General Plan Update.............................................................................. 4
III. Purpose.................................................................................................................... 5
IV. Public Participation Plan Process, Status Reports & Changes.......................... 6
V. Public Participation Guiding Principles............................................................... 7
VI. Stakeholder Identification ..................................................................................... 8
VII. Communication Methods and Techniques........................................................... 8
VIII. Planning Process................................................................................................... 12
XII. Public Meeting Scheduling, Location and Access.............................................. 13
XIII. Special Accommodations ..................................................................................... 13
XV. Evaluation System................................................................................................ 14
Attachment #1 – Community Stakeholders……………………………………………………………………….. 15
Attachment #2 – Terms & Definitions for Public Participation Methods.......................... 18
Attachment #3 – Public Participation Plan Methods Flowchart…………………………………………...20
Attachment #4 – Project Milestones………………………………………………………………………………….22
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 4
I. Introduction
The Town of Oro Valley is beginning preparations to update its General Plan that will guide and
inform critical decisions about the Town’s future. This important effort, envisioned to be
inclusive and community driven and supported, will provide guidance for public policy
development that both defines the character of Oro Valley and sustains its functioning.
The General Plan update will replace the Town’s current one (Focus 2020) that was adopted and
ratified by voters in 2005. Since then, a significant increase in population has resulted in changes
to the Town’s demographic profile. This General Plan update presents the Town with a unique
opportunity to engage the Town’s residents and stakeholders in a dialogue to establish priorities
and further define and guide the development of their community. Experience has taught us that
only when people of all walks of life come together to discuss, debate and listen to one another do
communities gain a larger understanding of who they are and how they want to move forward.
This public participation plan is designed to provide the community and stakeholders with diverse
and meaningful opportunities for engagement. It specifically targets the Town’s new
demographics and includes a variety of ways to consult and collaborate with them. Understanding
what stakeholders’ concerns are and the aspirations they hold for themselves and their community
are essential to the success of the update. Following the public participation plan should create a
sense of community ownership that will ultimately result in an improved, supported and
sustainable General Plan.
An Arizona state law known as the Growing Smarter Act mandates community planning. In
terms of process, Arizona Revised Statutes 9-461.06 requires that a municipality’s General Plan
be readopted or a new one be adopted every ten years. Newer legislation extended the ten-year
provision to July 1, 2015 for both counties and municipalities.
For a town of Oro Valley’s size, the update must be ratified by the voters. The goal is to have the
update adopted by the Mayor and Council in time for the 2016 General Election. This timeframe
will be used to engage, incorporate their input and educate the community in order to build
consensus for a voter-ratified update, while maximizing the efficient use of available resources.
II. Extent of General Plan Update
The General Plan update process provides an opportunity to simplify language, clarify goals and
policies, and better address current and projected needs and trends. Since the last state-required
General Plan update, there has been a significant increase in population and changes to the
demographic profile of the community. As a result, the needs and preferences of the community
have likely shifted. The focus of the current General Plan is on preserving a “suburban/resort
community,” and as we move forward with the update, there may be greater appreciation for a
“full-service community” that includes employment centers, commercial services and housing
choices.
An update of the General Plan also provides an opportunity to unify numerous specialized plans
that have been developed over the last eight years, including economic development strategies
and the Strategic Plan. Furthermore, there are other key planning issues which require updating,
such as finance, housing choices, expansion of the Town (Arroyo Grande) and long-range park
planning.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 5
The General Plan Scoping Committee, a team of Town Council, board, and commission
members, recognizes the quality of the current General Plan and considers the guiding principles
represented in the current General Plan as relevant and sound, serving as a very strong base. The
General Plan Scoping Committee recognizes that many of the chapters require very little
updating; however, the committee has also identified chapters that will require more extensive
work. For purposes of assigning a project scope, a full rewrite of the General Plan is not
anticipated; however, on a scale of 0 (no change) to 5 (major change), the expected level of effort
is approximately a 3. Because the Town’s ultimate objective is voter ratification, the extent of the
General Plan update will be shaped by community participants. During the two-year process, the
Town must maintain dialogue with the community to continually test assumptions and adjust
accordingly.
III. Purpose
This Public Participation Plan was designed to support the Town’s primary goal of developing a
community- and consensus-based, defensible and voter-ratified General Plan update. To
accomplish that, the update must represent a shared community vision and guiding principles, and
the public participation must be inclusive, educational and far-reaching. This Public Participation
Plan identifies the process to reaffirm or adjust the current General Plan vision, guiding
principles, goals and policies so that the update will resonate with the community and be broadly
endorsed by voters.
The Public Participation Plan outlines the steps Town staff will take to encourage and solicit
community involvement in the update process. It identifies specific methods and techniques that
motivate members of the community to:
• Be informed about the preparation, content and use of the General Plan
• Identify key components of community
• Communicate needs and expectations for the future
• Work together to reach consensus on ways to address key community issues
• Contribute to achieving voter ratification
This Public Participation Plan establishes strategies that satisfy the state mandates in the Growing
Smarter Act. ARS § 9-461.06 requires that municipalities’ “governing bodies shall adopt written
procedures to provide effective, early and continuous public participation in the development and
major amendment of general plans from all geographic, ethnic, and economic areas of the
municipality.” Furthermore, the “procedures shall provide for:
a) The broad dissemination of proposals and alternatives
b) The opportunity for written comments
c) Public hearings after effective notice
d) Open discussions, communications programs and information services
e) Consideration of public comments.”
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 6
IV. Public Participation Plan Process, Status Reports & Changes
Public Participation Plan Process
All key building blocks to develop this Public Participation Plan were reviewed by a General Plan
Scoping Committee (GPSC). The result is a sound Public Participation Plan with proven
techniques to engage the public, as well as new outreach efforts in an attempt to reach and inform
more of the community.
The GPSC was a 16-member team comprised of residents currently serving on Town boards,
commissions and Town Council. The Committee was charged with three primary tasks:
• Estimate the extent of General Plan update needed
• Review public participation methods and techniques
• Identify recommended public participation methods and techniques for review by the
Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council
Over the course of five meetings, the GPSC helped develop and review:
• Community changes since adoption of the current General Plan
• Relevancy of the current General Plan and specific elements
• Public participation lessons learned from the 2005 General Plan effort
• Lists of key stakeholders and project participants
• Future public participation “must-do’s”
• Three public participation approaches (base, intermediate and comprehensive) and
associated budgets
• A recommended public participation approach and budget
Gordley Group, a local public relations and involvement firm, helped to refine Public
Participation Plan elements. From this base of community and professional guidance, staff
drafted this Public Participation Plan.
On April 2, 2013, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of the
Public Participation Plan to the Oro Valley Town Council. The Public Participation Plan was
formally adopted by the Town Council on May 1, 2013. The Town Council strongly emphasized
the need to garner participation by families and youth. It was noted that this demographic has
grown substantially since the last General Plan effort.
Status Updates
Staff will update Town Council on the progress and results of the Public Participation Plan
periodically.
Changes
As the Town implements the Public Participation Plan, flexibility is a necessary component. This
plan is a living document that may need to be changed in order to respond to lessons learned
during implementation. If one method proves more or less effective than another, resources will
be adjusted accordingly. Town Council will be informed of any significant changes to the
program.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 7
V. Public Participation Guiding Principles
To meet the Town’s goal for a voter-ratified General Plan update, this Public Participation Plan
was designed to connect residents to the Town and to each other. This connection will result in
better-supported and more sustainable decisions.
The Public Participation Plan:
• Is open, transparent, accountable, inclusive, collaborative and ethical
• Ensures involvement opportunities are convenient for residents
• Promotes sustainable decisions that resonate with the voting community
• Seeks and facilitates involvement of all demographics
• Will be assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure best practices
• Includes how the public’s involvement helps to shape the decisions made for the General
Plan
Additional guiding principles:
• Learn from the past—focus on:
o Residents
o Targeted voter outreach
o Adequate community testing of principles and concepts
o Diversified viewpoints and better committee membership selection
o Earning voter ratification
• Residents’ quality of life
o To overcome the challenge that the General Plan is merely a dry technical
planning tool, present it as a tool to guide and define the community’s quality of
life, focusing on issues with which residents can easily identify
o Draw participants and votes by asking—and answering—the question: “Why is
this important to me?”
• Key objectives
o Provide practical, clear and compelling information that directly relates the
General Plan to residents’ lives
o Use public-friendly, easy-to-understand, engaging, inviting and visionary
methods, techniques and social media tools
o Report positive, tangible results from the current General Plan to build upon
success
o Speak to specific and positive outcomes in the proposed General Plan
o Reach the broad community of voters to identify and test multiple opinions
o Seeks active involvement from typically under-represented populations such as
families and youth
o Keep participants informed throughout the process in open and direct ways
o Maintain a consistent outreach focus throughout the implementation
o Go to the community; do not solely rely on the public to attend large forums
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 8
VI. Stakeholder Identification
The Town’s residents are the primary stakeholders in this effort. Additional care has been taken
to study Oro Valley’s current demographic profile to tailor public participation opportunities.
The Growing Smarter Act defines a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The law requires that the
governing body “Consult with, advise, and provide an opportunity for official comment by public
officials and agencies, the county, school districts, associations of governments, public land
management agencies, the military airport…other appropriate government jurisdictions, public
utility companies, civic, educational, professional and other organizations, property owners and
citizens generally to secure maximum coordination of plans and to indicate properly located sites
for all public purposes in the general plan”.
This mandate is inline with the Town’s objective to be inclusive. A comprehensive list of
stakeholders is included as Attachment #1. Each will be contacted and invited to participate.
Because it is important that the Town pays attention to the best ways to reach and listen to all
groups, stakeholders will be asked to identify additional stakeholders, groups, organizations and
opportunities for community involvement.
VII. Communication Methods and Techniques
In keeping with the Public Participation Plan’s guiding principles, communication methods and
techniques are designed to reach a broad spectrum of the community and educate them about the
process, garner meaningful input and, ultimately, obtain voter ratification. Engaging the
community will provide them with a sense of ownership for the General Plan and build trust in
the Town, resulting in quality participation and greater likelihood of positive voter turnout.
All aspects of the General Plan, including the name, must be transformed from an esoteric
technical planning tool into an effort for residents and stakeholders to further develop Oro
Valley’s high quality-of-life. The first step will be to create a project identity, including an
appealing name, logo, tagline and core messaging pertinent to each phase of the project. All
General Plan materials will carry this “project look.” Materials will also be clear, easy-to-
understand, engaging and show how the General Plan directly relates to the quality of
participants’ lives in Oro Valley and why it should matter to them.
To provide ample opportunity to residents and stakeholders for participation, a variety of
communication methods and techniques will be employed. The variety will also help insure
participation by Oro Valley’s diverse age demographic. Individual methods or techniques tend to
resonate with only a portion of residents. Rather than use a “one size fits all” approach, multiple
methods and techniques are necessary to include everyone in the conversation.
By ensuring opportunities are welcoming and convenient, we will expand the pool of participants.
To this end, social media tools and small gatherings in convenient locations are key outreach
methods. This approach will be supplemented with traditional community outreach, such as
community open houses.
Public and stakeholder meetings, focus groups, small group gatherings and other activities will be
organized to produce results. Leaders will clearly outline participants’ roles and anticipated time
commitment, as well as proposed outcomes to the activity. Leaders will ensure there is time for
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 9
participants to get acquainted with each other, the issues and the process. Next steps will be
clearly outlined. Activities will be designed so that participants have the time to understand
different points of view and resolve issues that may arise. Participants will be encouraged to
develop a common sense of purpose and definitions of challenges faced by the community.
Participants will also be encouraged to connect with and educate one another. Each meeting will
show how previous public input has been incorporated into the General Plan.
The matrix on the following page, Exhibit 1, includes a toolbox of recommended methods and
techniques, with the corresponding participants targeted. Attachment #2 includes a description of
key terms and definitions used in the matrix.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 10
Exhibit I, Methods & Techniques
Method General Description of Participants
TARGETED PARTICIPATION
Committees
Environment Committee Residents. Demographic = Typically attracts boomers and
every effort will be made to include families and youth
Community Committee
Residents and business interests. Demographic = Typically
attracts boomers and every effort will be made to include
families and youth
Development Committee Residents. Demographic = Typically attracts boomers and
every effort will be made to include families and youth
Joint Meeting of Committee Representatives Residents. Demographic = Typically attracts boomers and
every effort will be made to include families and youth
Small Event Meetings
Leadership Interviews Elected officials, community, environment, business, and
school leadership
One on Ones with Stakeholders Broad spectrum of interests
HOA Meeting Participation Series HOA board members and residents. Demographic =
Boomers
Community Conversation on Your Corner Residents. Demographic = Boomers, business employees
and families
Town Department Review Departmental staff
Stakeholder Mtgs. - Gov. & Schools District officials and parent organizations
Stakeholder Mtgs. - Community Groups Broad spectrum of interests
Stakeholder Mtgs - AZ State Land Dept Homeowners, Sierra Club, EPA
Stakeholder Mtgs - Developers/Landowners Realtors, developers and major landowners
Boards & Commissions Workshops Appointed officials
PZ Commission Study Session Appointed officials
Focus Group on Land Use Residents. Demographic = Typically attracts boomers and
every effort will be made to include families and youth
Focus Group on Economic Development
Residents and business leadership. Demographic =
Typically attracts boomers and every effort will be made to
include families and youth
Youth Values Institute Residents: Demographic = Families and youth
School/Classroom Participation Exercises Residents: Demographic = Youth and families
Neighborhood Gatherings Residents. Demographic = Boomers and families
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 11
Method General Description of Participants
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Large Event Meetings
Town Hall I: Project Kick-off & Future Search Residents. Demographic = Typically attracts boomers and
every effort will be made to include families and youth
Open House Residents. Demographic = Boomers
Public Hearings Residents. Demographic = Boomers
Community Events
Annual HOA forum HOA board members and residents. Demographic =
Boomers
State of the Town Broad spectrum of community interests. Demographic =
Boomers and middle age.
School Functions & Parents Association Residents. Demographic = Families and youth
Aquatic Center, Parks & Sporting Events Residents. Demographic = Families and youth
SAACA & TSO Events Residents. Demographic = Families and youth
Town Holiday Events Residents. Demographic = Families and youth
TOV Volunteer Dinner Town volunteers. Demographic = Boomers
Web and Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Orovalleyaz.gov
Mobile App
MindMixer
Surveys
MindMixer
Surveys in NW Explorer
Phone Surveys
Informal Event Surveys & Comment forms
Local News Media
NW Explorer - Advertizing Space
NW Explorer - Quarterly Article
Vista Articles
News Release
Letters to Editor Response Demographic = Boomers
Articles in HOA Newsletters HOA board members and residents. Demographic =
Boomers and family
Water Bill Inserts
Postcards to Advertise Website & MindMixer Broad spectrum of community interests. Demographic =
Boomers and middle age
Voter Education Postcard Broad spectrum of community interests. Demographic =
Boomers, families and youth
BALLOT VOTE Residents. Demographic = Vote eligble
Broad spectrum of community interests. Demographic =
Boomers, families and youth
Broad spectrum of community interests. Demographic =
Boomers, families and youth
Broad spectrum of community interests. Demographic =
Boomers and family
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 12
Method General Description of Participants
TOOLS & TECHNIQUES
Community Strategy #1: This Is Important!
Community Strategy #2: Participate
Community Strategy #3: Vote
Community Speakers Bureau
Leadership Bureau
Traveling Mobile Display
Technical Reports Broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Broad spectrum of OV voters. Demographic: Boomers,
families and youth
The timing of communication methods and techniques is a key to success. Each will be
strategically implemented during targeted phases of the project to maximize effectiveness, and
key milestones in the process will be appropriately acknowledged and celebrated. Attachment #3
represents the timing of community outreach relative to key project phases.
VIII. Planning Process
The General Plan process is intended to be completed over multiple years, culminating in a public
vote to ratify the Town Council’s adoption of the General Plan.
The initial steps entail identifying and gathering information and community resources. The first
milestones include development and approval of a Public Participation Plan, budget planning,
development of schedules, collection of data pertaining to all General Plan elements and planning
committee process.
The planned project phases are:
Phase I – Issues/Vision/Core Principles: Identification, development and testing of a community
vision and guiding principles. This will entail significant community outreach.
Phase II – Draft and Committee Review: Goals and policies for all General Plan elements
associated with the environment, community and development will be reviewed by committees,
boards, commissions and stakeholders.
Phase III – Final Draft and Adoption: Adoption of the updated General Plan will occur through a
formal public review process: 1) Final draft review by a committee, 2) Review by agencies
identified in state statute, 3) Opportunities for community review 4) Public hearings by the
Planning & Zoning Commission, 5) Public hearing and adoption by the Town Council.
Phase IV – Ratification: A public outreach and education campaign will result in ratification of
the updated General Plan by Town voters.
Project milestones are provided in Attachment #4.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 13
XII. Public Meeting Scheduling, Location and Access
In planning public and stakeholder meetings, small gatherings, focus groups and other outreach
activities, scheduling and location will be made as accessible and convenient as possible, taking
into account available resources. Large meetings and forums will be scheduled at different times,
including non-traditional business hours, and every effort will be made to avoid conflict with
other community activities. When possible, activities will be scheduled in conjunction with other
Town or community activities to maximize participation. Public outreach will occur throughout
the Town to reach as many people as possible.
Public meetings will be held in locations accessible to people with disabilities and will be held
near to transit routes whenever possible.
XIII. Special Accommodations
Every effort will be made to accommodate people with special needs who would like to
participate. Summary information related to the update will be made available in languages other
than English, as requested.
Additionally, notification for public meetings will include the following language or other Town-
approved language:
“For accommodations, materials in accessible formats, foreign language interpreters and/or
materials in a language other than English, please contact [person] and [phone number] or [email
address] at least five business days in advance of this scheduled event.”
XIV. Process Documentation
All outreach will be documented for future use and understanding of how the program was
conducted, how the public responded and how the results of the outreach were used in the
development of the General Plan. Documentation will include electronic copies of:
• The final, adopted Public Participation Plan
• Lists and samples of public notification, information and educational materials
• Stakeholder database
• List of publicity obtained and, to the extent possible, copies of news articles, display ads,
etc.
• Summaries of public and stakeholder meetings, focus groups and small group gatherings
to show outcomes
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 14
XV. Evaluation System
To ensure that the process is inclusive and is achieving the Public Participation Plan goals, the
following evaluation system will be utilized:
• Staff administering this Public Participation Plan will review the effectiveness of
implementation on a regular basis to confirm it is meeting goals mandated by state law
and principles identified herein.
• Opportunities for feedback regarding the public participation activities will be provided
through the project website, social media and at meetings, forums and open houses.
Feedback will be reviewed and adjustments made where warranted.
• A quarterly update on the implementation effort of the Public Participation Plan will be
made to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council.
• As part of the General Plan adoption process, a report will be presented to the Planning &
Zoning Commission and Town Council analyzing the results of the public participation
process at the end of the process.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 15
Attachment #1 – Community Stakeholders
COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS:
Residents (2010 Census):
• Households with kids: 25% of Total Households
• Boomers (55 or older) = 41.8%
• Boomers who live in Oro Valley seasonally
• Gen X (35 – 54) = 25.9%
• Gen Y (15-34) = 17.3%
• Gen Z (14 & younger) = 15.1%
Homeowners Associations
All within Town limits (110 total)
All within planning boundaries
Businesses Interests:
Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Large Business Owners (Oro Valley Hospital, Sanofi Adventis, Ventana Roche, El Conquistador
Resort, major shopping centers (Oro Valley Marketplace, Rooney Ranch, Steam Pump Ranch,
etc.)
Small Business Owners
Oro Valley Business Club
Economic Development Zone
Resort/Hospitality Association
Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities Inc. (TREO)
Building Industry Interests
Metropolitan Pima Alliance (MPA)
Tucson Realtors Association
Southern Arizona Builders Association (SAHBA)
Land Speculators
Environmental Interests
Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Tucson Audubon Society
Sonoran Institute
Arts and Cultural Interests
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA)
Oro Valley Historical Society
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 16
Santa Cruz Heritage Alliance
Tohono Chul Park
Churches:
St Elizabeth Ann Seaton, St Odelia, Church of the Apostles, Oro Valley Chruch of the Nazarene,
Oro Valley United Church, St. Mark Catholic Church, Pusch Ridge Christian Church, Vistoso
Community Church, Church of the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint and, Resurrection Lutheran
Church, Dove Mountain Church
Schools
Casas Christian School, Robert B. Wilson Junior K-8th, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, Pusch
Ridge Christian School, Basis Oro Valley, Ironwood Ridge High School, Canyon Del Oro High
School, Painted Sky Elementary School, Immaculate Heart Academy, Resurrection Lutheran
Child and La Canada Kindercare.*
*Focus on governing boards, parent associations, and students (where appropriate)
Service Organizations
Oro Valley Rotary Club
Oro Valley Optimist Club
Catalina-Oro Valley Lions Club
Other
Owners of vacant land – large and small
Oro Valley Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions
Let Oro Valley Excel (LOVE) Blog
Oro Valley Truth Blog
Users of Parks & Recreation Facilities
Library patrons
Friends of the Library
Employees of Large Business in Oro Valley
Oro Valley Hospital patrons
Southern AZ Hiking Club
El Conquistador County Club Golf Association Governing Board & other boards affiliated with
golf courses in or adjacent to Oro Valley
Oro Valley Democrat and Republican organizations
YMCA
Jewish Federation Northwest
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 17
REGULATORY AND PLANNING AGENCIES:
Federal:
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
National Park Service
State:
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
Arizona State Land Department (ASLD)
Arizona Department of Commerce
Arizona Game and Fish
Arizona State Parks Department
Regional:
Pima County
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan Team
Planning and Development
Department of Transportation (PCDOT)
Parks Department
Pinal County
Planning and Development
Department of Transportation (PCDOT)
Flood Control District of Pima County
Pima Association of Governments (PAG)
Santa Catalina Ranger Station
Catalina State Park
Coronado National Forest
Pima Council on Aging/ Mature Worker Connection
Regional Transit Authority
Local:
Town of Oro Valley
Town Manager’s office
Development & Infrastructure Services
Water Utility
Town Attorney’s Office
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Finance
Police
Golder Ranch Fire District
Town Clerk’s office
Courts
Information Technology
Amphi School District
Marana Schools
Town of Marana
City of Tucson
Catalina Coordinating Council
Pima Community College
Imagine Greater Tucson
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 18
Attachment #2 – Terms & Definitions for
Public Participation Methods
Annual HOA forum: Utilize a pre-existing forum for HOAs and managers to invite participation and
garner input from the neighborhood representatives.
Articles in HOA Newsletters: Articles may be provided to local HOA and Neighborhood Associations to
attract residents to meeting, participate and discuss, and inform residents to the planning process and
update.
Boards & Commissions Workshops: Individual sessions with all seven Town boards and commissions to
invite participation, identify issues and review General Plan Update items. Topics will be oriented toward
the specific focus of each board and commission.
Committee(s): Each committee is comprised of Oro Valley residents and categorized by specific topic
areas. Committees are responsible for review of drafts developed by staff.
• Development: This committee is responsible for sections pertaining to land use, community
design, cost of development and transportation/circulation.
• Environment: This committee is responsible for sections pertaining to open space and natural
resources conservation, water resources and environmental planning.
• Community: This committee is responsible for sections pertaining to economic development,
public facilities, services and safety, arts and culture, parks and recreation, archaeological and
historic resources and housing.
Community Conversation on Your Corner: Venue for residents to participate in quality of life
discussions at common gathering areas throughout the community.
Community Speakers Bureau: A team of volunteer speakers who are residents and well versed in
community planning. Their charge is to speak at events and forums throughout the community. The aim
is to invite the community to participate and discuss quality of life issues with residences.
Community Strategy(s):
• #1: This Is Important!: An informational outreach strategy and tools specific to introducing the
project.
• #2: Participate: An informational outreach strategy and tools specific to seeking participation.
• #3: Vote: An informational outreach strategy and tools specific to voter education.
Community Participation: A general category of methods used to engage the larger community, opposed
to a key stakeholder group.
Facebook: Web-based system used to invite residents to participate and share information. Also, notices
and updates may be posted to collect comments.
Farmers Market: Provide an information and survey booth to invite residents to participate and discuss
community values.
Focus Group(s):
• Economic Development: Topic specific meeting of residents and business leaders in the
community with interest in the future economic development of the Town.
• Land Use: Topic specific meeting of residents with special training or interest in land use
planning and mapping.
HOA Meeting Participation Series: Participation in annual or regular HOA meetings to invite
participation and discuss quality of life issues.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 19
Informal Event Surveys & Comment forms: Surveys that are created to directly gather input at specific
events.
Joint Meeting of Committee Representatives: Meeting of representatives from the Development,
Environmental and Community committees. The objective is to insure that findings from the individual
committees harmonize to create a holistic approach.
Leadership Bureau: A team of community leaders whose purpose is to help advocate community
participation and “get out the vote”.
Leadership Interviews: One on one meetings to interview local leaders such as Town Council, school
boards, key employers, HOA representatives etc.
Letters to Editor Response: Town response to address relevant concerns expressed in the NW Explorer.
MindMixer: A web-based discussion board that enables participation on a wide range of topics for
comment. Participants may also post new topics or ideas. This tool will be used to attract participants such
as young families who may not have time to attend evening meetings.
Neighborhood Gatherings: Neighborhood block meetings organized by interested residents. Members of
the Speakers Bureau or staff will initiate discussions regarding the vitality of the community.
News Release: Media alerts to invite participation and share important milestones in the process.
NW Explorer - Advertizing Space: Advertising to increase participation in event, meeting, survey and
web-based discussion opportunities.
NW Explorer - Monthly Article: Articles inviting participation, analysis of key community issues and
reporting general plan update progress.
One on Ones with Stakeholders: Meetings with special interest stakeholders to discuss issues and
concerns.
Open House: Opportunity for residents to meet with staff and community leaders to discuss quality of life
issues and/or elements of a draft General Plan.
Orovalleyaz.gov: Display of General Plan updates, meeting announcements and background reports on the
Town website.
Postcards: Mailed cards to invite participation in events, electronic surveys and voter ratification.
Public Hearings: Formal hearings to vote on the final draft of the General Plan update.
PZ Commission Study Session: Updates regarding progress and findings over the term of the project.
School Functions: Utilize existing school events to invite participation and survey quality of life issues.
Speakers Bureau: Community leaders whose purpose is to meet with community groups (HOA’s etc.),
invite participation and lead discussions relative to quality of life issues.
Stakeholder Meeting(s): Staff meeting(s) with key stakeholders to discuss potential issues or concerns.
• AZ State Land Dept.: The Arroyo Grande area is a sizable component of the General Plan.
ASLD must be provided the opportunity to review all General Plans in Arizona.
• Developers/Landowners: Developers, realtors and landowners interested in economics, land use
policy and community design.
• Community Groups: Non-profits, clubs, churches etc.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 20
• Gov. & Schools: Surrounding jurisdictions and schools (public, charter and private) within Oro
Valley.
State of the Town: A standing annual event attracting a broad cross-section of community leaders and
interests.
Surveys in NW Explorer: Published survey to identify community values and needs that respondents
mail back to the Town. The aim is to reach a broader audience than can be anticipated at meetings.
Targeted Participation: Methods used to “target” specific community groups, locations, and/or topics;
rather than the community as a whole.
Technical Reports: Baseline information such as census or housing data to use in decision-making.
Town Department Review: Internal review process involving Town agencies to ensure timeliness and
validity.
Town Hall I: Project Kick-off & Future Search: A large event for residents to define project objectives,
invite participation and discuss quality of life issues.
TOV Volunteer Dinner: Dinner hosted for the volunteers that assisted throughout the General Plan
Update.
Traveling Mobile Display: An informational display booth to be used at various events throughout the
process.
Twitter: “tweets” will be used to send event, meeting, and progress alerts. Also Twitter will be used to
invite participation in surveys.
Vista Articles: Quarterly online articles submitted to the Town.
Voter Education Postcards or Newsletter: Mailer used to describe the General Plan ballot measure.
Youth Values Institute: A gathering of younger generations to discuss community values, issues and
needs.
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 21
Attachment #3 – Public Participation Flowchart
Public Participation Plan
Methods
Committees & Boards
Environment Committee ¤
Community Committee ¤
Development Committee ¤
Joint Meeting of Committee Representatives ¤¤ ¤
Small Event Meetings
Leadership Interviews (20 persons per set)¤¤ ¤
One on Ones with Stakeholders ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
HOA Meeting Participation Series ¤¤ ¤
Community Conversation on Your Corner
Town Department Review Meetings ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Stakeholder Mtgs. - Gov. & Schools ¤¤ ¤
Stakeholder Mtgs. - Community Groups ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Stakeholder Mtgs - AZ State Land Dept ¤¤ ¤
Stakeholder Mtgs - Developers/Landowners ¤
Boards & Commissions Workshops ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
PZ Commission Study Session ¤ ¤
Focus Group on Land Use ¤
Focus Group on Economic Development ¤
Youth Values Institute ¤
School/Classroom Participation Exercises ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Neighborhood Gatherings ¤¤ ¤
Large Event Meetings
Town Hall I: Project Kick-off & Future Search ¤
Open House ¤ ¤
Public Hearings ¤ ¤
Community Events
Annual HOA forum ¤
State of the Town ¤¤
School Functions & Parents Association ¤ ¤¤
Aquatic Center, Parks & Sporting Events ¤ ¤
SAACA & TSO Events ¤ ¤¤
Town Holiday Events ¤¤
TOV Volunteer Dinner ¤¤
Web and Social Media
Facebook ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Twitter ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Orovalleyaz.gov ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Mobile App ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Mindmixer (software and initial setup)¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Surveys
Mindmixer (design of surveys)¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Survey Published in NW Explorer ¤
Informal Event Surveys & Comment forms ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Phone Surveys ¤¤
Local News Media
NW Explorer - Advertizing Space ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
NW Explorer - Quarterly Article ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Vista Articles ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
News Release ¤¤ ¤
Letters to Editor Response ¤¤ ¤
Articles in HOA Newsletters ¤¤ ¤
Water Bill Inserts
Postcards to Advertize Website & Mindmixer ¤¤
Voter Education Postcard ¤
Ballot Vote ¤
Phase IV
Final Draft &
Adoption
Vote
Targeted Participation
Phase I Phase II Phase III
Community Participation
Environment Community Development
Community
Values
Draft Elements
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 22
Public Participation Plan
Methods cont.
Communication Strategy #1: This is important!¤
Communication Strategy #2: Participate!¤
Communication Strategy #3: Vote!
Community Speakers Bureau ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Leadership Bureau ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤
Traveling Mobile Display ¤¤
Technical Reports (baseline information) ¤
Phase IV
Final Draft &
Adoption
Vote
Phase I Phase II Phase III
Tools & Techniques
Environment Community Development
Community
Values
Draft Elements
5/1/13 Public Participation Plan Page 23
Attachment #4 – Project Milestones
Milestone Approximate Date
Planning & Zoning Commission review of Public Participation Plan April 2013
Town Council review of Public Participation Plan May 2013
Develop technical background reports May–July 2013
Budget adoption July 2013
Hire consultant/contractors Fall 2013
Finalize formal schedule Fall 2013
General Plan public kick-off and start of community engagement Fall 2013
Draft elements 2013–2014
Committee review 2014–2015
Develop final draft 2015
Public review of draft General Plan 2015
Inter-agency review 2015
Draft Implementation Plan 2015
Planning & Zoning Commission study sessions and public hearing 2015
Town Council public hearing and adoption 2015
Ratification election 2016
1
YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE GENERAL PLAN 2022 UPDATE
BRIEF SUMMARY
TOTAL ACTION ITEMS 2016-2021 SUMMARY
Community actions (pg. 2) 123 Completed or Maintained Items 256
Environment actions (pg. 7) 116 Remaining items being worked on over the past year (in progress) 37
Development actions (pg. 10) 71 Remaining items recommended for a future SLP (future items) 17
Total 310 Total 310
2022 UPDATE ON THE 54 REMAINING TASKS ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 2016
Completed items +11 Total Accomplished (completed or maintained) 269 87%
Maintained items +2 Remaining Items:
In Progress 25 In Progress 25 8%
Future items 16 Future items 16 5%
General Plan
2016-2026
Strategic Leadership Plans
Town Department
Work Plans
Staff Resources/
Annual Budget
Purpose
The Your Voice, Our Future General Plan was ratified by the voters in November 2016. The General Plan
consists of the community ’s vision and goals for the Town and is used as a guide in long range decision-
making. The General Plan is a long-range 10-year policy document designed to guide the Town through
2026.
Implementing the General Plan
The community ’s vision and guiding principles provided the foundation for the goals, policies, and
actions in the General Plan. The 310 actions were established to fulfill the goals and policies and are
intended to be somewhat flexible as priorities and resources shift. The actions are prioritized every two
years through the Town Council’s Strategic Leadership Plan. These priorities are translated to individual
Town Department Work Plans for implementation.
As a commitment to the Town Council and Oro Valley residents, the following information provides an
update on the remaining 54 items to complete from the General Plan.
TOTAL TASKS CURRENTLY IN PROGRESS
REMAINING TASKS TO EVALUATE OR COMPLETE IN THE FUTURE
Key Points:
• 95% of the action items are either complete, maintained or actively being worked on.
• There are four more years to prioritize and direct resources towards completing or evaluating the remaining 16 items.
2
COMMUNITY ACTIONS
SUMMARY FROM PREVIOUS
YEARS (123 TASKS TOTAL)
2022 UPDATE ON THE 21
REMAINING TASKS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE
2016 (87%)
TASKS TO COMPLETE (13%)
Completed 39 Completed +3 Total tasks completed 42 Total tasks currently
in progress
13
Maintained 63 Maintained +2
In Progress 18 In Progress 13 Total tasks maintained
through ongoing
operations
65 Remaining tasks to
evaluate or complete
in the future
3
Future items 3 Future items 3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- REMAINING TASKS
NO. TASK TIME DEPT. STATUS ASSOCIATED PROJECTS/PROGRAMS SLP
2021 2022
6 Create private and public sector
partnerships and programs for
use, beautification, art displays
or publicity on underutilized or
vacant employment and retail
centers.
Medium CED In Progress In Progress • Revised Master Development Plan for the Oro
Marketplace – includes a community gathering space
in the center.
• Entrepreneurial Needs Study – completed in
November 2021.
1B
1C
7 Develop strategies that promote
a range of retail options,
including regional-serving,
neighborhood-serving and
pedestrian-oriented, at
appropriate locations.
Medium CED In Progress In Progress • Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS) – Adopted by Town Council in 2019.
• Retail Study – Elements of the retail study were
incorporated into the housing study to meet the SLP
objective. The scope of work for the retail study will be
completed after the housing study is done to minimize
overlap between the two.
• Housing Study – The scope for the housing study was
finalized in October 2022 after receiving feedback
from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town
Council. The study will be conducted in two phases: 1)
data gathering to be completed by the end of February
and 2) a statistically valid survey to fill in any data gaps
and gather anecdotal opinions. Staff anticipates
presenting the findings and recommendations to the
Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council
1B
1C
3
next Fall with other elements of the 2026 General Plan
Background Report.
• Business Summit – A summit was held in January 2022
to understand the challenges and opportunities
associated with operating a thriving business. This
event will be annual with the next one planned for
January 2023.
9
Develop partnerships with local
organizations and businesses in
order to:
A. Identify needs for
businesses which provide
quality, accessible childcare,
preschool, special needs and
adult/elder care
options.
Medium CED In Progress Maintained • Business Summit - A summit was held in January 2022
to understand the challenges and opportunities
associated with operating a thriving business. This
event will be annual with the next one planned for
January 2023.
• Business Retention and Expansion Program – routine
discussions with OV businesses to understand needs.
In January 2022, elements of OVSafeSteps were
incorporated to create OVNextSteps.
1A
1B
B. Support and promote the
success of working families.
Medium CED In Progress Maintained
COMPLETE COMMUNITY- REMAINING TASKS
10
Develop a plan for designating
areas in Oro Valley that serve as
the community’s gathering
places and are envisioned to:
B. Include such amenities as
sidewalk cafes, outdoor
seating and desert
landscaping.
Short CED In Progress
Complete
• Revised Master Development Plan for the Oro
Marketplace – includes a community gathering space
in the center. Approved by Town Council in November
2022.
1C
C. Emphasize the pedestrian
experience.
Short CED,
P&R,
PW
In Progress In Progress • Existing code requirements -All new public roadway
projects require a multi-use path. All private
developments must have pedestrian connectivity from
roadways to entry points and courtyards/recreation
areas. Recent examples include the pedestrian/bicycle
trail near Greenock and the loop connection near the
Oro Valley Hospital.
4
• Update to the Town’s Design Principles and
Standards – Anticipated for consideration by the Town
Council by June 2023.
5A
11
Update existing Town programs,
plans and regulations to create
or expand Oro Valley’s
community gathering places,
such as:
A. Development and zoning
regulations to include new
designations, such as mixed-
use zoning.
Medium CED Future
Item
Future
Item
• Existing code requirements - The neighborhood
commercial (C-N) zoning district has standards for
residential and commercial developments.
• Evaluation and possible creation of a mixed-use zoning
district is recommended for a future strategic plan to
direct further resources needed to complete this task.
12 Develop public/private
partnerships in order to create
synergy and achieve common
goals and desired improvements
for Oro Valley’s community
gathering places.
Medium CED,
P&R,
TM,
I&T
In Progress In Progress • Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Completed in
May 2021.
• IGA with Amphitheater Unified School District –
Anticipated completion date June 2023.
• Revised Master Development Plan for the Oro
Marketplace – includes a community gathering space
in the center. Approved by Town Council in November
2022.
1C
2A
13 Creating development review
strategies for commercial and
retail areas that encourage
public spaces.
Medium CED In Progress In Progress • Existing code requirement - The code requires public
spaces (courtyards) for all non-residential projects.
• Revised Master Development Plan for the Oro Valley
Marketplace – includes a community gathering space
in the center. Approved by Town Council in November
2022.
• Update to the Town’s Design Principles and
Standards – Anticipated for consideration by the Town
Council by June 2023.
1B
5A
16 Create a program that promotes
accessible, convenient and age-
friendly design of public and
private facilities, services and
programs.
Medium CED,
PW
In Progress Complete • Opportunities to create or expand multigenerational
programs and facilities were explored and are now
being implemented – examples include special events,
art and health and wellness programs.
2B
27 Explore options for creating a
Town Senior Advisory Council to
Long TM,
I&T,
In Progress Complete • Senior Task Force – A temporary senior task force was
created by the Parks and Recreation Department to
2B
5
direct priorities for senior
services in the community.
P&R help identify programming access needs (per the
FY21/22-22/23 SLP). Additional task forces may be
utilized in the future as needed.
30
Continue support of the Town's
Public Art Program by:
A. Developing an inventory and
maintenance program,
including training for staff
on correct maintenance
procedures
Medium CED In Progress In Progress • Public and private art database for internal use
anticipated for completion by December 2021.
• Coordination with the Southern Arizona Arts and
Cultural Alliance (SAACA) to assess public art
maintenance needs - Anticipated completion by end
of October 2022
1D
37 Develop cooperative
agreements with public school
districts, private and charter
schools to share school facilities
for arts, recreation and
education purposes.
Short P&R,
TM
In Progress In Progress • IGA with Amphitheater Unified School District –
Anticipated completion date June 2023
2A
39
Evaluate and address the Town’s
community park system
conditions and needs by:
B. Developing and integrating
strategies that address park
shortages, preservation
needs and safety upgrades
into the Parks Master Plan.
Medium P&R In Progress In Progress • Recommendations to prioritize larger neighborhood
area parks and amenities – Best practices to prioritize
larger neighborhood park areas and enhanced
amenities were presented to the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board (PRAB) and the Planning and Zoning
Commission at the end of the summer 2022. Staff is
currently drafting a proposed code amendment to
incorporate these findings and feedback from the
board and commission. Anticipated completion date is
April 2023.
5A
44 Develop a strategy to acquire
property for larger recreational
and community use of sufficient
size and location that access can
be shared equitably by multiple
neighborhoods and all residents.
Long CED,
PW, F,
P&R,
TM
In Progress In Progress • Recommendations to prioritize larger neighborhood
area parks and amenities – See details in #39.
Anticipated completion date April 2023.
5A
45 Review opportunities to
repurpose land for small and
neighborhood parks by
acquiring land or partnering
Long CED,
F,
P&R,
TM
In Progress In Progress • Recommendations to prioritize larger neighborhood
area parks and amenities – See details in #39.
Anticipated completion date April 2023.
5A
6
with local stakeholders and
agencies.
• Analysis of private and public golf courses – Vistoso
golf and El Conquistador golf course were evaluated
for potential repurposing in 2020/2021.
46
Plan for future trail needs in the
community by developing and
adopting a trails plan that:
A. Establishes long-term
strategies for trail
development, linkages,
management and upkeep in
cooperation with other local
jurisdictions
Medium CED,
P&R
Future
Item
Future
Item
• An updated trails plan is recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources needed to
complete this task.
B. Integrates with the Parks
Master Plan and is
periodically updated.
Medium CED,
P&R
Future
Item
Future
Item
47
Create procedures, including
public and private contributions,
for integrating signs into parks,
trailheads, trails and linear
bicycle paths and near natural
areas that:
B. Inform users of site
information and regulations.
Medium CED,
P&R
In Progress In Progress • Existing code requirement - Requires signs in all
private parks and for public trails on private
properties. Signs include information and
rules/regulations. Trailheads and trails have signage
that include the name of the location and wayfinding
directional arrows. New trails added through
development are required to provide wayfinding
directional signage
• Update to the Town’s Design Principles and
Standards – Anticipated for consideration by the Town
Council by June 2023.
5A
PUBLIC FACILITES AND SERVICES –REMAINING TASKS
50 Develop a plan for long-term
municipal facilities that
considers overall community
needs and growth and that
addresses parking, facility
expansion, satellite offices,
central offices, maintenance and
fueling facilities and operations.
Medium PW,
TM,
I&T
In Progress In Progress • Town-wide space and facilities needs study– The
study was reconfigured and finished to facility
elements for possible development of the Town’s
Rooney Ranch parcel. The Town entered into an
agreement with Gensler and Associated to conduct
the Rooney Ranch Master Plan project, which will be
presented to Council in early 2023.
4C
7
SONORAN DESERT RESOURCE- REMAINING TASKS
NO. TASK TIME DEPT. STATUS ASSOCIATED PROJECTS/PROGRAMS SLP
2021 2022
72 Maintain and improve night sky
visibility by:
A. Updating regulations to
incorporate new technologies
and best practices that
minimize light pollution.
Short CED, PW In
Progress
In Progress • Lighting Code Amendment – A regional
approach to update lighting is in
progress. Once complete, updates to the
Town’s lighting code will be
recommended.
1A
B. Adhering to regional dark-skies
initiatives.
Ongoing CED, PW In
Progress
In Progress
74 Develop and implement the Town’s
Tree Master Plan, which considers
the benefits of trees in relation to
overall community welfare, while
making plans for infrastructure,
facilities, new development and the
conservation of Oro Valley's scenic
views.
Medium CED, PW,
P&R
Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources
needed to complete this task.
77 Develop measures that encourage
private property owners to assist in
invasive species removal.
Short CED Future
Item
Future Item • Invasive plant species are identified and
removed during the development
process. The Zoning Code also includes a
list of prohibited species (Addendum E)
ENVIRONMENT ACTIONS
SUMMARY FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
(116 TASKS TOTAL)
2022 UPDATE ON THE 13
REMAINING TASKS
TOTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SINCE 2016 (91%)
TASKS TO COMPLETE (9%)
Completed 46 Completed +2 Total tasks completed 48 Total tasks currently
in progress
4
Maintained 57 Maintained 0
In Progress 6 In Progress 4 Total tasks maintained
through ongoing
operations
57 Remaining tasks to
evaluate or complete
in the future
7
Future Items 7 Future Items 7
8
available to the public. Additional
measures are recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources
needed to complete this task.
WATER CONSERVATION- REMAINING TASKS
82
Reduce dependence on, use and
diminishing of the groundwater
supply by:
A. Exploring the expanded use of
stormwater harvesting and
recharge areas.
Medium WU Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources
needed to complete this task.
83 Expand infrastructure and facilities
that provide for a diverse water
supply portfolio, including Central
Arizona Project water and the use
of reclaimed water for irrigation
and other purposes.
Long WU In
Progress
In Progress • NWRRDS Expansion - The Water Utility is
expanding, and the Northwest Recharge
and Recovery Delivery System (NWRRDS)
allowing for the delivery of additional
CAP entitlements for use in the
community. The partnered portion of the
NWRRDS has been postponed until the
bidding environment improves. However,
work continues to move forward with the
independent portions for the project.
Additionally, the Water Utility is assessing
the feasibility of expanding the reclaimed
water system to support turf irrigation
currently being irrigated by groundwater.
CULTURAL RESOURCE- REMAINING TASKS
101
Preserve and share significant
cultural resources of Oro Valley
with the community by:
A. Identifying significant cultural
resources, including people,
events, places and activities in
an inventory that is periodically
updated.
Medium CED,
P&R
In
Progress
Complete • Review of the Preservation Plan –The
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)
reviewed the plan in 2022.
9
B. Collecting oral histories from
key persons related to Oro
Valley history.
Medium CED, P&R In
Progress
In Progress • Key people have been identified and
some oral histories have been collected.
C. Creating and executing a plan
for the placement of
interpretive elements related to
cultural resource sites in
existing and planned Town
facilities and properties with
the assistance of outside
funding.
Medium CED, PW,
P&R
Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources
needed to complete this task.
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT- REMAINING TASKS
110
Promote sustainable practices in
the private sector by:
Medium CED, WU Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources
needed to complete this task.
C. Partnering with local businesses
to create incentives for the
education, purchase and/or
installation of resource
conservation products.
113
Promote energy efficiency by:
A. Reviewing, identifying and
addressing Town policies and
ordinances that enhance
renewable energy production,
efficiency and conservation.
Medium CED, PW Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources
needed to complete this task.
B. Conducting an assessment of
emerging renewable
technologies for potential
application in the community.
Medium CED, PW Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a future
strategic plan to direct further resources
needed to complete this task.
120
Pursue sustainability and
environmental conservation in
development by:
Medium CED In
Progress
Complete • Parking code update – Allowing
additional rainwater harvesting within
parking areas. Encourages solar parking
by removing conflicting code
requirements. Approved by Town Council
in January 2022.
1A
B. Including sustainable and
environmental development
practices in Town development
review.
10
DEVELOPMENT ACTIONS
SUMMARY FROM PREVIOUS YEAR
(71 TASKS TOTAL)
2021 UPDATE ON THE 20
REMAINING TASKS
TOTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
SINCE 2016 (79%)
TASKS TO COMPLETE (21%)
Completed 18 Completed +6 Total tasks completed 24 Total tasks currently in
progress
8
Maintained 33 Maintained 0
In Progress 13 In Progress 8 Total tasks maintained
through ongoing
operations
33 Remaining tasks to
evaluate or complete in
the future
6
Future items 7 Future Items 6
LAND USE AND DESIGN- REMAINING TASKS
NO. TASK TIME DEPT. STATUS ASSOCIATED PROJECTS/PROGRAMS SLP
2021 2022
125
Maintain the unique character of Oro
Valley by studying and updating:
A. Site design standards.
Medium CED In Progress In Progress • Update to the Town’s Design
Principles and Standards –
Anticipated for consideration by
the Town Council by June 2023.
5A
B. Land use regulations that define
and incorporate effective
compatibility standards.
Medium CED In Progress In Progress
C. Regulations that enable a variety
of architectural colors and
textures, especially for
commercial, that integrate with
the community and don’t
emphasize sameness.
Medium CED In Progress In Progress
128 Develop detailed planning for designated
neighborhood-scale growth areas at
prominent intersections.
Long CED Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a
future strategic plan to direct
further resources needed to
complete this task.
129
Create development standards, policies
and provisions and make available in
appropriate locations for:
Long CED Future
Item
Future Item • This action is recommended for a
future strategic plan to direct
11
A. Form-based code. further resources needed to
complete this task. B. Transit-oriented development. Long CED Future
Item
Future Item
C. Mixed-use zoning. Long CED Future
Item
Future Item
130
Update development regulations of
Master Planned communities to:
A. Incorporate land uses consistent with
surrounding development and
residential acceptance.
Medium CED Future
Item
Complete • Requiring Master Development
Plans was part of a larger code
amendment to the Development
Review Process approved by
Town Council in October 2022.
1C
134 Hold periodic “energy summits” by
bringing together providers, key
landowners, businesses and Town staff to
identify and resolve issues and discuss
plans for future growth.
Long CED, TM In Progress Complete • Utility service capacity project –
The utility service capacity for all
commercial and tech park
properties is available on the
ChooseOroValley.gov website.
• Fiber Optics Plan – provided to
Town Council in 2022.
• TEP Summit –discussed capacity
to serve Innovation Park in
October 2022.
• Water budget for economic
development projects – ongoing
discussions between CED and the
Water Utility to discuss long-term
water needs to support economic
development.
1B
135
Respond to and plan for the present and
future housing needs of the community,
while considering changes in
demographics and overall growth by:
A. Conducting a housing inventory.
B. Developing a housing plan, that
addresses the needs of a diverse
community.
Medium
Medium
CED
CED
In Progress
In Progress
In Progress
In Progress
• Elements of a housing study were
inventoried and analyzed through
a Market Study (2017) and
Apartment Study (2020).
• Housing Study – The scope for the
housing study was finalized in
October 2022 after receiving
5A
12
C. Developing zoning strategies that
implement the housing plan.
Medium CED In Progress In Progress feedback from the Planning and
Zoning Commission and Town
Council. The study will be
conducted in two phases: 1) data
gathering to be completed by the
end of February and 2) a
statistically valid survey to fill in
any data gaps and gather
anecdotal opinions. Staff
anticipates presenting the findings
and recommendations to the
Planning and Zoning Commission
and Town Council next Fall with
other elements of the 2026
General Plan Background Report.
INFRASTRUCTURE- REMAINING TASKS
137
Develop a plan for new development and
infrastructure that:
A. Identifies funding methods and
techniques.
Medium PW, F,
I&T
In Progress In Progress • RTA Next – The Town continues to
participate and support the RTA
Next. Staff recommended projects
to the RTA and the associated
Citizen Advisory Committee.
Currently, staff is working with the
RTA to reduce the list of regional
projects to meet the expected
budget allocations.
• Stormwater improvements -
actively seek and receive exterior
funding from Pima County
Regional Flood Control and federal
grants.
4A
141 Coordinate infrastructure expansion and
future utility services in Innovation Park
and other key employment and
commerce sites.
Ongoing CED In Progress In Progress • Fiber Optics Plan – provided to
Town Council in 2022.
• TEP Summit –discussed capacity to
serve Innovation Park in October
2022.
1B
4C
13
• Water budget for economic
development projects – ongoing
discussions between CED and the
Water Utility to discuss long-term
water needs to support economic
development.
142
Increase opportunities for
telecommunications and broadband
services in the community by:
A. Identifying community needs and
suitable providers.
Long CED,
I&T, TM
In Progress Completed • Fiber Optics Plan – A letter of
support was provided to Pima
County for the State Middle Mile
grant. The Town Fiber Optic Plan
has been provided to Town
Council.
4C
B. Assessing suitable locations and the
impact on current infrastructure.
Long CED,
I&T, TM
In Progress Completed
TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION- REMINAING TASKS
146 Re-examine Zoning Code parking ratios as
part of overall transportation planning in
areas where transportation options other
than the automobile are available.
Medium CED,
PW
In Progress Completed • Parking Code Amendment –
Approved by Town Council in
January 2022.
1A
147 Create a complete streets design manual
that considers means to calm traffic,
traffic safety, neighborhood aesthetics,
stormwater management, access
management, public health, safety and
community vitality.
Short CED,
PW
Future
Item
Future Item • Update to the Town Subdivision
Street Standards - recommended
for a future strategic plan item to
direct further resources needed to
complete this task.
148
Complete long-range planning for the
roadway network that addresses:
• RTA Next – The Town continues
to participate and support the
RTA Next. Staff recommended
projects to the RTA and the
associated Citizen Advisory
Committee. Currently, staff is
working with the RTA to reduce
the list of regional projects to
meet the expected budget
allocations.
4A
B. Future transportation needs, access
and development on major
roadways.
Medium CED,
PW
In Progress In Progress
14
150
Coordinate with the state to develop
detailed planning for Oracle Road that
identifies partnerships, funding options
and agreements in order to allow for:
A. Diverse development.
Medium CED,
PW
In Progress Complete • Zoning amendment to revise the
scenic corridor standards for
consistency – approved in 2020.
• Revised Master Development
Plan for the Oro Valley
Marketplace –Approved by Town
Council in November 2022.
1C
151
Re-evaluate roadway design standards,
especially for arterial and collector roads,
to include methods for:
A. Reducing fuel consumption,
congestion and the number of
vehicles starts and stops.
Medium PW,
OVPD
Future
Item
Future Item • Update to the Town Subdivision
Street Standards - recommended
for a future strategic plan item to
direct further resources needed to
complete this task.
Department abbreviations:
CED- Community and Economic Development Department
F- Finance
GRFD- Golder Ranch Fire District
I&T- Innovation and Technology
OVPD- Oro Valley Police Department
P&R- Parks and Recreation
PW- Public Works
TM- Town Manager’s Office
WU- Water Utility
General Plan Legal Requirements
Key Process Requirements
1. Community Engagement Plan Adoption
2. Consistent and ongoing communication with Town Council and affected agencies
3. 60-day review period
4. Two public hearings with the Planning and Zoning Commission
5. Public hearing with Town Council for adoption
6. Voter ratification during next available election after TC adoption
Process related requirements State Law Compliance for 2026
1. Adopt a public
participation plan
ARS 9-461.06. C. 1.
The governing body shall adopt written procedures to provide effective, early and continuous public
participation in the development and major amendment of general plans from all geographic, ethnic and
economic areas of the municipality. The procedures shall provide for:
(a) The broad dissemination of proposals and alternatives.
(b) The opportunity for written comments.
(c) Public hearings after effective notice.
(d) Open discussions, communications programs and information services.
(e) Consideration of public comments.
Adoption of the
Community Engagement
Plan
2. Ongoing communication
with Town Council and
affected agencies.
ARS 9-461.06. C.2
Consult with, advise and provide an opportunity for official comment by public officials and agencies, the
county, school districts, associations of governments, public land management agencies, the military airport if
the municipality has territory in the vicinity of a military airport or ancillary military facility as defined in section
28-8461, other appropriate government jurisdictions, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional
and other organizations, property owners and citizens generally to secure maximum coordination of plans and
to indicate properly located sites for all public purposes on the general plan.
ARS 9-461.05.A
Each planning agency shall prepare, and the governing body of each municipality shall adopt a comprehensive,
long-range general plan for the development of the municipality. The planning agency shall coordinate the
production of its general plan with the creation of the state land departme nt conceptual land use plans under
title 37, chapter 2, article 5.1 and shall cooperate with the state land department regarding integrating the
conceptual state land use plans into the municipality's general land use plan. The general plan shall include
provisions that identify changes or modifications to the plan that constitute amendments and major
amendments. The plan shall be adopted and readopted in the manner prescribed by section 9-461.06.
Regular check-ins
scheduled with
board/commissions and
Town Council
3. 60-Day review period by
Town Council, Planning
and Zoning Commission
and specific outside
agencies
ARS 9-461.06. D.
At least sixty days before the general plan or an element or major amendment of a general plan is noticed
pursuant to subsection E of this section, the planning agency shall transmit the proposal to the planning
commission, if any, and the governing body and shall submit a copy for review and further comment to:
1. The planning agency of the county in which the municipality is located.
2. Each county or municipality that is contiguous to the corporate limits of the municipality or its area of
extraterritorial jurisdiction.
3. The regional planning agency within which the municipality is located.
4. The Arizona commerce authority or any other state agency that is subsequently designated as the general
planning agency for this state.
5. The department of water resources for review and comment on the water resources element, if a water
resources element is required.
6. If the general plan or an element or amendment of the general plan is applicable to territory in the vicinity of
a military airport or ancillary military facility as defined in section 28-8461, the military airport.
7. If the general plan or an element or major amendment of the general plan is applicable to property in the
high noise or accident potential zone of a military airport or ancillary military facility as defined in section 28 -
8461, the attorney general. For the purposes of this paragraph, "major amendment" means a substantial
alteration of the municipality's land use mixture or balance as established in the municipality's existing general
plan land use element.
8. Any person or entity that requests in writing to receive a review copy of the proposal
Provide 60-day review
period to:
- Town Council
- Planning and
Zoning
Commission
- Pima County
- Pinal County
- Town of Marana
- City of Tucson
- Pima Association
of Governments
(PAG)
- Arizona
Commerce
Authority
- Arizona
Department of
Water Resources
4. Two public hearings
required with the Planning
and Zoning Commission
re: recommendation for
adoption
ARS 9-461.06. E.
If the municipality has a planning commission, after considering any recommendations from the review
required under subsection D of this section the planning commission shall hold at least one public hearing
before approving a general plan or any amendment to such plan. When the general plan or any major
amendment is being adopted, planning commissions in municipalities having populations over twenty-five
thousand persons shall hold two or more public hearings at different locations within the municipality to
promote citizen participation. Notice of the time and place of a hearing and availability of studies and
summaries related to the hearing shall be given at least fifteen and not more than thirty calendar days before
the hearing by:
1. Publication at least once in a newspaper of general circulation published or circulated in the municipality, or
if there is none, the notice shall be posted in at least ten public places in the municipality.
2. Such other manner in addition to publication as the municipality may deem necessary or desirable.
ARS 9-461.06. F.
Action by the planning commission on the general plan or any amendment to the plan shall be transmitted to
the governing body of the municipality.
Two public hearings to
the Planning and Zoning
Commission
- One must be
offsite
- Notice in paper
and at least 10
public places
- Recommendation
required during
2nd hearing to be
transmitted to
Council
5. Public hearing required
for Town Council
adoption.
ARS 9-461.06. G.
Before adopting the general plan, or any amendment to it, the governing body shall hold at least one public
hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given in the time and manner provided for the
giving of notice of the hearing by the planning commission as specified in subsection E of this section.
ARS 9-461.06. H.
The adoption or readoption of the general plan or any amendment to such plan shall be by resolution of the
governing body of the municipality, after notice as provided for in subsection E of this section. The adoption or
readoption of or a major amendment to the general plan shall be approved by affirmative vote of at least two-
thirds of the members of the governing body of the municipality. All major amendments to the general plan
proposed for adoption by the governing body of a municipality shall be presented at a single public hearing
during the calendar year the proposal is made. The general plan, or any amendment to the plan, shall be
endorsed in the manner provided by the governing body to show that it has been adopted by the governing
body.
If the municipality includes property in the high noise or accident potential zone of a military airport or ancillary
military facility as defined in section 28-8461, the governing body of the municipality shall send notice of the
approval, adoption or readoption of the general plan or major amendment to the general plan to the attorney
general by certified mail, return receipt requested, within three business days after the approval, adoption or
readoption. If the attorney general determines the approval, adoption or readoption of the general plan or
major amendment to the general plan is not in compliance with section 28-8481, subsection J, the attorney
general shall notify the municipality by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the determination of
noncompliance. The municipality shall receive the notice from the attorney general within twenty-five days
after the notice from the municipality to the attorney general is mailed pursuant to this subsection. The
effective date of any approval, adoption or readoption of, or major amendment to, the general plan shall be
thirty days after the governing body's receipt of the attorney general's determination of noncompliance.
Within thirty days after the receipt of a determination of noncompliance by the attorney general as prescribed
by this section, the governing body of the municipality shall reconsider any approval, adoption or readoption
of, or major amendment to, the general plan that impacts property in the high noise or accident potential zone
of a military airport or ancillary military facility as defined in section 28-8461. If the governing body reaffirms a
prior action subject to an attorney general's determination of noncompliance pursuant to this section, the
attorney general may institute a civil action pursuant to section 28-8481, subsection L. If the governing body
timely sends notice pursuant to this subsection and the attorney general fails to timely notify the governing
body of a determination of noncompliance, the general plan or major amendment to the general plan shall be
deemed to comply with section 28-8481, subsection J. If the motion to adopt or readopt a general plan or an
amendment to the general plan fails to pass, the governing body may reconsider the motion in any manner
allowed by the governing body's rules of procedure, but any subsequent motion for the adoption or readoption
of the general plan or a major amendment to the general plan must be approved by an affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of the members of the governing body.
One public hearing with
Town Council
- Notice in paper
and at least 10
public places
- Must be adopted
by 2/3 of the
vote through a
resolution
For the purposes of this subsection, "major amendment" means a substantial alteration of the municipality's
land use mixture or balance as established in the municipality's existing general plan land use element. The
municipality's general plan shall define the criteria to determine if a proposed amendment to the general plan
effects a substantial alteration of the municipality's land use mixture or balance as established in the
municipality's existing general plan land use element.
ARS 9-461.06. I. – Not applicable
If the municipality does not have a planning commission, the only procedural steps required for the adoption of
the general plan, or any amendment to such plan, shall be those provided in this article for action by the
governing body.
ARS 9-461.06. O.
A person, after having participated in the public hearing pursuant to subsection H of this section, may file a
petition for special action in superior court to review the governing body's decision that does not comply with
the mandatory requirement prescribed in section 9-461.05, subsection C, paragraph 1 [Land Use Element],
subdivision (g) within thirty days after the governing body has rendered its decision. The court may affirm,
reverse or remand to the governing body, in whole or in part, the decision reviewed for further action that is
necessary to comply with the mandatory requirements prescribed in section 9-461.05, subsection C, paragraph
1, subdivision (g).
6. Voter ratification – must
be on ballot for the next
regularly scheduled
election after TC adoption
ARS 9-461.06. M.
The governing body of a city or town having a population of more than two thousand five hundred persons but
less than ten thousand persons and whose population growth rate exceeded an average of two per cent per
year for the ten year period before the most recent United States decennial census, and any city or town having
a population of ten thousand or more persons, shall submit each new general plan adopted pursuant to
subsection K of this section to the voters for ratification at the next regularly scheduled municipal election or at
a special election scheduled at least one hundred twenty days after the governing body adopted the plan
pursuant to section 16-204. The governing body shall include a general description of the plan and its
elements in the municipal election pamphlet and shall provide public copies of the plan in at least two locations
that are easily accessible to the public and may include posting on the municipality's official internet w ebsite.
If a majority of the qualified electors voting on the proposition approves the new plan, it shall become effective
as provided by law. If a majority of the qualified electors voting on the proposition fails to approve the new
plan, the current plan remains in effect until a new plan is approved by the voters pursuant to this subsection.
The governing body shall either resubmit the proposed new plan, or revise the new plan as provided by this
section, for subsequent submission to the voters at the next regularly scheduled municipal election or at a
special election scheduled at least one hundred twenty days after the governing body readopted the new or
revised new plan. All subsequent adoptions and submissions of the new plan or revised plans must comply
with the procedures prescribed by this section until the plan is ratified
TC adoption at least 120
days prior to election
Post ratification and
implementation
ARS 9-461.06. J.
A copy of the adopted general plan of a municipality shall be sent to the planning agency of the county within
which the municipality is located, and such plan or any portion of the plan may be adopted as a part of the
county general plan.
ARS 9-461.06. K.
A general plan, with any amendments, is effective for up to ten years from the date the plan was initially
adopted and ratified pursuant to subsection M of this section, or until the plan is readopted pursuant to this
subsection and ratified pursuant to subsection M of this section or a new plan is adopted pursuant to this
subsection and ratified pursuant to subsection M of this section, and becomes effective. On or before the tenth
anniversary of the plan's most recent adoption, the governing body of the municipality shall either readopt the
existing plan for an additional term of up to ten years or shall adopt a new general plan as provided by this
article.
ARS 9-461.06. L.
Except for general plans that are required to be submitted to the voters for ratification pursuant to subsection
M of this section, the adoption or readoption of a general plan, and any amendment to a general plan, shall
not be enacted as an emergency measure and is subject to referendum as provided by article IV, part 1, section
1, subsection (8), Constitution of Arizona, and title 19, chapter 1, article 4.
ARS 9-461.06. N.
In applying an open space element or a growth element of a general plan a municipality shall not designate
private land or state trust land as open space, recreation, conservation or agriculture unless the municipality
receives the written consent of the landowner or provides an alternative, economically viable designation in the
general plan or zoning ordinance, allowing at least one residential dwelling per acre. If the landowner is the
prevailing party in any action brought to enforce this subsection, a court shall award fees and other expenses
to the landowner. A municipality may designate land as open space without complying with the requirements
of this subsection if the land was zoned as open space and used as a golf course pursuant to a zoning
ordinance adopted pursuant to article 6.1 of this chapter before May 1, 2000 and the designation does not
impose additional conditions, limitations or restrictions on the golf course, unless the land is state trust land
that was not planned and zoned as open space pursuant to title 37, chapter 2, article 5.1
- Provide copy to
county planning
agency
- Effective for 10 years
from ratification
State Law Link: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/9/00461-06.htm
General Plan Elements – based on population
• Oro Valley Population: 47,070 (2020 Census)
• Projected 2026 Population (per Arizona Commerce Authority) : 49,748
Required elements State Law
General guidance ARS 9-461.05. B.
The general plan shall be so prepared that all or individual elements of the plan may be adopted by the governing body and that the plan
may be made applicable to all or part of the territory of the municipality.
ARS 9-461.05. C.
The general plan shall consist of a statement of community goals and development policies. The plan shall include maps, any necessary
diagrams and text setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals.
ARS 9-461.05. H.
The policies and strategies to be developed under these elements shall be designed to have community -wide applicability and this section
does not authorize the imposition of dedications, exactions, fees or other requirements that are not otherwise authorized by law.
Required elements for all jurisdictions
1. Land Use Element ARS 9-461.05. C.1
(a) Designates the proposed general distribution and location and extent of such uses of the land for housing, business, industry, agriculture,
recreation, education, public buildings and grounds, open space and other categories of public and private uses of land as may be
appropriate to the municipality.
(b) Includes a statement of the standards of population density and building intensity recommended for the various land use categories
covered by the plan.
(c) Identifies specific programs and policies that the municipality may use to promote infill or compact form development activity and
locations where those development patterns should be encouraged.
(d) Includes consideration of air quality and access to incident solar energy for all general categories of land use.
(e) Includes policies that address maintaining a broad variety of land uses, including the range of uses existing in the municipality when the
plan is adopted, readopted or amended.
(f) For cities and towns with territory in the vicinity of a military airport or ancillary military facility as defined in section 28-8461, includes
consideration of military airport or ancillary military facility operations. If a city or town includes land in a high noise or accident potential
zone as defined in section 28-8461, the city or town shall identify the boundaries of the high noise or accident potential zone in its general
plan for purposes of planning land uses in the high noise or accident potential zone that are compatible with the operation o f the military
airport or ancillary military facility pursuant to section 28-8481, subsection J.
(g) Includes sources of aggregates from maps that are available from state agencies, information from the Arizona geological survey on how
to locate existing mines, consideration of existing mining operations and suitable geologic resources, policies to preserve c urrently identified
aggregates sufficient for future development and policies to avoid incompatible land uses, except that this subdivision shall not be construed
to affect any permitted underground storage facility or limit any person's right to obtain a permit f or an underground storage facility
pursuant to title 45, chapter 3.1.
2. Circulation Element ARS 9-461.06. C.2.
A circulation element consisting of the general location and extent of existing and proposed freeways, arterial and collector streets, bicycle
routes and any other modes of transportation as may be appropriate, all correlated with the land use element of the plan.
Required elements for jurisdictions with 10,000 to 49,999 people
3. Open Space element ARS 9-461.06. D.1.
(a) A comprehensive inventory of open space areas, recreational resources and designations of access points to open space areas and
resources.
(b) An analysis of forecasted needs, policies for managing and protecting open space areas and resources and implementation strategies to
acquire additional open space areas and further establish recreational resources.
(c) Policies and implementation strategies designed to promote a regional system of integrated open space and recreational resources and a
consideration of any existing regional open space plans.
4. Growth area element ARS 9-461.05.D.2.
A growth area element, specifically identifying those areas, if any, that are particularly suitable for planned multimodal tr ansportation and
infrastructure expansion and improvements designed to support a planned concentration of a variety of uses, such as residential, office,
commercial, tourism and industrial uses. This element shall include policies and implementation strategies that are designed to:
(a) Make automobile, transit and other multimodal circulation more efficient, make infrastructure expansion more economical and provide
for a rational pattern of land development.
(b) Conserve significant natural resources and open space areas in the growth area and co ordinate their location to similar areas outside the
growth area's boundaries.
(c) Promote the public and private construction of timely and financially sound infrastructure expansion through the use of infrastructure
funding and financing planning that is coordinated with development activity.
5. Environmental Planning
element
ARS 9-461.05. D.3
An environmental planning element that contains analyses, policies and strategies to address anticipated effects, if any, of plan elements on
air quality, water quality and natural resources associated with proposed development under the general plan. The policies and strategies to
be developed under this element shall be designed to have community-wide applicability and shall not require the production of an
additional environmental impact statement or similar analysis beyond the requirements of state and federal law.
6. Cost of development
element
ARS 9-461.05. D.4.
A cost of development element that identifies policies and strategies that the municipality will use to require development to pay its fair
share toward the cost of additional public service needs generated by new development, with appropriate exceptions when in the public
interest. This element shall include:
(a) A component that identifies various mechanisms that are allowed by law and that can be used to fund and finance additional public
services necessary to serve the development, including bonding, special taxing districts, development fees, in lieu fees, fac ility construction,
dedications and service privatization.
(b) A component that identifies policies to ensure that any mechanisms that are adopted by the municipality under this element result in a
beneficial use to the development, bear a reasonable relationship to the burden imposed on the municipality to provide additional necessary
public services to the development and otherwise are imposed according to law.
7. Water resources element ARS 9-461.05. D.5.
A water resources element that addresses:
(a) The known legally and physically available surface water, groundwater and effluent supplies.
(b) The demand for water that will result from future growth projected in the general plan, added to existing uses.
(c) An analysis of how the demand for water that will result from future growth projected in the general plan will be served by the water
supplies identified in subdivision (a) of this paragraph or a plan to obtain additional necessary water supplies.
ARS 9-461.05. G.
The water resources element of the general plan does not require:
1. New independent hydrogeologic studies.
2. The city or town to be a water service provider.
Required elements for jurisdictions with 50,000+ people
8. Conservation element ARS 9-461.05. E.1
A conservation element for the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, including forests, soils, rivers and other
waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals and other natural resources. The conservation element may also cover:
(a) The reclamation of land.
(b) Flood control.
(c) Prevention and control of the pollution of streams and other waters.
(d) Regulation of the use of land in stream channels and other areas required for the accomplishment of the conservation plan.
(e) Prevention, control and correction of the erosion of soils, beaches and shores.
(f) Protection of watersheds.
9. Recreation element ARS 9-461.05. E.2
A recreation element showing a comprehensive system of areas and public sites for recreation, including the following and, if practicable,
their locations and proposed development:
(a) Natural reservations.
(b) Parks.
(c) Parkways and scenic drives.
(d) Beaches.
(e) Playgrounds and playfields.
(f) Open space.
(g) Bicycle routes.
(h) Other recreation areas.
10. Additional circulation
requirements
ARS 9-461.05. E.3
The circulation element provided for in subsection C, paragraph 2 of this section shall also include for cities with a population of fifty
thousand persons or more and may include for cities with a population of less than fifty thousand persons recommendations concerning
parking facilities, building setback requirements and the delineations of such systems on the land, a system of street naming and house and
building numbering and other matters as may be related to the improvement of circulation of traffic. The circulation element may also
include:
(a) A transportation element showing a comprehensive transportation system, including locations of rights-of-way, terminals, viaducts and
grade separations. This element of the plan may also include port, harbor, aviation and related facilities.
(b) A transit element showing a proposed system of rail or transit lines or other mode of transportation as may be appropriate.
11. Public services and
facilities element
ARS 9-461.05. E.4
A public services and facilities element showing general plans for police, fire, emergency services, sewage, refuse disposal, drainage, local
utilities, rights-of-way, easements and facilities for them.
12. Public buildings element ARS 9-461.05. E.5
A public buildings element showing locations of civic and community centers, public schools, libraries, police and fire stations and other
public buildings
13. Housing element ARS 9-461.05. E.6
A housing element consisting of standards and programs for the elimination of substandard dwelling conditions, for the improvement of
housing quality, variety and affordability and for provision of adequate sites for housing. This element shall contain an ide ntification and
analysis of existing and forecasted housing needs. This element shall be designed to make equal provision for the housing needs of all
segments of the community regardless of race, color, creed or economic level.
14. Conservation,
rehabilitation and
redevelopment element
ARS 9-461.05. E.7
A conservation, rehabilitation and redevelopment element consisting of plans and programs for:
(a) The elimination of slums and blighted areas.
(b) Community redevelopment, including housing sites, business and industrial sites and public building sites.
(c) Other purposes authorized by law.
15. Safety element ARS 9-461.05. E.8
A safety element for the protection of the community from natural and artificial hazards, including features necessary for such protection as
evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, minimum road widths according to function, clearances around structures and
geologic hazard mapping in areas of known geologic hazards.
16. Bicycle element ARS 9-461.05. E.9
A bicycling element consisting of proposed bicycle facilities such as bicycle routes, bicycle parking areas and designated bicycle street
crossing areas.
17. Energy element ARS 9-461.05. E.10
(a) A component that identifies policies that encourage and provide incentives for efficient use of energy.
(b) An assessment that identifies policies and practices that provide for greater uses of renewable energy sources.
18. Neighborhood
preservation and
revitalization element
ARS 9-461.05. E.11
A component that identifies city programs that promote home ownership, that provide assistance for improving the appearance of
neighborhoods and that promote maintenance of both commercial and residential buildings in neighborhoods.
(b) A component that identifies city programs that provide for the safety and security of neighborhoods.
State law link: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/9/00461-05.htm