5.3.9. UTILITIES

   A.   All new utilities for development on private property and on public right-of-way along Scenic Routes shall be underground unless relief is otherwise granted pursuant to UDC sections 5.3.14, Variances and/or through a Zoning Examiner special exception process per section 4.9.11.A.12.

   B.   Where possible, existing poles shall be used to provide the required transition to underground service to new developments  adjacent to scenic corridors. However, a new pole set in line with the existing overhead system when necessary to serve approved new developments is not deemed to be a new utility. Upgrades and reinforcements of existing overhead facilities is allowed to the extent that the total number of electrical circuits or communication cables is not increased. Relocation of overhead utility facilities required by public improvement districts along scenic corridors shall conform with existing franchise standards.

   C.   When an existing development is expanded by 50% or more in floor area or land area, new and existing utilities to all portions of the development shall be located underground unless relief is otherwise granted pursuant to UDC sections 5.3.14, Variances and/or through a Zoning Examiner special exception process per Section 4.9.11.A.12. Incremental expansion shall be cumulative. Additions to single-family dwellings are exempt from this standard.

(Am. Ord. 11942, 7/12/2022)

5.3.10. ADDITIONAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

   A.   Building or structure surfaces, that are visible from the Scenic Route , shall have colors that are predominant within the surrounding landscape, such as desert and earth tones. Single-family dwellings, except in subdivisions recorded after May 28, 1985, are exempt from this standard.

   B.   Fencing and freestanding walls facing the Scenic Route shall meet the material restrictions in Section 7.6.5, Screening Standards.

   C.   Signs are required to comply with the following:

      1.   Article 7A.11.3, Scenic Corridor Zone (SCA) District;

      2.   Signs shall use colors that are predominant within the surrounding landscape, such as desert and earth tones;

      3.   No commercial advertising sign, except a sign pertaining to a use conducted on the premises or a sign advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which the sign is located, and no billboard shall be erected within 400 feet of the right-of-way line on any Scenic Route ; and,

      4.   When the standards of this section and Section 3-32 conflict, the more restrictive of the two prevails.

(Am. Ord. 11803, 12/8/2020)

5.3.11. REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURE

   A.   Applications for projects within the SCZ are reviewed and considered for approval in accordance with Section 3.3.3, PDSD Director Approval Procedure.

   B.   At the request of the PDSD Director or applicant, the Design Review Board (DRB) shall review building elevations, landscaping , parking areas , and other contributing design features to substantiate compliance with the standards required in making a decision.

   C.   The decision to approve or deny the project shall be based on the purpose, intent, and specific standards of this section, on the objectives specified in the Major Streets and Routes (MS&R) Plan for scenic corridor development , and on the following standards that provide for the preservation of:

      1.   Views of prominent mountain ridge lines that form the limits of scenic viewsheds and provide a natural backdrop for sensitively designed development ;

      2.   Viewsheds that provide the observer with a visual perspective of the area in terms of foreground, middle ground, and background;

      3.   The scenic quality of the desert and mountain environment through the retention of native vegetation and natural topography; and,

      4.   View windows through an aesthetic screening or siting of developmental elements that are incompatible with the natural qualities of the surrounding area.

5.3.12. SUBMITTALS

   Submittals shall be in compliance with the Administrative Manual.

5.3.13. GRADING

   Grading cannot occur until 30 days prior to building construction. For commencement of grading , the building construction plans shall be, at minimum, in the review process for permits, or the building construction permits shall have already been ready to be issued. Grading permits shall cover only those areas for which base plans have been approved.

5.3.14. VARIANCES

   Variances from the SCZ standards are processed in accordance with Section 3.10.1 and 3.10.3, Board of Adjustment Variance Procedure. The Design Review Board review all requests for variances from SCZ standards and forward a recommendation to the Board of Adjustment as provided in Section 2.2.6.C.2.

5.3.15. DESIGNATION, AMENDMENT, OR CHANGE OF BOUNDARIES FOR A SCENIC CORRIDOR ZONE

   Designation, amendment, or change of boundaries for a Scenic Corridor Zone are processed in accordance with Section 5.4.3, MS&R Map Adoption and Amendment.

5.4. MAJOR STREET AND ROUTES SETBACK ZONE (MS&R)