Chapter 18.59
GC GOLF COURSE ZONE
Sections:
18.59.020 Supporting and related uses.
18.59.030 Performance standards.
18.59.040 Golf course development plan requirements.
18.59.050 Procedures and limitations.
18.59.010 Purpose and use.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this zone is to permit the development of golf courses in the town of Sahuarita while preserving and enhancing water resources, scenic vistas, neighborhoods, property uses and values.
B. Use.
1. This zone, when superimposed upon any zoning district, permits the use of golf courses. Other provisions and requirements of the underlying zones remain applicable.
2. Associated business, commercial and residential uses which are not directly in support of the golf course use shall be excluded from the Golf Course Zone. These associated uses shall be provided in the zones with which the Golf Course Zone is combined. [Ord. 2011-048 § 1; Ord. 1995-06 § 2.]
18.59.020 Supporting and related uses.
Supporting, related and other uses shall be allowed only as approved with the development plan or by later resolution of the town council, provided such uses are consistent with the purpose of the Golf Course Zone. [Ord. 2011-048 § 1; Ord. 1995-06 § 2.]
18.59.030 Performance standards.
A. Design Standards. The following standards shall act to control the design, maintenance and operation of golf courses in the town of Sahuarita:
1. Maximum use of effluent rather than the use of potable groundwater for irrigation;
2. Minimum irrigation of fairways and roughs;
3. Rough and fairway areas shall make maximum use of existing landforms and indigenous grasses and vegetation;
4. Use of “landing areas” rather than fully grassed fairways;
5. Landscaping shall be in harmony with the desert environment:
a. Trees, shrubs, and groundcovers shall be desert hardy, low pollen-dispersing, and low in water requirement,
b. Use of inorganic groundcovers, rather than turf, is encouraged;
6. Water features shall be in context with the area;
7. Water and effluent shall be metered;
8. Provision shall be made for on-site storage of irrigation water and effluent. Storage ponds shall have sealed bottoms;
9. The most advanced water conserving irrigation systems shall be employed. Drip irrigation, where feasible, is the preferred method;
10. Natural drainageways shall be retained to the maximum extent;
11. Golf course design shall respond to the natural topography and drainageways of the site, and employ minimal clearing of native vegetation. Mass grading shall be avoided;
12. Buffers shall be provided to protect existing neighborhoods by mitigating the adverse impacts of sound, visibility, and traffic. Buffers may include landscaping, walls, fences, pathways, drainageways, natural features, existing vegetation and open space.
B. Off-Street Parking. Off-street parking spaces shall be provided in adequate number to serve persons employed, residing or visiting on the premises so as to prevent congestion of surrounding streets and promote the safety of the public. [Ord. 2011-048 § 1; Ord. 1995-06 § 2.]
18.59.040 Golf course development plan requirements.
A. The golf course development plan shall be prepared by professional designers and planners in accordance with Chapter 18.71 STC (Development Plan Standards) and shall address graphically and in writing the elements of this section.
B. Site Analysis. The site analysis shall include:
1. Topography, including the effect of the proposed treatment upon existing landforms;
2. Effect of development on views, both on and off site;
3. Existing and projected traffic circulation, including the functional relationship of roads and paths;
4. Inventory of existing vegetation and wildlife and analysis of the effect of development;
5. Hydrology, including detention, recharge opportunity, drainage, erosion and flood control;
6. Applicability of the Hillside Development Zone (Chapter 18.61 STC, HD Hillside Development Zone);
7. Trails opportunities and access provisions;
8. Open space and buffers;
9. Soils suitability analysis;
10. Water availability.
C. Landscape Plan. The landscape plan shall include:
1. Graphic representation of all elements of the development, such as golf course, water features, roads, paths, recreation elements, buildings, walls, patios, and parking areas, as they relate to the landscaping;
2. List and legend by common and scientific names of all plants to be used, indicating location and size of plant materials;
3. Irrigation plan, including schedules and estimated consumption of water and effluent;
4. Identification and location of existing native vegetation intended to be left undisturbed.
D. Grading Plan. A Type 2 grading plan shall be required in accordance with Chapter 16.60 STC (Submittals and Procedures – Type 2 (Grading Plan)), and the plan shall include appropriate notes or comments relative to special features, conditions or techniques that relate to the golf course.
E. Water Analysis. Groundwater and effluent use, including conservation methods, measures and facilities.
F. Context Analysis. The plans shall also show the existing development and improvements of adjacent properties within 600 feet of the proposed Golf Course Zone and its associated land uses. [Ord. 2011-048 § 1; Ord. 1995-06 § 2.]
18.59.050 Procedures and limitations.
A. Establishment. Requests for establishment of a Golf Course Zone shall be processed in accordance with Chapter 18.91 STC (Rezoning Procedures), and is supplemented by the requirements outlined in this chapter.
B. Submission of Plan. The petitioners for a Golf Course Zone shall submit a golf course development plan for the entire zone and its associated land uses at the time of application.
C. Notice.
1. Notice of all public hearings shall be given to owners of property within 600 feet of the proposed Golf Course Zone.
2. Failure to give notice shall not invalidate decisions made.
D. Effective Date and Phasing.
1. The Golf Course Zone shall be effective on the property at such time as the town council by resolution finds that the construction of the golf course and its supporting facilities have been completed in substantial compliance with the approved development plan.
2. If a golf course is constructed in phases, a construction schedule must be submitted and approved with the development plan.
3. The Golf Course Zone shall become effective only as to that phase of the golf course which has been completed.
E. Grading Permits.
1. No clearing, brushing or grubbing, grading or development shall be allowed in the proposed Golf Course Zone prior to approval of a Type 2 grading plan and the issuance of a grading permit.
2. A golf course grading plan will be accepted and approved only as an element of the required golf course development plan.
3. Grading permits will be issued in conjunction with grading plan review and approval by the department of transportation and flood control district. [Ord. 2011-048 § 1; Ord. 1995-06 § 2.]