18.75.010 Purpose.
A. The purpose of the Mixed Use-Heritage Overlay District is to:
1. Promote pedestrian-oriented infill development, intensification, and reuse of land consistent with the general plan and the Heritage District Redevelopment Area Plan;
2. Implement the Heritage District Design Guidelines to develop a strong identity as a mixed use urban core for the city which reflects the rich culture and historical character of Maricopa;
3. Encourage diverse and attractive redevelopment to support a mix of residential, pedestrian, and neighborhood-serving uses in order to achieve an active social environment within a revitalized streetscape while also respecting the existing character;
4. Encourage investment in adequate public facilities through quality redevelopment and improvements;
5. Offer additional housing opportunities for residents seeking to live and work in an urban environment; and
6. Ensure that new development and redevelopment are designed to minimize traffic, parking and impacts on surrounding residential neighborhoods, and create walkable environments.
B. More specifically, this overlay district is intended to allow for the transformation of the Heritage District into a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented, mixed use neighborhood, consistent with the Redevelopment Area Plan, the Heritage District Design Guidelines, and mixed use development standards. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings for residential and commercial uses is supported with a focus on active home based businesses, storefronts and, where viable, upper-floor residences and pedestrian- and transit-oriented development that encourages pedestrian activity and connectivity to adjacent areas. New construction will be designed to be compatible with the Heritage District Design Guidelines in terms of size, scale, materials, and details, and a broad range of residential and commercial uses is allowed. Standards will create high-quality building design, ensure compatibility in land use and building form, and support mixed commercial and residential uses. [Res. 21-09; Ord. 21-05 § 2; Res. 14-36 § 303.01; Ord. 14-12 § 1.]