What is a Specific Area Plan?

A Specific Plan or Specific Area Plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of the general plan. It establishes a link between implementing policies of the Town’s adopted General Plan and the more specific development proposal(s) in a defined area of Town. The plan may be general in nature or more detailed depending on the particular characteristics of the area being defined.

A Specific Area Plan further defines elements of the adopted General Plan such as land use, transportation, open space, economic development and infrastructure. It may also provide more detailed elements such as character and vision, or  design guidelines more specific to the subject area.

The Specific Area Plan process is authorized under Arizona Revised Statute which provides for public notification process and a recommendation from the Planning Commission followed by consideration and adoption by Town Council.

If approved, the plan provides potential developers, existing land owners, and Town departments with a framework to analyze development projects in the specified area using the goals and themes that characterize the area.