Avondale Planning Commission unanimously backs Habitat for Humanity rezone and historic infill overlay

The City of Avondale Planning Commission voted 6-0 on April 15 to recommend approval of a rezone and the adoption of a historic Avondale infill overlay for a Habitat for Humanity project at the northwest corner of 5th Street and Hill Drive, a site staff described as approximately 0.16 net acres.

Planning staff told commissioners the application would keep the underlying R4 multifamily zoning and the general plan land-use designation of Old Town while allowing alternative development standards under the proposed infill overlay. Staff said the development plan requests reductions in front, side, rear and street-side setbacks (including a development standard that could allow a 0-foot setback on the west side), an increase in maximum building coverage from 50% to 55%, and a reduction in minimum lot dimensions from 50 by 100 feet to 31 by 45 feet. The project proposes two duplex structures for a total of four units; each building is proposed as three stories with a first-floor, two-car garage and private fenced yards. Staff said elevations will be subject to administrative approval and must comply with the International Residential Code.

A commissioner asked about height limits and materials. Staff said the R4 maximum height is up to 45 feet and that most proposed elevations for this project are near 33 to 35 feet. The commissioner cautioned that windows and materials at about 30 feet could reflect sunlight at certain angles and recommended that screening and material choices be considered during design review. The same commissioner asked whether the reduced west-side setback would abut an existing wooden fence shown in packet photos; staff said the development standard would allow up to 0 feet but that the applicant's current plan may provide somewhat more clearance.

Staff also reported public engagement: a neighborhood meeting at the Avondale Resource Center on March 3 drew four attendees, and staff said no written public comments had been submitted to date. Planning staff recommended the Planning Commission forward the proposal to City Council with the five conditions listed in the staff report.

Commissioner Jewell moved to recommend approval of agenda item 4A; Commissioner Guzman seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 6 to 0. The commission also approved the meeting minutes earlier in the session and later adjourned by a 6 to 0 vote.

The recommendation will be forwarded to Avondale City Council for final action; the staff report included five conditions of approval and the packet lists the application number shown in staff materials. Staff noted there are 31 new planning applications submitted in March and 142 active applications under review in the planning division.