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Oro Valley has given the green light to move ahead with construction of a 31-lot residential subdivision.

The town council approved the proposal during its January 8 meeting. The development, which required both a General Plan amendment and rezoning request, aims to enhance the residential landscape while addressing traffic, environmental and community concerns. It will sit on 35 acres south of Moore Road and west of La Cañada Drive.

The development plan includes:

• 47% open space, which exceeds the standard for medium-density residential developments;
• Gated access, improving security and privacy for residents;
• Pedestrian connectivity with public trails and sidewalks that enhance access and mobility;
• Private recreational areas, including spaces for leisure and community activities.

“This truly is an infill project,” said Bayer Vella, planning manager for the town. “It’s surrounded by development, and what … this design attempts to do is blend all the different densities on the edges so that it’s compatible north, south, east, and west.” 

The development has undergone significant revisions based on feedback from residents, which included concerns about traffic, parking, privacy and aesthetic compatibility with the surrounding area.

Changes include reducing the number of lots from 34 to 31, increasing buffer zones between the new subdivision and existing homes, and adding landscaping and infrastructure improvements to help address parking concerns.

The developer has also committed to maintaining a consistent wall design along La Cañada Drive to enhance “visual harmony” with neighboring properties.

To confirm the development will have only a minimal impact on local traffic conditions, a comprehensive study was conducted. It showed the development is expected to generate 292 daily trips, with peak traffic during the morning and evening hours.

It also found no significant changes in traffic conditions and minimal delay times at critical intersections, including La Cañada and Moore and La Cañada and White Diamond Lane.

Infrastructure improvements include a new sidewalk, curbing, decomposed granite and landscaping to mitigate nuisance parking. All traffic signage and markings will comply with town standards to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety.

The subdivision will preserve significant natural vegetation, with nearly 17 acres of open space designated as environmentally sensitive areas. The project aligns with the town’s sustainability goals and integrates sustainable design principles, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment while providing the community with green spaces.

It also looks like surrounding construction, Vella said.

“It’s the same developer. It’s the same building heights and it’s the same types of homes. All you need to do is take a look at La Cañada Ridge. The aim is to duplicate what’s already there.” 

To advance the project, the town council had to approve a General Plan amendment that would change the land use designation for part of the site from low-density residential to medium-density residential. 

The change will allow for smaller lots, which town officials say will foster a more cohesive development style across the region and ensure compatibility with the surrounding area.

The council also had to approve a rezoning request that would enable the developer to build larger lots toward the western boundary, in line with neighboring developments, while also incorporating smaller lots closer to La Cañada Drive.

Lauryn Abozeid is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at labozeid@arizona.edu.

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