Council approves rezoning for Palm Lane Residences, 22 detached for‑sale units proposed near El Dorado Park

The Scottsdale City Council approved an ordinance rezoning a property at the northwest corner of North 70th Street and East Palm Lane from single-family residential (R1-7) to medium-density residential (R3) to allow a 22-unit for-sale detached development.

Planning staff presented the project as consistent with the General Plan 2035 and the Southern Scottsdale character area plan. The applicant, represented by Lauren Proper Potter on behalf of Palm Lane Residences, described revisions made after neighborhood feedback: the project density was reduced from a prior proposal of about 48 units to 22 units, building heights lowered from near four stories to two stories (proposed just under 25 feet; 30 feet is allowed), and the landscape buffer was increased to a 35-foot setback along both street frontages.

Key project features the council heard include 22 condo-platted detached dwelling units with private yards and two-car garages for each unit, a central amenity area with an enclosed pool and turf, and enhanced pedestrian circulation. The applicant stated guest parking was provided (the presentation referenced 13 guest spaces and a total parking count cited in materials as 57 spaces; required parking would be 46). As a condition of approval, the developer agreed to underground the overhead power lines along the northern property line; the applicant said APS/SRP approved removal of four poles earlier in the week.

Staff noted the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval (6–0) on May 28. City staff confirmed the requested zoning change did not require a General Plan amendment because the proposed density (under eight dwelling units per acre) remains within the site’s existing community plan designation.

Council members and the applicant discussed details at the dais and in the public record: tree species and sizes in the buffer (36-inch box sweet acacia), timing for the upcoming Development Review Board (DRB) hearing (staff said DRB would consider project details on July 17), and short-term rental restrictions through CC&Rs that the developer said will limit rentals to no less than 30 days.

Councilmember Mary Anne McCallan moved to adopt Ordinance No. 4675 approving the rezoning; the motion was seconded and passed by recorded vote. Council recorded no amendments to the ordinance in public session.