4-C Approved General Plan 2035.pdf

April 25, 2022

May 12, 2022

The Town of Prescott Valley would like to thank and recognize the efforts of those involved in the development of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035

THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF PRESCOTT VALLEY

TOWN COUNCIL

Kell Palguta, Mayor Lori Hunt, Vice Mayor Brenda Dickinson, Councilmember April Hepperle, Councilmember Roger Kinsinger, Councilmember Don Packard, Councilmember Kendall Schumacher, Councilmember

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Matt Zurcher, Chairperson Larry Renken, Vice-Chairman Sandra Griffis, Commissioner Brieanna King, Commissioner Sandra Laney, Commissioner Gary Roberts, Commissioner Arda Rutherford, Commissioner

TOWN STAFF

Gilbert Davidson, Town Manager Cutter Chamberlain, Assistant to Town Manager Ryan Judy, Deputy Town Manager Ivan Legler, Town Attorney Fernando Gonzalez, Development Services Director Norm Davis, Public Works Director Neil Wadsworth, Utilities Director Boyd Robertson, Engineering Manager Casey Van Haren, Community Services -Parks and Rec Director John Munderloh, Water Resources Manager Larry Prentice, GIS Manager Joe Scott, Wayne Balmer, Planners Vikie Anderson, Administrative Supervisor

Adopted May 12, 2022 Ratified November 8, 2022

TOWN COUNCIL, DECEMBER 2021

Back Row (Left to Right):

Roger Kinsinger, April Hepperle, Kell Palguta, Lori Hunt Front Row (Left to Right):

Brenda Dickinson, Don Packard, Kendall Schumacher

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i

Table of Contents___________________________________________ Chapters

Introduction 1

1.1

1.2 1.3 1.4

Overview of Prescott Valley Historical Perspective of Prescott Valley How the Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 Came to Be A User’s Guide to the Prescott Valley General Plan 2035

General Plan Administration Element 7

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4

2.5

Introduction General Plan Adoption and Ratification Process General Plan Amendments General Plan Implementation

General Plan Updates

General Plan Implementation Element 11

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

Introduction Implementation Mechanisms General Plan 2035 Implementation Guiding Principles, Goals and Policies

Community Vision Element 15

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6

A 2035 Mission Statement for Prescott Valley Community Values Hierarchy of the Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 Guiding Principles for General Plan 2035 A Unified Direction Toward the Future Citizens Participation Programs ii

Growth Areas Element 21

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4

3.4

Introduction Planned Developments Looking Toward 2035

Land Use Element 35

6.1

6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10

Introduction Looking Toward 2035 Existing Land Use Relationship with Other Plans and Programs Prescott Valley Zoning Ordinance Description of the General Plan 2035 Land Use Plan Land Use Plan Land Use Designations Planned Area Development Descriptions and Rationale

Housing Element 83

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6

Introduction Demographic Analysis Housing and Neighborhoods Future Housing Development Policy Neighborhood Reinvestment

Circulation Element 99

8.1

8.2 8.3 8.4

Introduction Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization Existing Vehicular Transportation System iii

Environmental Planning & Water Management Element 125

9.1

9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 9.10

Introduction Water Management Wastewater System Water Conservation Water Quality Water Use and Conservation Websites Environmental Planning Biologic Resources Looking Toward 2035

Arts, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element 141

10.1

10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8

Introduction At This Point in Time Existing Facilities Looking Toward 2035 Parks Needs Analysis Tree City USA Prescott Valley Public Library

Education Element 165

11.1

11.2 11.3 11.4

Introduction Humboldt Schools Governing Board Goals and Shared Purposes Yavapai College Vision Statement

Public Safety Element 171

12.1

12.2 12.3 12.4

Introduction Prescott Valley Police Department Mission, Vision and Values Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority Mission, Vision and Values iv

Cost of Development Element 179

13.1

13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7

Introduction At This Point in Time Funding Sources Prescott Valley’s Impact Fee Ordinance Looking Toward 2035 Cost of Development

Economic Development Element 187

14.1

14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 14.8

Introduction Economic Indicators Commercial Development Locations Prescott Valley and Yavapai County Economic Development Snapshot Building Permits Looking Toward 2035 Roles and Responsibilities in Economic Development

Appendix – Citizen Surveys 201

A Prescott Valley Survey Questions

Survey publicity Survey results

Introduction

General Plan 2035 1

It is time for the Town of Prescott Valley to update its General Plan. Every 10 years towns and cities throughout Arizona revisit their general plans to be sure an up-to-date connection exists between the community’s values and visions, State law and the ongoing development of their community. In Prescott Valley, residents have a strong sense of civic pride, value the quality of life the Town offers, and desire to preserve the community’s positive characteristics into the future. To this end, Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 will serve as the Town’s official statement defining the nature of growth, development, and reinvestment in the Town.

1.1 Overview of Prescott Valley

The Town of Prescott Valley is in central Yavapai County, approximately 80 miles northwest of the City of Phoenix, via U.S. Interstate 17 and State Route 69. The Town is situated between State Route 69 and State Route 89A, just east of Prescott. It is approximately 20 miles west of I-17 and six miles east of State Route 89. U.S.

Interstate 40 is 60 miles north of Prescott Valley via State Route 89 North.

The Prescott Valley terrain is characterized by rolling hills, long mesas and deep ravines, covered with native grasses and shrubs. Two major drainage patterns cross the Town, one to the north and one to the south. In the north, the Agua Fria River flows from west to east, then southeasterly through the north and eastern portions of the area. On the south side of the Town, Lynx Creek flows from west to east, joining the Agua Fria to the east. Similarly, Clipper Wash flows through a small portion of the southern quadrant of Prescott Valley’s planning area.

The Bradshaw Mountains form a backdrop to the southern boundaries of Prescott Valley and Mingus Mountain lies just beyond its northeasterly boundary. Glassford Hill, a prominent terrain feature, is the landmark of the Town’s western limits, and played a prominent role as a heliograph station for transmission of sun-reflected messages for Fort Whipple in the 1880s.

1.2 Historical Perspective of Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley, formerly known as Lonesome Valley, was part of a vast ancient mountain lake where prehistoric horses and mammoths once roamed. In more recent historic times, a small village of pueblo

Chapter 1 Introduction

2 General Plan 2035 dwellers existed near Lynx Creek where water, nuts, berries, and game were plentiful. The short tenure of the Pueblo people from approximately 1140 to 1390 AD, was followed later by the Yavapai and Apache people over the next five centuries. In the 1860s, cattlemen arrived, attracted by the lush grasses and available water. The early pioneering families of Tom Sanders and Dan Fain settled in Lonesome Valley and nearby areas, establishing ranching as the Valley’s primary activity for the next 100 years.

In the 1960s, a vast change to the primary activity of ranching was initiated. Urban land development began in Lonesome Valley on property owned by the Fain family with the subdivision platting of Lynx Lake Estates, followed closely by the first subdivided unit of Prescott Valley in 1966. Twenty subdivision units, totaling almost 12,000 lots on nearly 5½ square miles were recorded by 1972. Simultaneously, the Castle Canyon Mesa and Prescott East subdivisions, with over 1,300 lots, were also platted. The subdivisions created a full urban complement of lots for single-family homes, apartments, mobile homes, commercial, and industrial uses on the previously open, grazing lands.

With rapid lot sales, the Prescott Valley area started to develop. In 1977, the 1,000+ residents began talking of incorporation to improve road conditions and public safety. On August 22, 1978, the Town of Prescott Valley was incorporated.

By 1980, the Town of Prescott Valley was the 54th largest municipality in Arizona; in 1990, the 25th largest municipality. By 2000, Prescott Valley became the 21st largest municipality in the state, with a population of 23,535. By 2010, the Town grew to 38,822 and in 2020 the Town had an estimated population of 46,515, making it the 23rd largest town in Arizona.

1.3 How the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 Came to Be

The Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 is very important to current and future generations and serves as the residents' official statement defining the nature of future growth, development, and reinvestment in Prescott Valley. According to Arizona state law, towns and cities are required to prepare and adopt a long-range general plan for the development of the community. In Arizona, general plans consist of statements of community goals and development policies, and include maps, diagrams, and text showing the community vision, goals, planned projects, and development standards for the future.

Chapter 1 Introduction

General Plan 2035 3

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN (PPP)

As required by state law, in June 2021 the Planning Commission reviewed a public participation plan to obtain citizen input to assist the community in updating the Town’s General Plan. The Planning and Zoning Commission forwarded the public participation plan to the Town Council with a recommendation of approval. The Town Council adopted Resolution No. 2194 on August 8, 2021, approving the Public Participation Plan.

Drafts of the updated chapters of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 were presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review in work-study sessions in October and November 2021.

Copies were also posted on the Town website for public comment. All meeting were noticed in the newspaper and alternate media outlets, including a web portal on the Town’s website, to enable citizen participants to view plan-related materials and comment on the document.

PUBLIC WORKSHOPS AND OPEN HOUSES

On November 4, 2021, the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council met in a Joint Session to discuss progress on the plan, and update and discuss the community’s goals and vision for the future. The vision for the future discussed at that meeting has been used to guide and direct the development of goals and objectives of General Plan 2035.

The updated Planning Elements were presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission in public hearings in October, November, and December 2021. State Law requires a 60-day Agency Review following acceptance of the draft by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Additionally, prior to the Mayor and Council’s consideration of the General Plan in June 2022, the Planning Commission held two additional public hearings. The adoption of the General Plan is required to be approved by affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the Mayor and Council. After completing all these steps, the Council -adopted General Plan was submitted to the voters for ratification at the next regularly scheduled municipal election on November 8, 2022.

TOWN NEWS UPDATES

Information on the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 update was also included in the Town of Prescott Valley’s Town News newsletter, as well as press releases regarding the process that were utilized by the local newspapers.

WEBSITE AND E-MAIL

In September 2021, a dedicated General Plan 2035 site was established on the Town of Prescott Valley’s website (www.pvaz.net), providing the public with access to up-to-date information and upcoming meeting dates. Additionally, a specific website was created (https://www.pvaz.net/1112/General -Plan- 2035) to further expand opportunities for public comments and questions about the plan. Information was also shared on the Town’s various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

RESIDENT SURVEYS

Much of the initial development of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 took place during the COVID-19 Delta Variant pandemic in the fall of 2021 and spring of 2022. As a result, a decision was made not to conduct as many in-person public meetings as might otherwise have been done. Instead, the Town http://www.pvaz.net)/

Chapter 1 Introduction

4 General Plan 2035 posted two resident surveys on the Town website, one dealing with 20 specific questions, and the other with five open-ended general questions to gather public input. Press releases and social media posts were used to inform residents of the surveys and encourage them to participate. As of December 31, 2021, the Town received a total of 502 responses to the “twenty questions” survey, and 454 responses to the “top five things” survey, for a total of 956 responses.

INFORMATION CENTER

Providing updated and accessible information to the community was an important component in the development of Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035. In addition to the information provided on the web site, a public “information center” was established near the Community Development Department service counter. The information center was maintained throughout the planning process and provided public access to background information, posted meeting/workshop dates, drawings, maps, photos, and draft reports. The information center was available to the public during regular Town Hall hours.

PLANNING COMMISSION AND TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOPS AND HEARINGS

Throughout the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 process, local officials were kept informed and involved in plan development. Formal meetings for the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council were scheduled at key points to share community input, review the current direction of the planning effort, and receive guidance and input from the local officials and residents.

1.4 A User's Guide to the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035

The Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 was created to be flexible yet intentional. It is based on the community’s vision for accommodating new private development and public improvements that nurture economic vitality, environmental quality, and citizenship while reinforcing the existing sense of community valued by so many. To accomplish the many goals embraced by the community, the General Plan has been organized into the following chapters.

Chapter 1. Introduction Element — Describes the location and context of Prescott Valley, summarizes the planning process (including public involvement) that resulted in the Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 and provides an overview of each element/chapter included in the Plan.

Chapter 2. General Plan Administration Element — Describes the administrative processes and procedures to successfully administer the plan once adopted.

Chapter 3. General Plan Implementation Element — Describes an implementation program of actions, procedures, projects, and programs to carry out the policies contained in each of the plan elements.

Chapter 4. Community Vision Element — Describes the community vision for Prescott Valley in 2035 and provides a series of guiding principles that serve as a bridge between the vision statement and the goals and policies set forth in each of the Plan elements.

Chapter 5. Growth Areas Element — Identifies those areas that are particularly suitable for planned multi-modal transportation and infrastructure expansion and improvements designed to support a planned concentration of a variety of uses, such as residential, office, commercial, tourism, and industrial uses.

Chapter 1 Introduction

General Plan 2035 5

Chapter 6. Land Use Element — Designates the proposed general location and size of uses of the land such as housing, business, industry, agriculture, recreation, education, public buildings and grounds, open space, and such other categories of public and private uses of land that may be appropriate in the Town.

Chapter 7. Housing Element – Describes the housing market in Prescott Valley in both current and historic contexts, examines demographics to determine future housing trends, and issues related to affordable housing, and presents reinvestment strategies for developed neighborhoods.

Chapter 8. Circulation Element — Consists of the general location and extent of existing and proposed freeways, arterial and collector streets, bicycle routes, and any other modes of transportation as may be appropriate.

Chapter 9. Environmental Planning and Water Management Element — Contains analysis, policies, and strategies to address anticipated effects, if any, of plan elements on air quality, water quality, and natural resources associated with proposed development under the General Plan 2035.

Chapter 10. Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element — Includes an inventory of the Town’s parks, open space areas, recreational resources, and potential for public arts and culture, an analysis of forecasted parks and open space needs, and implementation strategies to promote a regional system of integrated open space. Information on the Town’s library is also included.

Chapter 11. Education Element – Focuses on the educational opportunities and facilities within the community both currently and planned.

Chapter 12. Public Safety Element – Contains a discussion on the fire and police services for the Town, plus goals and policies for dealing with public safety emergencies that might occur within the community.

Chapter 13. Cost of Development Element — Identifies policies that the municipality will use to require new development to pay its fair share toward the cost of additional public service needs generated by new development in order to demonstrate that growth pays for growth.

Chapter 14. Economic Development Element — Provides guidance for economic development within the Town’s jurisdiction in order to attain a range of housing and employment opportunities that meet the needs of residents and workers alike, attract families and businesses to create demand for planned land uses, and establish and fund public service levels that preserve Prescott Valley’s quality of life.

Appendix – Describes the two surveys undertaken by the Town in order to obtain input from Town residents regarding the important goals and values of the community to be incorporated into the development of the new Plan.

Together, these 14 chapters and appendix serve as the basis for decisions regarding the Town’s long-term community development.

Chapter 1 Introduction

6 General Plan 2035

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General Plan Administration Element

General Plan 2035 7

2.1 Introduction

This chapter describes the administrative dimensions and procedures for the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035. It includes sections on General Plan Implementation, General Plan Adoption and Ratification Process, General Plan Amendments, and General Plan Updates. It provides guidelines for ensuring that the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 is implemented, amended when necessary, and regularly updated. Although each of these components is unique, they have at least one item in common: for the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 to be successful it must be comprehensive or inclusive in scope. This means that all Town departments should understand the General Plan and use it as a foundation for decision making. Furthermore, state and regional governmental agencies should be aware of the goals and policies in the Town of Prescott Valley’s General Plan so there is greater likelihood they will coordinate their efforts to complement the General Plan. Finally, the residents and business community should understand and support the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan. When all these entities are working in concert to achieve the common goals and policies in the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035, Plan administration will be successful, and the community will progress.

2.2 General Plan Adoption and Ratification Process

Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 9-461.06 requires that adoption or re-adoption of the General Plan be by resolution, approved by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Town Council, and ratified by a majority of the community’s citizens voting in a scheduled election.

The General Plan must be submitted for voter approval every 10 years. This requirement provides an opportunity for the Town to assess progress that has been made toward meeting the Town’s goals and policies, and to respond to changes in the community.

Prior to adoption or re-adoption of the General P l a n , the Planning and Zoning Commission holds at least 2 public hearings in 2 different locations before forwarding a recommendation to the Town Council.

Prior to adoption or re-adoption of the General Plan, the Town Council holds at least one more public hearing to consider the matter. Public and jurisdictional notice of the public hearings must comply with various state and Town regulations.

2.3 General Plan Amendments

There are several factors that suggest that periodic amendments to the General Plan can be beneficial to the community. Conditions will change over time, new technologies will evolve, the socioeconomic conditions of the community will continue to evolve, economic conditions will change, and new community values will be formed. Significant changes in any of these factors might necessitate a change in the Prescott Valley General Plan. Additionally, a General Plan for the entire community is, by its very nature, general. Looking at a specific parcel or area of the community allows for a greater level of detail and may provide additional information which differs from the general policies and details of the General Plan. The most prudent policy is to walk a fine line between the two extremes of inflexibility (no or few

Chapter 2 General Plan Administration Element

8 General Plan 2035 amendments) and flexibility (continual changes to the General Plan).

ARS Section 9-461.06 also sets forth the requirements for General Plan amendments, including a requirement that governing bodies follow written procedures that provide effective, early, and continuous public participation. In that regard, amendments to the General Plan shall only occur after careful review of the request, findings of fact in support of each amendment, and public hearings by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council. The findings of fact required shall include (but are not limited to):

• That each amendment will result in acceptable means of mitigating impacts through subsequent zoning action of the development process, to not adversely impact the community as a whole, or a portion of the community.

• That each amendment is consistent with the Vision, Guiding Principles, Goals and Policies of the General Plan.

Amendments to the General Plan may be initiated by the Town or by formal application by the owner(s) (or their agents). Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed change is an improvement to the General Plan.

With regard to major amendments of the General Plan, the Town shall take steps to ensure participation from all geographic, ethnic, and economic areas, including:

• broad dissemination of proposals and alternatives;

• opportunity for written comments;

• public hearings after effective notice;

• open discussions, communications programs, and information services;

• consideration of public comments; and

• consulting with and advising public officials and agencies, the County, school districts, association of governments, public land management agencies, other appropriate government jurisdictions, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional, and other organizations, property owners, and citizens to secure maximum coordination of plans and to indicate properly located sites for all public purposes on the General Plan.

To ensure adequate review of proposed major amendments, at least 60 days before they are noticed, the planning agency shall transmit the proposal to the Planning Commission, Town Council and for review to:

• the planning agency of Yavapai County;

• the City of Prescott, Town of Chino Valley, and Town of Dewey-Humboldt;

• the Northern Arizona Council of Governments;

• the Department of Commerce (or similar state agency); and

• any person or entity that requests in writing to receive a copy of the proposal.

General Plan 2035 9

2.3.1 Major Amendments

A major amendment to the General Plan is any proposal that would result in a change to the Land Use Plan that would substantially alter the Town’s planned mixture or balance of land uses. The following criteria are to be used to determine whether a proposed amendment to the General Plan substantially alters the mixture or balance of land uses. The term amendment shall apply to both text and map revisions.

A major amendment is any proposal that meets any one of the following criteria:

• A change from a residential land use classification to a non-residential land use classification on 100 or more acres, except for Open Space and Public/Quasi- Public classifications.

• A proposal on 100 or more acres that increases the maximum number of allowable residential units by more than 250 units.

• Any proposal that in aggregate includes changes in land use designations exceeding 320 acres.

• A proposal that results in a significant alteration, displacement, or diversion of a road alignment from the Circulation Plan, including but not limited to a change in functional classification.

• A proposal against which a written petition has been submitted, signed by qualified electors of the Town (as defined by state law), equal to 10% of the total number of votes cast at the Town election last preceding the submission of the petition at which a Mayor or Councilmember was chosen. See Note 1 below.

Amendments to the General Plan shall only occur after careful review of the request, findings of fact in support of the amendment, and public hearings by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council.

Major amendments are considered on an annual basis by the Town Council and require a two-thirds majority approval. They are presented at a single public hearing during the calendar year in which they are made. Prior to Town Council consideration, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall hold at least two public hearings in two different locations before forwarding a recommendation to the Town Council.

1 For purposes only of verifying that the petition meets the required number of signatures by qualified voters of the

Town, the applicable provisions of ARS Sections 19-112, 19-113, 19-121.01, 19-121.02, and 19-121.04 shall apply.

For purposes of ARS Section 19-112(B), signature sheets shall be attached to a copy of the front sheet of the Plan

Amendment application to the Community Development Department. If a petition is submitted no later than 48 hours before the Town Council meeting where a minor amendment is scheduled for public hearing and final consideration, the submittal shall stay proceedings until a determination is made whether the petition meets the required number of signatures. If the petition is determined to have the required signatures, then the procedures in ARS Section 9-461.06(E) must be repeated prior to any public hearing and final consideration by the Town Council.

10 General Plan 2035

2.3.2 Minor Amendments

Any amendments that do not qualify as major amendments to the General Plan shall be considered minor amendments. Any change mandated by changes in state law shall also be considered minor amendments.

2.4 General Plan Implementation

ARS 9-461.07 provides additional guidance for implementation of General Plans. In compliance with these requirements, the Development Services Department shall:

• Investigate and make recommendations to the legislative body about reasonable and practical ways to put the Plan into effect so that it will serve as a pattern and guide for orderly growth and development, and as a basis for efficient expenditure of funds. The recommended measures may include plans, regulations, financial reports, and capital budgets.

• Provide an annual report to the legislative body on the status of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 and progress towards its application.

• Endeavor to promote public interest in and understanding of the General Plan and regulations relating to it.

• Consult with and advise public officials and agencies, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional, and other organizations, and residents generally as it relates to carrying out the General Plan.

• Coordinate with other Town departments to help prepare and maintain a list of proposed capital improvements in and adjacent to the Town needed by the General Plan elements. This list should then serve as the starting point for coordination of budgets and program management each fiscal year.

• In preparing its annual report on the status of the General Plan 2035, compile information about disposition of T o w n real property (including new acquisitions) to ensure conformity with the General Plan and supporting Specific Area Plans.

2.5 General Plan Updates

Separate from General Plan amendments that are typically related to particular areas or proposed developments, there are times when circumstances may suggest general updates to Plan goals and policies. Therefore, the Prescott Valley Planning and Zoning Commission and the Development Services Department shall regularly review and monitor the amendment and implementation process and provide, when appropriate, recommendations to the Town Council for potentially updating the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 to ensure the Plan remains valid. In appropriate circumstances, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Development Services Department may recommend to the Town Council that the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 be adopted or readopted sooner than every 10 years.

General Plan Implementation Element

General Plan 2035 11

3.1 Introduction

The comprehensive array of principles, goals, and policies included throughout the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 will be used by policymakers to guide Town decisions and to evaluate future growth and development. This Chapter does not attempt to summarize this important information;

instead, it intends to identify the responsibilities and action steps necessary to implement the many dimensions of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035.

This Chapter was developed as a guide to assist the Town staff, the Town Council, the Planning Commission, representatives from various agencies, and members of involved local organizations in carrying out the General Plan’s directives. For members of the public, this chapter also provides a summary of the various activities the Town desires to undertake during the coming years.

3.2 Implementation Mechanisms

The greatest means for implementing a General Plan are partnerships and coordination. These means are often facilitated through several planning tools, including but not limited to:

• Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances

• Capital Improvement Plans

• Specific Plans or Area Plans

• Revitalization Plans

• Planned Area Developments

• Development Agreements

• Public-Private Partnerships

• Staff Time

• Volunteer Citizen-Based Committees and Commissions

• Interagency Coordination – Local, County, Regional, State and Federal

A variety of funding tools also facilitate implementation of the General Plan, including:

• Private investment

• Town general funds

• Impact fees

• Special Improvement Districts

• Community Facilities Districts

• Federal, state, local, and private grants

• Creative community fundraisers

• Private-public partnerships

Chapter 3 General Plan Implementation Element

12 General Plan 2035

3.3 General Plan 2035 Implementation

For any community General Plan to be effective, it needs to be kept current and used as an ongoing reference manual to help guide future land use and community development decisions. The Town of

Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 should be viewed as a guidepost – not a street map. It shows the way, and the hoped -for destinations, but it doesn’t show the step-by-step process needed to achieve them.

Some of the goals and policies shown in the Town of Prescott Valley General plan 2035 may seem lofty, but they are intended to reflect the higher aspirations of the town that may take years, or decades, to achieve – if ever. The most important thing about these goals is that they keep the Town focused forward on achieving the long-term goal of building the best Town of Prescott Valley possible for future generations.

Unlike individual businesses or activities, communities can never “just pack up shop and go away.” They are in it for the long haul, and the decisions they make today will be with them for decades to come – for better or for worse. While no General Plan can accurately predict the future, it provides a frame of reference to guide future decisions that will hopefully minimize short-term decisions that could adversely affect the best interests of the community over the long term.

To help transform the Goals and Policies of the General Plan into reality, the Town has a variety of tools at its disposal that need to be coordinated to develop the literal “street map” of the Town. The goals and policies need to be incorporated into future ordinances, budget allocations, capital improvement plans, and development procedures to make them “concrete.”

Making this transition will require the support and commitment of the Town Council, the town staff, the development community, and the residents of the Town of Prescott Valley, working together to take the action steps needed to transform this vision into reality.

The successful implementation of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 is in the hands of us all.

We need to focus on achieving some of, most of, or all of the goals and policies in the plan, to be a dynamic and prosperous community. If we lose focus, however, the Town’s goals and aspirations may not be met, and years from now future residents may ask “why not?”

To help keep the goals and policies alive in the minds of the Town’s decision-makers and residents, it is recommended the Town undertake an annual review, and the Council be provided with periodic updates of the progress being made, on achieving the goals shown in the plan and make course corrections as needed to keep moving in the right direction.

General Plan 2035 13

3.4 Guiding Principles, Goals, and Policies

GUIDING PRINCIPLE GPI-A: FOCUS THE TOWN’S DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, CAPITAL

IMPROVEMENTS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS ON THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE TOWN OF PRESCOTT VALLEY GENERAL PLAN 2035, AS ADOPTED BY THE

TOWN COUNCIL.

GOAL: GPI-A1 Review the Town’s development standards, and modify as needed, to reflect the goals and policies described in the General Plan.

POLICIES: GPI-A1.1 Update the Town’s zoning and establish development design standards to incorporate a greater emphasis on project landscaping, building design, parking adequacy, signage, and site planning for new and renovated office, commercial and industrial projects.

GPI-A1.2 Update the Town’s residential development standards to promote the use of durable materials, interesting building design, efficient landscaping, convenient parking areas, and varied building orientations to improve the

“livability” of the Town’s residential areas.

GPI-A1.3 Incorporate “green” environmental building design and construction elements into new and renovated projects where possible.

GPI-A1.4 Review the Town’s subdivision design and construction standards, and modify as needed, to provide uniform standards for the construction of new public infrastructure needed to accommodate the project, address existing infrastructure deficiencies, encourage creative subdivision design and provide sufficient right-of-way where needed to accommodate existing and proposed street improvements, bike lanes, sidewalks, storm drainage, utility locations and other facilities.

GPI-A1.5 Review the Town’s Capital Improvement Program, and modify as needed, to reflect the goals and policies described in the General Plan which will be achieved by each new project.

14 General Plan 2035

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Community Vision Element

General Plan 2035 15

Town of Prescott Valley Mission Statement

The mission of the Town of Prescott Valley is to inspire and sustain a dynamic, innovative, and prosperous community through the combined talents of our citizenry.

4.1 A 2035 Vision Statement for the Town of Prescott Valley

Prescott Valley is a prosperous and well-managed community with exceptional educational offerings, medical services, transportation options, and employment opportunities. Prescott Valley welcomes visitors from across the state and beyond to enjoy its natural beauty, cultural and ethnic diversity, and vibrant tourist scene. Prescott Valley’s small-town roots and strong sense of community are embedded in its values and operations.

Prescott Valley is a safe and attractive community to live, work, and play in and is recognized as such around the state. The community values the majestic mountain vistas and beautiful rolling grasslands and has taken steps to preserve natural open space and create dynamic recreational amenities that capitalize on the mild four seasons and outdoor mindset.

Prescott Valley has a robust economy with diverse industries and retail uses. Established business areas have flourished with new community infrastructure investment, while new business and employment areas are models for innovative design and community engagement.

The 2035 General Plan inspired Prescott Valley’s transformation as a community of choice and prosperity.

Chapter 4 Community Vision Element

16 General Plan 2035

4.2 Town of Prescott Valley Community Values

Service Excellence o We are mindful of and care for the well-being of individuals and our community

Integrity o We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism. We’re responsible, honest, and transparent. We do the right thing.

Respect o We treat others with dignity. We genuinely welcome differences in people, cultures, ideas, and experiences for a more inclusive workplace.

Teamwork o We honor our commitments and deliver results together. Under any circumstance, we stand up and say, count on me!

Fun o Fun is the energizing force to create and innovate, finding new ways to pioneer public service.

4.3 Hierarchy of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035

A General Plan begins with a big picture perspective before moving into more detail to make the future growth process more understandable. Using this model, the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 was developed using the following hierarchical system.

Vision Statement. A vision statement is an expression of a community's aspirations and expectations for a certain time horizon. It is an ideal description of an end state for a community at a particular point in time.

Guiding Principle. A guiding principle is an assumption or direction statement that further defines the intent of the vision statement by guiding general plan goals, policies, and implementation strategies.

Goal. A goal is a clear direction setter. It is an ideal future end, condition, or state related to the public’s health, safety, or general welfare toward which planning efforts are directed. A goal is a general expression of community values and works to further the guiding principle under which it falls.

Policy. A policy is a specific statement that guides decision-making. It indicates a clear commitment of the local government. A policy is based on goals, as well as current and future trends.

Implementation Strategy. An implementation strategy is a specific action, procedure, project, program, or technique that carries out a policy through the actions of the Town Council.

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General Plan 2035 17

4.4 Guiding Principles for the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035

Prescott Valley residents have a strong sense of civic pride, value the quality of life the Town offers, and desire to preserve the community's positive characteristics into the future. To this end, the following guiding principles set the tone for each of the General Plan elements and provide direction for the policy guidance needed to realize the community's vision statement.

IMPLEMENTATION

GPI-A Focus the Town’s development standards, capital improvements, and administrative actions on the successful implementation of the goals and policies of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035, as adopted by the Town Council.

GROWTH AREAS

GA-A Promote managed growth that supports a variety of land uses, conserves natural resources, reduces automobile dependency, and provides for the rational addition of infrastructure and service capacities.

GA-B Assure that all forms of urban infrastructure are available when and where they are needed for future neighborhoods including, but not limited to, streets, water, sewer, storm drainage, energy, communications, and other technological facilities.

LAND USE

LU-A Provide a balance of land uses including residential, commercial, industrial, educational, recreational, and open space. The Town is also committed to providing quality development that is walkable and provides community-level services and facilities in both existing and new neighborhoods. Reinvestment in the Town’s older areas is also a recognized need.

LU-B Create an attractive environment for its citizens by developing, implementing, and enforcing design guidelines that will assure high quality development and the maintenance and beautification of properties.

LU-C Promote sustainability in project design and development.

HOUSING

H-A Promote development of sustainable, attractive, and diverse housing options and neighborhoods.

H-B Improve compatibility between residential uses and adjacent non-residential uses.

H-C Promote residential infill development that takes advantage of existing infrastructure.

H-D Support development that offers alternatives to traditional neighborhood design.

H-E Support revitalization of mature neighborhoods.

H-F Eliminate discriminatory housing practices.

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18 General Plan 2035

CIRCULATION

CIR-A Establish and build a safe and efficient transportation system of roads that improves the flow of traffic, enhances pedestrian safety, promotes commerce, enhances regional connectivity, and provides alternative modes of transportation throughout Prescott Valley and beyond.

CIR-B Administratively update Chapter 8, the Circulation Element of the General Plan 2035, in accordance with the Yavapai County Regional Transportation Plan and updates, that are prepared and approved by the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO)

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND WATER RESOURCES

EPW-A Increase recognition of the importance of maintaining and upgrading where possible the quality of the Town’s environmental resources including water and reclaimed water, air quality, natural design elements, and historic resources.

ARTS, PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE

PR-A Grow the park system.

PR-B Preserve and enhance key natural features, including natural open space and vistas.

EDUCATION

EDU-A Encourage lifelong learning for all Prescott Valley residents.

PUBLIC SAFETY

PS-A Foster a safe and vibrant community to enhance quality of life.

PS-B Anticipate and prepare for public safety emergencies.

COST OF DEVELOPMENT

COD-A Provide a high quality of municipal services and facilities to serve the community and equitably assess and manage the fiscal and capital impacts resulting from development, both within the current town and on future development of undeveloped property to be annexed.

COD-B Assure development will occur in a fiscally sound and equitable process using a variety of funding services.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ED-A Promote an economically diversified community, committed to raising the standard of living for its citizens through business, medical and employment opportunities, improved goods and services delivery, and enhancing the quality of life for the community.

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General Plan 2035 19

4.5 A Unified Direction Toward the Future

The Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 represents a framework for the form and function of Prescott Valley over the next 10 years. It is a statement developed with the community and for the community to maintain quality of life through managed growth and development. Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 is a statement about Prescott Valley’s commitment of individual and collective action to accomplish important community values, including:

• Community well-being

• Economic development

• Managed growth

• Positive image and identity

• Coordinated transportation and infrastructure systems

• Arts and culture

• Recreation hub

• Pedestrians priority

• Environmental stewardship

• Water stewardship

Optimizing these community values and goals requires collaboration between public agencies and private organizations, and partnerships between neighborhood residents and businesses. As it has done throughout its history, the Prescott Valley community will attain the goals of the Town of Prescott Valley General Plan 2035 by striving to understand others’ perspectives and working together for the good of the community.

4.6 Citizen Participation Programs

The Town of Prescott Valley values citizen participation in the activities of local government where possible and provides a variety of opportunities for residents to become involved in activities that will help them learn more about the community they call home. These include:

• The Prescott Valley Citizens’ Academy offers several classes each year that provide participants with an in-depth look at the activities of the Town. Each class meets once a week for 10 weeks and hears presentations from each of the Town’s 12 departments plus 4 public agencies.

• Prescott Valley Park Rangers are volunteers who patrol the Town’s parks for at least 4 hours per month and report any maintenance issues or suspicious activities. Volunteer rangers also help at concerts and special events at Town parks.

• The Adopt-a-Park program allows volunteers to participate in activities to make their park cleaner, safer, and more attractive. Volunteers can participate in monthly park clean-up programs and reporting any park needs to Town staff.

• Block Watch programs allow residents to work together to help make their neighborhood a safer place. Organizing a Block Watch program helps neighbors get to know each other better, Chapter 4 Community Vision Element

20 General Plan 2035 recognize and report suspicious activity, and become better witnesses should a crime occur. Block

Watch Captains are needed for all Block Watch programs and are a vital part of the process.

• The 8-week Citizens’ Police Academy provides an in-depth look at the mission and operations of the Prescott Valley Police Department. Subjects discussed include firearms training, hostage negotiation, traffic and DUI enforcement, special weapons and tactics, the K-9 Unit, and more.

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General Plan 2035 21

5.1 Introduction

The Town of Prescott Valley desires managed growth that enhances the unique attributes and character of the community.

The intent of the Growth Areas Element is to provide guidance for future growth in Prescott Valley, ensuring it is healthy and will contribute to an enhanced quality of life for all residents. This element identifies the areas most suitable for the growth in transit and infrastructure improvements allowing for a mix of land uses, including new residential, office, commercial, tourism, and industrial development.

Specific goals and policies are presented with the intent to ensure growth is efficient and economical, and provides for a multi-modal transportation system as well as adequate open space. These goals and policies are supported and further reinforced through the corresponding goals and policies in each element of the General Plan.

In the past decade, growth and development in Prescott Valley has occurred both in the center of the community as infill and at the edges of the Town of Prescott Valley’s boundaries in new development projects. The Town Center project now serves as the community’s “entertainment district” providing an array of activities and land uses including shopping, entertainment, recreation, health care, and civic attractions. There has also been development of a range of housing types, particularly family and independent senior apartments. Townhomes, duplexes, detached single-family homes, and innovative alternative housing design are all incorporated into the Plan.

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22 General Plan 2035

5.1.1 Planned Growth

To prepare for future growth, a community needs to have a realistic expectation of new development. A fact-based projected rate of growth prepares a community for keeping pace with the necessary provision of increased public services without overly straining the budget or hindering the ability to manage new growth in a way that is consistent with the long-term interests of the community. Accurate population projections can be difficult to produce since they depend on a variety of factors beyond the control of the local community.

The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity generates population projections for all counties in Arizona.

Rather than a single projection, however, it produces a range of options based on low, medium, and high-growth scenarios, which are shown on the table below. When compared with preliminary census results for 2018 and 2020 Census, the high scenario is less than the current actual rate of growth in Yavapai

County.

Yavapai County Population Projections Year Low Mid-Range High 2018 228,970 228,970 228,970

2020 Census 232,684 234,438 236,209

2025 237,847…