Flagstaff Traditional Neighborhood Development Update

The Flagstaff Historic Downtown and Historic Townsite residential area represent what is known to city planners as a “traditional neighborhood” – a combination of residential, civic, and commercial development that is walkable.  Traditional Neighborhood Development (“TND”) is a comprehensive planning system that includes a variety of housing types and land uses in a defined area such that residents can walk to parks, civic activities, and commercial services.

The earth movement and foundation laying that you see at the corner of Lonetree and Butler Roads in south-central Flagstaff is the beginning of a new “traditional neighborhood” called The Sawmill Project.   Aspen Place at the Sawmill Project will include 255 new Flagstaff homes as well as commercial development, including a new, larger New Frontiers Natural Marketplace. This project is underway pursuant to the existing land development code and special Flagstaff ordinances passed for the project.

Flagstaff City Staff is currently working on revisions to the Flagstaff City Land Development Code to encourage future TND development in Flagstaff. There will be a series of hearings this Fall during which Flagstaff government officials will consider changes to our Land Development Code.  Members of the community can familiarize themselves with issues related to proposed changes to the Flagstaff City Ordinances by attending the meetings.  Links to information about these proposed changes and the Traditional Neighborhood concept are provided below. Here is the meeting schedule:

• Planning and Zoning Commission Presentation ~ Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
• City Council Work Session ~ Monday, September 24 at 4 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, First Reading ~ Tuesday, October 16 at 6 p.m.
• City Council Meeting, Second Reading ~ Tuesday, November 6 at 6 p.m.

All meetings are in the Flagstaff City Council Chambers at City Hall at 211 W. Aspen.