Commission approves minor general plan amendment for Hartman Ranch; rezoning hearing continued after family concerns

The Planning and Zoning Commission on June 23 approved a minor general plan amendment (GPA24‑03) to change roughly 9 acres from commercial to master plan community for a portion of the Hartman Ranch area, and held a public hearing on a related 193‑acre planned area development rezoning (PAD23‑07) before continuing the rezoning to allow the applicant and neighboring landowners more time to resolve outstanding concerns.

Derek Shearer, planning division, described the applications from CBL Consultants on behalf of Cole Maricopa 193 LLC. The overall PAD proposal covers about 193 acres and uses the RS‑5 single‑family standards, with lot widths proposed at 40, 45, 50 and 55 feet and lot sizes ranging from roughly 4,000 to 6,000 square feet. The applicant said the PAD modernizes an older Hartman Ranch PAD and aligns the zoning to current city standards.

Julie Vermillion, representing the applicant CVL Consultants, and property owner Scott Cole presented the proposed site plan showing alignment with Anderson Road, internal connectivity to adjacent Hartman Trails to the west, central park space and streetscape improvements. Vermillion said the development would contribute street and frontage improvements, trails or sidewalks and required turn lanes or signalization where warranted by traffic analysis.

Several members of the Hartman family spoke during the public hearing. Mary Hartman, representing family interests, asked that several protections be included: that the existing eastern drainage ditch be recognized as a legal access point to the homestead; written confirmation that the domestic well serving the homestead will not be interfered with by the owner or future buyers; preservation of an MSIDD irrigation easement and pipeline; continued use of the western historic entrance; and a request that no two‑story homes be built immediately adjacent to the homestead to preserve privacy. "We respectfully request that no 2 story homes be constructed directly next to the homestead property line," Mary Hartman said.

Scott Cole, the property owner, told the commission he had received the Hartman letter about an hour before the meeting and said he was willing to work in good faith to resolve the concerns. Cole said he would prefer to move the approvals forward with stipulations requiring the parties to resolve the items prior to council consideration, but indicated the Hartman family preferred a continuance.

Commissioner Robertson asked staff about the letter and whether the general plan amendment and PAD rezoning needed to be considered together. City legal counsel and staff clarified the two items may be acted on separately: the GPA could be approved while the PAD rezoning continued for additional negotiation.

On motions at the meeting, Vice Chair moved to approve GPA24‑03 and Commissioner Kloep seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. Regarding PAD23‑07, Commissioners agreed to continue the rezoning at the request of the Hartman family. Commissioner Robertson moved to continue PAD23‑07 until staff has confirmation the parties are ready to proceed; Vice Chair seconded and the motion carried. Staff noted the PAD matter will be returned to the commission when negotiations or stipulations are completed.

Staff said public outreach included mailed notices within 600 feet, a neighborhood meeting and a posted site notice; staff also noted a letter of concerns was received prior to the hearing and provided to commissioners.

The commission’s action approved only the minor general plan amendment at this meeting; the PAD rezoning was continued for further negotiation and possible stipulations before a future hearing.