Adaptive Reuse Policies

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​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 Application​	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	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 Occupancy Documents
Building / Occupancy	Change of Occupancy & Hazard Levels	All Tiers	The 2012 International Existing Building Code, Chapter 10, 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	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
Site / Landscaping Documents
Site / Landscape	Site/Civil Improvements Proportionality Guidelines Civil Site Planning Traffic	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 Civil Site Planning Traffic	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	All Tiers	Eliminate retention requirements when project does not make existing situation worse. Reduce retention by using alternate methods such pre- vs post.
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 Li​ne 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.

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