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Commission approves special use permit for six mixed‑use units on East Avenue of the Fountains
Summary
Planning & Zoning cleared a special use permit allowing six for‑sale residential units above three commercial suites at 16740 East Avenue of the Fountains, subject to standard site plan review and two staff stipulations; the commission approved the permit by voice vote.
The Fountain Hills Planning & Zoning Commission approved a special use permit allowing up to six residential condominium units above ground‑floor commercial space at 16740 East Avenue of the Fountains. The motion to approve included the two staff stipulations listed in the staff report and passed by voice vote.
Staff described the site as a 12,000‑square‑foot vacant lot in the C‑2 (Intermediate Commercial) zoning district with Planned Shopping Center and Entertainment District overlays. The project proposes three commercial suites on the ground floor (about 950 square feet each) and six multilevel residential units occupying the second and third floors (each roughly 3,100 square feet). Each residential unit would have private two‑car garages accessed from the rear and elevator access from the garage up to the unit. Staff said parking requirements would be met by a combination of private garages, shared parking in Plat 208, and on‑street commercial parking, noting a total of 48 spaces would be required under typical standards but that shared arrangements with Plat 208 and further coordination with that property owners association would be necessary.
Representing the applicant, Samantha Demas of Rose Law Group said the units are planned "for purchase" and that the developer is local and intends to own and manage the property. Demas said the design is downtown‑oriented with transparent glazing, wide sidewalks and pedestrian access to the Avenue.
Commission discussion touched on parking geometry and access. One commissioner asked about garage depth and whether the planned garage bays would meet a 9x19 stall standard; staff said the garage doors are roughly 16 feet wide and the garage depth is about 37–38 feet, allowing two cars side‑by‑side and potentially tandem arrangements. Another commissioner asked about circulation and pedestrian access from the Plat 208 common parking area; the applicant said three‑foot side setbacks and walkways are shown to provide pedestrian access and that final details will be resolved during site plan review with the Plat 208 property owners association.
The motion to approve the special use permit for up to six dwelling units (residential units restricted to the second and third floors) included the staff conditions listed in the packet; the motion was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.
