Planning panel approves Franciscan Renewal Center solar shades with conditions after neighbor objections

The Paradise Valley Planning Commission on Sept. 15 unanimously recommended that the Town Council approve a major special-use permit amendment for three solar shade structures at the Franciscan Renewal Center, with added conditions to address neighbor sight-line concerns.

Planner Mr. McMahon told the commission the applicant removed a fourth array, lowered the remaining structures to a maximum 15 feet and proposed additional vegetation screening; staff recommended forwarding Ordinance 2026-2 with any commission modifications. During public comment, Timothy DeSoto—speaking on behalf of neighbor Kathleen Schwartz—urged the commission to recommend denial, arguing the proposal conflicted with the town’s general-plan goals to preserve view corridors and neighborhood appearance. "I don't think the answer to something that's gonna block your view of Camelback Mountain is to just place another large tree in the way," DeSoto said.

Paradise Valley resident and realtor Sean Clancy told the commission the site already produces glare and bright nighttime lighting and said the center had not trimmed trees when asked, adding that nearby property values could be hurt. "If they were good neighbors, they would have at least talked to us about this," Clancy said.

Applicant representatives acknowledged the neighbors' concerns and offered possible compromises. Charles Brown, who identified himself as executive director, said the organization would "be willing to lose" roughly 20% of the northern array to improve the sight line and that they would top or thin trees if needed. The applicant also said moving the arrays to an alternative location would require costly conduit work because the transformer location constrains placement.

Commissioners debated black-and-white stipulations for tree trimming versus leaving specifics to staff and the parties. After discussion the commission added two stipulations: trimming or otherwise addressing landscaping (including a prominent tree) to a maximum of 15 feet or as recommended by staff, and removing eight panels from the north array (effectively pulling the array back roughly 20 feet). Commissioner Curtis moved to approve agenda item 26‑2‑03 with stipulations 1 through 11; the motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote and will be forwarded to the Town Council for action.

The decision was a recommendation only; Council review is the next procedural step and could alter the stipulated language.