Scottsdale's One-Stop Center

Sometimes the complexity inherent in city government, and its review and approval process, can be frustrating to someone proposing a development or redevelopment project. The City of Scottsdale, Arizona has made a special effort to provide easy service to its "customers," the residents of the city.

A "One Stop Shop" has been established, which puts in one common location all the agencies and departments involved with planning and project development review. This avoids the "run-around" often experienced when someone not familiar with the planning or review process ends up at the wrong office, and is sent across town to another office, only to find it is necessary to go to even another office. In Scottsdale, someone needing information simply needs to go to the one front desk, and will immediately be directed to the person who can give assistance. Included in the "One Stop Shop" are the following Sections:

Development Services Section: Answers general development questions, assists in review of the Master Plan, accepts all necessary fees, and gives overnight plan review and permit service

Records Unit: Archives all maps and project files, and gives information on water lines, sewer lines, etc.

Real Estate Services Unit: Takes care of all land acquistition questions, including for city uses, such as parks, roadways, etc., and leases and administers all city-owned buildings and properties.

Project Review Section: Reviews all final plans for construction and provides technical assistance

Project Coordination Section: Provides coordination services for Zoning, Use Permit, Zoning Board of Appeal, and Development Review Board cases. The office assigns one person who serves as the coordinator for an individual project through all these steps.

Planning Commission: Seven members appointed by City Council who review projects and make recommendations to the Council.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Hears all applications for variances from the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.

Building Advisory Board of Appeals: Hears appeals from the staff's decisions regarding minor variances to the building code.

As a result of this coordination, the public interest is still protected by having normal reviews of all projects, but the sometimes lengthy and cumbersome process of taking a project through the halls of city government has been considerably simplified and expedited, helping the private individual have a better chance for a successful project.

Suggested other pages...
Profile of City Government Consolidated
Metropolitan Government