Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Pud topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Phoenix council approves contested 2400 Biltmore PUD after compromises on height and setbacks
Summary
After extensive public comment from hundreds of neighbors, the council approved rezoning for a 195-unit mixed-use PUD at 24th Street and Biltmore Circle with revised setbacks and stipulations; opponents argued the project is out of scale while supporters cited housing need.
The Phoenix City Council on Feb. 4 approved rezoning (Z-44-25-6) and adoption of an ordinance to allow a six-story, 195-unit mixed-use condominium project at the northwest corner of 24th Street and Arizona Biltmore Circle, after the applicant reduced building mass and the council added stipulations on setbacks and outreach.
Staff recommended approval per the planning memo dated Feb. 3, 2026, noting revisions that reduced office space, increased the north setback from 50 feet to 200 feet and removed the northernmost taller portion of the building. Nick Wood, representing JDM, said the project now steps down toward adjacent residential areas, added a curb cut on 24th Street and reduced the northern profile by removing top floors and units.
Opponents — including Lynn Lagarde, who said she spoke on behalf of hundreds of neighbors — called the proposal "out of scale" and said it would block mountain views and tower over low-scale one- and two-story homes nearby. "This building is going to tower 90 feet, approximately 9 stories over the grade of 24th Street," Lagarde told the council, citing elevation and massing concerns and urging denial or height limitations.
Supporters and some local business and planning advocates argued the revisions addressed traffic and height concerns and that the project would add housing near jobs and services in a village-center location. Several speakers described the project as thoughtfully revised and appropriate for the market.
Councilman Robinson moved approval with a set of added stipulations (including replacing certain setback language, attaching a building height exhibit dated 01/30/2026, and required outreach and traffic-mitigation consultation with the Arizona Biltmore Estates Association). After discussion the council voted 9-0 to approve the rezoning/PUD with those modifications.
What the approval includes: The approved motion modifies staff stipulations to set the north setback at 200 feet, revise some average-setback language to fixed setbacks, attach a building height step plan, require additional neighborhood notice for officer requests to modify stipulations and require applicant consultation on traffic mitigation prior to final site approval.
Next steps: Staff will process final site-plan approvals consistent with the adopted stipulations and the developer will be required to provide outreach documentation specified in the motion. Opponents asked for a 90-day continuance during public comment; that request was not granted.
