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Paradise Valley Eyes Best Practice for Building Pad Heights

By December 11, 2020November 14th, 2022No Comments

By Melissa Rosequist | Scottsdale Independent

The Paradise Valley Planning Commission will discuss building pad heights at its next meeting — a topic garnering residential heat.

When vacant non-hillside lots are developed, or existing properties are redeveloped, building pad heights and overall allowable heights are often questioned by neighboring property owners, Paradise Valley town officials say.

The issue is the Town Code does not state where the height of the building pad shall be measured from and is open to interpretation. According to residents, the “interpretations” are allowing for raised-up homes to be built nonconforming with the neighborhood, blocking views or creating other issues.

The building pad heights will be discussed at the Planning Commission’s 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, meeting.

This topic was first brought up in May and September by town officials before a call for input was made to residents and community architects, engineers and builders who have worked on both hillside and non-hillside projects.

Several emails have been emailed to Town Hall, many concerned about specific neighborhood developments.

Jennifer Gustafson emailed a photo showing the early stages of a new home behind a chain-link fence.

“The house foundation will start above the perimeter fence. It makes the house look out of place with beautiful remodeled houses to the south and east that are a floor below this new house,” she said.

Paradise Valley Vice Mayor Julie Pace encouraged residents to submit comments to the commission prior to their meeting.

In an email, she says this issue is adversely impacting neighborhoods — particularly on Mummy Mountain — based on discussions and resident complaints.

“Many have asked to date, but nothing has been changed and more houses are being built in a way that is making a negative impact in neighborhoods,” she said.

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