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Planning commission backs Collector’s Garages at WestWorld rezoning, applicants and supporters tout low‑impact, high‑end storage
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Summary
After extensive public comment largely in support, the commission recommended approval of a general plan amendment, zoning map amendment and right‑of‑way abandonment for a 46‑unit collectors’ garage project near WestWorld, forwarding the three items to City Council by a 6‑0 vote.
The Scottsdale Planning Commission recommended approval to the City Council on Aug. 13 for a proposed collectors’ garage development adjacent to WestWorld, forwarding three related actions — a minor General Plan amendment, a zoning map amendment to C‑4 PCD ESL, and an abandonment application — by a 6‑0 roll call vote.
Staff described the site as a parcel at the intersection of East McDowell Mountain Ranch Road and Thompson Peak Parkway. The applicant seeks to rezone the property from R1‑35 PCD ESL (single‑family) to C‑4 PCD ESL and a minor General Plan amendment from Employment Office to Employment/Light Industrial to accommodate a storage facility of six buildings plus a clubhouse and office. Staff clarified that C‑4 as proposed would not permit restaurants, bars or live entertainment uses without additional approvals.
“C‑4 District does not allow any form of live entertainment, bars, or restaurants,” Meredith Tessier, senior planner, told the commission during staff’s presentation and noted that the project includes dedication of natural area open space (NAOS), a 30‑foot desert buffer and other easements along the frontage.
Jordan Rose, representing the applicant, described the development as a private, gated facility intended to serve collectors and complement WestWorld and nearby automotive businesses. Rose said the project includes 46 luxury garage units across multiple buildings, a members’ lounge and office; she stressed that the site would not be open to general retail and would not seek a liquor license. “This is an extension of Scottsdale at its finest,” Rose said, calling the proposal “in keeping with Scottsdale’s flavor of collector car capital of the world.”
The applicant’s consultant, Josh Rogers with LGE, said the clubhouse’s finished floor elevation places the building lower in perceived height from neighboring residences and that the clubhouse height would be about 28.5 feet. The project team said overall building heights comply with zoning and that trip generation would be similar to a small single‑family subdivision.
Public testimony at the hearing was extensive. Dozens of written comments were submitted and the public comment period produced a mix of statements: many neighborhood residents, event organizers and business groups spoke in support, citing WestWorld’s role in the local economy and arguing the collectors’ garages would generate limited additional traffic and protect WestWorld event operations from noise complaints tied to added residential uses. Supporters included representatives of Notre Dame Preparatory (which noted safety and traffic considerations), the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Association, the Scottsdale Firefighters Association and multiple nearby residents who said they supported the project’s design and low‑intensity use.
A resident who identified himself as Mr. Norton spoke in opposition, saying he objected to placing a commercial/industrial use adjacent to a neighborhood park and single‑family homes; he said the introduction of non‑residential uses in the corridor was a concern that he expected would be addressed at the City Council level.
Commissioners asked about NAOS area and buffering, clubhouse height, traffic and whether vehicle maintenance or oil disposal would be allowed. The applicant replied that vehicle maintenance would not be a commercial operation on site, oil changes are not expected to be common and any future commercial vehicle service would require further approvals. The applicant clarified the clubhouse functions as a members’ lounge rather than a restaurant or bar.
After deliberation commissioners said the project met planned community district findings, offers enhanced NAOS and buffering, and presented low traffic and water impacts compared with other potential uses. A motion to recommend approval of cases GP‑2024, ZN‑2024 and AB‑2024 per staff‑recommended stipulations passed on a roll call vote with Chair Scarborough, Commissioner Gonzales, Commissioner Ertel, Commissioner Joiner, Commissioner Drake and Commissioner Reid voting yes and no votes recorded.
The Planning Commission’s action forwards the items to the City Council for final decisions on the General Plan amendment, rezoning and abandonment. If council approves the requests and the associated stipulations, the project will proceed to subsequent review steps, including final plan checks and any required building permits.
