Summerhaven Commercial area redevelopment plan

Source: University of Arizona

School of Landscape Architecture/

The Tejido Group.

Community Redevelopment

On July 1, the Development Services Department was tasked to prepare amendments to the zoning and building codes to expedite the rebuilding effort and reduce the risk of a recurring fire

disaster. The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects offered to develop general design concepts for the commercial area in Summerhaven. The chapter joined with local design and

construction experts to form a Restoration Committee. Planning

professionals from the Arizona Planning Association and the University of Arizona School of Landscape Architecture helped develop a survey that was sent to all property owners. A design workshop was held to develop alternative designs for the restoration

of the commercial district. This process was documented and the Mt. Lemmon/Summerhaven master plan concepts were presented to more than one hundred Mt. Lemmon property owners at a public meeting on February 18, 2004.

The Restoration Committee reviewed all proposed zoning and building code amendments prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission’s public hearing on July 30. On August 11, the Board of Supervisors adopted zoning code amendments, rezonings, comprehensive plan amendments, and the International Urban Wildland Interface Code. On August 21, Mt. Lemmon was finally

reopened to the public and construction started on seven new cabins and one new business.

On September 2, the Board of Supervisors established the Mt. Lemmon Domestic Water Improvement District. By mid-November, recovery activity slowed and the telephone hotline was discontinued. The Recovery Team continues to monitor calls and

e-mails to evaluate ongoing communication needs.

It is expected that most of the structural erosion control treatments will remain functional for the several years that are

typically required until natural recovery occurs. Despite significant rainfall events, Pima County staff has observed minimal damage to the remaining structures and only minor erosive damage due to flooding or debris flows on the mountain. However, issues of forest management, tree debris removal, and revegetation will remain for years to come.

Full Project Report

Full Project Report