This chapter provides standards that are supplemental to the regulations of each zone, and are specific to particular aspects of development, such as landscaping, parking, outdoor lighting, and signage, among others. These standards are intended to promote development that compliments the unique, historic character of Flagstaff, while preserving and enhancing the natural resources and environments that are embraced by the local community and visitors alike. This chapter is also intended to encourage a character and quality of development that reinforces the natural, walkable urban, or drivable suburban contexts within Flagstaff.

This division establishes regulations that reinforce the unique character of Flagstaff’s architectural history. It also promotes the use of indigenous, traditional building materials and a human scale to create an inviting pedestrian realm. The regulations in this division encourage new development to be in character and scale with the existing fabric of Flagstaff.

A.    The standards found within this division shall apply to all development within the City in accordance with the requirements and procedures established in Section 10-20.40.140, Site Plan Review and Approval, and as follows:

1.    Applications for site plan review or expansions involving commercial, duplex, multifamily, business park, and institutional uses that:

a.    Contain greater than 1,000 square feet of gross floor area; or

b.    Include expansions greater than 25 percent of gross floor area. Building additions, either with a single addition or cumulative additions subsequent to February 1, 2002 (the effective date of the Design Review Guidelines adopted into the 1991 Land Development Code), will count towards the 25 percent expansion of gross floor area;

2.    Applications for conditional use permits;

3.    Applications involving facade changes to building and structure elevations that are visible from a public way, including, but not limited to, public and private streets, public trails and paths, and alleys; and

4.    Applications for new development in historic districts which shall comply with these standards as well as any design standards established for the district.

B.    The standards found within this division shall not apply to the following:

1.    Individual single-family dwellings;

2.    Industrial uses and buildings outside of the RD zone and business parks; and

3.    Buildings within a traditional neighborhood community plan (See Division 10-30.80) that provide their own architectural standards.

(Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Applicable to All Zones.

1.    Building Materials. The design traditions of Flagstaff emphasize simplicity in the use of materials. Wood, masonry and metal have been the primary historic building materials used in Flagstaff. Wood has traditionally been used for siding, trim, windows, doors and porches on both commercial and residential buildings while locally quarried stone has commonly been used for both structural and decorative masonry. Roofing, support systems and decorative features are often made of metal. It is important, therefore, that new buildings in Flagstaff incorporate these materials in their design. See Figures 10-50.20.030.A. through 10-50.20.030.D.

a.    Primary Materials. Use indigenous and traditional building materials for primary wall surfaces. A minimum of 75 percent of walls visible from a public way (excluding glass) shall use the following standards:

(1)    Brick, stone, rusticated block or comparable modular masonry are preferred primary building materials. Color should be integral to the material.

(2)    New materials that convey the texture, scale, color and matte finish similar to masonry will be considered where appropriate. For example, in some instances, masonry alternatives to stone may include stained, textured, rough-sawn board-form concrete, cast concrete molded from native stone, or split faced concrete masonry units.

(3)    Rusticated metal, board and batten siding, and painted or stained wood lap or in shingle pattern, where appropriate to the building use, style and setting.

b.    Secondary Materials.

(1)    Non-indigenous or non-traditional building materials may be used as a secondary or accent material. They may not be used as a primary material, but they may be used as a secondary material, composing up to 25 percent of the walls visible from the public way (excluding glass). These materials include the following:

(a)    Highly reflective, mirrored glass, large expanses of metal panels, or other shiny materials.

(b)    Stucco (and its artificial derivatives), when tinted earth tone colors and detailed to convey a sense of human scale, is appropriate as a secondary building material, i.e., on second floors or above other primary building materials. Reveal and scoring lines should be used to create panels that establish shadow lines and visual relief.

(2)    Exceptions to the use of secondary materials in the design of a building may be granted if the applicant can demonstrate that all of the following conditions have been satisfied:

(a)    The design of the building(s) meets or exceeds all other architectural design requirements;

(b)    The design is compatible with the context of the area within which it is located. See, also Section 10-30.60.080, Compatibility;

(c)    The use of stucco shall emulate masonry construction with deep recessed windows and doors, and other expressions of thick walls;

(d)    Stucco shall always be placed below other non-masonry materials on a building; and

(e)    The proposed design should be an established architectural style representing the use of stucco in Flagstaff, such as a Territorial style (represented by, for example, the El Pueblo Motel), a Tudor style (for example, the Flagstaff Railway Station) or the Craftsman style cottages in the Flagstaff Townsite historic neighborhood.

c.    Placement of Building Materials. Typically in the design tradition of Flagstaff only one primary building material is used on a building facade. Accent panels, trim details such as an expression line, and other facade details can utilize either the same primary building material or different materials considered as secondary building materials. In certain applications more than three different materials may be appropriate when they are used to, for example, establish a solid base to a building, reinforce the form of a building, or when used to compose a large building (i.e., over 50,000 square feet) as a series of smaller elements or masses. The Flagstaff tradition also includes the placement of heavier materials with larger grain textures towards the bottom of a facade and lighter materials with smaller more refined textures toward the top. In this context, “heavier” and “lighter” are terms describing visual character and texture as opposed to actual weight. Different building forms may include heavier or lighter materials, but heavier materials shall not be placed above lighter materials. See Figures 10-50.20.030A through 10-50.20.030D.

2.    Color.

a.    Use muted colors and earth tones for building and roof materials.

(1)    Bright colors are appropriate only for accents.

(2)    A minimum of 75 percent of the exterior walls and roofs seen from a public way shall have muted colors and earth tones typical of those found in the Flagstaff area with a light reflectance value (LRV) of 50 percent or less.

B.    Building Massing and Scale.

1.    Scale. It is important that a building be scaled to its context. See also Section 10-30.60.050, Compatibility. In order to ensure appropriate scale, at least two of the following four standards shall be met:

a.    Express facade components in ways that will help to establish an appropriate scale in relation to a building’s context, including:

(1)    Define a rhythm and pattern of windows, columns, and other architectural features; and

(2)    Use windows and doors that are similar in proportion and scale to those seen traditionally. These vertical proportions are typically 1:1.5 or higher.

b.    Provide a human scale to the primary entrance.

c.    Express the position of each floor in the external design of a building to establish a human scale.

(1)    Articulate structural elements; and/or

(2)    Change materials between floors; and/or

(3)    Use an expression line.

d.    Use building materials that help establish a character appropriate to a building’s context.

(1)    Use materials that provide a fine-grained scale to buildings. Examples include:

(a)    Brick in standard module; and/or

(b)    Shingle or horizontal lap siding.

(2)    Avoid large panelized products or extensive featureless surfaces.

2.    Building Massing. For all buildings in non-transect zones, wall planes shall be divided into modules that express traditional dimensions such that a primary facade plane shall not exceed 75 feet in length. If a wall plane exceeds this dimension, then a jog shall be provided to divide it into subordinate elements each less than 75 feet in length. The depth of the jog shall be a minimum of 20 percent of the height of the wall plane. In addition, a combination of at least two of the following techniques shall be employed:

a.    Change the height of a wall plane or building mass by providing vertical articulation. The change in height shall be at least 20 percent of the vertical height of an adjacent wall plane or building mass;

b.    Change the roof form to express different modules of the building mass; and/or

c.    Divide large wall planes into smaller components by changing the arrangement of windows and other facade articulation features, such as columns or strap work.

3.    Roof Form. Incorporate at least two of the following features, which are listed in order of most compatible with Flagstaff’s design traditions, to add architectural articulation and reduce perceived scale:

a.    Sloping roofs with a minimum pitch of 4:12;

b.    Overhanging eaves;

c.    Multiple roof planes;

d.    A cornice or molding to define the top of a parapet; and/or

e.    A flat roof with parapet;

4.    Street Level Interest.

a.    Provide visual interest to pedestrians at the street level.

b.    Provide visual interest in walkable environments with retail or service uses with:

(1)    A display window providing views to activities in the building;

(2)    A display case with exhibits, where internal functions do not permit windows; or

(3)    A decorative wall surface, such as a mural or sculptural feature.

c.    Large expanses of blank wall shall not be used when a facade faces a public way or a major pedestrian route.

5.    Location and Orientation of Building Entrances.

a.    A building entrance serves both the building’s tenants and customers. In addition to its functionality, it can enliven the building’s context, especially when the building entrance provides access directly from the public sidewalk. A city block with buildings that have entrances directly accessible from the public sidewalk encourages walkability and increases the possibilities for pedestrian movement and activities, including shopping and social interactions.

b.    The following standards apply to the design and placement of building entrances:

(1)    The main entrance to a building that is open to the public shall be clearly identifiable by emphasizing and enhancing the level of architectural details such as a change in plane (e.g., the entrance may be recessed on the street level facade), differentiation in material and color, or enhanced lighting.

(2)    The primary entrance of a building shall be oriented to face a street, plaza or pedestrian way.

(3)    Locate utility, mechanical room, or service entrance doors away from the public sidewalks of major and secondary streets.

(4)    If glass entry doors are used, they must have the same solar qualities as those of the storefront window design.

6.    Garage Doors. To decrease the prominence of garage doors and emphasize front entryways, the following strategies shall be used.

a.    Recess garage doors 18 inches or more into a wall plane or behind architectural elements.

b.    One-car or two-car garage doors shall be used for garage door openings. Garages providing parking for more than two cars shall use a combination of one-car and two-car garage doors.

c.    Garage doors located in front of the main facade of a building shall not face directly onto a thoroughfare unless it is not feasible due to existing site conditions. For this standard, alleys and rear lanes shall not be considered a thoroughfare.

7.    Windows.

a.    The placement, pattern, scale, size, and rhythm of windows on building facades, including proportions and details around them, are an important aspect of a building’s fenestration as they determine its appeal, charm, and character. Buildings with poor fenestration appear visually uninteresting. Scale, proportion, added architectural details, such as appropriate use of materials, trims, bands (i.e., an expression line) and cornices bring visual interest to building facades, enhance the building’s design, provide a connection from the outside to the inside of the building through a window, and provide a human scaled backdrop to the street space.

b.    The following standards apply to ensure that traditional facade elements express Flagstaff’s design traditions in the design and placement of windows on a building:

(1)    Maximize the number of street level facade openings for windows.

(2)    Organize the placement of windows and doors on the building elevation relative to each other and the building’s forms to ensure they are balanced and proportionate.

(3)    Set storefront window frames at a height above the finished grade to reflect traditional main street building qualities, such as display windows.

(4)    Recess window frames, including storefronts, from the typical wall plane surface to provide a shadow line and to accentuate the storefront. At a minimum, the depth of the recess should be proportionate to the scale of the window.

(5)    For the upper level facades, provide a fenestration pattern that includes window openings that are greater in height than width.

(6)    Include operable windows on the upper level facade.

(7)    Delineate changes in surface material by a reveal or a recess detail.

(8)    At the street level, facade display windows must include a signage band (transom panel) above the display window and a base panel below the display window.

8.    Basements and Basement Garages. The portion of an exterior wall of a basement or basement garage that projects above grade and is visible from a public or private Street, or a Driveway, shall not exceed 10 feet in height, measured from the abutting finished grade to the finished floor of the first floor of the structure above the finished grade. The exterior of the walls shall be finished with architectural materials and colors consistent with the design of the building. The Director may approve alternative materials and color that are consistent with the design of the building; provided, that the alternative materials and color maintain a consistent design theme.

9.    Building Stem Walls and Crawl Spaces. Stem walls and crawl spaces shall not exceed five feet in height, except as allowed in subsection B.9.a. of this section, measured from the abutting finished grade to the first finished floor of the structure above the abutting finished grade. All exterior walls shall be finished with architectural materials and colors that are consistent with the design of the building and shall be screened from a public or private Street, or Driveway, with Landscaping when taller than three feet.

a.    The Director may approve a taller stem wall or crawl space up to a height no greater than one foot above the minimum regulatory flood elevation of the first lowest floor elevation that is required to comply with Title 12, Floodplains. This allowance may only be approved for residential habitable areas of a Development.

10.    Podium Parking Structures. Exterior walls shall be designed as a building element that is cohesively integrated into the remainder of the building’s architectural design, including the consistent use of detailing, fenestrations, architectural materials, and colors. The Director may approve alternative materials and color that are consistent with the design of the building; provided, that the alternative materials and color maintain a consistent design theme.

11.    Gas Station Service Canopies. The canopy over a gas station service area shall be designed as a subordinate element of the overall site design using the following strategies:

a.    The canopy shall be designed with a low-profile section with a maximum height of three feet;

b.    A minimum of 75 percent of the perimeter of the canopy shall have muted colors and earth tones typical of those found in the Flagstaff area with a light reflectance value (LRV) of 50 percent or less; and

c.    The mass of the canopy shall be reduced by stepping its form or by dividing it into a set of smaller individual canopies.

C.    Compatibility. The architectural standards established in Section 10-30.60.050, Compatibility, shall also be considered and applied when assessing the compatibility of a new project relative to existing adjacent Development.

(Ord. 2024-22, Amended, 10/15/2024 (Res. 2024-37); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

This division sets forth the standards for determining how building height shall be measured and other height related standards to ensure that new development reinforces the highly valued character and scale of Flagstaff’s existing neighborhoods and downtown. These standards shall be used in combination with the standards established in Chapter 10-40, Specific to Zones.

The standards found within this division shall apply to all development in the City of Flagstaff.

A.    Purpose. This section provides the methodology used to measure the height of all structures.

B.    Building and Structure Height.

1.    The height of any building or structure shall be measured from the natural grade or finished grade in accordance with the following:

a.    Natural Grade. The height shall be measured vertically from the top of any point of a structure or building element, including the top of a parapet, the top of a mansard roof, screen wall or pitched roof, to the natural grade directly beneath the point measured, unless the finished grade abutting the building or structure is below the natural grade. When a height is measured to natural grade, it includes any material used to raise the grade to a finished grade above the natural grade.

b.    Finished Grade. When the finished grade abutting a building or structure is below the natural grade, the finished grade shall be used to measure the height.

i.    When the finished grade is used, the height shall be measured vertically from the top of any point of a structure or building element, including the top of a parapet, the top of a mansard roof, screen wall or pitched roof, to the lowest finished grade abutting the building or structure that is nearest to a point directly below the point measured. The finished grade outside of doors, landings, light wells, patios, stairways, windows, and similar below grade improvements that provide access or fenestrations to a below grade level are excluded from the building height; provided, that the finished grade for these improvements does not extend more than eight feet horizontally from the building.

c.    The height of all points of a structure or building measured in accordance with applicable provisions of subsection B.1.a. or B.1.b. of this section shall comply with the maximum allowed height of the property’s zone.

2.    Exposed crawl spaces, building stem walls (including stem walls of a basement), podium parking structure and building walls, shall be included in the height calculation.

3.    Flagpoles and spires, including similar structures, shall not exceed the maximum allowed building height of the property’s zone.

C.    Applicable to Transect Zones. Transect zones use several methods to determine the building height in addition to overall building height, including measuring to the eave or parapet and the maximum number of stories. These standards work together to help ensure that development is consistent with the character and scale within the City.

1.    Overall Building Height. See subsection B. of this section.

2.    Height to Eave/Parapet. Building height to eave/parapet shall be measured from the eave or top of parapet to natural grade or finished grade at the lowest point adjacent to the building exterior, whichever yields the greatest height.

3.    Maximum Number of Stories. In the transect zones, building height is also regulated by the number of floors allowed in a building. The maximum number of stories allowed in a building is established in Division 10-40.40, Transect Zones. The following methodology shall be used to determine the number of floors in a building.

a.    A story or floor shall meet the following height standards. The standards in this section work in combination with those established in Division 10-40.40, Transect Zones. See Table 10-50.30.030.A., Maximum Height of a Floor for standards for uses in all transect zones.

b.    The maximum height of a floor is set in Table 10-50.30.030.A., Maximum Height of a Floor – Transect Zones. Floors that exceed the maximum heights established in Table 10-50.30.030.A. shall be counted as two floors.

c.    Unfinished attics shall not count as a story.

d.    Finished attics with a knee wall maximum height of three feet and a finished floor to finished ceiling maximum height of nine feet shall for the purposes of calculating height count as one-half story. Finished attics with a knee wall less than three feet or a finished floor to finished ceiling height of greater than nine feet shall count as a full story.

e.    Basements with an exterior exposed wall greater than three feet shall count as a floor. Height of the exterior wall shall be measured from natural grade or finished grade to finished floor of the floor above.

Figure 10-50.30.030.D. Transect Zone Building Height Measurements (not drawn to scale).

(Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2019-32, Amended, 11/5/2019 (Res. 2019-49); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    This division provides standards for the allowed encroachment or projection of certain structures into required setback areas. This allows for specific architectural features or accessory structures to be developed in areas that might otherwise prohibit such features, providing more flexibility to property owners.

B.    Additional standards for encroachments can be found in Division 10-40.40, Transect Zones. If there is a conflict between any standards within the transect zones, the provisions within Division 10-40.40, Transect Zones, control over this division.

A.    Allowed Encroachments. Table 10-50.40.020.A, Allowed Encroachments into Setbacks and Heights, establishes elements that may encroach into required setbacks.

B.    Access Ramps for Disabled Persons. Access ramps for disabled persons may encroach into a required setback, provided they are not more than 36 inches in height and remain five feet from the front property line, two feet from the side property line and 10 feet from the rear property line.

C.    Rain Barrels and Cisterns. Rain barrels and cisterns used for rainwater harvesting in compliance with Section 10-50.60.070, Water Use and Irrigation, shall be allowed to encroach into side and rear setbacks to the property line, and no more than five feet into a front setback.

(Ord. 2021-16, 7/6/2021 (Res. 2021-32); Ord. 2019-32, Amended, 11/5/2019 (Res. 2019-49))

The requirements of this division apply to all fences, walls, and screening unless otherwise stated.

Issuance of a minor improvement permit (see Section 10-20.40.080, Minor Improvement Permits) is required for the installation of all walls and fences described in this division.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Fence and Wall Height.

1.    Each fence or wall shall comply with the height limits shown in Table 10-50.50.020.A., Maximum Height of Fences or Walls.

2.    Fence height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the finished grade at the base of the fence and the top edge of the fence material.

B.    Nonresidential Fencing Exceptions. A wrought-iron fence or a combination three-foot masonry wall topped by wrought iron or other similar fencing, either of which not to exceed a height of six feet to achieve security for those uses featuring display of merchandise or equipment, may be permitted along the street property line or within the front yard setback.

1.    Chain-link fencing for this purpose shall be prohibited.

2.    Any fence or wall associated with the screening along the perimeter of parking areas shall not exceed three and one-half feet.

C.    Fences and Walls Between Different Land Uses.

1.    Fences and walls between different land uses shall be provided in compliance with Table 10-50.60.040.B., Buffer and Screening Requirements.

2.    Solid fences and walls between residential, recreation, education, public assembly, and retail uses may replace a portion of the required buffer requirements, as identified in Table 10-50.60.040.B., Buffer and Screening Requirements, with evergreen plant material upon Director approval.

(Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02). Formerly 10-50.50.020)

A.    General. All fencing and screening shall be in compliance with Section 10-50.60.050.D. and Table 10-50.60.040.B., Buffer and Screening Requirements.

B.    Solid Fence. For the purposes of this division, a solid fence includes a fence assembled from fence boards with no greater than a one-half inch gap between them.

C.    Utility Boxes. Utility boxes and cabinets shall be screened by solid fences and walls that match the building materials of the primary building on the site, or evergreen landscape materials as shown in Figure 10-50.50.040A, Utility Box Screening. Where feasible, utility boxes and cabinets shall be sited to the rear or side of a building, or in a location where visibility from public rights-of-way is minimized.

Figure 10-50.50.040.C.

Utility Box Screening

D.    Equipment Screening.

1.    In all zones, rooftop mounted mechanical equipment shall be:

a.    Centrally located on the roof to the maximum extent feasible; and

b.    Screened by a parapet or roof feature on all sides that is no shorter than the tallest object being screened as shown in Figure 10-50.50.040.D.1., Rooftop Equipment Screening.

Figure 10-50.50.040.D.1.

Rooftop Equipment Screening

2.     Mixed-Use, Multiple-Family, and Nonresidential Developments.

a.    Ground-mounted, or elevated, mechanical equipment must be screened from surrounding properties, alleys and streets, or enclosed within a building.

b.    Wall-mounted mechanical and electrical service equipment, satellite dishes, and utilities (hereafter the “Equipment”) shall be screened from surrounding properties, alleys and streets.

i.    As an alternative to screening the Equipment, the Director may approve a design that integrates the Equipment into the architecture of the building if any of the following apply:

(a)    The Equipment will not be visible from a surrounding property, alley or street at a location equal to, or less than, the height of the Equipment;

(b)    The screening of the Equipment would prohibit wireless communication with the Equipment, and there is no other alternate location on the development site to place the Equipment;

(c)    The screening would prohibit proper ventilation of the Equipment as required by the Building Code, Fire Code, or a public utility, and there is no other alternate location on the development site to place the Equipment; or

(d)    Other similar condition as determined by the Director.

E.    Enclosures for Refuse and Recycling Containers. Refuse and recycling containers shall be screened by solid fences or walls constructed to a minimum height of six feet and designed to match the building materials of the primary building on the site and the Engineering Standards. Where feasible, enclosures for refuse and recycling containers shall be sited to the rear or side of a building, or in a location where visibility from public rights-of-way is minimized.

F.    Use of Chain Link Fences.

1.    Chain link fences are allowed on all zones, except that in residential zones only vinyl-coated chain link fencing is permitted.

2.    Chain link fencing is not permitted in the CB zone except as temporary fencing during construction.

G.    Use of Barbed Wire.

1.    A minimum six-foot-high screen topped with barbed wire is required for high-voltage transformers and any other utility structures or equipment of potential hazard. The barbed wire is not to extend beyond the property boundaries. Evergreen plant material a minimum height of five feet shall be planted adjacent to the exterior of the wall or fence a minimum of every 10 feet on center.

2.    Barbed wire fences shall be allowed in the RR, PF and PLF/OS zones.

3.    In industrial zones, barbed wire shall be allowed at the top of a fence that is a minimum of six feet in height, with the total height not exceeding the maximum established in Table 10-50.50.020.A., Maximum Height of Fences or Walls. No part of the barbed wire shall project beyond the property boundaries.

4.    Concertina or razor wire fences and electric fences are not permitted in any zone.

H.    Wildlife Compatible Fencing. All fencing used shall be designed in compliance with the Arizona Game and Fish Department Guidelines for Wildlife Compatible Fencing.

I.    Corral Fencing.

1.    Wire Fences. Wire fences, including hog fences, galvanized chain-link, and vinyl-covered chain-link fences are permitted for horse fencing. A wire or chain-link fence may be screened by the use of a three or four board fence. The wire or chain-link fence shall be attached to the board fence. (See Figure 10-50.50.030.C., below.)

2.    Pipe Rail Fences. Pipe rail fences are permitted for horse fencing. Pipe rail fences do not require the use of chain-link fencing. (See Figure 10-50.50.030.C.)

Figure 10-50.50.030.C.

Pipe Rail Fence and Four Board Wire Fence

3.    Fences for Equestrian Uses. Within the RR, ER, PF and PLF zones including three-rail fences used for equestrian facilities shall be left natural, or finished with a clear-coat, black, gray, or white paint.

J.    Fencing of Detention/Retention Basin. Fencing proposed around detention/retention basins shall comply with the Stormwater Regulations.

(Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2019-22, Amended, 7/2/2019 (Res. 2019-31); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02). Formerly 10-50.50.030)

A.    All outdoor storage areas for materials, mechanical equipment, or vehicles, and all loading/unloading areas or service bays shall be screened from street view by a screen wall constructed to a minimum height of six feet and designed in compliance with the standards of this division and the Engineering Standards.

Figure 10-50.50.040.A.

Screen Walls

B.    All screen walls required by this Zoning Code that are greater than 24 feet in length shall be designed and constructed to break up the lineal expanse of such walls with a staggered centerline, pilasters, varying heights, the installation of extra plant materials, or varying the landscaped area contours by creating berms to lessen the visual impact of the wall.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02). Formerly 10-50.50.040)

A.    Purpose. The purpose of this division is to foster the creation of sustainable landscapes appropriate to the unique natural characteristics of Flagstaff. Located on the Colorado Plateau, Flagstaff has frequent dry summers, cold winter temperatures, high altitude, and a short growing season that together create special challenges for landscaping. In addition, Flagstaff has limited water resources, and consistent with the General Plan’s goal of being a steward of the natural environment, high expectations for the use and management of this precious resource have been established.

1.    The intent of this division, therefore, is to provide landscaping standards to:

a.    Establish and preserve sustainable landscaping that protects and promotes the unique natural character of Flagstaff;

b.    Ensure an appropriate balance between the value of responsible water use and the value of well-designed landscape areas;

c.    Improve community aesthetics;

d.    Protect native trees and plants, low-maintenance naturalized plants, and other natural resources;

e.    Improve the quality of the environment by enhancing air quality and reducing the spread of invasive plant species; and

f.    Provide an applicant with maximum flexibility while the public interest in planting viable landscaping and conserving the City water supply is protected.

2.    Sustainability. This division establishes regulations for the installation and maintenance of landscaping and screening according to recognized xeriscape and low impact development (LID) principles identified in the City’s Stormwater Regulations and LID Manual.

B.    Sustainable Landscaping. This division creates the framework for sustainably designed landscapes. Landscapes designed for Flagstaff’s unique natural environment contribute to a sense of community and result in many environmental, aesthetic, and economic benefits. Some of the major benefits of sustainable landscaping are summarized in Table 10-50.60.010.A, Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping.

C.    Xeriscape Landscaping.

1.    Applying xeriscape landscaping is directly linked to the concept of sustainable landscaping. The water-use standards for landscaping in this division create the framework for xeriscape landscapes.

2.    Xeriscape landscaping incorporates water-conserving designs that take into account soil and drainage factors, microclimates, grouping of plants with similar water requirements, efficient irrigation systems, native vegetation, paving permeability, and low-water-using and drought tolerant vegetation. Xeriscape landscaping is not cactus, rocks and gravel nor shall “xeri” be interpreted to mean zero.

3.    The xeriscape principles in Table 10-50.60.010.B., Xeriscape Principles, apply to all landscaping areas as required by Section 10-50.60.020, Applicability.

(Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17))

The provisions of this division shall apply to new and existing development as follows. Exceptions are provided in subsection C. of this section.

A.    New Developments. All new developments, except those listed in subsection (C) of this section, shall provide landscaping in compliance with this division.

B.    Existing Development. A single addition or cumulative additions subsequent to May 7, 1992, that meet the following thresholds, shall, to the maximum extent feasible as determined by the Director, provide landscaping in compliance with this division. Where existing site conditions may make it difficult to achieve full compliance as otherwise required below and to ensure that as much as feasible the business expansion is successful, landscaping standards may be modified in accordance with Section 10-20.40.090, Minor Modifications to Development Approvals.

1.    An expansion or alteration of an existing nonresidential or residential use that results in a 35 percent or more increase in dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity, or parking spaces, either with a single or cumulative addition(s) or expansion(s).

2.    Change or intensification of a use that increases the required parking by 35 percent or more. If the required additional parking is less than 35 percent, then landscaping is only required for the new parking spaces in compliance with Section 10-50.60.050, Landscaping Standards.

3.    Developments or uses requiring a Conditional Use Permit to the maximum extent feasible as determined by the Planning Commission.

C.    Exceptions. The provisions of this division do not apply to the following:

1.    Construction of a new single-family dwelling or of an addition or alteration to an existing single-family dwelling.

2.    Individual single-family detached residences and accessory structures.

3.    Single-family cluster dwelling residences in the RR and ER zones.

4.    Secondary single-family detached dwellings on the same lot as the primary dwelling, where permitted.

5.    Accessory dwelling units.

D.    Landscaping in Rights-of-Way. Landscaping in rights-of-way shall comply with the landscaping and plant location requirements found in the Engineering Standards, Chapter 13-18, Landscaping Standards for Rights-of-Way.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Concept Landscape Plan.

1.    A concept landscape plan shall be included with an application for concept plan review for a new development in compliance with Section 10-20.30.050, Concept Plan Review, for review by the Director.

2.    The concept landscape plan shall at a minimum identify general landscape areas and include initial calculations on how many trees, shrubs and ground covers will be required to satisfy the requirements of this division. Submittal requirements for concept landscape plans are included on the checklist included with the application form for concept site plan review.

B.    Preliminary Landscape Plan.

1.    A preliminary landscape plan shall be included with an application for site plan review in compliance with Section 10-20.40.140, Site Plan Review and Approval, for review and approval by the Director.

2.    The preliminary landscape plan shall contain at a minimum the location, description, proposed low impact design measures, and number of proposed materials, including new and existing ground covers, shrubs, and trees, and a brief description of the planting and design actions that are intended to meet the requirements of Section 10-50.60.070, Water Use and Irrigation. Detailed submittal requirements for preliminary landscape plans are included on the checklist included with the application form for site plan review and approval.

C.    Final Landscape Plan. A final landscape plan shall be submitted as part of the application for site grading or a building permit (Section 10-20.40.030). A final landscape plan shall be approved by the Director before the issuance of a building permit or any other permit for grading or construction. Detailed submittal requirements for final landscape plans are included on the checklist included with the application form for civil construction plan approval.

D.    Preparation by Qualified Professional. Preliminary and final landscape plans shall be prepared by a qualified landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, certified nurseryman or other professional determined by the Director to be qualified, based on applicant’s ability to demonstrate compliance with this Zoning Code.

E.    Review and Approval.

1.    The Director shall review each preliminary and final landscape plan to verify its compliance with the provisions of this division. The Director may approve, deny, or require changes to the landscape plan if it is not in compliance.

2.    In the review of a final landscape plan the standards provided in subsection C. of this section shall be considered minimum requirements; provided, that the purposes of this division are still achieved, written requests for alternative landscaping schemes may be submitted to the Director and may be justified only when one or more of the following conditions apply:

a.    The site has space limitations or an unusual shape;

b.    Topography, soil, or other site conditions are such that full compliance is impossible or impractical;

c.    It can be demonstrated that the alternative proposal will result in better environmental or aesthetic quality and conditions; or

d.    Safety considerations are involved and no other alternative exists to reduce potential hazards.

3.    Revisions to overall development plans or plats may require commensurate revisions to landscape plans to the satisfaction of the Director.

4.    The Director may authorize minor changes to an approved landscape plan in compliance with Section 10-20.40.090, Minor Modifications to Development Standards.

F.    Construction Assurances. If approved landscaping and watering systems cannot be installed prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy or commencement of the use of a property, a conditional certificate of occupancy may be issued in accordance with Section 10-20.40.030, Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy.

G.    Inspection Required.

1.    Prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy, the Director shall inspect the subject property to ensure that the landscaping has been installed in compliance with the approved landscape plans.

2.    If the inspection determines that there are changes to the final landscape plan, the Director may approve an as-built landscaping plan that reflects all changes if the Director determines that the intent of this division is achieved.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

Landscaping shall be provided in all areas of a site that are subject to development with structures, grading, or the removal of natural vegetation, as identified in this section. Table 10-50.60.040.A., Application of Landscaping Location Requirements in Zones, provides a summary of applicability and identifies exceptions to areas within non-transect and transect zones.

A.    Residential Zone Buffers.

1.    Residential uses subject to the provisions of this division shall provide landscaping in setbacks, utility easements, and drainage courses (but no trees shall be planted in utility easements and drainage courses) in compliance with Section 10-50.60.050, Landscaping Standards, except where:

a.    Occupied by approved structures, paving, decks or patios.

b.    They are retained in their natural state, and the Director determines that landscaping is not necessary to achieve the purposes of this division.

c.    Landscaping would conflict with access to utility infrastructure; however, landscaping shall be maintained to the maximum extent feasible; or

d.    For stabilization purposes, these areas may be seeded in compliance with subsections C. and D. of this section.

2.    Parking areas shall be landscaped and unused areas shall be seeded in compliance with subsections C. and D. of this section.

3.    Landscaping standards in affordable housing developments may be reduced in compliance with Division 10-30.20, Affordable Housing Incentive.

B.    Nonresidential Zone Landscape Buffers. There are two types of landscaping buffers requirements. The landscape buffers are: street landscape buffers and peripheral landscape buffers. The landscape buffers shall be planted in accordance with Section 10-50.60.050, Landscaping Standards.

1.    Street Landscape Buffers. The buffers shall be provided on the lot or parcel, and abutting the street property/easement line (see Figure 10-50.60.040.B.1.), unless the provisions of subsections B.2. or B.3. of this section apply. The buffers shall conform with the following:

a.     Transect and Non-Transect Zoned Properties Located Within the Area Delineated by the Downtown Regulating Plan.

i.    Minimum buffer width abutting a street with a total of four travel lanes, or greater: 10 feet, unless a smaller width is allowed in subsection B.1.a.iii. of this section.

ii.    Minimum buffer width abutting a street with a total of two travel lanes: five feet, unless a smaller width is allowed in subsection B.1.a.iii. of this section.

iii.    Properties that are zoned Main Street (T5) and T6 Downtown (T6) do not require street landscape buffer abutting a street, although additional width is required for pedestrian improvements in accordance with Chapter 10-60, Specific to Thoroughfares.

b.     Properties with an Industrial Zone Designation.

i.    Minimum buffer width abutting a street with a total of four travel lanes: 10 feet.

ii.    Minimum buffer width abutting a street with a total of two travel lanes: 10 feet, unless:

(a)    The director may approve a buffer width equal to, or greater than, five feet, and less than 10 feet, when the following criteria have been met:

(i)    The lot or parcel is a corner lot or parcel that does not abut a Key Lot or an alley that abuts a Key Lot;

(ii)    The reduced buffer would abut a street adjacent to the street side yard of a corner lot or parcel; and

(iii)    A six-foot fence or wall shall be provided abutting the buffer in compliance with Division 10-50.50, Fences and Screening.

c.    Street Landscape Buffers on All Other Properties.

i.    Minimum buffer width abutting a street: 10 feet.

Figure 10-50.60.040.B.1.

Location of Required Landscape Areas

2.    When a public sidewalk or other public improvements are located within the property boundaries, the landscape buffer shall be measured from the interior edge of the sidewalk or improvements, whichever is nearer to the interior of the property.

3.    Upon review of an applicant’s separate written request to the Planning Director, the Planning Director in consultation with the City Engineer may approve the reduction of a required 10-foot-wide landscape street buffer to no less than five feet adjacent to the street property line(s), after any required dedications. To approve a request, the Planning Director in consultation with the City Engineer, shall find that:

a.    The existing site constraints of the property substantially limit the ability to provide the buffer on the property;

b.    The right-of-way adjacent to the property is at least 10 feet wider than the minimum right-of-way width of the corresponding street cross section specified in Title 13 of the City Code and is not needed for future public sidewalk, street, trail, or other city transportation or infrastructure improvements; and

c.    At no time shall the building be closer than 10 feet from the interior side of a sidewalk or similar right-of-way improvements, as measured from the point nearest to the interior of the property.

4.    Peripheral Buffers. Landscaped peripheral buffers (see Figure 10-50.60.040.C.) shall be located along the outer perimeter of a lot or parcel (i.e., property lines adjacent to other parcels) and shall be provided as determined in Table 10-50.60.040.B., Buffer and Screening Requirement, which ranks land uses and zones based upon their land use intensity and the impact a new use will have on adjacent land uses, except:

a.    Where an area 10 feet or more in width has been set aside in compliance with resource protection standards (Division 10-50.90).

b.    Between adjacent sites with shared parking.

c.    Where common driveways or vehicular access easements are located on the property line.

d.    Where an alley, storm water drainage, or other right-of-way 10 feet or more in width physically separates the site from an adjacent property.

e.    Where the peripheral buffer requirement conflicts with access to utility infrastructure, the landscaping requirements may be reduced if required to provide safe access or limit damages to the infrastructure.

f.    Stormwater management facilities may be incorporated into the peripheral buffers if they are designed in compliance with Section 10-50.60.060(F), or in compliance with the Stormwater Regulations.

g.    In non-transect zones and transect zones T5 and T6 where an urban form is proposed and buildings are located side by side or on a property line, no peripheral buffer landscaping is required.

Figure 10-50.60.040C

Peripheral Buffer

C.    Foundation Landscaping. Landscape materials shall be planted within 25 feet around buildings.

D.    Parking Area Landscape Standards – Multiple-Family Residential and Nonresidential Development. Surface parking areas in all zones shall be landscaped in compliance with this section. Perimeter and street frontage landscaping is regulated in compliance with subsections A. and B. of this section.

1.    Amount of Parking Area Landscaping.

a.    Parking area landscaping area shall be required based on number of off-street parking spaces in compliance with Table 10-50.60.040.C., Interior Landscaped Area Required per Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces.

b.    Display or storage of equipment or vehicles is not permitted in required landscaped areas.

2.    Interior Parking Area – Landscape Location Requirements. Interior parking area includes planter areas between parallel rows of parking spaces, terminal islands, and landscape areas between rows of parking spaces. Where required by Table 10-50.60.040.C., Interior Landscaped Area Required per Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, interior parking area landscaping shall meet the following requirements:

a.    Landscape Islands. For parking lots with eight or more spaces aligned in a row, the required interior parking area landscaping shall be installed in islands separating adjacent parking spaces or in peninsulas parallel to individual parking spaces (see Figure 10-50.60.040.D.). Up to 12 back-to-back spaces may be laid out in a row between islands or peninsulas if either a 36-square-foot tree well is located midway between them or a landscape strip with a minimum width of five feet is installed between the rows of parking spaces (see Figure 10-50.60.040.D.).

Figure 10-50.60.040.D.

Interior Parking Area – Landscape Location Requirements

b.    Terminal Islands. All rows of parking spaces shall have a terminal island no less than five feet in width to protect parked vehicles, confine moving traffic to aisles and driveways, and provide space for landscaping (see Figure 10-50.60.040.E.).

Figure 10-50.60.040.E.

Interior Parking Area – Required Landscape Areas

c.    Interior Parking Area – Landscaping Amount. Planter areas between parallel rows of parking spaces, terminal islands, and islands separating adjacent parking areas shall have a minimum of two 15-gallon trees and two shrubs or two groundcovers, in compliance with Section 10-50.60.050.B., for every eight parking spaces. Groundcover should cover areas between shrubs based on shrub size at maturity. See Table 10-50.60.050.C., Plant Sizes.

d.    Exception for Solar Collectors. For the portion of a parking area over which photo-voltaic solar collectors are installed where they also function as shade structures, the minimum requirement for trees shall be waived, and a minimum of three shrubs and three groundcovers shall be planted in compliance with Section 10-50.60.050.B. for every eight parking spaces.

3.    Screening Parking Areas.

a.    In addition to subsection D.1. of this section, planting and screening along the boundaries of parking areas that are adjacent to a street shall be used to break up continuous parking areas by providing color and interest through the use of appropriate landscape materials and through the preservation of existing vegetation.

b.    Landscape screening along the perimeter of parking areas shall be a minimum of three and one-half feet in height. One of the following methods of forming a screen along the full length of the parking area located adjacent to a street shall be used, except where breaks are needed to provide access for pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, or a required clear view zone (Refer to Engineering Standards, Section 13-10-06-0002, Intersection Sight Triangles, Clear View Zones). Figure 10-50.60.040.F. illustrates the methods for screening parking.

(1)    Solid fencing or wall meeting the requirements of Division 10-50.50, Fences and Screening.

(2)    Evergreen shrubs planted at sufficient density to form a significant screen within three years of initial planting. Refer to Table 10-50.60.050.B., Required Plant Quantities, and Table 10-50.60.050.C., Plant Sizes, for required plant size and quantities for parking lot screening.

(3)    Any combination of the above.

Figure 10-50.60.040.F.

Screening of Parking Areas

(4)    Landscaping Materials. Landscaping shall be a combination of ground cover, shrubs, and trees. (See Section 10-50.60.050, Landscaping Standards.)

(5)    Plant Protection. Landscape areas susceptible to damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic must be protected by appropriate means, such as curbs, bollards or low walls provided they are not in conflict with applicable standards for intersection sight triangles as established in the Engineering Standards.

E.    Other Landscape Areas – Multifamily Residential and Nonresidential. All other areas of the site not specifically addressed in this section shall be landscaped. This includes all other parts of a site not devoted to decks, patios, structures, driveway and/or parking improvements, lighting, sidewalks, signs, solid waste/recyclable materials collection and storage, and similar improvements. The minimum standards required for other landscape areas shall be in compliance with Section 10-50.60.050, Landscaping Standards. This subsection applies to nonresidential and residential uses subject to the provisions of this division.

1.    Unused Areas. In all zones, any area of a development site not intended for a specific use, including a commercial pad site intended for future development, shall be seeded in accordance with Title 17 of the Engineering Standards, unless retained in its natural state, and the Director determines that landscaping is not necessary to achieve the purposes of this division.

F.    Solar Access. No tree or shrub planted after the effective date shall be placed so as to cast a shadow on more than 10 percent of the surface of a solar collector on the property of another at any one time between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. local standard time.

(Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

The following standards apply to all landscaping areas unless otherwise noted.

A.    Landscape Design.

1.    Plant Material Considerations. Plant materials shall be selected from the City of Flagstaff Landscape Plant List (refer to Appendix 3) taking into account site specific constraints, such as:

a.    Water demand, drought tolerance, appropriateness of native and naturalized species, and geological and topographical conditions;

b.    Color, form, texture, and seasonal characteristics relative to the overall development design;

c.    Soil retention capability in compliance with the xeriscape landscaping principles described in Section 10-50.60.060, Water Use and Irrigation;

d.    Grouping plants that have similar water use together in distinct hydrozones, including using edible landscaping in compliance with hydrozone standards (see Section 10-50.60.060.A.);

e.    The protection and preservation of native species, appropriate naturalized species, and natural areas;

f.    Using high maintenance plants only for accents; and

g.    Existing healthy trees (i.e., trees that are not diseased, weak, damaged, or infected as determined by the Director) located within 25 feet of a building foundation that are preserved on a development site where the area under the canopy remains relatively undisturbed may be credited toward landscape tree requirements, subject to the standards in Table 10-50.60.050.A., Landscape Credits for Existing Trees.

2.    LID (Low Impact Development). All landscaping areas that are an integral part of the stormwater management system shall be designed in compliance with the Stormwater Regulations and LID Manual.

B.    Plant Material – Quantities and Placement. Landscape plans shall include trees, shrubs, and groundcover that shall be selected and installed in compliance with Section 10-50.60.070, Water Use and Irrigation, and as follows:

1.    Required Plant Quantities and Size.

a.    Landscape areas shall be planted in compliance with Table 10-50.60.050.B., Required Plant Quantities. See also Section 10-30.60.090.B.1.c.3. for reductions in required landscaping if civic space is provided.

b.    The quantities of plant materials determined in Table 10-50.60.050.B shall be sized and spaced to achieve immediate effect according to Table 10-50.60.050.C, Plant Sizes:

2.    Trees. Tree planting shall comply with the following standards:

a.    Trees may be planted at varying distances apart to create more natural landscape designs; provided, that the tree per linear foot requirement established in Table 10-50.60.050.A, Required Plant Quantities, is applied as an average.

b.    The spacing of trees within landscape areas such as peripheral buffers shall be adjusted to allow solar access to existing solar collectors on adjoining property.

c.    Trees shall not be planted under any structure that may interfere with normal tree growth (e.g., an eave, overhang, balcony, light standard, overhead utility line or other similar structure).

d.    Trees planted near structural improvements such as sidewalks or curbs shall be planted at a sufficient distance from the structural improvement to prevent upheaval or soil settling. Where the distance is not available or where the design places the trees closer to the improvement, suitable root system barriers to prevent upheaval or soil settling shall be installed. If the trees are in the public right-of-way, the City Engineer shall approve the root barriers.

e.    Trees shall be staked when planted.

f.    No trees shall be planted within utility easements or natural drainage courses.

3.    Shrubs, Groundcover, and Mulch. Groundcover, shrubs, and mulch shall meet the following standards:

a.    The landscaped areas must be covered in compliance with Table 10-50.60.050.B, Required Plant Quantities, with trees, shrubs or vegetative ground cover at plant maturity. Plant maturity is based on three-year growth for shrubs and one-year growth for groundcover;

b.    Shrubs, groundcover, or other types of plants with similar water requirements should be grouped to achieve the required vegetation coverage as long as they do not conflict with other standards in this subsection;

c.    Shrubs, groundcover, or other types of plants shall be predominantly naturalized, drought tolerant and incorporated into the landscape area based on the hydrozone in compliance with Section 10-50.60.060;

d.    Shrubs or groundcover planted adjacent to a walkway, driveway, sidewalk or street shall be placed with the plant center at a distance equal to or greater than one-half the normal width of the plant at maturity;

e.    Artificial shrubs shall not be allowed. Artificial turf may be installed provided it has a permeable base. Any artificial turf area shall not count as required landscape area, and shall not exceed the area allocated for an oasis as defined in subsection (C) of this section;

f.    Nonturf areas (e.g., shrub beds) shall be top dressed with mulch or approved alternative and supplemented and replaced as needed; and

g.    Organic mulch (i.e., hard wood mulch, bark chips, and plant remnants) shall be encouraged over the use of inorganic mulch (i.e. crushed rock, pebbles, and stone). Only landscape cloth shall be placed under mulch layers. Impermeable membranes made of plastic or a similar material are not permitted.

4.    Planter Width Appropriateness. When plants are intended for screening purposes, an adequate width of planter area shall be provided for the plant to grow and develop as intended.

C.    Oasis Allowance. An oasis (see Section 10-50.60.060(A)(1)) is an area where turf, non-drought tolerant plants, and vegetable gardens are permitted. Plants not listed on the City of Flagstaff Landscape Plant List (refer to Appendix 3) may be used in an oasis if the plants are grouped in separately programmed irrigation areas according to their water requirements. An oasis area is not required, and neither is it encouraged, but it is permitted. The location and maximum area on a site that may be used for oasis areas, including those located in a street buffer, are determined as follows.

1.    Residential Uses. For multifamily residential uses, an oasis allowance of up to five percent of the total site area or 100 square feet per dwelling unit, whichever is greater, is permitted. Vegetable gardens are not included in the area calculation for an oasis.

2.    All Other Uses. For all other uses, an oasis allowance equal to, but not more than, two and one-half percent of the site is permitted. Vegetable gardens are not included in the area calculation for an oasis.

3.    Location Standards. The following standards shall be applied to determine the location of the oasis area:

a.    The oasis is placed on the site near the main building(s) or assembly areas where pedestrian activities are designed to occur or in an active use area;

b.    The oasis is designed for optimum exposure to on-site users;

c.    The oasis is designed as part of an area used for seating, assembly, rest, or dining, or is designed to enhance a main entryway;

d.    The oasis is located in an area of relatively low evaporation potential from wind and heat and is sheltered by walls, buildings, or tree stands;

e.    The oasis is located in an area of common recreation and patio facilities in a multifamily development;

f.    Any water harvesting system or other storm water runoff design is integrated with the oasis in compliance with the Stormwater Regulations; and

g.    The oasis shall not be placed in the public right-of-way.

4.    Street Buffer. Oasis areas may be located in the street buffer only if:

a.    The oasis areas do not total more than five percent of the area of the street buffer; and

b.    The non-drought tolerant plants used in the oasis area are flowering, bedding plants used for seasonal color.

5.    Turf. Turf areas are only allowed within an oasis according to the following:

a.    Turf areas shall be located to mitigate glare and reduce heat near buildings and their openings, including windows and patios, or to serve as an active play area.

b.    Grasses selected for turf area shall have low water use characteristics and be drought resistant. A list of acceptable grasses is provided in the City of Flagstaff Landscape Plant List (refer to Appendix 3). The Director may approve other grasses if it can be demonstrated that the proposed species is low water use and drought tolerant.

6.    Use of Edible Landscaping. Edible landscape plant materials may be incorporated into required landscape areas provided they meet the intent and purpose of this division. Areas dedicated to the production of food such as vegetable gardens shall not count as required landscape area.

7.    Exceptions. Oasis allowances (including turf) do not apply to:

a.    Public parks and botanical gardens;

b.    Outdoor recreation facilities, whether under public or private ownership, for public use, schools, day care centers;

c.    Playing areas of golf courses;

d.    Cemeteries; or

e.    Food production sites such as community gardens.

8.    Opportunity for Greater Oasis Allowance. The oasis area may be increased by 10 percent if an active rainwater harvesting system, with a minimum storage capacity of 1,000 gallons, is installed and stored water is used on-site, in compliance with storm water and runoff requirements in Section 10-50.60.060(D).

D.    Height Limits. Landscape materials located within the required clear view zone shall be selected, placed on a site and maintained in compliance with Engineering Standards, Section 13-10-06-0002, Intersection Sight Triangles, Clear View Zones.

E.    Safety Requirements. Consideration for vehicular and pedestrian fire safety shall be incorporated into all landscape designs. At maturity, plant materials shall not:

1.    Constitute a driving hazard by interfering with safe sight distances for vehicular, bicycle or pedestrian traffic;

2.    Block pedestrian or bicycle ways;

3.    Excessively overshadow a vehicular use area with evergreen trees;

4.    Conflict with on-site or off-site overhead utility lines, utility easements, overhead lights, or walkway lights;

5.    Cause a fire due to proximity to buildings and roofs. The Flagstaff Fire Department shall be consulted, as necessary, to determine safe proximities of vegetation to buildings and roofs; or

6.    Cause damage and upheaval of sidewalks and pavement.

(Ord. 2019-32, Amended, 11/5/2019 (Res. 2019-49); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

The key to the establishment of xeriscape landscaping that conserves water is to arrange plants in appropriate locations and not to interplant them with others that have different (i.e. higher or lower) water requirements. This grouping of plants into “hydrozones” is based on their water needs, and allows them to be irrigated and maintained efficiently. In Flagstaff, up to three hydrozones are effective as shown in Table 10-50.60.060.A, Hydrozones, and defined in the following subsections.

All landscape plans shall identify the appropriate hydrozones located on-site.

A.    Hydrozone 1. Hydrozone 1, the oasis zone, is not required, and neither is it encouraged. In hydrozone 1, there are no restrictions on plant selection, and plants with high or moderate water use are permitted that require frequent watering, as well as native or naturalized plants that can also provide the lush green effect desired. If proposed, the oasis shall comply with the standards provided in Section 10-50.60.050.C. In the oasis area turf areas are permitted. Due to the water intensive nature of hydrozone 1, passive rainwater harvesting techniques, and the use of greywater and reclaimed water from the City’s reclaimed water lines (if available) shall be used to minimize the use of potable water whenever feasible. If an irrigation system is required for the maintenance of plants in this hydrozone, it shall be valved separately from plants in hydrozones 2 and 3 as the plants in the other zones will have different watering requirements. Permanent or temporary irrigation systems may be installed in compliance with Section 10-50.60.070, Water Use and Irrigation.

B.    Hydrozone 2. This is typically the transition zone between hydrozone 1 (oasis) and hydrozone 3 (native), although in more urban locations such as a commercial site with large parking facilities it may be the predominant hydrozone, in which case hydrozone 1 is not permitted. Plant selection for this hydrozone shall be from the City of Flagstaff Landscape Plant List (Appendix 3) and may be either naturalized plants or native plants, and shall have lower watering requirements than for the oasis zone. Plants in this zone require infrequent supplemental deep watering in addition to natural precipitation. Mulching, the use of active and passive rainwater harvesting systems, and other non-potable water sources with efficient low-volume irrigation systems and can be used to conserve water. If plants selected for hydrozone 2 have a different watering requirement from either hydrozone 1 or 3, then the irrigation system shall be valved separately. Permanent or temporary irrigation systems may be installed in compliance with Section 10-50.60.070, Water Use and Irrigation.

C.    Hydrozone 3. Hydrozone 3 is usually on the periphery of a development site adjacent to hydrozone 2. Plant selection for this hydrozone shall be from the City of Flagstaff Landscape Plant List (Appendix 3) and includes those with the greatest drought tolerance, and thus require little, if any, supplemental water once established, except perhaps in times of drought. This includes native plants, native vegetation preserved on-site, and low-water use naturalized plants. Plants in this hydrozone, if selected with care and in conjunction with water harvesting, may be able to survive without irrigation once established. Mulching, the use of active and passive rainwater harvesting systems, and other non-potable water sources with efficient low-volume irrigation systems and may be used to ensure that plants survive dry periods. Permanent or temporary irrigation systems may be installed in compliance with Section 10-50.60.070, Water Use and Irrigation.

A.    General Water Use and Irrigation Standards.

1.    Harvested rainwater (active and passive), greywater, or reclaimed water (if available to the site) shall be used to minimize the use of potable water whenever feasible. Applicants shall demonstrate that implementation of alternative water resources is not feasible or restricted by this Code if potable water is proposed to be used for landscape irrigation.

2.    All irrigation demands shall be minimized through drought tolerant plant selection and appropriately timed application schedules. The landscape plan shall demonstrate water conservation efforts regardless of the source of the water used for irrigation.

3.    Turf areas used for parks, playing areas or sports fields shall be irrigated by harvested rainwater, greywater or reclaimed water, unless it is not available, in which case the use of potable water is allowed.

4.    The installation of permanent irrigation systems (see subsection (C) of this section) in any hydrozone is permitted, but is not required. However, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant, lessee, heirs, assigns, agent, homeowners’ association, or other liable entity of the property to ensure that the landscaping is effectively maintained and irrigated as necessary. (Refer to Section 10-50.60.080, Maintenance.) The goal is to ensure that all landscape areas are kept alive with a minimum of water especially after the plants are established in which case (depending on the plant species) watering needs may be reduced except in exceptionally dry or windy conditions.

5.    Temporary irrigation systems are appropriate in all hydrozones, and especially in hydrozone 3. If a temporary irrigation system is utilized, it should be in place for at least three summer growing seasons to ensure that the plants are established. Supplementary irrigation or watering may be necessary especially in unusually dry or windy conditions.

6.    If approved landscaping and watering devices cannot be installed prior to occupancy or commencement of operations, a conditional certificate of occupancy may be issued by the City. In addition to the requirements of Section 10-20.40.030, Building Permits and Certificates of Occupancy, an applicant shall provide an acceptable form of surety for 120 percent of the estimated cost, accompanied by two or three estimates of the total cost of the approved landscaping and watering system improvements.

B.    Use of Reclaimed Water.

1.    Sites located adjacent to reclaimed water lines, i.e., the reclaimed water line is located in the public right-of-way and next to the site, shall be required to connect to the lines and utilize reclaimed water for the primary water source for irrigation in areas appropriate for direct reuse.

2.    Prior to development plan approval or the issuance of a building permit, the Flagstaff Utilities Division will review the landscape plan for compliance with Arizona Administrative Code Title 18, Chapter 9, Article 7, Direct Reuse of Reclaimed Water.

3.    Reclaimed water shall not be used in areas designated for edible landscaping or community gardens.

4.    Precautionary signage consistent with the applicable ADEQ and City standards shall be required where reclaimed water is applied.

C.    Irrigation System Specifications.

1.    Permanent drip-irrigation or low-flow bubbler irrigation systems, or other low-tech watering systems, shall be designed, installed and maintained to minimize water use and soil evaporation and prevent water from being wasted through inappropriate application techniques.

2.    If potable water is used for permanent irrigation systems:

a.    These systems shall utilize rain/moisture sensors to minimize the use of applied water;

b.    Drip irrigation shall be used for all single-planted landscaping, with emitters rated for no more than four gallons per hour (GPH); and

c.    Microsprinklers rated for no more than 45 GPH may be used for large carpeted plantings.

3.    Irrigation systems shall include an automatic timing controller for landscaping areas greater than one-half acre. However, once plants have become established after three summer growing seasons, automatic timers may be turned off to ensure that water is conserved and landscape areas are not overwatered. Hand watering is permitted in landscaping areas less than one-half acre.

4.    Rigid irrigation pipes and flexible drip system irrigation lines placed under paved areas shall be contained in pipe sleeves.

5.    Pipes or lines carrying water under constant and intermittent pressure shall be buried to the City’s standard depth for all irrigation systems of 12 to 18 inches.

6.    Non-pressurized PVC and polyethylene lines shall be buried to a minimum depth of 12 inches.

7.    Lawn, shrub and bubbler heads closer than 12 inches to any paved surface shall be pop-up heads.

8.    Spray irrigation systems shall only be used in hydrozone 1 (oasis) for turf areas.

9.    Temporary irrigation systems may be used in hydrozones 2 and 3, and are not required to be buried. Temporary spray irrigation systems may be used to establish hydro-seeded vegetation and to provide water to existing native vegetation preserved on a site to ensure its survival after construction has been completed.

D.    Stormwater Runoff and Water Harvesting.

1.    Low Impact Development Integration. Low impact development site design techniques and integrated management practices shall be used to comply with the Stormwater Regulations on sites that also are required to provide storm water detention.

2.    Detention/Extended Detention Basins.

a.    All above ground detention/extended detention basins shall be treated with a native ground cover seed mix. Where detention basins are in high visibility areas, they shall be shaped and landscaped to provide the natural appearance of the basin, including shrubs and groundcover.

b.    Where detention basins are constructed partially or entirely within buffers or other high-visibility areas on sites:

(1)    Detention basin must be adequately landscaped to meet the requirements of the landscape area in compliance with Section 10-50.60.050, Landscaping Standards;

(2)    All surfaces shall be treated with a native groundcover seed mix, and the design of such basins shall be incorporated into the site plan; and

(3)    No trees shall be planted on the berms or dams of the basin unless the basin is entirely excavated.

3.    Rainwater Harvesting. The City of Flagstaff Stormwater Management Design Manual and LID Manual include standards for active and passive rainwater harvesting. If native/drought tolerant plants are installed and passive rainwater harvesting techniques are utilized, or landscape water demand can be met through other sources of non-potable water, an active rainwater harvesting system is not required. However, if non-drought tolerant plants are installed that are not listed on the City of Flagstaff Landscape Plant List (Appendix 3), then active rainwater harvesting is required.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Maintenance Required.

1.    Maintenance of all landscaping shall be the responsibility of the applicant, lessee, heirs, assigns, agent, homeowners’ association, or other liable entity of the property and shall consist of regular watering; pruning, mowing, fertilizing, weed removal, and the removal and replacement of dead plants, irrigation systems and landscape features. This shall include maintenance of approved landscaping in the public right-of-way.

2.    Existing non-native invasive trees as determined by the Director, as well as trees that are dead, diseased, injured, in danger of falling upon existing or proposed structures, overhang or abut a building so as to create a potential fire hazard, interfere with the growth of other trees or existing utilities, or are located within sight lines at intersection streets and driveways may be cut down and removed. Such tree(s) are not required to be replaced with new trees.

3.    The applicant or liable entity in control of any private premises shall at all times maintain the premises free of litter and weeds in compliance with City Code Title 6, Police Regulations, and this division.

4.    Approved landscaping in rights-of-way, including street trees, shall be maintained in compliance with the Engineering Standards, Section 13-18-05, Maintenance.

5.    Any plant materials included in an approved landscaping plan that do not survive after installation shall be replaced with plant material(s) of the same or like species of equal size within the next planting season but, in any event, within six months of the plant’s demise. Failure to replace said plant materials within the specified time period shall be enforced in compliance with the enforcement provisions of Division 10-20.110, Enforcement.

B.    Use of Pesticides and Herbicides.

1.    General. If pesticides and herbicides are used in landscape areas, organic pest control methods are preferred over synthetic pesticide use. Pesticides shall be applied in compliance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) “Groundwater Protection List” and the “Best Management Practices” for pesticide and herbicide application.

2.    Riparian Corridor Watercourse, Wetland, or Stormwater Drainage. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers shall not be applied within 50 feet of a riparian corridor watercourse, wetland, or stormwater drainage except as allowed by the Director for the following circumstances and when pesticide or herbicide applications will be done by a City approved applicator:

a.    The State or local Health Department recommends or directs their use to address a threat to public health;

b.    A county, State, or Federal agency with jurisdiction directs their use for control of a State-listed noxious weed or plant pests covered by the Arizona State Department of Agriculture plant pest program and non-chemical alternatives have been evaluated and deemed ineffective;

c.    The Director finds that the use of pesticides and herbicides will have no adverse impact to fish and wildlife. Such a determination may be in the form of best management practices or an integrated pest management plan;

d.    The use of a herbicide to control invasive plants would have less overall environmental impact than other control strategies; or

e.    There is a serious threat to public safety, health, or the environment.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

The City was recognized as the world’s first International Dark Sky City on October 24, 2001, for its pioneering development and implementation of lighting codes that balance the need to preserve Flagstaff’s dark sky resource with the need for safe outdoor lighting practices. This division is to help assure that dark skies remain a resource to be enjoyed by the Flagstaff community and its visitors, minimize light pollution and Light Trespass across property lines, maintain an environment that the City’s astronomical industry depends upon, reduce energy consumption, minimize the potential disruption to nocturnal ecosystems, and to allow safe and efficient outdoor lighting.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51))

A.    An outdoor lighting permit shall be obtained prior to the installation, modification, or replacement of any Outdoor Light Fixture subject to Section 10-20.40.100.

1.    Any modification of an existing Outdoor Light Fixture shall comply with this division.

2.    All outdoor lighting shall be installed in compliance with the provisions of this Division 10-50.70; Title 4, Building Regulations; and Title 5, Fire Code, of the City Code.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51))

A.    New Development and Parking Areas. The provisions of this division shall apply to any new development of a vacant lot or parcel and any installation of outdoor lighting to support that development, including parking areas and areas within an unenclosed parking garage.

B.    Major Additions, Modifications, Replacements, and Change of Use. The provisions of this division shall apply to all major additions, modifications, replacements, or change of use. The entire property shall comply with the requirements of this division when any of the following occur:

1.    ”Major” shall be defined as an increase of 25 percent or more in terms of additional dwelling units, gross floor area, seating capacity, or parking spaces, either with a single addition or with cumulative additions after the effective date of this provision; or

2.    Single or cumulative modifications or replacements of legally installed Outdoor Light Fixtures after August 5, 1999, constituting 25 percent or more of the Lumens that would be permitted under this division for the property, regardless of the Total Outdoor Light Output currently existing on a site.

C.    Minor Additions, Modifications, Replacements, and Change of Use. The provisions of this division shall not apply to minor (less than 25 percent as referenced above) additions, modifications, replacements, or change of use after August 5, 1999, except for the following:

1.    All new or modified Outdoor Light Fixtures shall comply with the requirements of this division.

2.    The Total Outdoor Light Output shall not exceed the amount allowed by this division, or the total legal nonconforming light output, whichever is greater.

D.    All Outdoor Light Fixtures on property or buildings that are owned and operated by the City of Flagstaff shall be fully shielded.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Establishment of Lighting Zones. Two lighting zones are established, with varying development standards specific to their location within the City. Lighting zones are shown in Section 10-90.40.020, Lighting Zone Map.

B.    Lighting Zone Boundaries. The boundaries of the lighting zones are illustrated in Section 10-90.40.020, Lighting Zone Map.

1.    Lighting Zone 1 includes all areas within the City of Flagstaff that are within two and one-half miles of the Kaj Strand telescope at the U.S. Naval Observatory.

2.    Lighting Zone 2 includes all areas more than two and one-half miles of the Kaj Strand telescope at the U.S. Naval Observatory.

C.    Split Parcels. A parcel located in more than one of the described zones shall be considered to be only in the more restrictive lighting zone.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51))

A.    Lighting Classes. The Total Outdoor Light Output for a lot or parcel is cumulative of the light emitted by all lighting classes.

1.    Class 1 Lighting is lighting used for applications where color rendition is required to preserve the effectiveness of an activity. All Class 1 Lighting shall have a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2,700 Kelvin (K), or less. Recognized Class 1 Lighting applications include only the following examples:

a.    Outdoor sales areas, including service station canopies;

b.    Primary customer building entry/exit areas of commercial and industrial uses (does not include service or emergency entry/exits);

c.    Outdoor eating areas at restaurants;

d.    Outdoor assembly or repair areas where assembly or repair work occurs at night as part of the normal business operations;

e.    Outdoor recreational field/track/arena areas; and

f.    External and internal lighting for signs.

2.    Class 2 Lighting is lighting used for applications where general illumination for safety or security is the primary concern. Narrow-Spectrum Amber LEDs are required in all Class 2 Lighting applications. Examples of Class 2 Lighting applications include the following:

a.    Pedestrian walkways, driveways, and roadways;

b.    Parking lots;

c.    Equipment yards; and

d.    Outdoor security.

3.    Class 3 Lighting is outdoor lighting used for decorative purposes. All light sources may be used for Class 3 Lighting including technologies that allow for the color of the light to change so long as the colors change less than every two minutes. Examples of Class 3 Lighting applications include the following:

a.    Architectural illumination;

b.    Flag and monument lighting; and

c.    Landscape lighting and the illumination of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation.

B.    Total Outdoor Light Output.

1.    The Total Outdoor Light Output shall not exceed the amounts allowed in Table 10-50.70.050.B.

C.    Shielding. The standards provided in Table 10-50.70.050.C, Shielding Standards, shall apply:

D.    Effective Shielding. All Outdoor Light Fixtures that are required to be fully shielded shall be installed in such a manner that the shielding satisfies the definition of a Fully Shielded Light Fixture.

E.    Light Trespass Standard.

1.    All Outdoor Light Fixtures, including motion sensing lighting, shall be located, aimed, and shielded so that the direct illumination from the fixture shall be confined to the property boundaries of the source.

2.    Any privately or publicly owned Outdoor Light Fixture with an output over 10,000 Lumens located within 50 feet of any residential (including Multiple-Family Development) property or public right-of-way shall utilize an internal or external shield, with the Outdoor Light Fixture and shield oriented to prevent direct illumination over the adjacent property or right-of-way line. If an external shield is used, its surface must be painted black to minimize reflections (Figure 10-50.70.050.C).

Figure 10-50.70.050.E

Shielding Configurations

F.    Motion Sensing Outdoor Light Fixtures. Motion sensing Outdoor Light Fixtures shall be fully shielded.

G.    Time Limits for Outdoor Lighting. All outdoor Class 1 and Class 3 Lighting, and outdoor Class 2 Lighting located more than 50 feet from any structure, outdoor product display, or storage area shall be turned off no later than 30 minutes after the business closes and are to remain off until the business reopens. Decorative holiday lights are exempt in accordance with Section 10-50.70.080.D, and outdoor sports facilities are subject to the time limits in Table 10-50.70.060.C.

H.    Sign Illumination. Standards for external and internal sign illumination are provided in Division 10-50.100, Sign Standards. Lighting used for the external illumination of signs is included toward the Total Outdoor Light Output standards of subsection B. of this section.

I.    Neon Building Lighting. Neon building lighting is included in the Total Outdoor Light Output calculations for the site. Lumens for neon lighting are calculated on a per foot basis, rather than per “fixture.” Unshielded neon lighting is not allowed except for signage.

J.    Multi-Class Lighting. Multi-class lighting must either conform to the lamp-type and shielding requirements of the strictest included class as shown in Table 10-50.70.050.B, Maximum Total Outdoor Light Output Standards, and Table 10-50.70.050.C, Shielding Standards, or be turned off no later than 30 minutes after the business closes.

K.    Internally Illuminated Architectural Elements. Any architectural element, including walls or portions of buildings, including canopy facias, that is internally illuminated and that is not a sign or fenestration (windows or doors), shall have 100 percent of the initial lamp output of all lamps or Luminous Tubes used to provide such illumination counted toward partially shielded lighting for the purposes of calculating Total Outdoor Light Output for the site and is subject to the standards of subsection B. of this section.

L.    Architectural/Landscape Lighting. Architectural lighting used to illuminate a structure or landscape lighting used to illuminate trees or other landscape elements is allowed subject to the following:

1.    Architectural and landscape lighting that is directed downward onto a structure, tree, or other landscape feature shall be included in the Total Outdoor Light Output standards provided in Table 10-50.70.050.B, Maximum Total Outdoor Light Output Standards, based on whether a Fully Shielded or Partially Shielded Light Fixture is used; and

2.    Architectural and landscape lighting that is directed upward onto a structure, tree, or other landscape feature is not allowed.

M.    Emergency Lighting. Emergency lighting that is only turned on in the event of a power failure or when an alarm is activated is allowed in all lighting zones and is excluded from the Total Outdoor Light Output standards provided in Table 10-50.70.050.B, Maximum Total Outdoor Light Output Standards.

N.    Use of Mercury Vapor Outdoor Light Fixtures. Except for outdoor lighting systems erected prior to 1950, no mercury vapor Outdoor Light Fixtures are allowed within the City of Flagstaff.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Canopies, Building Overhangs, and Roof Eave Lighting.

1.    Shielding. All Outdoor Light Fixtures attached, mounted to, or within a canopy, building overhang, or roof eave shall be fully shielded.

2.    Total Lumens. The Total Lumens of each Outdoor Light Fixture shall be calculated based on the distance from the edge of the canopy, building overhang, or roof eave subject to Figure 10-50.70.060.A.

Figure 10-50.70.060.A

Plan and Section Views of a Freestanding and Attached Canopy or Overhang, Showing Fixture Location and Initial Lamp Output Percentage Counted Toward Total Outdoor Light Output

B.    Service Station Canopy Lighting.

1.    Lighting Class. Lighting for service station canopies shall be considered Class 1 Lighting.

2.    Shielding. All Outdoor Light Fixtures mounted on or recessed into the lower surface of service station canopies shall be fully shielded and utilize flat lenses. Such shielding must be provided by the fixture itself; shielding by surrounding structures such as canopy edges is not allowed.

3.    Total Under-Canopy Output. The Total Outdoor Light Output used under service station canopies, defined as the sum of all under-canopy Light Fixtures, shall not exceed 30 Lumens per square foot of canopy in Lighting Zone 2, and shall not exceed 15 Lumens per square foot in Lighting Zone 1 (note: these values are not foot-candle illuminances).

4.    Total Lumens. All lighting mounted under the canopy, including but not limited to Outdoor Light Fixtures mounted on or recessed into the lower surface of the canopy and any lighting within signage (but not including any lamps mounted within the pumps and used to illuminate information indicating such items as the total cost of fuel pumped and price per gallon), shall be included in the Total Outdoor Light Output for the site and is subject Figure 10-50.70.060.A.

C.    Outdoor Recreation Facilities.

1.    Lighting Class. Lighting for field/track/arena areas only shall be considered Class 1 Lighting.

2.    Lumen Cap Requirements.

a.    In Lighting Zone 1, lighting for field/track/arena areas is subject to the maximum Total Outdoor Light Output standards set in Table 10-50.70.050.B;

b.    In Lighting Zone 2, lighting for field/track/arena areas is not subject to the maximum Total Outdoor Light per acre limit set in Table 10-50.70.050.B; and

c.    Illumination levels for the field/track/arena shall be designed to be no higher than recommended for Class IV play, as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America publication ANSI/IES RP-6-20, as amended.

3.    Shielding. Fixtures used for field/track/arena areas shall be fully shielded.

4.    Time Limits. Outdoor sports facilities shall not be illuminated after the time limits listed in Table 10-50.70.060.C, except to conclude a scheduled recreational or sporting event in progress prior to the time limitation.

5.    Certification. Lighting systems for outdoor recreational facilities shall be designed and certified by an engineer registered in Arizona as conforming to all applicable restrictions of this code before construction commences. Further, after installation is complete, the system shall be again certified by a registered engineer to verify that the installation is consistent with the certified design.

D.    Street Lighting.

1.    Street lighting installed on public rights-of-way shall be in accordance with Title 13, Engineering Design Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure.

2.    Street lighting installed on private street tracts or easements shall be in accordance with Title 13, Engineering Design Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure.

E.    Parking Garages.

1.    Lighting Class. Lighting installed for general illumination of parking areas within parking garages, where the parking areas are open to the outside, shall be considered Class 2.

2.    Total Outdoor Light Output. Ten percent of the Lumen output of Light Fixtures mounted less than 15 feet from the nearest opening to the outdoors of an open parking garage shall be included toward the Total Outdoor Light Output standards established in Table 10-50.70.050.B subject to Figure 10-50.70.060.E. The Lumen output of Light Fixtures mounted 15 feet or more from the nearest opening to the outdoors of an open parking garage shall not be included toward the Total Outdoor Light Output standards in Table 10-50.70.050.B subject to Figure 10-50.70.060.E.

Figure 10-50.70.060.E

Calculation of Total Lumens of the Light Fixtures Located Inside of Parking Garage

3.    Shielding. All light fixtures used on or within open parking garages, including those mounted to the ceilings over the parking decks, shall be fully shielded.

F.    Outdoor Display Lots.

1.    Lighting Class. Class 1 Lighting may be used to illuminate Outdoor Display Lots, and shall be included toward the Total Outdoor Light Output standards in Table 10-50.70.050.B.

2.    Lighting Time Limitations. All Class 1 outdoor display lighting shall be turned off no later than 30 minutes after the close of business. Only lighting meeting Class 2 Lighting standards may be used to illuminate an outdoor display area 30 minutes or later after the close of business.

3.    Shielding. All light fixtures used in Outdoor Display lots shall be fully shielded and be aimed so that the direct illumination shall be confined to the property boundaries of the source.

G.    Temporary Lighting. Temporary lighting which does not conform to the provisions of this division may be approved by the Director subject to the approval of an outdoor lighting permit in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-20.40.100, Outdoor Lighting Permits. Temporary lighting is intended for uses which by their nature are of limited duration, including for example, holiday decorations, civic events, or construction projects.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

The following types of outdoor lighting are prohibited:

A.    Outdoor floodlighting by flood light projection above the horizontal plane.

B.    Search lights, flood lights, laser source lights, or any similar high intensity light, except in emergencies by police, fire or medical personnel or at their direction; or for meteorological data gathering purposes.

C.    Any lighting device located on the exterior of a building or on the inside of a window which is visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel with intermittent fading, flashing, blinking, rotating or strobe light illumination.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51))

A.    Flagstaff Municipal Airport Lighting. Required navigational lighting systems at public airports for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft during flight, takeoff, landing, and taxiing are exempt from the provisions of this division. Lighting used for illumination of aircraft loading, unloading, and servicing areas is exempt from the Lumens per acre limits provided in Table 10-50.70.050.B., although it must conform to all other requirements of this division. All other outdoor lighting at public airport facilities shall comply with the provisions of this division. This provision does not apply to private helipads or landing strips.

B.    Infrared Security Lighting. Lights emitting infrared radiation used for remote security surveillance systems are permitted in all zones with the following restrictions:

1.    Fixed lights must be fully shielded; and

2.    Movable lights, such as spot lights attached to infrared sensitive cameras, must be mounted such that the lights cannot be directed higher than 20 degrees below the horizontal, measured from the center of the light beam.

C.    Emergency Lighting by Emergency Services. Searchlights, floodlights, laser source lights, strobe or flashing lights, or any similar high intensity lights are permitted when used in emergencies by police, fire, medical, or utility personnel or at their direction.

D.    Holiday Decorations. In all lighting zones, low-Lumen output holiday decorations may be unshielded and remain on all night from November 15th to January 15th.

E.    Solar-Powered Lighting. Solar-powered lights of five watts or less per fixture used in residential landscaping applications and to illuminate walkways are exempt from applicable lamp type and shielding standards and are excluded from the total Lumen calculations for the site.

F.    Construction and Renovation of Municipal Facilities. All outdoor lighting used for construction or major renovation of municipal buildings, structures and facilities is exempt from the provisions of this division.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51))

Section 10-20.60.080, Nonconforming Outdoor Lighting, provides the standards and regulations for nonconforming outdoor lighting.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51))

A.    It shall be unlawful to install or operate an Outdoor Light Fixture in violation of this division. Any person violating any provisions of this division shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each and every day during which the illegal erection, maintenance, and use continues shall be considered a separate offense.

B.    The requirements of this division shall be enforced in compliance with the enforcement provisions of Division 10-20.110, Enforcement.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51))

The purpose of this division is to regulate and ensure the provision of adequate parking and access for motor vehicles and bicycles. The division also provides options for the adjustment of parking requirements and to provide parking alternatives. These standards ensure that the parking needs of new land uses and development are met while being designed and located in a manner consistent with the desired character and development patterns of the community and as outlined in the General Plan.

A.    Parking Space Requirement. On-site parking shall be required in all zones, and shall apply to the following:

1.    New development;

2.    An enclosed new building addition that results in an increase in the gross floor area of 25 percent of more;

3.    Changes in land use;

4.    Changes in intensity of buildings or structures made subsequent to the effective date of this Zoning Code of 25 percent or more of:

a.    Gross floor area;

b.    Seating capacity;

c.    Dwelling units;

d.    Parking spaces; and/or

e.    Other units of measurement listed in Table 10-50.80.040.A, Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required; and

5.    An increase in floor area of a new addition or building within the Commercial Business (CB) zone to the extent that the new building’s or new addition’s gross floor area that exceeds the site’s previous existing building’s gross floor area, excluding open decks and patios. For any change of use without an increase in the floor area within the CB zone, even if such change of use increases the demand for parking (such as a change from a retail use to a bar or restaurant use), additional parking otherwise required for such change of use is not required.

B.    Nonconforming Uses, Structures or Lots. When a nonconforming use, structure, or lot is abandoned for a period of 180 consecutive days and then changed to a new use according to the requirements of Section 10-20.60.050, Loss of Nonconforming Status, and Section 10-20.60.100, Nonconforming Parking, then parking facilities shall be provided for the entire building, structure, or premises, to the maximum extent feasible as determined by the Director.

C.    Location, Design, Landscaping. Parking spaces being provided as a requirement of this division or spaces being voluntarily provided shall meet the location, design, landscaping and improvement requirements found in this division, Division 10-40.40, Transect Zones, and Division 10-50.60, Landscaping Standards.

D.    Addition of Residential Units to an Existing Dwelling. Construction of a duplex, a second (attached) dwelling, or a third dwelling (attached or detached) on the same lot as an existing dwelling, where permitted, shall be subject to the requirements of this division, as well as the pertinent sections of Division 10-40.40, Transect Zones, and Division 10-50.60, Landscaping Standards, for the entire property.

E.    Timing of Improvements. A land use shall not be commenced and a structure shall not be occupied until the parking and loading improvements required by this division are completed and approved by the Director.

F.    Exempt.

1.    Existing Single-Family Dwellings. The standards within this Division shall not apply to existing single-family dwellings as follows:

a.    The creation of a second single-family dwelling on the same lot, where permitted, shall require that the parking and access for the second single-family dwelling meet the standards in this division. Parking and access for the original dwelling unit does not have to meet the requirements of this division; and

b.    When more than two single-family dwellings are on the same lot, where permitted, it shall be required that the parking and access for all the dwellings, including existing single-family dwellings, meet the requirements in this division.

2.    Uses Within a Parking Management District. The parking requirements required by this division shall not apply, except as provided by the parking management district.

A.    General to All Zones.

1.    Parking for Accessory Uses in Residential Zones. Required off-street parking facilities shall be used for the parking of bicycles, passenger motor vehicles, or other non-commercial motor vehicles owned by occupants of the dwelling structures to which such facilities are accessory, or for the parking of passenger motor vehicles and bicycles by guests of the occupants. For single-family dwellings, this includes the driveways to the parking facilities.

2.    Parking of Commercial Vehicles in Residential Zones. Under no circumstances shall required off-street parking facilities accessory to residential structures be used for the storage or parking of commercial vehicles associated with a business operation other than for a permitted home occupation at the same location, or a commercial vehicle owned or operated by the resident that is less than or equal to 14,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Such residential parking facilities shall not be used for the parking of motor vehicles belonging to the employees, owners, tenants, visitors, or customers of nearby commercial or manufacturing establishments.

3.    Commercial Work on Motor Vehicles. Commercial work of any kind on motor vehicles (e.g., the overhaul of engines) shall not be permitted in conjunction with accessory off-street parking.

4.    Storage of Unregistered or Inoperable Motor Vehicles. No more than one unregistered or inoperable motor vehicle shall be stored on any residentially zoned lot or parcel of land, and no such unregistered or inoperable vehicle shall be stored within the front setback.

5.    Reduction of Parking. Required off-street parking shall not be reduced below the requirements of this division. Existing parking that is determined to be nonconforming in accordance with Division 10-20.60, Nonconforming Provisions, because less than the required number of spaces are provided, shall not be further reduced from the number of parking spaces available on the effective date of this Zoning Code.

6.    Parking of Recreational Vehicles, Campers and Other Similar Vehicles. Unless provided otherwise, the parking and/or storage of recreational vehicles, campers, camping trailers, utility trailers, boats, and similar vehicles shall be regulated in accordance with Section 10-50.80.080(L).

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Applicable to All Zones.

1.    Calculations. Any fraction greater than or equal to 0.50 shall be rounded up to nearest whole number. No additional space shall be required for a fractional unit of less than 0.50.

2.    Square Feet. In any case where Table 10-50.80.040.A, Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required, expresses a parking requirement based on floor area in square feet (sf) the measurement shall mean square feet of gross floor area, unless stated otherwise.

3.    Number of Employees. In any case where Table 10-50.80.040.A, Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required, expresses a parking requirement based on number of employees, the number of employees shall be calculated based on the largest work shift.

B.    Applicable to Transect Zones.

1.    For transect zones, the number of required motor vehicle spaces for certain uses is regulated in Division 10-40.40, Transect Zones. For those regulated uses, the requirements of Table 10-50.80.040.A, Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required, shall not apply. For all other uses, the requirements of Table 10-50.80.040.A, Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required, shall apply.

2.    Structures for recreation, education and assembly uses of less than 5,000 square feet shall not be required to provide parking spaces. For structures for such uses that are greater than 5,000 square feet, the requirements of Table 10-50.80.040.A, Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required, shall apply, except the parking requirement may be reduced by one of the following:

a.    Parking requirements based on gross square feet may take a reduction of 5,000 square feet; or

b.    Parking requirements not based on gross square feet may take a reduction of up to 12 spaces.

3.    Tandem parking may count towards the required parking for an individual residential unit.

4.    On-street parking spaces located along the frontage of a parcel may count towards the required residential guest parking and nonresidential use parking requirements.

C.    General to All Zones.

1.    Maximum Number of Parking Spaces. Developments over 10,000 square feet in floor area or containing 25 or more residential units that provide parking in surface parking lots shall not exceed the minimum number of parking spaces by more than five percent unless provided in a parking structure.

2.    Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required. The minimum number of parking spaces required shall be determined from Table 10-50.80.040.A, Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required. Uses not specifically listed in Table 10-50.80.040.A shall use the parking requirement for the most similar use, or as determined by the Director.

(Ord. 2020-28, Amended, 11/17/2020 (Res. 2020-59); Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2017-10, Amended, 4/4/2017; Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Applicability.

1.    The following regulations are applicable whenever the provisions of Section 10-50.80.020, Applicability, have been met.

2.    Bicycle parking is not required for single-family residential developments and uses.

B.    Required Bicycle Parking Spaces.

1.    All uses, excluding a High Occupancy Housing Development and a Mixed-Use High Occupancy Housing Development.

a.    Minimum standard bicycle parking spaces required: The greater of two bicycle spaces, or five percent of the required vehicle parking.

b.    Maximum standard bicycle parking spaces required: 100 bicycle spaces.

c.    Location. Within 50 feet of the primary pedestrian entrance to the development and in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1.4. The bicycle parking spaces shall be distributed throughout a Development Site that has multiple primary pedestrian entrances.

d.    Exceptions. Attached and Detached Single-Family and Duplex Developments are not required to provide standard bicycle parking spaces.

2.    High Occupancy Housing Developments.

a.    Standard Bicycle Parking Spaces.

i.    Minimum spaces required: Two bicycle spaces, or equal to five percent of the total number of bedrooms, whichever is greater.

ii.    Maximum spaces required: 40 bicycle spaces.

iii.    Location. Within 50 feet of the primary resident pedestrian entrance to the development and in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1.4.

b.    Secure Bicycle Parking Spaces.

i.    Minimum spaces required: Equal to 15 percent of the total number of bedrooms.

ii.    Location. A maximum of 20 secure bicycle parking spaces may be provided outside in secure bicycle lockers. The remainder of the required secure bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in a bicycle storage room or cage within a building or parking structure.

c.    Exceptions. Single-Family and duplex High Occupancy Housing Developments are not required to provide standard or secure bicycle parking spaces.

3.    Mixed-Use High Occupancy Housing Developments.

a.    Minimum outdoor nonresidential standard bicycle parking spaces required: Two bicycle spaces, or five percent of the required nonresidential vehicle parking spaces, whichever is greater.

b.    Location of nonresidential standard bicycle parking spaces: Within 50 feet of the primary pedestrian entrance to the nonresidential development and in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1.4. The bicycle parking spaces shall be distributed throughout a Development Site that has multiple primary pedestrian entrances.

c.    Minimum residential bicycle parking spaces required: Compliance with the High Occupancy Housing Developments requirements, subsection B.2. of this section.

C.    Bicycle Parking Space Design.

1.    Secure Bicycle Parking Spaces.

a.    All indoor required secure bicycle parking spaces provided in a building or parking structure shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1.4., except as allowed in subsections C.1.b. of this section.

b.    Bicycle lockers shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1.4.

2.    Standard Bicycle Rack Design.

a.    All required bicycle racks shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of Appendix 1.4.

(Ord. 2020-28, Amended, 11/17/2020 (Res. 2020-59); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

The purpose of these reductions is to allow applicable Developments to reduce the required off-street parking to encourage more pedestrian activity, reduce vehicle trips between land uses, and promote re-investment, preservation, and revitalization of existing neighborhoods as well as sustainability. The amount of parking required for a specific land use may be reduced from what is otherwise required when one of the following provisions is applicable to the development site. In the case that more than one parking reduction may apply, the cumulative parking reduction shall not exceed 20 percent except as otherwise noted. However, in multifamily residential developments no less than one parking space per residential unit shall be required, unless otherwise approved by the City Council. All zoning code requirements for accessible parking shall apply regardless of the reduction of substitution employed.

A.    Transit. In all zones, a parking reduction of up to 10 percent may be approved by the Director for any use within 1,320 feet of a permanent transit stop, except for a High Occupancy Housing Development (HOHD) or a Mixed-Use High Occupancy Housing Development (MHOHD). The distance between the permanent transit stop to the Development Site shall be measured following a continuously improved sidewalk and/or public paved trail.

B.    Forest Resources Reduction. The number of parking spaces required for a new Development may be reduced by no more than five percent if existing native trees such as ponderosa pine trees are located within parking areas (but not circulation areas) and these trees are required to be preserved to satisfy the requirements for Forest Resource protection as defined in Division 10-50.90, Resource Protection Standards, except for an HOHD or MHOHD. An applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director the preservation of existing native trees within the parking area.

C.    Bicycle Parking Reduction. The Director may allow a reduction of one required motor vehicle parking space for each four bicycle parking spaces provided to a maximum of five percent of the required motor vehicle parking spaces, except for an HOHD or MHOHD.

D.    Motorcycle Parking Substitution. The substitution of one motor vehicle parking space for one motorcycle parking space for either multifamily residential or nonresidential uses may be allowed by the Director subject to the following standards:

1.    Each motorcycle space shall be easily accessible and have adequate space for a standard-size motorcycle, i.e., a minimum dimension of four feet by nine feet.

2.    Motorcycle parking areas shall be clearly identified with appropriate striping.

3.    No more than five percent of the total motor vehicle spaces may be substituted for a motorcycle parking space.

E.    Adaptive Reuse Reduction. No additional off-street parking shall be required for the Adaptive Reuse of a Building that meets the following requirements:

1.    The Building shall be a minimum of 15 years of age; and

2.    The Development shall be a nonresidential use or a Mixed-Use Building; and

3.    The size of the Building shall not exceed 5,000 gross square feet including any proposed additions. No proposed additions may exceed fifty percent of the existing Building; and

4.    On-street public parking is available within 1,320 feet from the Development Site.

F.    Shared On-Site Parking Reduction. Where two or more uses on the same site or adjacent parcels have distinct and differing peak parking usage periods (e.g., a theater and a bank), a reduction in the required number of parking spaces as determined by the Director may be allowed in the following manner:

1.    The reduction in number of required parking spaces shall be based on a parking demand study. The parking demand study shall be in accordance with established professional practices.

2.    Approval shall also require a recorded covenant running with the land, recorded by the owner of the parking lot, guaranteeing that the required parking will be maintained exclusively for the uses served and remain for the duration of the use.

G.    Parking Demand Study – Reduced Parking.

1.    The property owner shall submit a study/plan prepared in accordance with the established professional traffic and parking practices by a registrant licensed to practice in the State of Arizona. The study/plan shall document how any reductions are calculated and the assumptions utilized in the calculations.

2.    The Director may approve a reduction equal to, or less than, 30 percent of the total parking spaces required by this Division, except as required in subsection G.3. of this section. Any request greater than 30 percent requires the approval of the City Council.

3.    Any request to use a Parking Demand Study to reduce the required parking for an HOHD or MHOHD shall be approved by the City Council.

H.    Traffic Management Plan Parking Reduction. The Director shall have the ability to reduce the parking requirements for office and other uses in Section 10-50.80.040, Number of Motor Vehicle Parking Spaces Required, except for an HOHD or MHOHD. A traffic management plan shall be submitted with an application for site plan review. A reduction may be granted if the following standards are met:

1.    The amount of the reduction shall be no more than 90 percent of the proposed reduction in employee motor vehicle trips.

2.    The buildings shall have a single user/owner who can effectively exercise control over compliance with the plan.

3.    The traffic management plan shall be submitted by a registered traffic engineer and shall include data on the effectiveness of similar plans elsewhere.

4.    The traffic management plan shall contain information on the strategies, designated parking, incentives, company vehicles, staggered work hours, and information indicating the owner’s ability to provide and enforce these elements over time.

5.    The Director may impose conditions that are needed to ensure the long-term compliance to the plan, including but not limited to a reserve parking area, phasing, or contributions to transit or other alternative means of transportation.

(Ord. 2025-16, Amended, 9/16/2025 (Res. 2025-42); Ord. 2021-05, 3/23/2021 (Res. 2021-11); Ord. 2020-28, Amended, 11/17/2020 (Res. 2020-59); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    The purpose of the Transit Pass Parking Reduction Pilot Program (TPPR) is to allow:

1.    Property owners the option to reduce a development’s vehicle parking requirements by providing annual transit passes to tenants and employees; and

2.    The City to determine the effectiveness of the program to reduce a development’s parking demand, and to determine if the tenants and employees are utilizing transit.

B.    Program Term. Unless otherwise extended by a separate ordinance approved by the City Council, the TPPR shall terminate at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2026.

C.    Maximum Parking Reduction. The Director may approve up to a 20 percent reduction in the parking requirements of Section 10-50.80.040 in accordance with the minimum requirements of subsection D. of this section, and the approval of a transit pass agreement specified in subsection E. of this section.

1.    This reduction shall not be approved on a site that utilizes any reduction specified in Section 10-50.80.060.

D.    Minimum Requirements.

1.    The TPPR is only available to HOHD and MHOHD developments.

2.    This reduction may only be approved for an HOHD or MHOHD that has a vehicle parking requirement equal to, or greater than, 100 spaces.

3.    The total residential parking requirement shall not be reduced to an amount less than 0.65 spaces per bedroom. The required parking for a development shall be calculated in accordance with Table 10-50.80.040.A. before any reduction is applied.

4.    The TPPR is only available to a Development Site within 1,320 feet of a permanent transit stop. The distance between the permanent transit stop to the Development Site shall be measured following a continuously improved sidewalk and/or public paved trail.

5.    The property owner shall make available annual transit passes to all tenants and employees of the HOHD or MHOHD. The transit pass(es) shall be provided at no cost to the tenants and employees. No tenant and employee shall be refused a transit pass.

6.    The requirement to provide the transit passes shall be perpetual, unless the property owner provides the minimum number of parking spaces required (without any TPPR parking reduction) by the Zoning Code for the Development Site, and the Transit Pass Agreement of subsection E. of this section is terminated.

7.    The termination of the TPPR does not alleviate a property owner from providing the transit passes that are required for participation in the TPPR until the Transit Pass Agreement is terminated and the minimum parking spaces are provided as set forth herein.

E.    Transit Pass Agreement.

1.    The Director may enter into a Transit Pass Agreement with the property owner to allow a reduction in the required number of residential parking spaces in accordance with the provisions of this section. The agreement shall be in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney, or designee.

2.    The agreement shall be perpetual unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of this section and the agreement.

3.    The agreement shall include, but is not limited to:

a.    The type of transit passes to be provided;

b.    Notification requirements to tenants and employees of the availability of transit passes to them at no cost;

c.    A requirement to obtain, maintain, and provide the City with the following information:

i.    The number and types of transit passes requested and provided;

ii.    Utilization frequency reports from the transit provider;

iii.    Documentation of the annual transit pass proof of purchase;

iv.    Bedroom occupancy rates; and

v.    The number of tenant vehicles stored onsite and offsite within the City of Flagstaff.

d.    An agreement to assist the City of Flagstaff employee(s) and/or City contractor(s) in the collection of vehicle and/or transit usage data, and other City studies to determine the effectiveness of the TPPR;

e.    Reasonable access for City of Flagstaff employee(s) and/or City contractor(s) to study and count onsite parking utilization rates upon delivery of a written notice;

f.    Annual reporting requirements;

g.    Violations and remedies; and

h.    Any other provision necessary as determined by the City Attorney, Director, or designee to document the requirements and enforcement of this section and the agreement.

4.    The agreement shall be approved by the Director and property owner prior to the issuance of any building permit for the Development Site.

5.    The City shall record the approved Transit Pass Agreement against the real property of the Development Site. Recordation fees shall be paid by the property owner prior to the issuance of any building permit for the Development Site.

(Ord. 2020-28, Added, 11/17/2020 (Res. 2020-59))

If a property owner is unable to provide the required parking on-site, the owner may at the discretion of the Director satisfy the parking requirements by one or more alternatives in this section.

A.    Off-Site Parking. The location of off-premises parking facilities in relation to the use served are described in this subsection. All distances specified shall be between the closest edge of such parking facilities to the closest edge of the site being served.

1.    General to All Zones.

a.    Pedestrian access between the use or the site and the off-premises parking area shall be via paved sidewalk or walkway.

b.    The owner shall provide a recorded parking agreement reflecting the arrangement with the other site.

c.    If the off-premises parking facility is shared, the Director may allow a reduction in the following manner:

(1)    The reduction in number of required parking spaces shall be based on a parking demand study. The parking demand study shall be in accordance with established professional practices.

(2)    The shared parking arrangement shall require a recorded covenant running with the land, recorded by the owner of the parking lot, guaranteeing that the required parking will be maintained exclusively for the uses served and remain for the duration of the use.

d.    Required parking may be provided in off-street parking facilities on another property within 600 feet of the site proposed for development.

2.    Specific to Non-Transect Zones. Off-site parking facilities for a nonresidential use shall not be located in a residential zone.

B.    In-Lieu Fee. The owner of any property upon which a development is proposed may pay an in-lieu parking fee if the City approves it as part of the site plan review. A request to pay the in-lieu fee for more than 15 parking spaces must be approved by the Council. The Council shall make the following findings before approving any in-lieu fee proposal:

1.    The development is within a parking management district;

2.    There is available or planned public parking capacity to offset this demand;

3.    The public parking will be made available within a reasonable time period of the approval of this development; and

4.    The fee option is available only if an existing or planned parking facility exists within 600 feet of the site, or within a distance set by the parking management district. The fee shall be the current value of land and parking construction costs per space needed, as determined by an adopted parking management plan.

A.    Access. The following regulations are applicable to off-street parking lot access design and include parking for single-family residences unless modified by Chapter 10-40, Specific to Zones.

1.    Each required off-street parking space shall open directly onto an aisle or driveway as specified in Table 10-50.080.080.A, Minimum Dimensional Requirements. All off-street parking facilities shall be designed with an appropriate means of vehicular access to a street or to an alley to cause the least interference with traffic movements.

2.    Parking spaces in any parking lot or parking structure for any use other than single-family dwellings shall not be designed or located so as to permit a vehicle to enter or exit a parking space directly from a public thoroughfare. Driveways to the public thoroughfares shall be by forward motion of the vehicle. Ingress to and egress from parking spaces shall be from an on-site aisle or driveway. Exception: Parking spaces within lots of up to eight spaces may be designed or located so as to permit a vehicle to enter or exit a parking space directly from a public alley or rear lane.

3.    Driveways from a public thoroughfare to off-street parking areas in all residential zones shall meet the following:

a.    Driveways shall be a minimum of 10 feet wide; and

b.    If a driveway serves more than two dwelling units or is longer than 150 feet, the driveway shall have a minimum width and turnaround in accordance with Fire Department requirements and the Engineering Standards.

4.    Materials.

a.    All off-street parking areas and driveways shall be surfaced with materials as approved by the City Engineer and maintained in accordance with the Engineering Standards and the Stormwater Regulations.

b.    Driveway materials shall extend and include the area between the property line and the street.

c.    In areas where roads are not paved, the requirement for paving a driveway is not required, unless the driveway is required for fire access in accordance with the Fire Code.

5.    The design and construction of all off-street parking access drives shall meet the requirements of the Engineering Standards.

B.    Design of Parking Lot.

1.    Parking spaces shall be designed in accordance with the dimensional requirements provided in Table 10-50.080.080.A, Minimum Dimensional Requirements, and as illustrated in Figure 10.50.80.080A.

2.    Covered off-street parking spaces, such as in a garage for a residence, shall not be less than 10 feet in width and 20 feet in length, and shall have a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet. This standard does not apply to parking spaces in a parking structure.

Figure 10-50.80.080A

Parking Lot Design

C.    Parking for Disabled Persons.

1.    All parking facilities that require parking spaces for disabled persons shall conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and A.R.S. § 28-882. Accessible parking spaces count toward the total parking requirement. Where the standards found here conflict with other standards the most restrictive shall apply.

2.    Accessible Parking Space Standards.

a.    All accessible parking spaces shall be a minimum of 11 feet wide and 18 feet long. Parking space length may be decreased by up to one and one-half feet by providing an equivalent vehicle overhang;

b.    The passenger loading space or access aisle (i.e., the hatched areas next to an accessible parking space) shall be a minimum of five feet wide;

c.    The slope of the parking space and access aisle shall not exceed 1:50 (two percent) in all directions; and

d.    Location.

(1)    Accessible parking spaces serving a particular building shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance;

(2)    In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, accessible parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility;

(3)    In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances; and

(4)    Wherever practical, the accessible path of travel should not cross drive aisles and should not go behind parked cars.

Figure 10-50.80.080B

Accessible Parking Space Dimensions

3.    Number of Accessible Parking Spaces.

a.    If parking spaces are provided for self-parking by employees and/or visitors for all nonresidential uses, then accessible spaces complying with ADA regulations shall be provided in conformance with Table 10-50.80.080.B.

b.    In apartment developments, at least one accessible parking space or two percent of the total overall number of parking spaces, whichever is greater, shall be reserved.

4.    Each parking space prescribed in this section shall be prominently outlined with paint and posted with a permanent sign that is located at least three feet but no more than six feet above grade, that is of a color and design approved by the State of Arizona and that bears the internationally accepted symbol of access and the caption “Reserved Parking.”

D.    Landscaping. The requirements for landscaping within parking areas are established in Division 10-50.60, Landscaping Standards.

E.    Lighting. The requirements for outdoor lighting within parking areas are established in Division 10-50.70, Outdoor Lighting Standards.

F.    Location.

1.    The location of on-site parking in all zones is regulated by setbacks as set forth in Chapter 10-40, Specific to Zones, and buffers established in Division 10-50.60, Landscaping Standards.

2.    All Nonresidential Zones. In all nonresidential zones, vehicle parking is not permitted in the required front and exterior side setback areas, except as follows:

a.    Parking in the exterior side yard is permitted when the parking space is a minimum of 20 feet from the exterior side property line and the parking space is located behind the front of the building.

3.    All Residential Zones.

a.    In all residential zones, vehicle parking is not permitted in the required front and exterior side setback areas, except when the parking space is a minimum of 20 feet from the exterior side property line and the parking space is located behind the front of the building.

b.    Parking is only permitted in the following locations as illustrated in Figure 10-50.80.080C:

(1)    Within interior and rear yard areas;

(2)    Within the front yard only on the driveway; and

(3)    Within an area no more than 10 feet in width on the side of the driveway between the driveway and the nearest interior side property line (see also Section 10-50.80.080(L), Trailers, RVs and Boats); provided, that:

(a)    The parking shall only be accessed from the existing driveway serving the residence, and no additional curb cut shall be permitted; and

(b)    The surface of the parking area shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Engineering Standards.

Figure 10.50.80.080C

Parking of Vehicles, RVs and Boats

G.    Screening. For standards related to screening of parking areas, see Division 10-50.50, Fences and Screening.

H.    Signs. For standards related to signage see Division 10-50.100, Sign Standards.

I.    Size of Parking Lot. A single parking area shall not exceed one acre in size. Parking areas larger than one acre in size shall be broken down into smaller lots with planted buffers (15 feet minimum depth) between them to minimize the perceived scale of the total field of stalls.

J.    Slope of Parking Areas. The surface grade of the parking area shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Engineering Standards.

K.    Tandem Parking.

1.    Tandem parking is allowed in all:

a.    Zones for single-family attached and detached dwelling units, and accessory dwelling units; and

b.    Non-transect residential zones for duplex developments.

2.    Both tandem parking spaces satisfy the parking requirement of one dwelling unit.

3.    Neither of the tandem parking spaces shall be for required accessible parking spaces.

L.    Trailers, RVs and Boats.

1.    The parking or placement of a camping or vacation trailer, recreational vehicle, utility trailer or boat in any zone for residential or storage purposes shall be prohibited except as determined by subsections (L)(2) and (3) of this section.

2.    Storage of Trailers, RVs and Boats. Camping or vacation trailers, recreational vehicles, utility trailers, or boats may be stored (i.e., parked for any period longer than five days per month) only in the rear or interior side yard behind the front of the building, garage, or carport on any parcel in any zone, as illustrated in Figure 18-50.80.080C; provided, that:

a.    There is a principal use of the property, to which such storage would be accessory;

b.    No business shall be conducted within a stored trailer or vehicle;

c.    The camping or vacation trailer or recreational vehicle shall not be used for residential purposes, except that guests of the property owner or tenant may stay in the camping or vacation trailer or recreational vehicle for no more than five days per month; and

d.    The minimum number of required parking spaces for the lot or parcel is maintained in addition to the area used for the stored vehicle(s).

3.    Parking of Trailers, RVs and Boats. A camping or vacation trailer, recreational vehicle, utility trailer, or boat may only be parked (i.e., parked for five days or less per month) for maintenance, loading, and unloading purposes in the following locations:

a.    Within the rear or interior side yard behind the front of the building, garage, or carport on any parcel in any zone;

b.    Within the front yard only on the driveway in front of a garage or carport; and

c.    Within an area no more than 10 feet in width on the side of the driveway between the driveway and the nearest interior side property line; provided, that:

(1)    There is a principal use of the property, to which such parking would be accessory;

(2)    No business shall be conducted within a parked trailer or vehicle;

(3)    The camping or vacation trailer or recreational vehicle shall not be used for residential purposes, except that guests of the property owner or tenant may stay in the camping or vacation trailer or recreational vehicle for no more than five days per month; and

(4)    The minimum number of required parking spaces for the property is maintained in addition to the area used for the stored vehicle(s).

4.    Overnight Parking of Travel Trailers, Motor Homes and RVs. Overnight parking of travel trailers, motor homes, or other recreational vehicles is permitted in commercial and industrial zones where camping activities are not specifically permitted by this Zoning Code, provided:

a.    The owner, lessee, occupant or person having legal control of the property permits the use of the property for such overnight parking;

b.    The property is clearly posted with a sign(s) indicating that overnight parking is permitted subject to the standards provided in this section;

c.    Vehicles are only parked for the purpose of overnight parking for no more than one night and shall be moved from the property by no later than 10:00 a.m. the following morning; and

d.    It shall be the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the property is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition free from litter, trash or other waste in accordance with applicable City standards.

(Ord. 2020-28, Amended, 11/17/2020 (Res. 2020-59); Ord. 2017-10, Amended, 4/4/2017; Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Construction Specifications. The construction of all off-street parking areas shall meet the requirements of the Engineering Standards.

1.    Maintenance.

a.    All parking areas shall be paved, striped, and maintained in a dust-free and litter-free condition at all times.

b.    A parking lot maintenance permit shall be required when existing parking areas are repaved, resealed, or restriped. See Section 10-20.40.110, Parking Lot Maintenance Permit.

A.    Purpose. This division provides standards for the protection of Natural Resources, Floodplains, steep slopes, and forest. The requirements of this division are intended to maintain Natural Resources and to promote public health, safety, and welfare by managing Development with the character of its natural surroundings. Flagstaff has a greater wildfire likelihood than many communities in the United States. Developments should be designed to advance wildfire resiliency and to coexist with native habitats and existing Natural Resources that provide important visual, environmental, health, and economic benefits. Standards in this division also protect developed places from wildfires and other natural hazards, such as floods, by integrating risk-reduction measures into a Development’s design. Division 10-30.60, Site Planning Design Standards, and Appendix 5 (Additional Information Applicable to Division 10-50.90, Resource Protection Standards) provide additional standards, guidelines, and procedures on resource protection and site design.

B.    Goals. This division prescribes standards for the preservation and maintenance of Natural Resources to achieve the following goals:

1.    Preserve and protect significant Natural Resources characterized by unusual terrain, unique geologic formations, and high value native vegetation before, during, and after the construction of new Development;

2.    Limit encroachments into rural Floodplains;

3.    Manage healthy and sustainable forests to reduce the risk of wildfires initiating urban fires;

4.    Prioritize wildfire resilience to ensure neighborhoods, sites, and Buildings are designed to be better prepared for the increasing risks of urban fires initiated by wildfires;

5.    Enhance air quality, reduce the amount and rate of stormwater runoff, improve stormwater runoff quality, and increase the capacity for groundwater discharge;

6.    Prioritize the preservation of significant Natural Resources that maintain wildlife corridors and habitats; and

7.    Enhance the natural environment, visual character, and aesthetic qualities of the City for its citizens’ and visitors’ enjoyment.

(Ord. 2025-12, Amended, 7/1/2025 (Res. 2025-32))

A.    The provisions of this division apply to proposed Development within the Resource Protection Overlay (RPO) zone. See Section 10-40.50.030, Overlay Zones, and Section 10-90.30.050, Resource Protection Overlay (RPO) Map. Any perceived conflict between the provisions of this division and any other section of this Zoning Code shall be resolved in compliance with the Zoning Code, Chapter 10-20, Administration, Procedures, and Enforcement. This division is meant to apply in conjunction with the Flagstaff Fire Department’s implementation of the Flagstaff Forest Stewardship Plan, which occurs before forest resource calculations are completed. See Appendix 5, Additional Information Applicable to Division 10-50.90, Resource Protection Standards. The Forest Stewardship Plan will continue to be applied by the Fire Department in coordination with Community Development Division staff so as not to negatively impact any future Development options.

B.    Resource calculation standards for Slope, Floodplain, and Forest Resources do not apply to the area within the public rights-of-way for streets and major (i.e., regional distribution) utility facilities.

C.    Appendix 5, Additional Information Applicable to Division 10-50.90, Resource Protection Standards, provides useful information on how the Flagstaff Fire Department implements Firewise principles. It also provides a summary and explanation of how to apply the resource protection standards described in this division.

(Ord. 2025-01, Amended, 2/18/2025 (Res. 2025-02); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Purpose. The purpose of prioritizing resources is to help ensure that the requirements of this division are met and that the highest quality resources are protected as required by the General Plan while at the same time allowing for flexibility in site design. Thus, based on the unique attributes of a particular site, it should be possible to balance the needs for protection of floodplain, slope, and forest resources with an applicant’s intent to develop their property. Resource protection is applied on a parcel basis. However, the application of these standards should help maintain the overall health of the natural environment by taking into account the connection of contiguous resources and recognizing wildlife corridors.

B.    Priority for Resource Protection. Natural resources and natural features shall be retained and protected in the following order of priority (listed from highest to lowest priority, starting from the top). Resources located in setback areas shall be counted towards areas protected.

1.    Floodplains. Rural and urban floodplains as defined in Section 10-50.90.040, Floodplains.

2.    Steep Slopes. Steep slopes as defined in Section 10-50.90.050, Steep Slopes. Steepest slopes shall be given the highest priority for protection.

3.    Forest. Forest as defined in Section 10-50.90.060, Forest, shall be retained and protected on-site in the following order of priority. The Director and representatives from the Flagstaff Fire Department are available as a resource to assist in the prioritization of resources.

a.    Forest areas that connect to rural and urban floodplains. Areas with the most large trees as determined in Section 10-50.90.070(D) shall be given the highest priority;

b.    Forest areas that connect to steep slopes. Areas with the most large trees as determined in Section 10-50.90.070(D) shall be given the highest priority;

c.    Ponderosa pines with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 18 inches or more;

d.    Forest areas that connect to large undeveloped, protected, or vegetated tracts of land within or adjacent to the site. Areas with the most large trees as determined in Section 10-50.90.070(D) shall be given the highest priority; and

e.    Native trees and native tree forests (other than ponderosa pines) as determined in Section 10-50.90.070(D).

4.    Other Site Features. In addition to subsection (B) of this section, when evaluating the areas most suitable for natural resource retention and protection, the City will take into account other on-site features, such as areas of geological interest and rock outcroppings.

A.    Applicability. Floodplains, as applied in this division, shall be considered as either urban or rural floodplains as described below.

1.    Urban Floodplains. All watercourses and associated floodplains not defined as rural floodplains are urban floodplains. Urban floodplains are typically located in urbanized areas and have typically been altered from their natural state by channelization. Urban floodplains may be altered to address conveyance and erosion concerns; provided, that all necessary requirements of the City’s Stormwater Regulations as administered by the Stormwater Manager are addressed. However, certain urban floodplains that have characteristics conducive to water quality, wildlife habitat, and stream ecology should be preserved. Proposals for any disturbance of these watercourses shall be reviewed by the Stormwater Manager and must address these attributes and provide for mitigation if necessary. Undergrounding of urban floodplains is strongly discouraged and a justification must be provided prior to any approval of undergrounding.

2.    Rural Floodplains. Rural floodplains are natural undisturbed open spaces that are unsuitable for development purposes due to periodic flood inundation and the need to preserve the stream corridor for beneficial uses such as the preservation of important ecological resources. Rural floodplains are delineated in Section 10-90.40.030, Rural Floodplain Map, and defined as areas of delineated 100-year floodplain that cannot be disturbed or developed except for roadway and utility crossings. Rural floodplains cannot be altered through a floodplain map amendment or revision and must remain undisturbed (i.e., 100 percent protection). The extension of rural floodplains beyond the limits of the delineated floodplains, both upstream and laterally, may be required based on more current or extended floodplain studies, master plan documents or other studies or documents related to hydrology, hydraulics, stream geomorphology, wildlife habitat, or wildlife corridors.

A.    Applicability. Slope is measured by taking the vertical distance, or “rise,” over the horizontal distance, or “run.” The resulting fraction, or percentage, is the “slope” of the land. Steep slopes, as applied in this division, are those areas of land that exhibit slopes of 17 percent and greater. The slope area to be protected is based on the steepness of the slope and the zone as illustrated in Table 10-50.90.050.A, Slope Protection Thresholds.

B.    Data Sources. Steep slopes shall be determined through the use of a digital terrain model (DTM) with an accuracy of plus or minus one foot. The analysis shall be performed using a computer program such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Arc View, or equivalent and presented in a hatched or colored map. In the alternative, steep slopes may be determined manually using the methodology described in subsection (C) of this section.

C.    Methodology. The following methodology may be used to identify steep slopes protected under this division if a DTM is not used. An example of the methodology is shown in Figure 10-50.90.050A.

1.    Steep Slope Determination. To qualify as a steep slope, the slope must be at least 17 percent with a 10-foot vertical drop over a 100-foot horizontal distance parallel to at least one common contour line. The horizontal measurement shall cross property lines to establish if a steep slope may exist on a parcel (i.e., the 100-foot minimum width calculation shall cross a property line if necessary to achieve this minimum width).

Figure 10-50.90.050A

Steep Slope Identification Methodology

2.    Area Calculation. Steep slope areas should be calculated based on the square feet of qualifying steep slope on the parcel as determined in subsection (C)(1) of this section. There is no minimum square footage for each slope area.

a.    Calculate the square footage of slopes 35 percent and greater first. Determine the square footage of each area as well as the sum of the areas for the total site.

b.    Calculate the square footage of slopes between 25 and 34.9 percent second. Determine the square footage of each area as well as the sum of the areas for the total site.

c.    Calculate the square footage of slopes between 17 and 24.9 percent third. Determine the square footage of each area as well as the sum of the areas for the total site.

(1)    Horizontal extensions of steep slopes with less than 10 feet of vertical drop shall be included in this category to calculate the area of steep slope.

(2)    Areas of slope that do not qualify by themselves as steep slopes for the 25 to 34.9 percent category or the 35 percent and greater category (i.e., minimum 10 feet vertical and 100 feet horizontal distance) shall be included in this category to calculate the area of steep slope.

3.    Steep Slope Resource Area. Based on the area calculations in subsection (C)(2) of this section, Table 10-50.090.050.A, Slope Protection Thresholds, shows the percentage of slope area that must be included in the resource protection area. The steep slope areas to be protected shall be included in the survey (Section 10-50.90.070(C)(2)).

4.    For every 50 square feet of additional slope area that is determined to be protected over and above the minimum required in this section, then one credit point will be credited towards the minimum required forest resource calculations established in Section 10-50.90.070, Resources Survey Requirements.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    Applicability. Forest, as applied in this division, includes the following:

1.    Ponderosa pines and ponderosa pine forests; and

2.    Native trees (other than ponderosa pines) and native tree forests, including Douglas firs, Gambel oak and associated thickets, juniper, and pinyon pine trees.

B.    Methodology.

1.    This section establishes a minimum forest resource protection threshold for all parcels subject to the Resource Protection Overlay (RPO). Forest resources are determined according to the resources survey requirements (Section 10-50.90.070, Resources Survey Requirements), which establish the quality and priority for forest resource protection based on a point rating system.

2.    Tables 10-50.90.060.B.2.a. and 10-50.90.060.B.2.b. shall be used to determine the minimum amount of forest resources that must be retained on-site. Protection thresholds applicable to affordable housing developments are located in Division 10-30.20, Affordable Housing Incentives.

3.    The amount of forest resources required to be protected on a property may be reduced through the application of the following sections of this code:

a.    Section 10-30.20.040, Affordable Housing Incentives;

b.    Section 10-30.60.030.B., Solar Orientation or Aspect;

c.    Section 10-30.60.090.B.1., Civic or Public Space Requirement;

d.    Section 10-50.60.050.A.1., Plant Material Considerations; and

e.    Section 10-50.80.060.E., Parking Reductions for Forest Resources.

4.    Where forest resources on a site overlap with steep slope resources, the following standards apply:

a.    For affordable housing developments, refer to the standards in Section 10-30.20.040, Affordable Housing Incentives.

b.    For all other developments located within the Resource Protection Overlay, up to 25 percent of the forest resources in the steep slope area may be counted towards the required amount of forest resources for the entire site at a ratio of one credit point for forest resources to 50 square feet of slope area.

5.    Minimum forest resource protection shall be the greater of:

a.    Thirty percent of the gross lot, calculated as an average across the entire site; or

b.    The total percentage calculated shall be based on the location and allocation of the transect zones in the Traditional Neighborhood Community Plans (TNCP) and the corresponding transect zone requirements of Table 10-50.90.060.B.2.b.

(Ord. 2019-32, Amended, 11/5/2019 (Res. 2019-49); Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

A.    The purpose of the Forest Resource Pilot Program (FRPP) is:

1.    To allow an alternative Forest Resource preservation methodology utilizing technological innovations to inventory existing Forest Resources for both forest stewardship and preservation purposes; and

2.    To implement the Flagstaff Fire Department Forest Management Plan (the "Forest Management Plan"); and

3.    To determine the effectiveness of the program for future revisions to the Forest Resource protection standards in alignment with the purpose and goals of this division for all properties within the Resource Protection Overlay (RPO).

B.    Program Term. Unless otherwise extended or extinguished by a separate ordinance approved by the City Council, the FRPP shall terminate at 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2028.

C.    Applicability. All properties subject to the Resource Protection Overlay both developed and vacant may participate in the FRPP. This pilot program applies only to Forest Resources and does not apply to Slope resources or other requirements of this division.

D.    Forest Resource Agreement.

1.    The Director shall enter into a Forest Resource agreement with the applicant to allow participation in the pilot program. The agreement shall be in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney or their designee.

2.    The agreement shall be perpetual unless terminated in accordance with the provisions of this section and the agreement.

3.    The agreement shall include, but is not limited to:

a.    The City’s commitment to provide any existing data to assist the applicant with the preparation of forest stewardship plan and Natural Resource Protection Plan; and

b.    The applicant’s responsibility to supplement available City data as determined by the Director, for the Development Site, including but not limited to information on tree height, tree density, and basal area density calculations; and

c.    The applicant’s commitment to the purpose and goals of the Forest Management Plan, the purpose and goals of this division, and the priority for Forest Resource protection found in Section 10-50.90.030.B.3. except as modified in the Forest Management Plan. Failure to comply with the purposes, goals, and priorities can be cause for terminating the use of the pilot program on a Development Site; and

d.    The applicant’s commitment to achieve residential densities that further the goals of the City’s 10-Year Housing Plan and Carbon Neutrality Plan; and

e.    An agreement that no tree work shall occur on the Development Site prior to the review and approval of a forest stewardship plan and Natural Resources Protection Plan by City staff; and

f.    Permission for City staff and their consultants to access all property affiliated with the Development Site utilizing the FRPP; and

g.    Maintenance of Forest Resources before, during, and after the completion of Development; and

h.    Violations and remedies; and

i.    Any other provision necessary as determined by the City Attorney, Director, or their designee to document the requirements and enforcement of this section and the agreement.

4.    The agreement shall be approved and executed by the Director and applicant prior to the submittal of forest stewardship and Natural Resource Protection Plans.

E.    Minimum Requirements.

1.    A comprehensive digital tree inventory shall be prepared for the Development Site that identifies all Forest Resources, overall tree density and basal area calculations, and high value resources for the Development Site. High value resources include the oldest, largest, and most fire-resistant trees on a Development Site. The characteristics used to make this determination vary based on the species of tree but may include height, shape, and bark. The digital tree inventory shall also identify any Slope resources that are required to be preserved subject to Section 10-50.90.050.

2.    The proposed Development plan shall preserve to the greatest extent feasible high value resources, as determined by staff from the digital tree inventory and site inspections.

3.    Forest Resource preservation shall align with the desired conditions of the Forest Management Plan as determined by the Flagstaff Fire Department and the Development Site is not required to meet the percentages in table 10-50.90.060.B.2.a.

4.    This program does not permit the deforestation of a Development Site. Deforestation is when forests are permanently destroyed for the purposes of Development.

5.    The termination of the FRPP after the execution of the Forest Resources agreement by the Director and the applicant does not impact the applicant’s eligibility to participate in the FRPP so long as Development approvals are completed within 18 months and construction has commenced on site within 24 months from the termination of the FRPP.

(Ord. 2025-12, Added, 7/1/2025 (Res. 2025-32))

A.    Applicability. An application for development approval that is subject to this division shall include a resources survey, in compliance with this section.

B.    Qualifications of Preparer. The survey shall be prepared by an individual or individuals approved by the City with the demonstrated education, training, or experience to prepare these surveys in a professional and competent manner. Resource surveys include not only a survey of tree locations, but also include, for example, a description of the ecological value of the ponderosa pine forest. A boundary survey shall only be performed by a land surveyor registered in the State of Arizona consistent with statutory requirements for such surveys. The Director may authorize acceptance of qualified individuals to perform resource surveys upon receipt of a resume demonstrating an individual’s capabilities. The Director’s decision to accept or deny an expert shall be final.

C.    Survey Contents. The resources survey shall identify natural resources as defined in this division and recommend appropriate resource protection and/or mitigation measures. The resources survey shall include the following information, if applicable:

1.    Topographic maps and narrative delineating urban or rural floodplains as defined in Section 10-50.90.040, Floodplains.

2.    Maps and narrative describing steep slopes as defined in Section 10-50.90.050, Steep Slopes.

3.    Maps and narrative describing forest as defined in Section 10-50.90.060, Forest.

4.    Description of ecological value of the ponderosa pine forest based on tree size, condition and location.

5.    Identification of all ponderosa pines with a DBH of six inches or more or other native trees over 10 feet in height. These trees shall be assigned points as listed in Table 10-50.90.070.A, Point Rating System for Ponderosa Pines, and Table 10-50.90.070.B, Point Rating System for Other Native Trees. If it is determined that the tree is weak, damaged, infected or otherwise lacks vigor, the tree shall may not be assigned the number of points based on its DBH, and the survey preparer may assign fewer or no points to that tree.

6.    Survey of forest resources with total points assigned based on the tree sizes listed in Table 10-50.90.070.A, Point Rating System for Ponderosa Pines, and Table 10-50.90.070.B, Point Rating System for Other Native Trees. Areas to survey shall be determined according to subsection (D) of this section.

a.    Table 10-50.90.070.A, Point Rating System for Ponderosa Pines, shows the point rating system for Ponderosa pines. (The last column of this table is included for informational purposes only and is not used as part of the forest resource calculations; it is useful however, to determine permitted encroachments into forest resource areas.) See below:

b.    Table 10-50.90.070.B, Point Rating System for Other Native Trees, shows the point rating system for native trees (other than ponderosa pines):

7.    Final determination of the forest resources to be protected is calculated by applying the forest resources protection threshold (Table 10-50.90.060.A, Forest Resource Protection Thresholds as a Percentage of Site Area) to the results of the forest survey completed in subsection (C)(6) of this section.

8.    Areas of Encroachment on Forest Resources. A maximum of 20 percent of a tree’s canopy may be encroached upon (see Figure 10-50.90.070A). If more than 20 percent encroachment occurs, the tree will be considered “removed.” The 20 percent encroachment rule applies to temporary and permanent encroachments, such as construction materials storage, sidewalks and structures.

Figure 10-50.90.070A

Allowed Temporary and Permanent Encroachment on Tree Canopy

9.    Determination of areas most suitable for natural resource retention and protection based on the standards of this division and the prioritization for resource protection established in Section 10-50.90.030, Priority for Resource Protection.

D.    Forest Area Surveyed.

1.    If a development application covers less than five acres, 100 percent of the site must be surveyed for forest resources.

2.    If a development application covers five or more acres, sampling of forest resources may be employed. In selecting the sample area(s) the intent is to sample the areas most representative of forest resources on the site. At least 15 percent of the canopy area shall be sampled based on the canopy area as determined by aerial photography and field checking. Section 5.030, Summary of How to Apply Forest Resources, in Appendix 5, Additional Information Applicable to Division 10-50.90, Resource Protection Standards, includes an explanation of a sampling technique that distributes one-tenth acre circular plots uniformly across a minimum of 15 percent of the site. Alternative sampling techniques may be employed if an applicant can demonstrate to the Director’s satisfaction that the suggested technique is representative of the distribution of forest resources on the site.

When natural resources are retained under this division, a natural resources protection plan shall be submitted with the grading plan and shall include the following information.

A.    Natural Resources Areas. The natural resources area calculated and mapped according to Section 10-50.90.070, Resources Survey Requirements, shall be included as part of the natural resources protection plan.

B.    Limits of Land Disturbance, Clear-Cutting, Grading and Trenching. Layout of the on-site utility and grading plans shall accommodate the required natural resource area(s). Utilities shall be placed outside of the natural resource areas except as allowed in Sections 10-50.90.070, Resources Survey Requirements, and 10-50.90.100, Activities Allowed in Natural Resources Areas.

C.    Resource Protection During Construction. See Section 10-50.90.090, Resource Protection During Construction.

D.    Schedule. Documentation of procedure and schedule for the implementation, installation and maintenance of forest protection measures.

E.    Permeable Surfacing. A permeable area, equal to the area encircled by the drip line, shall be provided around existing forest that will be used as landscaping to allow water absorption and growth.

F.    Permit Approvals. Issuance of grading and building or other permits is contingent upon approval of a natural resources protection plan.

G.    Inspection. The Director will conduct site inspections for the enforcement of natural resource protection measures. Inspections may be withheld or a stop work order or notice of violation shall be issued if a development is found to be out of compliance with the protection methods approved in the natural resources protection plan.

Natural resources to be preserved on-site shall be protected before on-site land disturbance commences so as to prevent root damage, trunk damage, and soil compaction. Land disturbance includes grading, clear-cutting, trenching, and building construction. Resource protection shall consist of the following:

A.    Fencing. Temporary fencing shall be installed along the outer edge of the natural resource(s) and completely surround the drip lines plus five feet of all trees or clumps of trees within 50 feet of proposed land disturbance areas. Figure 10-50.90.090A illustrates the temporary fencing requirements. The following conditions shall also apply:

1.    Temporary fencing shall be polyethylene laminar safety “snow fencing” (minimum of four feet high) which is securely embedded into the ground in such a way that it cannot be easily moved or pushed over.

2.    Temporary fencing shall not be attached to trees.

3.    Areas within the temporary fencing shall be kept free of construction materials, vehicles, equipment and debris, except as provided in Section 10-50.90.070(C)(8).

4.    Temporary fencing shall be installed prior to and maintained throughout the land disturbance process and shall not be removed until landscaping is installed or financial assurance is posted for the required landscaping.

Figure 10-50.90.090A

Tree Fencing during Construction

B.    Tree Wells. Tree wells are required where grade changes are proposed which would affect resource preservation. Tree wells shall be constructed to ensure that no soil is added to the natural grade around and under the tree canopy. Removal of tree protection fencing to construct tree wells is subject to review and approval by the Director. Tree wells are illustrated in Figure 10-50.90.090B.

Figure 10-50.90.090B

Tree Well

C.    Construction Site Activities. Construction site activities, such as parking, material storage, concrete washout, etc., shall be arranged to prevent disturbances of natural resources. These measures also protect natural resources from silt and sedimentation.

Natural resource areas contain fragile natural features such as floodplains, steep slopes and forest that can be adversely impacted by development. In the RPO zone these areas must be set aside for resource protection to meet the minimum requirements of this division. Activities that are allowed in natural resource areas are shown in Table 10-50.90.100.A, Activities Allowed in Natural Resource Areas.

(Ord. 2016-07, Amended, 2/16/2016 (Res. 2016-02))

Where meeting the standards in this division results in scattered building sites, areas that are too small to be reasonably used, or other design problems that cannot be resolved by revised site layouts, the Director or the Planning Commission may apply the following mitigations. However, in no case shall the provisions in this section apply to rural floodplains.

A.    Director. The Director may allow modifications up to five percent of the natural resources areas to be protected. In such case, the Director may require mitigation that complies with subsection (B)(2) of this section.

B.    Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may allow modifications to development projects for which it has review authority that comply with subsections (B)(2) and (B)(3) of this section, of up to 10 percent of the resource protection standards as follows:

1.    If retention of natural resources cannot be maintained, the resources survey must demonstrate:

a.    Why priority areas described in Section 10-50.90.030, Priority for Resource Protection, cannot be retained;

b.    That there are no reasonable methods or techniques to implement the resource protection requirements of this division;

c.    A proposal for mitigation as defined in this section; and

d.    Mitigation proposals should not create future fire problems and have been approved by the FFD.

2.    On-Site Mitigation.

a.    On-site forest shall be replaced at a three to one ratio with additional irrigated landscaping of a number, type and size that meets the intent of this division. The species of plants used in mitigation shall be similar to those destroyed.

b.    For on-site mitigation of one acre or greater, a mix of trees, shrubs and plants is appropriate. Table 10-50.90.110.A, On-Site Mitigation, provides a guide for the number of trees and plants per acre.

3.    Off-Site Mitigation. In situations where the natural resources of a parcel are located in the only feasible area for development, an applicant may mitigate the impacts according to the following requirements.

a.    Planting of one and one-third acres of new forest off-site, or preserving one acre of existing forest in areas designated by the City for preservation and enhancement. Off-site planting may only be used when the applicant or the City owns or controls the site(s);

b.    The species of plants used in mitigation shall be similar to those destroyed. Table 10-50.90.110.A, On-Site Mitigation, provides a guide for the number of trees and plants per acre;

c.    The applicant shall provide financial assurances indicating that all plant material that dies within three years shall be replaced with similar material containing a similar guarantee period;

d.    A temporary irrigation system approved by the Director shall be installed in all planted areas; and

e.    The land on which the mitigation is to take place shall be permanently preserved and deed restricted with a protective easement or the property deeded by fee title to the City in a form approved by the City Attorney and accepted by the Council.

4.    When evaluating the mitigation of natural resources, the Planning Commission may require extraordinary development practices including the tunneling of utilities, placing all utilities under the street, stepping or spanning foundations, pumping concrete, using small equipment to minimize site disturbance or hand digging, and leaving exposed rock in place as part of the overall site design.

A.    Any individual, corporation, association or other entity violating any provision of this division shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 per offense. The cutting down or destruction of each tree shall constitute a separate offense.

B.    If trees identified as forest resources are cut down, destroyed, intentionally damaged or removed for any reason, in conjunction with any land use, development, or soil movement activity in excess of the specified number of trees that were approved for removal by City issued permit, a stop work order shall be issued (refer to Section 10-20.110.090, Enforcement by Stop Work Order), and restitution shall be made by the applicant in accordance with the schedule in Table 10-50.90.110.A, Tree Replacement, and replaced if they die within the first three growing seasons.

C.    In cases where such tree removal or clearing by the landowner occurs prior to meeting the standards of this division, the natural resource calculations and locations shall be determined by the Director utilizing the most suitable photographs available, taken prior to the removal, and other reliable data.

A.    The Council finds that the natural surroundings, climate, history, and people of the City provide the Flagstaff community with its unique charm and beauty. This division has been adopted to ensure that all signs installed in the City are compatible with the unique character and environment of the community, and in compliance with the General Plan.

B.    The purpose of this division is to promote public health, safety, and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements, including the following specific purposes:

1.    To promote and accomplish the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan;

2.    To balance public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both commercial and noncommercial messages;

3.    To improve pedestrian and traffic safety by promoting the free flow of traffic and the protection of pedestrians and motorists from injury and property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting, and/or illegible signage;

4.    To protect the aesthetic beauty of the City’s natural and built environment for the citizens of and visitors to the City, and to protect prominent viewsheds within the community;

5.    To prevent property damage, personal injury, and litter caused by signs that are improperly constructed or poorly maintained;

6.    To protect property values, the local economy, and quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape; and

7.    To provide consistent sign design standards that enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Applicability.

1.    This division applies to all signs within the City, regardless of their nature or location, unless specifically exempted.

2.    Regulations for permanent signs are found in Section 10-50.100.060, Permanent Signs.

3.    Regulations for portable signs are found in Section 10-50.100.090, Portable Signs.

4.    Heritage signs in landmark zones are governed by the ordinance designating the landmark overlay and its related guidelines. (Refer to Division 10-30.30, Heritage Preservation.)

5.    Nothing in this division shall be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on public property that has been determined to be a traditional or designated public forum (e.g., sidewalk or park), so long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from buildings, create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, in bike or vehicle lanes, or on trails, or violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the City. (See Section 10-50.100.090(C)(4), Sign Walkers.)

B.    Interpretations. This division is not intended to and does not restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. No part of this division shall be construed to favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech. A noncommercial message may be substituted for any commercial message displayed on a sign, or the content of any noncommercial message displayed on a sign may be changed to a different noncommercial message, without the need for any approval or permit; provided, that the size of the sign is not altered. To the extent any provision of this division is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate on the basis of the content of the message.

C.    Summary of Incentives. A summary of the incentives applicable to the permanent signs permitted in this Division is provided in Table 10-50.100.0020.A (Summary of Incentives Applicable to Permanent Signs).

D.    Exemptions. The following signs are not regulated by this Zoning Code, so long as they meet the applicable standards described below.

1.    Building Identification Signs. Building identification signs not exceeding one square foot in area for residential buildings and two square feet in area for nonresidential buildings.

2.    Business Name and Address on an Entry Door. Name of a business, address information, and/or contact information displayed on an entry door, not exceeding two square feet in area.

3.    Signs Posted on a Community Bulletin Board. Signs posted on a community bulletin board shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches.

4.    Historic and Architectural Features. Historical plaques erected and maintained by nonprofit organizations, building cornerstones, and date-constructed stones not exceeding four square feet in area.

5.    Signs Not Readable from the Public Right-of-Way.

a.    Signs or displays located entirely inside of a building, and not visible from the building’s exterior;

b.    Signs intended to be readable from within a parking area but not readable beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are located or from any public right-of-way; and

c.    Signs located within City recreation facilities.

6.    Governmental Signs. Any sign, posting, notice or similar signs placed, installed or required by law by a city, county, or a Federal or State governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, including, but not limited to, the following:

a.    Emergency and warning signs necessary for public safety or civil defense;

b.    Traffic signs erected and maintained by an authorized public agency;

c.    Signs required to be displayed by law;

d.    Signs directing the public to points of interest; and

e.    Signs showing the location of public facilities.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    The procedures for submittal, review and approval of permanent signs are provided in Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit – Permanent Signs, and wall banner sign permits are provided in Section 10-50.100.090, Portable Signs, including any required fees.

B.    A sign permit is not required for a sign on property used exclusively for a single-family residence or duplex.

C.    Nonstructural Modifications and Maintenance. A sign permit is not required for the following:

1.    Changes to the face or copy of changeable signs;

2.    Changes to the face or copy of an existing single-tenant or multi-tenant freestanding or building-mounted nonilluminated sign from one business to another with no structural or lighting modifications to the sign; and

3.    The normal repair and maintenance of conforming or legal nonconforming signs, except as identified in Section 10-50.100.050(E), Sign Maintenance.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Location Restrictions. Except where specifically authorized in this division, signs may not be placed in the following locations:

1.    Within, on, or projecting over a City right-of-way;

2.    On public property;

3.    Any location that obstructs the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or other traffic control device;

4.    Areas allowing for ingress to or egress from any door, window, or any exit way required by the Building Code or Fire Department regulations currently in effect;

5.    Off the premises of the business to which the commercial advertising sign refers;

6.    On fuel tanks, storage containers and/or solid waste receptacles or their enclosures, except for a manufacturer’s or installer’s identification, appropriate warning signs and placards, and information required by law;

7.    Tacked, painted, burned, cut, pasted or otherwise affixed to trees, rocks, light and utility poles, posts, fences, ladders, benches, or similar supports that are visible from a public way;

8.    Where they cover the architectural features of a building, such as dormers, insignias, pilasters, soffits, transoms, trims, or other architectural feature;

9.    On the roof of a building, except as permitted in Section 10-50.100.060(E)(4)(b)(11), Roof Mounted Sign.

B.    Prohibited Signs.

1.    Billboards;

2.    Signs that could be confused with any authorized traffic signal or device;

3.    Bandit signs; and

4.    Stuffed or inflated animals or characters used as signs.

C.    Display Restrictions.

1.    Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to regulate the manner in which signs convey their messages by specifying prohibited display features that create distractions to the traveling public and create visual clutter that mar the natural and architectural aesthetics of the City.

2.    Applicability. Signs with the following display features are prohibited:

a.    Lighting devices with intermittent, flashing, rotating, blinking or strobe light illumination, animation, motion picture, or laser or motion picture projection, or any lighting effect creating the illusion of motion, as well as laser or hologram lights;

b.    An exposed light source, except for neon that is incorporated into the design of the sign;

c.    Sound, odor, or smoke;

d.    Inflatable balloons, spinners, strings of flags and pennants, fixed aerial displays, streamers, tubes, or other devices affected by the movement of the air or other atmospheric or mechanical means either attached to a sign or to vehicles, structures, poles, trees and other vegetation, or similar support structures;

e.    Rotating or moving sign body or any other portion of the sign whether by mechanical or any other means. Barber poles no larger than three feet high and 10 inches in diameter and clocks are excepted from this restriction;

f.    Electronic displays;

g.    Any changeable copy LED signs, except fixed illumination display signs used to indicate that a business is “open,” display prices, or to confirm an order placed in a drive-through lane; and

h.    Strings of lights arranged in the shape of a product, arrow, or any commercial message.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Sign Message. Any permitted sign may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with the size, height, area, location, and other requirements of this division.

B.    Sign Measurement Criteria.

1.    Sign Area Measurement. Sign area for all sign types is measured as follows:

a.    Sign copy mounted, affixed, or painted on a background panel or surface distinctively painted, textured or constructed as a background for the sign copy, is measured as that area contained within the sum of the smallest rectangle(s) that will enclose both the sign copy and the background, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050A.

Figure 10-50.100.050A

Sign Area for Signs on Background Panel

b.    Sign copy mounted as individual letters or graphics against a wall, fascia, mansard, or parapet of a building or surface of another structure, that has not been painted, textured or otherwise altered to provide a distinctive background for the sign copy, is measured as a sum of the smallest rectangle(s) that will enclose each word and each graphic in the total sign, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050B.

Figure 10-50.100.050B

Sign Area for Signs with Individual Letters

c.    Sign copy mounted, affixed, or painted on an illuminated surface or illuminated element of a building or structure, is measured as the entire illuminated surface or illuminated element, which contains sign copy, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050C. Such elements may include, but are not limited to, lit canopy fascia signs, and/or interior lit awnings.

Figure 10-50.100.050C

Sign Area for Signs with Illuminated Surfaces

d.    Multi-face signs, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050D, are measured as follows:

(1)    Two-face signs: If the interior angle between the two sign faces is 45 degrees or less, the sign area is of one sign face only. If the angle between the two sign faces is greater than 45 degrees, the sign area is the sum of the areas of the two sign faces.

(2)    Three- or four-face signs: The sign area is 50 percent of the sum of the areas of all sign faces.

e.    Spherical, free-form, sculptural or other nonplanar sign area is measured as 50 percent of the sum of the areas using only the four vertical sides of the smallest four-sided polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050D. Signs with greater than four polyhedron faces are prohibited.

Figure 10-50.100.050.D.

Sign Area for Multi-Face Signs or Free Form Signs

Figure 10-50.100.050D.1.

Sign Area for Symbol Included Within a Sign

2.    Sign Height Measurement. Sign height is measured as follows:

a.    Freestanding Signs. Sign height is measured as the vertical distance from the average elevation of the finished grade within an eight-foot radius from all sides of the sign at the base of the sign to the top of the sign, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or landscaping solely for the purpose of locating the sign, excluding decorative embellishments as permitted in Table 10-50.100.060.H., Standards for Freestanding Signs.

(1)    If natural grade at the base of a sign is higher than the grade of the adjacent road, sign height shall be measured from the base of the sign, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050.E.

Figure 10-50.100.050.E.

Freestanding Sign Height – Signs Higher than the Grade of an Adjacent Road

(2)    If natural grade at the base of a sign is lower than the grade of an adjacent road, the height of the sign shall be measured from the top of curb elevation, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050.F.

Figure 10-50.100.050.F.

Freestanding Sign Height – Sign Lower than the Grade of an Adjacent Road

b.    Building Mounted Signs. The height of wall, fascia, mansard, parapet, or other building mounted signs is the vertical distance measured from the base of the wall on which the sign is located to the top of the sign or sign structure, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050.G.

Figure 10-50.100.050.G

Building Mounted Sign Height

C.    Sign Illumination. Allowed permanent signs may be nonilluminated, or illuminated by internal light fixtures, halo illuminated, or illuminated by external indirect illumination, unless otherwise specified. All illuminated signs shall comply with the time limitations of Section 10-50.70.050(H). All permanent signs for single-family residences or duplexes and all temporary signs shall be nonilluminated.

1.    Externally Illuminated Sign Standards.

a.    Lighting Class. External illumination for signs shall comply with all provisions of this division, and shall be treated as Class 1 lighting, as defined in Section 10-50.70.050(B). All external sign lighting is included within the total outdoor light output limits of Section 10-50.70.050(C), and shall comply with applicable lamp source and shielding restrictions.

b.    Except as provided in subsection (C)(1)(c) of this section, externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign without causing glare.

c.    A light fixture mounted above the sign face may be installed with its bottom opening tilted toward the sign face provided:

(1)    The bottom opening of the light fixture is flat (i.e., it could be covered by a flat board allowing no light to escape); and

(2)    The uppermost portion of the fixture’s opening is located no higher than the top of the sign face, as shown in Figure 10-50.100.050H. Light fixtures aimed and installed in this fashion shall be considered fully shielded for purposes of calculating the total outdoor light output limits of Section 10-50.70.050.B.

Figure 10-50.100.050.H

External Sign Lighting Configurations

2.    Internally Illuminated Sign Standards.

a.    Internally illuminated signs shall either be constructed with an Opaque background and translucent text and symbols, or with a colored (not white, off-white, light gray, or cream) background and generally lighter text and symbols (Figure 10-50.100.050.I). Lamps used for internal illumination of internally illuminated signs shall not be counted toward the total outdoor light output limits of Section 10-50.70.050(C).

(1)    Lighting Zone 1. The sign face(s) shall be composed of illuminated text and symbols against an Opaque (nonilluminated) background. The colors of these elements are not restricted.

(2)    Lighting Zone 2. The sign face(s) shall be either composed of illuminated text and symbols against an Opaque background (as in subsection C.2.a.1. of this section), or with generally lighter text and symbols against a colored (not white, off-white, light gray, cream, or yellow) background. Text and symbols may be white, off-white, light gray, cream, or yellow. (See Figure 10-50.100.050.I.)

Figure 10-50.100.050I

Internally Illuminated Signs

b.    Other internally illuminated panels or decorations not considered to be signage according to this division (such as illuminated canopy margins, building faces, or architectural outlining), shall be considered Class 3 lighting, as defined in Section 10-50.70.050(B), and shall be subject to the standards applicable for such lighting, including but not limited to the lamp source, shielding standards, and total outdoor light output limits established in Section 10-50.70.050(C).

3.    Neon Sign Standards.

a.    Exposed neon sign lighting is only permitted in nonresidential zones shall be treated as Class 3 (decorative) lighting. Allowed neon signs shall not be included within the total outdoor light output limits of Section 10-50.70.050(C).

Figure 10-50.100.050J

Neon Sign

b.    Neon lighting extending beyond the area considered to be the sign area (as defined in this division) shall comply with all provisions of Division 10-50.70, Outdoor Lighting Standards.

4.    Single-Color LED Sign Standards. Single-color LED signs permitted under Section 10-50.100.040(C)(2)(g) shall be considered as internally illuminated signs, and shall not have their lumen output counted toward the total outdoor light output limits of Section 10-50.70.050(C). Any lighting extending beyond the area considered to be the sign area (as defined in this division) shall be treated as Class 3 lighting and shall comply with the lumen limits of Section 10-50.70.050(C).

5.    Time Limitations. All signs shall be turned off by 9:00 p.m. if located in Lighting Zone 1 and 11:00 p.m. if located in Lighting Zones 2 or 3, or when the business closes, whichever is later. Signs subject to time limitations are required to have functioning and properly adjusted automatic shut-off timers. See Section 10-90.40.020, Lighting Zone Map, for lighting zones.

D.    Structure and Installation.

1.    Raceway Cabinets. Raceway cabinets shall only be used in building mounted signs when access to the wall behind the sign is not feasible, shall not extend in width and height beyond the area of the sign, and shall match the color of the building to which it is attached. Where a raceway cabinet provides a contrast background to sign copy, the colored area is counted in the total allowable sign area permitted for the site or business. Examples of raceway cabinets are shown in Figure 10-50.100.050K.

Figure 10-50.100.050K

Raceway Cabinets

2.    Support Elements. Any angle iron, bracing, guy wires, or similar features used to support a sign shall not be visible to the extent technically feasible.

3.    Electrical Service. When electrical service is provided to freestanding signs or landscape wall signs, all such electrical service is required to be underground and concealed. Electrical service to building mounted signs, including conduit, housings, and wire, shall be concealed or, when necessary, painted to match the surface of the structure upon which they are mounted. A building permit (electrical) shall be issued prior to installation of any new signs requiring electrical service.

4.    Limitation on Attachments and Secondary Uses. All permitted sign structures and their associated landscape areas shall be kept free of supplemental attachments or secondary uses including, but not limited to, supplemental advertising signs not part of a permitted sign, light fixture, newspaper distribution rack, or trash container. The use of sign structures and associated landscape areas as bicycle racks or support structures for outdoor product display is prohibited.

5.    Durable Materials. All permanent signs permitted by this division shall be constructed of durable materials capable of withstanding continuous exposure to the elements and the conditions of an urban environment.

E.    Sign Maintenance. It shall be unlawful for any owner of record, lessor, lessee, manager, agent, or other person having lawful possession or control over a building, structure, or parcel of land to fail to maintain the property and all signs in compliance with the Zoning Code. Failure to maintain a sign constitutes a violation of this division, and shall be subject to enforcement action in compliance with the provisions of Division 10-20.110, Enforcement.

1.    Maintenance. All signs, whether or not in existence prior to adoption of this division, shall be maintained. Maintenance of a sign shall include periodic cleaning, replacement of flickering, burned out or broken light bulbs or fixtures, repair or replacement of any faded, peeled, cracked, or otherwise damaged or broken parts of a sign, and any other activity necessary to restore the sign so that it continues to comply with the requirements and contents of the sign permit issued for its installation and provisions of this division.

2.    Landscape Maintenance. Required landscaped areas contained by a fixed border, curbed area, or other perimeter structure shall receive regular repair and maintenance. Plant materials that do not survive after installation in required landscape areas are required to be replaced within six months of the plant’s demise or within the next planting season, whichever event comes first.

3.    Removal of Unused Sign Support Structures. Any vacant and/or unused sign support structures, angle irons, sign poles, or other remnants of old signs which are not currently in use or proposed for immediate reuse evidenced by a sign permit application for a permitted sign, shall be removed. When a building mounted sign is removed, the wall shall be repaired and restored to its original condition.

4.    Obsolete Signs. Sign structures permitted as on-premises business signs may remain in place after the business vacates the premises, provided the sign is left nonilluminated and sign copy is removed within 30 days after the business vacates the premises. If an on-site use for the sign is not commenced within six months of the termination of the previous on-site use, the sign shall be deemed abandoned and subject to the provisions of Section 10-50.100.110, Nonconforming Signs.

5.    Removal of Unsafe Sign Structures. In addition to the remedies provided in Division 10-20.110, Enforcement, the Director shall have the authority to order the repair, maintenance, or removal of any sign or sign structure which has become dilapidated or represents a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare. If such a condition is determined by the Director to exist, the Director shall give notice by certified mail to the sign owner at the address shown on the sign permit, unless more recent information is available. If compliance has not been achieved within 30 days from service of notice, the Director may cause the sign to be removed or repaired, and the cost of such removal or repair to be charged against the sign owner and/or the property owner.

F.    Sign Placement at Intersection. Applicable requirements for the placement of signs at intersections are provided in the Engineering Standards, Section 13-10-006-0002, Intersection Sight Triangles, Clear View Zones.

(Ord. 2022-27, Amended, 11/15/2022 (Res. 2022-51); Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Applicability. Three levels of review standards are established in this division, some or all of which may be applied to the sign depending on where it is located within the City:

1.    All signs within the City of Flagstaff shall be reviewed based on the standards established in this division;

2.    Signs in the Flagstaff Central District are reviewed based on the standards established in Section 10-50.100.100.A., Flagstaff Central District, as well as the standards and requirements otherwise established in this division; and

3.    Signs in the Downtown Historic District, which have the highest standards of review in keeping with the historic character and urban scale of this district, are reviewed based on the standards in Section 10-50.100.100(B), Downtown Historic District, the Flagstaff Central District and the standards and requirements otherwise established in this division.

B.    Applicable to Transect Zones. Signs proposed in the transect zones shall comply with the standards established in the following sections:

1.    Transect Zone T6: Section 10-50.100.100.A., Flagstaff Central District, and Section 10-50.100.100.B., Downtown Historic District.

2.    Transect Zone T5 and T5-O: Section 10-50.100.100.A., Flagstaff Central District, and Section 10-50.100.100.B., Downtown Historic District, where applicable.

3.    Transect Zone T4N.1 and T4N.1-O: Section 10-50.100.100(A), Flagstaff Central District.

4.    Transect Zone T3N.1: Section 10-50.100.100(A), Flagstaff Central District.

Figure A. Map Showing the Relationship Between the Standards Applied in the Downtown Historic District, Flagstaff Central District, and the City as a Whole

C.    Permanent signs shall comply with the sign area, height, number, type and other requirements of this section and Table 10-50.100.060.A, Standards for Permanent Signs by Use, except as otherwise provided in subsections (D) and (E) of this section. Unless specifically indicated, sign permits are required for all permanent signs in accordance with Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit – Permanent Signs.

D.    Signs for Residential Uses in All Zones.

1.    Building mounted and freestanding signs for detached single-family residences and duplexes are allowed without a sign permit. The standards in Table 10-50.100.060.A, Standards for Permanent Signs by Use, shall apply.

2.    Building mounted, freestanding and landscape wall signs for single-family subdivisions, multi-family developments and manufactured home parks are allowed with a sign permit subject to the standards established in Table 10-50.100.060.A, Standards for Permanent Signs by Use.

E.    Signs for All Nonresidential Uses in All Zones.

1.    Building mounted, freestanding, and landscape wall signs for institutional uses in all zones are allowed with a sign permit subject to the standards established in Table 10-50.100.060.A, Standards for Permanent Signs by Use.

2.    Building mounted and freestanding signs for all other nonresidential uses in all zones, including single tenant buildings, live/work units, detached buildings within a multi-tenant development or shopping center, and multi-tenant buildings, development sites, or shopping centers are allowed with a sign permit subject to the standards established in Table 10-50.100.060.A, Standards for Permanent Signs by Use.

3.    Hotel and Motel Room Rate Signs. Signs for hotels and motels that post room rates on an outdoor advertising sign shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 3-04, Motels and Hotels.

4.    Standards for Specific Sign Types.

a.    All signs shall comply with the following standards. Each sign type listed in this section shall be included in the calculation of the total sign area allowed on a parcel or development site by this section, except as explicitly provided otherwise in this subsection. Each sign shall also comply with the sign area, height, and other requirements of Section 10-50.100.050, General Requirements for All Signs, and all other applicable provisions of this division. Any noncommercial message may be substituted for the sign copy on any commercial sign allowed by this division.

b.    The following sign types are permitted, subject to the criteria listed under each sign type.

(1)    Awning Sign.

(a)    Awning signs are not permitted in residential zones.

(b)    The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.B, Standards for Awning Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060A

Awning Sign

(2)    Building Mounted Sign.

(a)    The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.C, Standards for Building Mounted Signs, shall apply to building mounted signs in all zones where allowed by Table 10-50.100.060.A, Standards for Permanent Signs by Use.

Figure 10-50.100.060B

Standards for Building Mounted Signs

(3)    Canopy Sign.

(a)    Canopy signs are not permitted in residential zones.

(b)    The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.D, Standards for Canopy Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060C

Canopy Sign

(4)    Changeable Copy Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.E, Standards for Changeable Copy Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060D

Changeable Copy Sign

(5)    Driveway Signs.

(a)    Driveway signs are exempted from the total allowable sign area permitted for each use.

(b)    The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.F, Standards for Driveway Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060E

Driveway Sign

(6)    Directory Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.G, Standards for Directory Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060.F.

Directory Sign

(7)    Freestanding Signs.

(a)    The number and type of freestanding signs allowed for single and multiple tenant uses are derived from the use, zone, location, and length of development site frontage as outlined in this section and Table 10-50.100.060.A., Standards for Permanent Signs by Use.

(b)    Sign types are classified as “Type A” and “Type B” based on street designations established and mapped in the General Plan. These classifications are used to determine the number of signs allowed on a development site and their permitted size and height. Type A signs are allowed on street frontages longer than 100 feet on major arterials, while Type B signs are allowed on street frontages less than 100 feet on minor arterials or smaller street types.

(c)    A freestanding sign may consist of more than one sign panel provided all such sign panels are consolidated into one common integrated sign structure. In the event a sign is installed that does not utilize the maximum sign area permitted, any supplemental additions shall comply with, and be compatible with, the existing sign structure.

(d)    The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.H,, Standards for Freestanding Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060G

Freestanding Sign

(8)    Interpretative Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.I, Standards for Interpretative Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060H

High-Profile and Low-Profile Interpretative Sign

(9)    Landscape Wall Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.J, Standards for Landscape Wall Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060I

Landscape Wall Sign

(10)    Projecting Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.K, Standards for Projecting Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060J

Projecting Sign

(11)    Roof Mounted Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.L, Standards for Roof Mounted Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060K

Roof Mounted Sign

(12)    Service Island Canopy Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.M, Standards for Service Island Canopy Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060L

Service Island Canopy Sign

(13)    Suspended Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.N, Standards for Suspended Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060M

Suspended Sign

(14)    Window Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.O, Standards for Permanent Window Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060.N.

Window Sign

(15)    Vehicle Signs. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.060.P., Standards for Vehicle Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.060.O.

Signs on Vehicles Used for Business Purposes

(Ord. 2023-29, Amended, 12/5/2023 (Res. 2023-58); Ord. 2019-22, Amended, 7/2/2019 (Res. 2019-31); Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Purpose.

1.    The purpose of this section is to provide a process to respond to special signage needs for proposed or existing multi-family residential and nonresidential uses, as well as to provide for sign design incentives that promote superior sign design, materials and methods of installation.

2.    A comprehensive sign program provides nonresidential and multi-family residential uses with flexibility to develop innovative, creative and effective signage and to improve the aesthetics of the City. This program also provides an alternative to minimum standard signage subject to sign design performance standards.

B.    Applicability. Comprehensive sign programs apply to proposed or existing nonresidential and multi-family residential uses as follows:

1.    A comprehensive sign program is required for:

a.    All proposed nonresidential single-tenant, multi-tenant, or multi-story developments, and residential master planned communities; and

b.    Existing nonresidential multi-tenant uses, when:

(1)    A building addition and/or an increase of use is proposed in terms of gross floor area, seating capacity, or other units of measurement indicating an intensification of use of 25 percent or more; or

(2)    An exterior structural remodeling of the building facade is proposed which affects signage.

2.    A comprehensive sign program may voluntarily be developed and maintained by the owner, applicant, or representative of any new or existing nonresidential and multi-family residential use, when the owner, applicant or representative seeks allowed adjustments under Section 10-50.100.080, Sign Design Performance Standards. Any adjustments authorized under a comprehensive sign program using the sign design performance standards apply to all building mounted signs and freestanding signs within the boundaries of the subject site.

C.    Review.

1.    Applications for a comprehensive sign program, including a comprehensive sign program that utilizes the sign design performance standards provided in Section 10-50.100.080, Sign Design Performance Standards, shall be reviewed by the Director.

2.    All comprehensive sign program submittals shall be reviewed for compliance with the requirements of this division, and the Director shall either approve, conditionally approve, or deny the proposed comprehensive sign program. Following approval by the Director, a copy of the approved comprehensive sign program will be made available to the applicant. Individual signs for multi-tenant developments included within the approved comprehensive sign program are subject to the issuance of separate sign permits in compliance with this division. A comprehensive sign program for a single-tenant development requires only one sign permit.

3.    The Planning Commission shall review all comprehensive sign programs that request an increase in allowable sign height and area beyond the limits established in Section 10-50.100.080, Sign Design Performance Standards, for freestanding and building mounted signs for multi-tenant buildings and shopping centers.

D.    Supplemental Provisions.

1.    Modifications to an approved comprehensive sign program may be requested in compliance with the procedures set forth in this section.

2.    No sign identified in this section may be placed upon real property without the consent of the real property owner(s), who shall either sign and submit the application for a comprehensive sign program or designate in writing an authorized representative.

3.    A comprehensive sign program may be implemented in phases.

E.    Submittal Requirements. A complete application for comprehensive sign program review and approval is required following, or in conjunction with, the approval of the required site plan for the development, and prior to issuance of a building permit. The application shall be signed by the property owner(s), and/or their authorized agent(s), if appropriate, of the property covered by the comprehensive sign program, and shall include the following:

1.    An accurate site plan of the overall development, including all parcels included within the multi-tenant development or master planned community, at a scale as determined by the Director;

2.    The location(s) and sizes of existing and proposed buildings, parking lots, driveways, streets and landscaped areas of the development;

3.    The size, location, height, color, lighting source, and orientation of all proposed signs for the development, with a computation of sign area for each sign type;

4.    A complete set of sign standards, including but not limited to style, colors, type(s), placement, letter size, and number of signs and sign material(s);

5.    A narrative description of the development to demonstrate that the sign program meets the required findings and/or sign design standards;

6.    A nonrefundable sign permit fee as provided in Appendix 2, Planning Fee Schedule; and

7.    Any other information deemed necessary to meet the findings noted above.

F.    Individual Signs Authorized by an Approved Comprehensive Sign Program. Sign permits, which must be maintained in compliance with Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit – Permanent Signs, are required for individual signs authorized by an approved comprehensive sign program, provided:

1.    The signs comply with all applicable conditions of the approved comprehensive sign program;

2.    Sign permit applications are submitted within a time period specified as part of the conditions of the content or review of the comprehensive sign program, where applicable; and

3.    Sign permit applications are submitted prior to any subsequent amendment to this division which is more restrictive than provisions existing when the comprehensive sign program was approved.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Sign Design Elements. Increases in the allowable area and/or height of certain types of signs may be approved to encourage permanent signs with design features that are preferred by the City and the community at large.

The preferred design features detailed below shall apply to both freestanding and building mounted signs subject to the limitations in subsection (B) of this section. These preferred design features are in addition to the base maximum area and height limitations in Table 10-50.100.060.A, Standards for Permanent Signs by Use. In addition, all signs located in multi-tenant centers are required to comply with the center’s comprehensive sign program, if such a plan has been approved by the City.

1.    Raised Letter Signs. This standard encourages the use of individual lettered business and logo design, or where appropriate, signs containing copy, logo and/or decorative embellishments in relief on the face of the sign. Such improved sign design enhances the readability of sign copy and projects a positive image of the business or use. A sign area and/or height increase as established in Table 10-50.100.080.A, Percentage Increases for Design Features Used, may be approved for sign designs that display either:

a.    Pan channel letters without raceways, or internal/indirect illuminated halo channel letters on an unlit or otherwise indistinguishable background on a freestanding sign or building wall; or

b.    Where appropriate, carved signs with a three-dimensional textured surface that is integral to its design, such as extensively carved, routed and/or sandblasted signs containing the business name and/or logo.

Figure 10-50.100.080A

Raised Letter Sign

Figure 10-50.100.080B

Carved Sign

2.    Simplified Letter and/or Logo Copy. The purpose of this standard is to encourage easily recognizable business identification while simplifying the appearance of the City streetscape. A sign area and/or height increase, as established in Table 10-50.100.080.A, Percentage Increases for Design Features Used, may be approved for the signs utilizing this design standard.

3.    Sign Structure Materials. This standard encourages the use of native or natural materials in the construction of sign structures, resulting in improved and innovative sign design and an improved image of the business or development to which it refers. A sign area and/or height increase as established in Table 10-50.100.080.A, Percentage Increases for Design Features Used, may be approved for the sign designs in which a minimum of 75 percent of the sign structure and face are constructed of native or natural materials, including malpais rock, flagstone, river rock, redwood, cedar, treated pine, used brick, and/or unpainted or unfinished nonreflective metals.

Figure 10-50.100.080C

Sign Structure Materials

4.    Sign Structure Which Blends with the Development Site. This standard encourages the incorporation of a sign and sign structure into a major element of a building facade or significant landscape feature, resulting in the creation of a unique image for the development or premises on which it is located. A sign area and/or height increase as established in Table 10-50.100.080.A, Percentage Increases for Design Features Used, may be approved for the sign designs that integrate major architectural elements or details of the development site into the building facade for a building mounted sign, or the support structure for a freestanding sign.

Figure 10-50.100.080D

Sign Structure which Blends with Development Site

5.    Freestanding Signs of Reduced Height. This standard encourages the reduction of overall height for freestanding signs as established in Table 10-50.100.060.H, Standards for Freestanding Signs, while maintaining sign and site compatibility and improving the image of the business or development. See Table 10-50.100.080.A, Percentage Increases for Design Features Used, for percentage increases allowed.

B.    Cumulative Adjustments. Where more than one feature listed in subsection (A) of this section is proposed, the adjustment allowed for each individual feature is cumulative. Such sign area and/or height adjustment is measured and based upon the permitted sign area and height for the applicable site as determined in Section 10-50.100.060, Permanent Signs. Cumulative adjustments for sign area and sign height for freestanding and building mounted signs are provided in Table 10-50.100.080.B, Cumulative Adjustments.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Purpose. The Council finds that the proliferation of portable signs is a distraction to the traveling public and creates aesthetic blight and litter that threatens the public health, safety, and welfare. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that portable signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public by eliminating the aesthetic blight and litter caused by portable signs.

B.    General to All. Portable signs must comply with the following:

1.    Wall banners require a permit. See Section 10-20.40.130, Sign Permits – Wall Banners.

2.    There is no limitation on the length of time that a portable sign may be displayed except for wall banners (see Table 10-50.100.090.B, Standards for Specific Portable Sign Types).

3.    Portable signs must not be placed on or affixed to any City property, including City rights-of-way, except as specifically authorized in connection with a special event permitted under Chapter 8-12, Special Events.

4.    Portable signs shall not be placed in the clear view zone at street intersections or driveways (refer to Section 10-50.100.050(F), Sign Placement at Intersection).

C.    Standards for Portable Signs. Portable signs placed on private property are allowed in all zones in compliance with the following standards:

1.    Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions for Portable Signs on Private Property. Portable signs on private property shall comply with the standards provided in Table 10-50.100.090.A, Standards for All Portable Signs on Private Property.

2.    Types of Portable Signs. Portable signs shall comply with the standards provided in Table 10-50.100.090.B, Standards for Specific Portable Sign Types.

3.    Civic and Nonprofit Event Signs on City Approved Sign Support Structures.

a.    Purpose. The City has installed banner sign support structures at certain locations within the community where banners advertising events organized and implemented by civil and nonprofit organizations, and events for which a special event permit has been approved by the Recreation Services Section, may be placed. The purpose of these banner sign support structures is to provide a convenient, highly visible and safe location to display such banners in order to minimize their proliferation within the community, which causes visual blight.

b.    Standards. Signs may be installed on City approved sign support structures in compliance with the standards provided in Table 10-50.100.090.C, Standards for Signs on City-Approved Sign Support Structures.

c.    An application may be submitted to the Director for the placement of up to three banners on City-approved sign support structures (illustrated in Figure 10-50.100.090A) for the purpose of promoting a forthcoming civic or nonprofit event, a City Recreation Services event, or an event for which a special event permit has been approved by the Recreation Services Section. Placement on these structures is reserved on a first come, first served basis up to three months in advance of the event. The City map that shows the locations of the sign support structures is available on the City website.

Figure 10-50.100.090A

Civic or Nonprofit Event Sign Structure

4.    Sign Walkers. To promote pedestrian and traffic safety, sign walkers are subject to the following time, place and manner restrictions:

a.    Sign walkers are not permitted in any of the following locations:

(1)    Within 10 feet of a street or driveway intersection measured from the back of the curb or edge of pavement if no curb exists;

(2)    In parking aisles or stalls;

(3)    In driving lanes; or

(4)    On fences, walls, boulders, planters, other signs, vehicles, utility facilities or any other structure.

b.    Sign walkers may not interfere with traffic or block pedestrians or bicyclists.

c.    Sign walkers advertising for a business are only permitted to advertise during the business’s hours of operation.

d.    Sign walker signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area or eight feet in height when held.

e.    Sign walker signs that include the following are prohibited:

(1)    Any form of illumination, including flashing, blinking or rotating lights;

(2)    Animation on the sign itself.

f.    Spinning, waving, throwing the sign in the air or any other such erratic movement intended to attract attention is prohibited.

g.    Sign walkers are not required to get a sign permit.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    Flagstaff Central District.

1.    Purpose. The additional sign regulations provided in this section for the Flagstaff Central District Area of Special Designation are intended to recognize, preserve and promote the inherent and unique qualities of Flagstaff’s historic downtown area of the City which is an integral part of the City’s economic stability and growth. The area designated as the Flagstaff Central District encompasses those areas of the City characterized by narrow streets, smaller lots and lot frontages, and buildings representative of the early development of Flagstaff.

2.    Applicability.

a.    The Flagstaff Central District is bounded by Columbus Avenue/Switzer Canyon Drive to the north, Butler Avenue to the south, Park Street to the west, and Elden Street to the east. The Flagstaff Central District is mapped in Division 10-90.30: Overlay Maps, Section 10-90.30.040, Flagstaff Central District Map.

b.    The standards provided in this section shall be applied in addition to the standards and requirements otherwise established in this division.

3.    Permits. All applications for sign permits for signs to be located in the Flagstaff Central District shall follow the sign permitting requirements and procedures established in Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit – Permanent Signs, except that signs to be located in the Flagstaff Central District shall also be reviewed for approval by the Historic Preservation Officer.

4.    Findings for Signs Proposed in the Central District. Signs proposed in the Flagstaff Central District shall be reviewed and approved based on application of the following findings to ensure that signs are:

a.    Representative of the character of the surrounding district and adjacent architecture, as well as of the building on which they appear, when considered in terms of scale, color, materials, lighting levels, and adjoining uses;

b.    In proper scale to, and expressive of, the business or activity for which they are displayed;

c.    Innovative in the use of three dimensional form (i.e., letters, logos, or other sign elements shall have a minimum relief of the lesser of one percent of the longest sign dimension or 1.5 inches), profile, and iconographic representation;

d.    Employed with exceptional lighting design;

e.    Employed with exceptional graphic design, including the outstanding use of color, pattern, typography, and materials; and

f.    Made of high quality and durable materials appropriate to an urban setting.

Figure 10-50.100.100.A.

Local Examples of Signs Appropriately Designed for the Flagstaff Central District

5.    Standards. Signs within the Flagstaff Central District shall comply with the standards and requirements otherwise established in this division as well as the following standards:

a.    Building Mounted Signs. Building mounted signs provide simple business identification. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.100.A., Standards for Building Mounted Signs in Flagstaff Central District, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.100.B.

Total Sign Area for the Building and Individual Sign Area for Each Business

(1)    Signs painted directly on the building when the wall surface already has been painted in a uniform manner are permitted. Signs proposed for previously unpainted rock or brick are not permitted, and heritage signs shall not be defaced or obscured.

(2)    Awning and Canopy Signs. Awning signs used to enhance a storefront or canopy signs used to accent building entries may be used in lieu of projecting signs, and may be used in coordination with flush building mounted signs. Such signs are subject to the provisions in Section 10-50.100.060.C.4.b.(1) and (3).

Figure 10-50.100.100C

Awning and Canopy Signs

(3)    Building Identification Sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.100.B, Standards for Building Identification Signs, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.100D

Building Identification Sign

(4)    Projecting Signs. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.100.C, Standards for Projecting Signs in the Flagstaff Central District, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.100E

Projecting Sign

b.    Freestanding Signs. Two styles of freestanding signs are permitted within the Flagstaff Central District: either a low profile freestanding sign, or a freestanding suspended sign, either of which may also be used as a neighborhood or district sign. The standards provided in Table 10-50.100.100.D, Standards for Freestanding Signs in Flagstaff Central District, shall apply.

Figure 10-50.100.100F

Freestanding Sign

c.    Temporary Signs. Temporary signs proposed within the Flagstaff Central District shall comply with the standards established in Section 10-50.100.090, Temporary Signs.

B.    Downtown Historic District.

1.    Purpose. This section establishes additional sign regulations for the Downtown Historic District. Refer to Division 10-30.30, Heritage Preservation.

2.    Applicability.

a.    The Downtown Historic District applies to all properties located within the T6 transect zone (refer to Section 10-40.40.100, T6 Downtown (T6) Standards) and the area bounded by the east side of Humphreys Street to the west side of Verde Street, and by the north side of Route 66 to the south side of Cherry Avenue, including portions of Flagstaff Townsite and Railroad Addition Subdivisions. The Downtown Historic District is mapped on Map 10-90.30.030 (Downtown Historic District Overlay Zone Map), in Division 10-90.30 (Overlay Maps).

b.    The standards provided in this section for the Downtown Historic District shall be applied in addition to the standards and requirements otherwise established in this division.

3.    Permits. All applications for sign permits for signs to be located in the Downtown Historic District shall follow the sign permitting requirements and procedures established in Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit – Permanent Signs, except that the Heritage Preservation Commission or Heritage Preservation Officer shall also review the sign permit application following the procedures established in Division 10-30.30, Heritage Preservation.

4.    Design Standards. Signs within the Downtown Historic District shall comply with the standards and requirements established in subsections (A)(4) and (A)(5) of this section applicable to the Flagstaff Central District as well as the Development Design Standards and Guidelines for this district established in the Design Handbook for Downtown Flagstaff (1997).

5.    Portable Signs. Portable signs proposed within the Downtown Historic District shall comply with the standards established in Section 10-50.100.090, Portable Signs, except as provided below:

a.    Feather vertical banners are prohibited in the Downtown Historic District.

C.    Reserved for Future Use.

D.    Flagstaff Auto Park District.

1.    Purpose. The purpose of the Flagstaff Auto Park District Area of Special Designation is to recognize that the interior parcels of a large commercial center should be entitled to install the same kind of business signage as the perimeter parcels, and to promote the economic vitality and commercial viability of those businesses that do not have highway frontage.

2.    Applicability.

a.    The Flagstaff Auto Park District includes lots 1 through 13, a portion of Historic Route 66 between North Test Drive and U.S. Highway 89, and City owned property on the southeast corner of the intersection of Historic Route 66 and U.S. Highway 89 as illustrated in Figure 10-50.100.100G. The Flagstaff Auto Park District Area of Special Designation is not to be confused with any other district which may be designated for special consideration within the City of Flagstaff.

b.    The special regulations for the Flagstaff Auto Park District apply only to an off-premises auto park identification sign located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Historic Route 66 and North Highway 89 and an auto park entrance sign to be located on Lot 8 at the northeast corner of the intersection of Test Drive and Historic Route 66. All other signs proposed on all lots and parcels within the Flagstaff Auto Park District shall comply with the applicable provisions of this division.

Figure 10-50.100.100G

Flagstaff Auto Park District

3.    Permits.

a.    Permits for signs in the Flagstaff Auto Park District Area of Special Designation may only be issued after a completed sign permit application (refer to Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit – Permanent Signs, and Section 10-20.40.130, Sign Permit – Wall Banners) has been reviewed by the Planning Director.

b.    The Planning Director may approve, conditionally approve or deny a sign proposal for the off-premises auto park identification sign or an auto park entrance sign in the Flagstaff Auto Park District, and shall only approve an application that complies with the design standards established in subsection (D)(4) of this section.

4.    Design Standards.

a.    Primary Flagstaff Auto Park District Identification Sign. The primary Flagstaff Auto Park District identification sign shall comply with the following standards. Refer also to Figure 10-50.100.100H.

(1)    Overall Sign Dimensions.

(a)    Height. The maximum overall height of the sign shall be 22 feet and three inches measured from the highest finish grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign. The maximum height of the sign body and base measured from the highest finish grade to the top of the sign body shall be nine feet.

(b)    Diameter. The maximum diameter of the sign body (i.e., where the auto dealer logos will be placed) shall be 15 feet.

Figure 10-50.100.100H

Primary Flagstaff Auto Park District Identification Sign

(2)    Sign Materials and Standards.

(a)    The sign base below where the auto dealer logos will be placed shall be constructed with natural stone or an authentic simulation of natural stone.

(b)    The sign copy identifying this sign for the Flagstaff Auto Park District shall be mounted without raceways.

(c)    Signs for individual auto dealers shall only be mounted on the sign body, and shall only include logos for those businesses, and not text.

(d)    The Flagstaff Auto Park District sign shall include a landscaped area located around the base of the sign equal to two and one-half square feet for each square foot of sign area and containing trees, shrubs and ground cover plants. Shrubs and ground covers shall have a spacing of not greater than three feet on center.

b.    Secondary Flagstaff Auto Park District Identification Sign. The secondary Flagstaff Auto Park District identification sign shall comply with the following standards. Refer also to Figure 10-50.100.100I.

(1)    Overall Sign Dimensions.

(a)    Height. The maximum overall height of the sign (i.e., the sign body and base only) shall be nine feet measured from the highest finish grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign.

(b)    Diameter. The maximum diameter of the sign body (i.e., where the auto dealer logos will be placed) shall be 15 feet.

Figure 10-50.100.100I

Secondary Flagstaff Auto Park District Identification Sign

(2)    Sign Materials and Standards.

(a)    The sign base below where the auto dealer logos will be placed shall be constructed with natural stone or an authentic simulation of natural stone.

(b)    The sign copy identifying this sign for the Flagstaff Auto Park District shall be mounted without raceways.

(c)    Signs for individual auto dealers shall only be mounted on the sign body, and shall only include logos for those businesses, and not text.

(d)    The sign shall include a landscaped area located around the base of the sign equal to two and one-half square feet for each square foot of sign area and containing trees, shrubs and ground cover plants placed throughout the required landscape area. Shrubs and ground covers shall have a spacing of not greater than three feet on center.

5.    Sign Maintenance. Signs shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-50.100.050(E).

E.    Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District.

1.    Purpose. This section establishes additional sign regulations for the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District.

2.    Applicability.

a.    The Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District includes those lots developed as the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace, a portion of Historic Route 66 between North Test Drive and North Country Club Drive, a portion of North Country Club Drive from Historic Route 66 to East Nestle Purina Avenue, and City owned property on the northeast corner of the intersection of North Country Club Drive and East Nestle Purina Avenue as illustrated in Figure 10-50.100.100J. The Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District is not to be confused with any other district which may be designated for special consideration within the City of Flagstaff.

b.    The special regulations for the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District apply only to an off-premises Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace identification sign located within an easement area defined in Easement Agreement (Monument Sign) between the City of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Mall SPE LLC on City owned property on the northeast corner of the intersection of North Country Club Drive and East Nestle Purina Avenue. All other signs proposed on all lots and parcels within the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District shall comply with the applicable provisions of this division. Any real property located within both the Flagstaff Marketplace District and Flagstaff Auto Park District shall be considered as belonging to one or the other of these districts. No combination of districts is intended by the overlapping of the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District and the Flagstaff Auto Park District. The Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace identification sign referenced above may also include the name “Auto Park” within the sign name portion of the sign above the future tenant panels.

Figure 10-50.100.100J

Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District

3.    Permits.

a.    Permits for signs in the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District may only be issued after a completed sign permit application (refer to Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit – Permanent Signs, and Section 10-20.40.130, Sign Permit – Wall Banners) has been reviewed by the Planning Director.

b.    The Planning Director may approve, conditionally approve or deny a sign proposal for the off-premises Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace identification sign, and shall only approve an application that complies with the Design Standards established in subsection (E)(4) of this section.

4.    Design Standards. The Flagstaff Auto Park and Marketplace District identification sign shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the approved Comprehensive Sign Plan dated January 10, 2006, for the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace, and shall comply with the following standards. Refer also to Figure 10-50.100.100K.

a.    Overall Sign Dimensions.

(1)    Height. The maximum overall height of the sign shall be 22 feet and six inches measured from the highest finish grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign. The maximum height of the sign body (i.e., future tenant panels signage area) and sign base measured from the highest finish grade to the base of the sign shall be 20 feet.

(2)    Length. The maximum length of the sign base shall be 17 feet.

(3)    Width. The maximum width of the sign base shall be four feet.

Figure 10-50.100.100K

Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District Identification Sign

(4)    Sign Name. The maximum height of the portion of the sign where the letters “Flagstaff Mall The Marketplace & Auto Park” will be located shall be six feet, and its maximum width shall be 14 feet and six inches.

b.    Sign Materials and Standards.

(1)    The sign base shall be constructed with natural stone or an authentic simulation of natural stone and capped with a concrete cap no more than six inches thick.

(2)    The sign cabinet exterior shall be aluminum painted with no more than two complementary colors with a satin finish.

(3)    Eight removable aluminum routed faces mounted in two columns of four sign faces each shall be provided for future tenants of the Flagstaff Mall and Marketplace District.

(4)    A white acrylic, internally illuminated accent feature may be incorporated into the top of the sign cabinet.

(5)    The name used to identify this sign shall be “Flagstaff Mall & Marketplace Auto Park” and may be incorporated into the top of the sign cabinet.

(6)    Sign Area.

(a)    The overall sign area shall not exceed 216 square feet on each side of the sign.

(b)    The area for each of the future tenant panels shall not exceed two feet in height and a total width for both columns of panels of 14 feet and six inches.

(c)    Each future tenant panel shall be separated from the sign face above or below it by no more than three inches.

(d)    The total height of the signage area shall not exceed 14 feet and eight inches.

c.    Sign Illumination.

(1)    The sign shall be internally illuminated only, and no external indirect illumination of the sign structure by any means is permitted.

(2)    Internally illuminated sign panels shall be constructed with an opaque background and translucent letters and symbols, or with a colored background and lighter letters and symbols. Where white or other night-bright colors are part of a logo, such colors are permitted in the logo only; provided, that the logo represents not more than 50 percent of the total sign area permitted.

5.    Sign Maintenance. Signs shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-50.100.050(E).

F.    West University Drive Entrance District.

1.    Purpose. The purpose of the West University Drive Entrance District is to allow Northern Arizona University to locate an entrance monument sign on land that is not currently owned by the university. West University Drive provides a major entrance to the central part of campus, and Northern Arizona University wishes to identify this as a major campus entrance by siting a monument sign at this location. Siting this sign on adjacent private property is desirable due to space constraints, primarily due to a large regional storm water basin immediately adjacent to University Drive, north of the proposed sign site.

2.    Applicability.

a.    The West University Drive Entrance District includes the northeastern portion of the commercial parcels as illustrated in Figure 10-50.100.100L. This area includes a right-of-way for a storm water culvert to the detention basin. The West University Drive Entrance District is not to be confused with any other district that may be designated for special consideration within the City of Flagstaff.

b.    The special regulations for the West University Drive Entrance District apply only to an off-premises Northern Arizona University identification sign located on the northwesterly side of University Drive, north of the commercial parcel’s east access drive and south of the storm water basin. All other signs proposed on lots and parcels within the West University Drive Entrance District shall comply with the applicable provisions of this division.

Figure 10-50.100.100L

West University Drive Entrance District

3.    Permits.

a.    Permits for signs in the West University Drive Entrance District may only be issued after a completed sign permit application (refer to Section 10-20.40.120, Sign Permit—Permanent Signs and Section 10-20.40.130, Sign Permit – Wall Banners) has been reviewed by the Planning Director.

b.    The Planning Director may approve, conditionally approve, or deny a sign proposal for the off-premises Northern Arizona University identification sign or a Northern Arizona University entrance sign in the West University Drive Entrance District, and shall only approve an application that complies with the design standards established in subsection (F)(4) of this section.

4.    Design Standards. The primary Northern Arizona University West University Drive Entrance District identification sign shall comply with the following standards. Refer to Figures 10-50.100.100M and 10-50.100.100N.

Figure 10-50.100.100.M.

Eastern Stone Wall Elevation with Signage Elevation South Face

Figure 10-50.100.100.N.

Western Stone Wall Elevation with Signage Elevation South Face

5.    Overall Sign Dimensions.

a.    Height. The maximum overall height of the sign shall be 4.10 feet measured from grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign. The top surface of the sign shall be level.

b.    Width. The sign shall consist of two segments separated by a concrete walkway while forming an arc with a radius of 255.50 feet at the centerline of the sign. The width of the separation shall be 36.89 feet. This break in the signs is to facilitate Northern Arizona University snow removal relocation into the basin. The length of the westerly section of the sign shall be approximately 34.82 feet as measured at the base of the sign. The length of the easterly section of the sign shall be approximately 71.85 feet as measured at the base of the sign. Dimensions are given as approximate due to potential variations in the thickness of the stone veneer sign faces.

6.    Sign Materials and Standards.

a.    The core of the sign will be constructed of steel reinforced concrete and supported by a steel reinforced concrete footing 2.50 feet in depth and 3.08 feet in width. The exterior of the sign shall be covered with rose-colored sandstone veneer panels to match existing Northern Arizona University entrance monument signs.

b.    The sign copy will consist of sandblasted text “Northern Arizona University” and “Founded 1899.” All text shall be painted or stained black for contrast and easy visibility.

c.    The West University Drive Entrance District sign shall include a landscaped area located around the base of the sign equal to 2.5 square feet for each square foot of sign area and containing trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants. Shrubs and ground covers shall have a spacing of not greater than three feet on center.

7.    Sign Illumination. Internal illumination is preferred. External illumination shall comply with Division 10-50.70, Outdoor Lighting Standards, and consist of LED tape in aluminum channel mounted under the sign cap above the sign text only.

8.    Sign Maintenance. Signs shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-50.100.050.E.

G.    Flagstaff Sign Free Zone.

1.    Purpose and Applicability. The Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to designate a sign free zone in order to protect the scenic and aesthetic appeal of the area within the zone and maintain its appeal to tourists. The Flagstaff sign free zone, which has been established pursuant to A.R.S. § 16-1019 and is illustrated on Map 10-90.40.010, Flagstaff Sign Free Zone, has been determined based on the location of a predominance of commercial tourism, resort and hotel uses within this zone.

2.    Standards.

a.    Portable signs, including political signs, may not be placed within the public rights-of-way in the Flagstaff sign free zone. Portable signs are permitted on private property adjacent to the Flagstaff sign free zone.

b.    The Director may remove or cause to be removed any portable sign erected or displayed in the public rights-of-way in the Flagstaff sign free zone.

(Ord. 2020-11, Amended, 5/5/2020 (Res. 2020-17); Ord. 2019-22, Amended, 7/2/2019 (Res. 2019-31); Ord. 2018-14, Amended, 3/13/2018; Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35); Ord. 2013-22, Amended, 11/05/2013)

Section 10-20.60.110, Nonconforming Signs, provides the standards and regulations for nonconforming signs.

(Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, display, or use a sign within the City contrary to, or in violation of, any provision of this division. The requirements of this division shall be enforced in compliance with the enforcement provisions of Division 10-20.110, Enforcement.

B.    The Director may remove or cause to be removed any portable sign erected or displayed upon a public sidewalk, walkway or pedestrian thoroughfare within public right-of-way or within a clear view zone that creates a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(Ord. 2016-22, Amended, 6/21/2016 (Res. 2016-13); Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

Any person, firm, or corporation aggrieved by a decision of the Director in interpreting, applying, or enforcing this section may file an appeal in compliance with the appeal provisions established in Section 10-20.80.020, Appeals of Interpretations by Zoning Code Administrator or Director.

(Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

A.    If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, word, portion or provision of the division is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect, impair, or invalidate any other section, sentence, clause, phrase, word, portion, or provision of this division which can be given effect without the invalid provision.

B.    The invalidation of the application of any section, sentence, clause, phrase, word, portion, or provision of this division to a particular property or structure, or any particular properties or structures, by any court of competent jurisdiction shall not affect the application of such section, sentence, clause, phrase, word, portion or provision to any other property or structure not specifically included in said invalidation.

(Ord. 2014-27, Amended, 11/18/2014 (Res. 2014-35))

This division provides illustrations, descriptions and standards for permitted building types, and specifies the transect zones in which they are allowed.

The purpose of these provisions is to ensure development that reinforces and compliments the existing character and architecture found in Flagstaff’s neighborhoods and downtown.

A.    The requirements of this division shall apply to all proposed development within the transect zones, and shall be considered in combination with the standards for the applicable zone in Chapter 10-40, Specific to Zones, and in the rest of this chapter.

B.    The standards set forth in this division may also be used in the non-transect zones with Director approval.

C.    Civic buildings shall not be subject to the physical requirements of the building type standards in this division.

This section provides an overview of allowed building types. The name of the building type is not intended to limit allowed uses within a specific building type. For example nonresidential uses (such as a restaurant or offices) may be located within a single-family house, and a commercial block building type may include non-commercial uses. Height regulations are primarily determined by the zone the building type resides within and are provided in Chapter 10-40, Specific to Zones. Specifics of how to measure building height are provided in Division 10-50.30, Building Height.

Table 10-50.110.030.A., Allowed Building Types, provides an overview of allowed building types.