Prop 416
PROPOSITION 416
City of Yuma 2022 General Plan
What is the 2022 General Plan?
The General Plan is an extensive document that provides
guidance for the social, economic, environmental and
overall physical development of the City of Yuma. It consists
of a series of interlinked chapters addressing state required
elements/subjects. These elements seem quite varied, but
each constitutes an important piece of the same puzzle.
Land use, transportation, public safety and services, parks
and redevelopment areas are just some of the items that
the City is required to plan for. Within each chapter are a
series of maps and charts that provide a look at the topics
addressed. Also included in each chapter are policies and
objectives that identify a way to reach goals for future
development.
If the City of Yuma already has a General Plan, then why
does it need to be updated?
Under state law, a General Plan is effective for only 10
years. Prior to, or at the end of 10 years from adoption,
the existing Plan must be updated and readopted. The
2012 General Plan is nearly 10 years old. An effective Plan
should be responsive to current and foreseeable conditions,
community values, issues and resources.
How is the General Plan used?
The General Plan serves as the official source of information
on the amount and distribution of land suitable and available
for residential, commercial, industrial and other types of
projects. It includes plans and policies for providing sewer,
water, police, fire protection, roadways and other public
services.
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How was the public involved in the development of the
City of Yuma’s General Plan?
Public notice and engagement has been a primary
component of the update. The Planning and Zoning
Commission held televised public meetings in spring
2021 to learn about the Plan. Through June 2021, the
Commission held a series of listening sessions where the
public could learn and comment on the Plan. All through
July 2021, an online survey was available for residents to
provide comments on various chapters of the draft Plan.
The draft Plan and public outreach efforts were also noted
on the City’s website. The Commission and the City Council
held a series of public hearings through the fall and winter
of 2021. The City Council adopted the 2022 General Plan at
their public meeting on April 6, 2022.
What are Land Use and Zoning District Designations?
The Land Use designation provides policy directions as to
the various zoning districts that would be appropriate in that
General Plan area (e.g. housing, commercial and industrial).
The desired uses are color-coded on the Land Use map.
The Zoning designation deals with specific properties and
development requirements (e.g. residential lot sizes, intensity
of commercial uses, minimum size of land for buildings) and
provides a means to minimize potential negative impacts
(e.g. traffic, visual, noise). The General Plan will not rezone
property.
Will implementing the Plan carry added cost to
taxpayers?
No. The General Plan is a guide and policy document
and does not legislate any new fees, taxes or changes to
development and building codes.
What happens if voters fail to approve the Plan?
The 2022 General Plan will not become effective until
approved by a vote of the people. If the 2022 General Plan
is turned down on November 8, 2022, the existing Plan will
be in effect until a new Plan can be adopted.
How can I look at the Plan for myself?
Copies of the General Plan are available at the City of
Yuma City Hall, the Heritage Branch Library and on the City
website. If you would like to review a copy of the City of Yuma
2022 General Plan or schedule a General Plan presentation
for your group, please contact the Department of Planning
and Neighborhood Services at 928-373-5175. The General
Plan can be viewed at www.yumaaz.gov/GeneralPlan.
General Plan Chapters
Land Use
The Land Use chapter contains a color-coded Land Use
map depicting the desired general distribution of land uses
(residential, commercial, etc.). The chapter establishes the
primary framework for shaping the City’s development
pattern and illustrates how the City anticipates future
population and employment growth.
Transportation
The Transportation chapter includes plans and maps for
roads, bicycles, transit, air and rail systems. The chapter’s
intent is to integrate all modes of travel into a system
supporting housing, commerce, schools, community
amenities and the City’s long-range vision.
Recreation
The Recreation chapter provides an overall guide for parks
and recreation planning. Included within the chapter is
an inventory of the existing facilities, an analysis of future
needs, standards for the provision of parks and sports
facilities, and a map that generally shows where anticipated
park needs will be.
Housing
The Housing chapter provides an overview of the housing
market and conditions in Yuma, as well as an approach to
providing adequate and affordable housing for all segments
of the community, including households of every income
level and persons that only reside here for a portion of the
year.
Redevelopment
The Redevelopment chapter identifies a strategy to assist
the City’s older area with appropriate enhancements and
programs to maintain strong, viable neighborhoods and
commercial centers.
Conservation
The Conservation chapter provides an identification of the
significant natural resources in the Yuma area, and policies
to protect those resources as a result of urban development
and encourage energy efficiency.
Public Services
The Public Services chapter provides a plan for the provision
of major public infrastructure, utilities and community
resources and includes discussion and maps on water
resources, wastewater treatment, sanitation, educational
facilities, police, fire, libraries, and public utilities such as
electricity and natural gas.
Safety
The Safety chapter addresses protection of the community
from natural and man-made hazards. The focus of this
element is on flooding and earthquakes, since flooding
damage and seismic activity are known risks in the Yuma
area.
Cost of Development
The Cost of Development chapter identifies the various
methods infrastructure is paid for and how new development
participates in the provision of needed services.
Growth Areas
The Growth Areas chapter identifies those parts of the Yuma
area that are planned for concentration of a mix of land uses
that would integrate housing, employment, shopping and
recreation with a multi-modal transportation system.
1st St.
8th St.
16th St.
24th St.
32nd St.
40th St.
48th St.
Co. 14th St.
Co 15th St.
Co. 16th St.
Co. 17th St.
Co. 18th St.
Co. 19th St.
Co. 20th St.
Co. 21st St.
Co 22nd St.
Co. 23rd St.
Co. 24th St.
Co 25th St.
Co. 26th St.
Arizona Ave.
Ave. 2E/
Pacific Ave.
Ave. 3E
Ave. 4E
Ave. 5E
Ave. 6E
Ave. 7E
Ave. 8E
Ave. 9E
Ave. A
Ave. 10E
4th Ave.
Araby Rd.
Colorado River
East Ma ni Canal
MCAS
"B" Canal
"A" Canal
AWC/NAU
Interstate 8
Highway 95
Central Canal
Yuma County
City of Yuma
West Main Canal
Gila Valley Canal
Gila River
Highway 95
Barry M. Goldwater Range
State Route 195
City of Yuma
Yuma County
Land Use – Planning Area – Map 2-2
± 0 1 2 Miles
Prepared by Information Technology GIS
and the Department of Community Development
General Plan Land
Use Designation
Planning Area Boundary
Focus Area
City Limits
Public/Quasi-Public
Agriculture - Industrial
Industrial
Business Park
Commercial
Mixed Use
High Density Residential
(13 du/ac - 30+ du/ac)
Medium Density Residential
(5 du/ac - 12.9 du/ac)
Low Density Residential
(1 du/ac - 4.9 du/ac)
Suburban Density Residential
(1 du/2 ac - 3 du/ac)
Rural Density Residential
(1 du/2 ac - 1 du/5 ac)
Resort, Recreation &
Open Space
Agriculture
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ORDINANCE NO. O2022-019
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF YUMA, ARIZONA, CALLING AND
ORDERING A SPECIAL ELECTION FOR THE
PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING THE CITY OF YUMA
2022 GENERAL PLAN TO THE QUALIFIED
ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF YUMA FOR THEIR
APPROVAL OR REJECTION AT A SPECIAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH
THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 8, 2022
WHEREAS, the General Plan was developed and reviewed
utilizing extensive citizen participation; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the City of Yuma 2022
General Plan on April 6, 2022; and,
WHEREAS, Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-461.06(K) requires
that municipal General Plans be ratified and approved by
the qualified electors of the municipality; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution R2022-
006 calling a general election to be held on November 8,
2022, at the same time as the national and state elections;
and,
WHEREAS, through this Ordinance, the City Council
intends to call and order a Special Election for the purpose
of referring the City of Yuma General Plan to the qualified
electors of the City of Yuma.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of
the City of Yuma as follows:
SECTION 1: That the General Plan of the City of Yuma
approved by the Yuma City Council on April 6, 2022
be submitted to the qualified electors of the City of Yuma
for their approval or rejection at the Special Election to
be held at the same time as the General Election on
November 8, 2022.
SECTION 2: The proposition shall appear on the ballot in
substantially the following form:
Proposition 416:
Shall the City of Yuma 2022 General Plan, as adopted
by the City Council on April 6, 2022 as Resolution
R2022-11, be ratified and approved as the General
Plan of the City of Yuma?
SHALL THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPOSITION BE
ADOPTED?
YES NO
SECTION 3: The electors favoring the above proposition
shall vote “YES”; the electors opposing the proposition
shall vote “NO”.
SECTION 4: The Special Election shall be held in conformity
with the provisions of the Yuma City Charter and the general
election laws of the State of Arizona. No person shall be
entitled to vote in the Special Election unless that person is
a registered voter of the City of Yuma.
SECTION 5: The City Council shall cause publicity
pamphlets and the ballot to be printed and shall send a
sufficient number of the ballots to the judges appointed to
conduct the Special Election.
SECTION 6: The Special Election returns shall be submitted
to the City Council of the City of Yuma in the same manner
and at the same time it is provided for the return of the
ballots for the General Election, whereupon the City Council
shall canvas the votes cast in the election and immediately
thereafter declare the result of the Special Election.
Adopted this 1st day of June, 2022.
APPROVED:
/s/ Douglas J. Nicholls
Douglas J. Nicholls
Mayor
ATTESTED:
/s/ Lynda L. Bushong
Lynda L. Bushong
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ Richard W. Files
Richard W. Files
City Attorney
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TEXT OF BALLOT
City of Yuma
PROPOSITION 416
OFFICIAL TITLE
PROPOSED RATIFICATION OF THE CITY OF YUMA 2022
GENERAL PLAN
DESCRIPTIVE TITLE
Arizona law requires that cities must have their general plans
approved by the voters. The general plan is the policy guide
for the growth and development of the City. Passage of
Proposition 416 would ratify the City of Yuma 2022 General
Plan, as adopted by the City council on June 1, 2022.
A “YES” vote shall have the effect of adopting the City of
Yuma 2022 General Plan and it shall be effective for up to
10 years.
A “NO” vote shall have the effect of retaining the 2012
General Plan with amendments, until a new plan is ratified
by the voters.
Yes
No
