Planning commission approves 200-unit Yuma and Apache build-to-rent project

The Buckeye Planning and Zoning Commission approved site-plan PLZSP-240031 for a 200-unit build-to-rent multifamily community at the southeast corner of Yuma and Apache Road.

Mandy Woods, principal planner with Development Services, told commissioners the proposal is for a 200-unit community on about 17 acres and "furthers goals of the general plan, conforms to code requirements, and there are no outstanding issues from reviewing departments." She said the project would provide 31% open space and amenity space that exceeds code requirements.

The project team described the product as a two‑story duplex and single‑story accessible unit mix intended for families. Mark Reddy, the applicant with RVI Planning and Landscape Architecture, said, "We found that this is a really attractive product. It kind of mimics the single family lifestyle where you can walk into your front door, you don't have to go up a flight of stairs, and then it also provides a backyard for each unit." Reddy said the developer expects two full‑time leasing staff and two to three maintenance staff on site.

Commissioners asked primarily about traffic. Commissioner Bassler said the intersection of Yuma and Watson is already congested and urged the city to take a close look, noting "somebody's gonna get killed there trying to get from fries over to Walmart across the traffic." Commissioner Hester asked staff for the traffic analysis; John Wilt, city traffic engineer, said the city is "looking at trying to figure out a way to put dual eastbound lefts and westbound lefts" and that the intersection improvements are on the city's CIP but did not provide a firm completion date. Wilt said the project will not delay the city's evaluation and that he could not guarantee the signal would be in place before the development is operational.

Woods said access to the site will be from Apache Road with an emergency access easement shared with a future adjacent project. She also noted the developer is responsible for required water, sewer and half‑street improvements and that the property will be served by city fire and police. School impacts were not addressed through the school facilities process because multifamily is an allowed use; Woods said the applicant intends to coordinate with the school district on any impacts.

On a voice vote with no opposition recorded, the commission approved the site plan.

The approval is subject to the conditions in the staff recommendation; the applicant will need to complete any required infrastructure work and future site‑plan submittals to meet code and department requirements.