Oro Valley commission backs Rooney Ranch plan to boost open space, approves PAD rezoning 6-1

The Oro Valley Planning & Zoning Commission on May 5 recommended approval of two town-initiated applications for portions of the Oro Valley Town Center (the former Rooney Ranch), endorsing a general plan amendment and a Planned Area Development (PAD) rezoning intended to increase permanent open space, reduce building heights on town-owned parcels and create new commercial and housing opportunities.

Michael Spath, the town’s principal planner, told commissioners the package of changes would preserve roughly 88 acres of the PAD as permanent open space, increasing preserved acreage from about 69 acres, and convert 77 entitled single-family lots in Area 4 into trails and open space. Spath said the proposal also reduces building heights across town-owned portions, removes an entitled 75-foot hotel in Area 3 and increases commercial acreage on the town-owned land to support development along the Oracle Road corridor. “Staff is recommending…