Tempe council adopts updated Apache character area plan with new flood-irrigation language

The Tempe City Council on a 6–0 voice vote adopted an updated Apache Character Area Plan that revises policy guidance for development, mobility and neighborhood identity across the Apache plan area. Councilmember Hodge moved approval with staff-recommended amendments; Councilmember Adams seconded the motion.

City planner Jacob, who led the presentation, told the council the update is a policy document — not a zoning change — and covers roughly 31,000 residents in the area. He said the draft adds 15 themes, an implementation rubric and more neighborhood-specific history. "One of the things we heard from the community is that we missed some important history about flood irrigation," Jacob said, and proposed adding flood-irrigation history plus three objectives to preserve related landscapes and neighborhood character.

Council discussion was brief and supportive. Vice Mayor Garland and other council members praised the inclusion of flood-irrigation history and the plan's emphasis on multimodal transportation, shade and neighborhood identity. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony.

The plan includes nonbinding design and placemaking principles intended to guide staff and developers in future reviews; Jacob emphasized the new plan is intended to make the area safer and more walkable while preserving cultural and historic resources. City staff indicated the plan will serve as guidance for future investments and as an evaluative tool during development review.

With Keating absent, the council voted to approve the resolution adopting the updated plan and the amendments recommended by staff. The adopted document adds language recognizing historic flood-irrigation practices and provides objectives to consider existing irrigation and mature vegetation when evaluating changes in the Apache area.