Avondale council approves rezoning for light-industrial project at Fourth Street and Lower Buckeye

The Avondale City Council approved a request to rezone a vacant property at the northwest corner of Fourth Street and Lower Buckeye Road from a restricted general-industrial classification (previously limited to mini storage with ancillary RV storage) to general industrial zoning with revised conditions to permit light-industrial development.

Christina Lavelle, senior planner in Development Services, told the council the site had an earlier conditional-use approval for mini storage that expired in 2022. The rezone request, PL24-0201 for SJ Acquisitions Industrial Development, was analyzed against the city's general plan and the Avondale infill specific-area plan; staff concluded that the change supports diversified employment uses and the revitalization of underutilized infill land.

Staff noted required development standards where the site abuts residential uses: a 75-foot building setback from adjacent homes, a 35-foot landscaped buffer, and 8-foot solid block walls along the residential perimeter. The applicant's conceptual site plan showed buildings set well back from the residential edge; planning staff said a subsequent site-plan review would be required to finalize building placement and materials.

Planners reported that public-notification requirements were met, that a neighborhood meeting was held on February 11 with two non-staff attendees, and that one phone call had been received in opposition from a nearby resident concerned about losing a mountain view. The planning commission recommended approval, 5-0, after staff clarified that "light industrial" typically describes enclosed manufacturing and assembly of prepared materials and that fabrication would be required indoors.

Councilmembers asked whether a deceleration lane was required and whether sidewalks and lighting would be provided along Elm Lane; staff said the applicant supplied a traffic-impact statement reviewed by the city's traffic engineer that did not recommend a deceleration lane and that half-street improvements, sidewalks and right-of-way landscaping will be required as part of development. City staff also said they would monitor neighborhood complaints about noise and traffic once the project is occupied.

Councilmember Sherry Weiss moved to adopt the ordinance approving PL24-0201 subject to the staff stipulations; Councilmember Gloria Solorio seconded the motion and the council approved the rezoning ordinance as presented.