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Fountain Hills council narrows downtown overlay, boosts allowable residential density to 35 units per acre
Summary
After hours of public comment and council debate, Fountain Hills approved changes to a proposed Downtown Overlay District that aim to promote ‘active’ ground-floor retail and raise residential density on upper floors to 35 units per acre.
The Fountain Hills Town Council on Tuesday approved an amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance establishing a new Downtown Overlay District that narrows allowable ground-floor uses and raises by-right upper-floor residential density to 35 units per acre.
The council voted 5–2 to adopt the overlay after public comment and extended discussion over whether to allow office/service uses on prime storefronts, how dense new housing should be, and how parking and noise would be handled. Vice Mayor Skilcorne moved the final version; Councilwoman McMahon seconded. Council members Calavianakis and McMahon voted no; the other five voted yes.
Supporters said the overlay is aimed at creating an “avenue” with active retail, restaurants and entertainment uses and more upper-floor housing to increase foot traffic and economic activity. Planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission drafted an overlay that divides downtown into three subdistricts — Avenue, Business and…
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