Adaptive Reuse Policies

The following table outlines the adopted policies, applicable tiers and a brief description of policies that can be applied using the Adaptive Reuse Program. Links to each policy statement are found under the "Policy" column. For additional information, call 602-534-7344.

Category Policy Eligibility Criteria Description
       
Program and Policy Documents (Note: all documents are pdf format)
Program /
Policies
Point of Contact All Tiers P&D has established a point contact for each project who has knowledge and responsibility for the policies and procedures.
Program /
Policies
Community and Economic Development Programs All Tiers The Community and Economic Development Department supports the Adaptive Reuse Program. Several programs could provide professional consultation or financing assistance.
Program /
Policies
Historic Preservation Zoning Applications All Tiers Give priority to adaptive reuse projects when processing HP zoning applications.
Program /
Policies
Historic Preservation Certificate of No Effect All Tiers Provide expedited reviews for adaptive reuse projects by using Certificate of No Effect rather than a Certificate of Appropriateness.
Program /
Policies
Historic Preservation Grant Applications All Tiers Adjusted guidelines for projects eligible for HP bond funds to provide greater consideration to adaptive reuse.
Program /
Policies
Enforcement Efforts All Tiers NSD provides seamless referrals to P&D and extends timeframes for enforcement compliance to business owners when meeting specific criteria.
Program /
Policies
Sustainability Policy All Tiers Encouragement of resources and processes that support sustainable development for adaptive reuse projects.
Program /
Policies
Sustainability Handout All Tiers References to organizations promoting sustainability efforts.
Program /
Policies
Zoning Adjustment Agendas
 
All Tiers Reserved one additional space on the Public Hearing Agenda for variances and use permits specifically for adaptive reuse projects.
 
Program /
Policies
Assumed Risk Policy All Tiers Policy authorizing concurrent reviews of site, civil and building plans with customer's assumption of risks.
Program /
Policies
Assumed Risk Affidavit All Tiers Required affidavit acknowledging assumed risk prior to proceeding with concurrent reviews of site, civil and building plans.
Building Life Safety Documents
Building /
Life Safety
International Existing Building Code All Tiers Allow automatic use of IEBC.
Building /
Life Safety
Evaluation Report for Building Permits (Policy) (Process) All Tiers - no new square footage In lieu of building plans, utilize a report sealed by an Arizona licensed architect or engineer certifying the building meets minimum life safety requirements for use in specific occupancy classifications.
Building /
Life Safety
Life Safety Issues All Tiers Primary areas of focus and use of International Existing Building Code provide relief from code provisions for new buildings.
Building /
Life Safety
Toilet Fixtures and Type of Restroom Facilities All Tiers Toilet fixture requirements were reduced in certain occupancies. Additionally, a policy classifies various methods to meet restroom requirements such as a district restroom.
Building /
Life Safety
Fire Life Safety Tier 1 A specific Fire Protection Engineer is assigned to adaptive reuse projects to consider special circumstances and provide consistency on all Fire-related code requirements (i.e. sprinklers, spacing for hydrants, site accessibility).
Building /
Life Safety
Sprinkler System Limited Tier 1
(1500 sq. ft. or less)
A Fire Code amendment was approved which does not require sprinklers for specific occupancies in buildings of 1500 square feet or less and which have specified openings for fire access.
Building Occupancy Documents
Building /
Occupancy
Change of Occupancy & Hazard Levels All Tiers The 2006 International Building Code, Chapter 9, the change of occupancy chapter, provides relief in building elements and materials, fire protection and means of egress based on the relative hazard level associated with each occupancy classification.
Building /
Occupancy
Occupancy Category for Artist Galleries and Studios Tier 1 Staff assessment of art spaces will determine occupancy classification.
Building /
Occupancy
B and M Occupancy Equivalency All Tiers Projects that meet certain criteria do not use the formal plan submittal process for a change of occupancy
Building /
Occupancy
Vacant Buildings All Tiers Allow a building to be vacant for up to three years without obtaining a new Certificate of Occupancy if use remains the same.
Site / Landscaping Documents
Site /
Landscape

Site/Civil Improvements
 

Proportionality Guidelines

All Tiers Apply proportionality to define the site requirements as related to the scope of the project.
Site /
Landscape
Site Plot Plan Option All Tiers Utilize Site Plot Plan methodology for simplified site documentation in lieu of a formal site plan submittal.
Site /
Landscape
Combining Parcels All Tiers A code modification is not needed to combine parcels in certain circumstances.
Site /
Landscape
Combine Landscape and Site Plans All Tiers When limited landscaping is required, it may be shown on the site plan in lieu of a separate plan submittal.
Site /
Landscape
Landscape Standards All Tiers A Planning Commission policy and Zoning Ordinance text amendment outlines landscape requirements proportionate to the scope of the project.
Civil / Traffic Documents
Civil /
Traffic

Site/Civil Improvements
 

Proportionality Guidelines

All Tiers Apply proportionality to define the site requirements as related to the scope of the project.
Civil /
Traffic
Parking Tier 1 Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to reduce the number of required parking stalls when certain conditions are met.
Civil /
Traffic
Existing Driveways Tier 1 & 2 Allow existing driveways to remain without modification unless on an arterial or collector street. Arterial & Collector streets will be reviewed on a case by case basis by technical review staff.
Civil /
Traffic
Alley Access Tier 1 automatically; Tier 2 & 3 on case-by-case basis Allow use of paved alley
for secondary access.
Civil /
Traffic
Broken Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Tier 1 & 2 on case-by-case basis Eliminate requirements for repairs to broken curb, gutter and sidewalk if vertical displacement does not exceed 1/2 inch.
Civil /
Traffic
Street Lights Tier 1, 2 & 3
on case-by-case basis
An evaluation on the need for streetlights will occur on a case by case basis with personalized assistance from staff in the Street Transportation Department.
Civil /
Traffic
Storm Water Retention
Infill & Redevelopment Retention Policy
Tier 1 automatically; Tier 2 on case-by-case basis Eliminate retention requirements when project does not make existing situation worse. Reduce retention by using alternate methods such "first flush."
Civil /
Traffic
Water Meter in Driveway Tier 1 & 2 automatically;
Tier 3 on case-by-case basis
Eliminate need to relocate existing water meters outside of a driveway where driveways do not need to be modified or where water service lines are not being modified.
Civil /
Traffic
Water Line for Sprinkler System Tier 1, 2 on case-by-case basis A separate water meter is not required for a sprinkler system within certain parameters. The fire line can tap into domestic water line prior to meter.