Neighbors press council to enforce zoning over alleged commercial operations at Hercules Field

Neighbors of 8226 East Shea Boulevard told Scottsdale City Council they have observed repeated commercial activities that they say violate residential zoning, including organized sports coaching, advertising, spectator traffic, field lighting and a construction business operating from the site.

"Monitoring is not enforcement. It's avoidance," Laura Schafer told the council and pointed to city records that she said show an active business license for the site. Schafer cited city code, referencing "Section 16‑9‑19, section b," which she said creates prima facie evidence that an advertised business location or an active license indicates a business is operating.

Michael Schafer said neighbors had provided photos, videos and witness statements and asked why similar home‑based business requests (a neighbor's prior request to use a garage for jiu jitsu) were denied when, they say, more intensive operations at Hercules Field are permitted. He said neighborhood meetings and communications with staff had continued and that neighbors were frustrated by perceived inconsistent enforcement.

City manager Greg Caton told council he and staff have ongoing communications with the residents and that he would provide an extensive report to council in days. Caton also said the matter could require executive‑session discussion with the interim city attorney to advise on enforcement options.

No formal enforcement action was announced at the meeting; councilmembers requested a written report back to the full council.

Provenance: public comments and council exchange occurred beginning at 00:39:31 and staff committed to a report back at about 00:46:30 (transcript segments).