Section 651. Baseline Area Overlay District.
A. Purpose. The Baseline Area Overlay District is designed to encourage and protect the rural, agricultural character of the area while allowing development in accord with the Baseline Area Master Plan. Special attention is given to the streetscape. Developments along Baseline Road will incorporate flowers and citrus into the site which will preserve the historical character of the area. Neighborhood streets will be tree-lined to provide shade for pedestrians and enhance the landscape. Special design guidelines encourage unique developments which focus on the landscape and pedestrian.
B. Applicability. The Baseline Area Overlay District applies to all land within the area bounded by the centerline of Central Avenue, Southern Avenue, 40th Street and South Mountain Park. Land within the district shall be governed by the underlying zoning districts except for what is governed herein.
C. Use Regulations. The regulations governing the uses of land and structures shall be as set forth in the underlying zoning districts except as expressly modified by the following regulations.
D. Height and Setback Requirements.
1. Building height—Maximum. A maximum building height of two stories not to exceed thirty feet shall be permitted in all zoning districts. This standard will not apply to properties that had a site plan approved through a rezoning application prior to the effective date of this section of the ordinance. This exemption would still apply if the approved site plan is modified by the Planning Hearing Officer.
2. Building setbacks—Minimum.
a. A minimum fifty-foot landscaped setback measured from the property line shall be provided for all development adjacent to Baseline Road. Platted lots existing prior to the adoption of this section of the ordinance with a depth less than one hundred fifty feet are exempt.
b. An average of a thirty-foot landscaped setback, with a minimum landscaped setback of twenty feet, measured from the property line shall be provided for all development adjacent to Dobbins Road.
E. Design Guidelines and Standards. The design guidelines and standards contained herein reflect desired goals and policies of the City as they pertain to the Baseline Area Overlay District. The intention of these guidelines is to promote historical qualities distinctive to the area such as the use of citrus and flowers. It is also intended to promote quality designs and designs that focus on the landscape and the pedestrian. The general guidelines for design review as found in Section 507 Tab A of the Zoning Ordinance shall apply in the Baseline Area Overlay District. If the guidelines of this section conflict with the guidelines of Section 507 Tab A, the guidelines of this section shall prevail.
The design guidelines described below indicate specific implementation standards and consist of requirements and presumptions and considerations. Guidelines shall be administered in the manner specified in Section 507 of the Zoning Ordinance. Each guideline is followed by a designation (R), (P) or (C) which notes a requirement, presumption or consideration, respectively.
1. Streetscape.
a. Baseline Road Scenic Drive. The following design guidelines shall apply to all development which abuts Baseline Road between 16th Street and 40th Street.
The following standards shall also apply to development which abuts Baseline Road between Seventh Street and 16th Street. R*
(1) The median shall contain trees planted thirty feet on center and ground cover from the Baseline Area Master Plan plant list. (R)
Rationale: A common tree in the median will provide consistency and unite the streetscape.
(2) The eight-foot landscaped separation between the bike lane and the sidewalk shall contain shade trees and ground cover from the Baseline Area Master Plan plant list. Shade trees shall be planted to provide a continuous shade canopy for pedestrians and shall be a minimum of two-inch caliper and twenty-four-inch box size at the time of planting. Ground cover shall provide maximum coverage according to the type of plant selected. At maturity, the plants shall provide complete coverage of the landscaped area. (R)
Rationale: The shade trees will protect the pedestrian from the sun and the ground cover will enhance the streetscape.
(3) A concrete sidewalk five feet in width shall be provided on both sides of Baseline Road. The sidewalk may gently meander as determined by the Planning and Development Department. (R)
Rationale: Separated concrete sidewalks will provide a safe route for pedestrians.
(4) A stabilized decomposed granite multi-use trail ten feet in width shall be provided on the north side of Baseline Road. The trail may gently meander as determined by the Planning and Development Department. (R)
A stabilized decomposed granite multi-use trail ten feet in width should be provided on the south side of Baseline Road. The trail may gently meander as determined by the Planning and Development Department. (P)
Rationale: Off-street multi-use trails will provide a safe alternative for recreational bike riders, joggers and walkers.
(5) A landscaped separation five feet in width between the sidewalk and the multi-use trail shall be provided. The area shall be planted and maintained with turf or ground cover and trees from the Baseline Area Master Plan plant list. Shade trees shall be planted to provide a continuous shade canopy for pedestrians and shall be a minimum of two-inch caliper and twenty-four-inch box size at the time of planting. Ground cover shall provide maximum coverage according to the type of plant selected. At maturity, the plants shall provide complete coverage of the landscaped area. (R)
Rationale: A landscaped separation between the sidewalk and trail will avoid conflict between those walking, biking or riding horses. The trees within the right-of-way along the sidewalk will provide a continuous canopy to protect pedestrians from the sun.
(6) Undulating berms and swells shall be provided within the landscaped setback. The bermed area shall be planted and maintained with turf. (R)
Rationale: Berming will enhance the landscape area and provide a sound barrier between Baseline Road and the development. Turf will provide a lush landscape.
Streetscape
b. Interior streets within a single-family subdivision.
(1) Interior streets within a subdivision shall have twenty-eight feet of paving material. (R)
Rationale: Narrower streets slow traffic and reduce the amount of paving.
(2) Interior streets shall have detached sidewalks a minimum of four feet in width that are separated from the street with six-foot landscaped areas. (R)
Rationale: Detached sidewalks provide a safety buffer between the pedestrian and motorized vehicles.
(3) There shall be a row of trees planted on each side of the sidewalk. Trees shall be a minimum of two-inch caliper and twenty-four-inch box size at the time of planting. The trees shall be planted an average of one tree for each twenty-five feet of street frontage. The trees shall be maintained by the property owner or homeowners’ association. (R)
Rationale: Trees provide shade for pedestrians and add to the streetscape.
c. Medians. The following design guidelines shall apply to all medians on private streets or privately owned median tracts within the Baseline Area Overlay District.
(1) Medians should contain a variety of plant materials and trees. (P)
Rationale: A variety of plant materials will provide visual interest while permitting unobstructed views.
(2) Medians provided on private streets should be a minimum of ten feet in width. (P)
Rationale: Ten feet will provide enough separation and provide a sufficient area for landscaping.
2. Commercial development.
a. Walkways shall be provided between all buildings and between the buildings and the perimeter streets. The walkways shall be of contrasting materials such as brick or concrete pavers where the walkway crosses a vehicular path. (R)
Rationale: Walkways of contrasting materials will promote safety and convenience while improving the function of the parking area.
b. Shaded and raised walkways a minimum of twenty feet in width located no greater than one hundred fifty feet apart shall be provided within parking lots greater than three hundred feet in width. When trees are used to provide shade, they shall be an minimum of two-inch caliper and twenty-four-inch box size at the time of planting. (R)
Rationale: Shaded and raised walkways will protect pedestrians from solar exposure and vehicular traffic.
c. Continuous shade-protected walkways shall be provided for commercial shopping centers with exterior pedestrian circulation. Overhangs a minimum of ten feet in width shall be provided along all pedestrian walkways adjacent to the buildings. (R)
Rationale: Overhangs can provide a shaded walking area which encourages pedestrian interaction and reduces the number of vehicular trips.
d. Drive-throughs should be screened from view of the perimeter street with a landscaped berm or a combination of a wall and landscaped berm at least four feet in height. (P)
Rationale: A landscaped berm will provide a buffer from the drive-through lane along the busy street.
e. A landscaped main entry drive shall be provided to all commercial centers. The landscaped area(s) shall be a minimum of seven hundred square feet in area and be planted and maintained with a variety of at least three plant materials including a series of annuals that will each maintain a constant bloom throughout the year. (R)
Rationale: A landscaped entryway will add character and a pleasing aesthetic image to the commercial development while maintaining the historical character of the area.
f. Commercial developments that abut Baseline Road shall incorporate citrus trees into the entrance of the development. The trees shall be arranged in a grid pattern. (R)
Rationale: Citrus trees will promote the historical character of the area.
g. Fifteen percent of surface parking lots, exclusive of the required perimeter landscaping and front setbacks, shall be landscaped and maintained. Landscaping shall be dispersed throughout the parking area with the interior width of all planting islands to be no less than eight feet in width and a minimum of one hundred twenty square feet in area. (R)
Rationale: Additional landscaping in the parking area will promote a more rural character typical of the area. Avoiding small, individual planting islands will help insure the survival of the trees or other plants.
h. Pitched roofs, elements or facades should be incorporated in all buildings. (P)
Rationale: Pitched roofs provide visual interest and attractiveness.
i. There shall be a minimum forty-foot landscaped setback between a commercial pad and the perimeter street right-of-way except where fifty feet is required adjacent to Baseline Road. The landscaped area shall be planted and maintained with any combination of turf, flowers, trees or ground cover. Trees shall be a minimum of two-inch caliper and twenty-four-inch box size at the time of planting. Ground cover shall provide maximum coverage according to the type of plant selected. At maturity, the plants shall provide complete coverage of the landscaped area. (R)
Rationale: The landscaped area will provide a safer pedestrian connection between the street and the pad.
Landscaping the area will maintain the rural character of the area and enhance the landscape.
j. Pads should be grouped together in one or two areas with common shaded plazas or courtyards. (P)
Rationale: Commercial pads surrounded by parking lots are unfriendly to pedestrians. Grouping the pads will provide shaded areas for outdoor dining.
k. The maximum number of parking spaces provided shall not exceed ten percent of the parking required unless the lot coverage of the overall site is less than fifteen percent. (R)
Rationale: A maximum amount of parking will encourage more landscaping and less paving.
l. There shall be a maximum of one square foot of striping or graphics per each lineal foot of building per adjoining street. (R)
Rationale: Striping or graphics should not be the predominant feature of a rural, open streetscape.
Striping or Graphics
m. Parking between the pad structure and the street should be discouraged, but a limited amount may be permitted under certain circumstances when appropriately screened. (P)
Rationale: Limiting parking between the pad and the street will encourage a functional priority for pedestrians, the physically disabled and transit patrons; and minimize vehicular/pedestrian conflict associated with parking areas.
3. Residential development.
a. General features.
(1) Open fencing (wrought iron, split rail or farm fencing) should be used for perimeter walls. Chainlink, barbed wire and chicken wire fencing are not permitted. Fencing shall be considered open if a minimum of sixty percent is open, excluding pillars and piers. (P)
Rationale: Open fencing will help maintain the rural feel of the Baseline area and will avoid the canyon effect solid perimeter walls create and the potential for graffiti.
(2) Vines or shrubs shall be provided and maintained on the exterior of all solid perimeter fencing. Vines or shrubs shall be a minimum of five-gallon size and cover a minimum of fifty percent of the wall within two years of planting. Shrubs shall be of varying heights and pruned for the health of the plant and not shaped (no topiary pruning). Where decorative walls are provided, the amount of coverage may be reduced to twenty-five percent. (R)
Rationale: Clinging vines or shrubs will break the surface of solid walls and help deter graffiti while providing visual interest and promoting a rural atmosphere.
(3) Residential developments shall have primary entry features that incorporate landscaping with the entry sign. The landscaping should be a minimum of two hundred fifty square feet held in a common tract, planted, and maintained with a variety of at least three plant materials including a series of annuals that will each maintain a constant bloom throughout the year. The landscaped area may be split into two one hundred twenty-five square feet areas where two signs are provided. (R)
Rationale: Landscaping incorporated with the design of the entry feature will better compliment the development and blend with the surrounding area. Flowers will help preserve the historical character of the area.
(4) Residential developments that abut Baseline Road shall incorporate citrus trees into the entrance of the development. The trees shall be arranged in a grid pattern. (P)
Rationale: Citrus trees will promote the historical character of the area.
(5) Gated entries that abut a major street shall provide a landscaped entrance that contains a landscaped median to separate egress from ingress. The landscaped areas shall be a minimum of three hundred feet in area and planted with a variety of at least three plant materials including a series of annuals that will each maintain a constant bloom throughout the year. (R)
Rationale: The landscaped entrance and median will create a more rural, agricultural atmosphere. The flowers will help preserve the historical character of the area.
(6) Residential developments that abut Baseline Road should be limited to one story or fifteen feet in height within one hundred feet of the Baseline Road right-of-way to the extent necessary to protect views. (P)
Rationale: Views of South Mountain and Downtown Phoenix should be protected. Limiting height along the Baseline corridor should help preserve those views.
(7) Residential developments that abut the western or highline canals should have fifty percent of development along the canal at one story or fifteen feet in height. (P)
Rationale: Views of South Mountain and Downtown Phoenix should be protected. Limiting height along the canals should help preserve those views.
b. Single-family. All single-family developments (regardless of lot width) shall be subject to the single-family design review guidelines found in Section 507 Tab A. The following design guidelines shall apply to all single-family development unless otherwise specified. Where there is conflict between the guidelines within these two sections, the following guidelines will govern.
(1) There shall be a minimum of ten-foot spacing between each single-family home unless the homes are attached. Any walls or fencing shall be placed a minimum of five feet back from the front plane of the home. (R)
Rationale: There should be adequate space between homes to provide a visual separation and walls should be recessed to provide a streetscape that does not appear to be solid walls along the street.
(2) Front yard setback lines shall be staggered to allow a range of six feet offset with a minimum variation of two feet increments from house to house. No staggered setbacks are required where winding streets or clustered development achieve the same effect. (R)
Rationale: Staggered setbacks will promote diversity and provide a more interesting streetscape.
(3) Alternative garage locations shall be provided for ten percent of the homes in the development. (R)
Rationale: A mix of garage locations will promote streetscape diversity.
(4) Covered porches a minimum of sixty square feet in area at a depth of at least six feet shall be provided in the front yard of fifty percent of the homes in a subdivision. No porch shall terminate within the plane of a door or window. Clustered development shall provide the porch for a minimum of thirty percent of the homes in the cluster. (R)
Rationale: Activity in the front yard will increase the number of eyes focused on the street and improve safety. It will also provide a more open, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere.
(5) A common open space tract should be visible from the entry of the development. (P)
Rationale: Visual access of the open space from the entry of a development will enhance the appearance of the development from the street.
(6) Where a common open space is provided, fifty percent of the homes along the perimeter of the open space should be oriented toward the open space. (P)
Rationale: Residents should be able to enjoy the view of the open space.
c. Multiple-family development.
(1) Parking areas shall be distributed throughout the development and not concentrated along the perimeter of the development or at a single location within the development unless there is a single building for the development. (R)
Rationale: Scattered parking will bring residents closer to their unit and provide more visual interest.
(2) Multifamily buildings should be clustered around common open space. (P)
Rationale: Clustering around a common open space will create a park-like environment for residents to enjoy.
(3) A minimum of one-third of the dwelling unit buildings in a multiple-family development should not exceed one story or fifteen feet in height. (P)
F. Signs. Signage in the Baseline Area Overlay District shall be governed by the regulations applicable to signs as set forth in Section 705, except as modified by the regulations set forth in this subsection.
1. Prohibited signs.
a. Pole signs.
b. Backlit awnings.
2. Permitted signs.
a. Ground-mounted monument signs for single-family residential developments incorporated into the entry features provided they not exceed five feet in height and twelve feet in sign area or two signs on either side with a maximum sign area of eight square feet each. Signs a maximum of eight feet in height may be permitted through design review.
b. Commercial signage shall comply with Section 705, table D-1, the secondary low volume street classification.
c. Window signs may not exceed fifteen percent of the window area.
3. Design guidelines.
a. Natural materials such as wood and stone or materials that give the appearance of wood or stone should be incorporated into the sign construction. (P)
Rationale: Use of natural materials creates a more rural atmosphere.
b. Commercial signage shall include a minimum base size of eighteen inches.
Rationale: Signs are not legible at ground level.
Commercial Signage
(Ord. No. G-4286, 2000; Ord. No. G-7160, § 22, 2023)