Southwest Tempe Character Area plan draft is ready and here's what you need to know

The plan includes design principles for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

PUBLISHED JUL 9, 2024

Residents and stakeholders can submit their feedback on the Southwest Tempe Character Area 6 Plan through July 15.

Tempe, Arizona: The draft Southwest Tempe Character Area plan is ready and itizens can submit their feedback online through July 15 here.

The Southwest Tempe Character Area Plan is a design-related policy plan for, and by, the community and its stakeholders. The plan evolved from the numerous consultations with the residents, property owners, businesses, non-profits, and demographic groups in the locality, and stakeholders having interest in the area.

The plan evolved from the numerous consultations with the residents. (Photo: City of Tempe)

According to city documents The Southwest Tempe Character Area Plan will help provide guidance for new development or redevelopment proposals in the area to make them consistent and compatible with the existing character of the natural and built-up environment in the area. The Plan helps to advance good and contextual planning and design, including in the public realm, by providing planning and design principles, and bestpractice examples most relevant to the

Character Area.

The Plan also advances and supports the goals and objectives included in Tempe’s Council Priorities, General Plan, 20-minute city principles, community aspirations, and other relevant planning-related goals adopted by the City.

Here are the 10 salient features of Southwest Tempe and the plan

Geographic Boundaries and Size: The Southwest Tempe Character Area, known as Character Area 6, consists of approximately 6.21 square miles, bounded by US-60 on the north, I-10 and the eastern boundaries of the Town of Guadalupe on the west, Tempe’s southwestern boundaries on the south, and Kyrene canal, Mill Avenue, Union Pacific Rail lines, and Western Canal on the east.

Population and Demographics: As of 2023, the population of Southwest Tempe was estimated at 28,450. The median age is 33.6 years, with a median household income of $72,769, and a minority population percentage of 65%, higher than the city's total of 50%. Additionally, 70% of the households are renter-occupied, compared to 60% city-wide.

Economic and Commercial Hubs: The area includes significant commercial attractions such as the Arizona Mills Mall, the Tempe Autoplex, the Emerald Center (including Arizona's only IKEA store), and several other large retail establishments like Costco and Supima Cotton Center.

Recreational Facilities and Open Spaces: Southwest Tempe features large open spaces and recreational facilities such as the Arizona Cardinals Headquarters, Tempe Sports Complex, and Benedict Sports Complex. These facilities contribute to the area's visual character and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Canal-Side Amenities: The area is characterized by its canals and canal-side multi-use walkways along the Western, Highline Lateral, and Kyrene Branch canals. These canals offer visual variety and recreational opportunities, and their development includes landscape and art elements.

Housing and Neighborhood Character: The area comprises older and newer single-family homes, multi-family residential complexes, and commercial and industrial developments. Preservation of neighborhood character is emphasized by ensuring new developments are compatible with the existing built-up and natural environment.

Public Input and Stakeholder Engagement: The plan evolved from extensive consultations with residents, property owners, businesses, non-profits, and other stakeholders over nine months. Public input was critical in shaping the vision, purpose, priority elements, and community preferences for the area.

Emphasis is placed on promoting sustainability through green building practices.

Planning Goals and Design Principles: The plan includes design principles for sustainable development, climate change mitigation, energy conservation, green infrastructure, and promoting walkability and public art. These principles aim to make new developments consistent with the existing character and community aspirations.

County Islands and Adjoining Jurisdictions: The plan considers three small county islands within the area and connectivity with adjoining jurisdictions such as Guadalupe, Phoenix, and Chandler. Collaborative planning efforts with these jurisdictions aim to enhance connectivity and information sharing.

The plan encourages the use of low-water-use plants.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Emphasis is placed on promoting sustainability through green building practices, water conservation, shade enhancement, and climate change mitigation strategies. The plan encourages the use of low-water-use plants and green infrastructure to combat the urban heat island effect and support a sustainable future