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ENVIRONMENT ACTIONS

SONORAN DESERT RESOURCES NO. TASK TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILITY STATUS COMMENTS SLP

64 Create public use agreements for natural resource areas with residents, homeowners’ associations, commercial property owners, public agencies and developers as part of future development requirements.

Ongoing CED, PW Maintained These opportunities are sought in all developments and easements for trails, common areas and other public spaces are provided through the platting process.

65 Provide training and resources to Town employees, board members and volunteers in coordination with community programs in order to protect natural resources.

Annual CED Maintained Board and Commission members participate in routine trainings, some of which include the Town’s standards for environmental protection.

Community Academy is offered annually and also includes a session on environmental protection.

66 Maintain the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO) by: A. Evaluating and appropriately updating

the ESLO for effectiveness at least every 10 years.

Medium CED In Progress

As directed by the Strategic Leadership Plan, staff is currently reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness of the ESLO. Code amendments will be forthcoming.

5A

B. Updating design guidelines and standards to incorporate best practices on site and building design related to environmental conservation.

Medium CED In Progress

The design standards are currently being reviewed for effectiveness and best practices.

5A

67

Protect and buffer environmentally sensitive lands from encroachment of incompatible uses and the associated flood risk and degraded habitat that may result by: A. Developing a plan that buffers

environmentally sensitive lands and designated open space.

Ongoing CED Maintained ESL and standards for protecting native plants and habitats are currently under review for subsequent code amendment recommendations.

5A

B. Reviewing and amending the Zoning Code as needed.

Ongoing CED In Progress

5A

68

Connect environmentally sensitive lands, which include wildlife and plant habitats, riparian areas and significant natural resource areas by: A. Identifying preservation and

connection strategies between

Long CED and partnerships with Pima County, Marana, the Forest Service and the Arizona

In progress

ESL standards, which includes connectivity are currently under review for subsequent code amendment recommendations.

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environmentally sensitive lands, including Tortolita Mountain Park, Arroyo Grande, Catalina State Park and Coronado National Forest, in cooperation with other agencies and jurisdictions.

State Land Department

B. Developing a plan that connects environmentally sensitive lands as development occurs.

Long CED and partnerships with Pima County, Marana, the Forest Service and the Arizona State Land Department

Maintained This is completed on a case-by-case basis for local development. Examples include the dedication of Big Wash and linkages between the Kai North properties and the Cañada Del Oro Wash.

C. Creating development review strategies that require new development to link adjacent or contained environmentally sensitive lands together.

Long CED and partnerships with Pima County, Marana, the Forest Service and the Arizona State Land Department

Maintained

69

Protect significant biological resources, including key wildlife and plant habitats and special-status species, to prevent their loss or degradation by: A. Maintaining a current and accurate

database of significant biological resources, including maps of their locations.

Short CED, IT In progress

The ESL map and associated code standards are currently under review for subsequent recommendations to update.

B. Inventorying degraded areas that contain remnants of significant biological resources as defined on the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Map.

Medium CED Complete Tasks B & C are components of ESL, which are completed on a case-by-case basis for restoration of disturbed areas that were once significant resources. For example, wash restoration on the Miller Ranch property.

C. Monitoring and managing public use of significant biological resources.

Ongoing CED Maintained

D. Actively pursuing opportunities to restore identified degraded areas.

Ongoing CED, PW Maintained

70

Protect natural open space, including land contours, elevations, floodplains, riparian habitats and ridgelines by: A. Continuing to manage development

and allow for compact development

Ongoing CED Maintained Conservation Subdivision Design is a component of ESL to conserve wildlife linkages and environmentally sensitive open space.

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and flexible design options, including clustering, transfer of development rights or other techniques.

B. Developing and implementing a program for the proactive acquisition, management and maintenance of public, natural open space in cooperation with other agencies and Pima County

Medium CED Maintained This is completed on a case-by case basis, when applicable. An example would be the dedication of Big Wash.

C. Developing new and improving existing land use regulations that promote infill.

Short CED Maintained A code amendment is currently being drafted to expand the uses permitted in commercial zoning districts. This is a start to encouraging infill development.

71

Conserve scenic views of the ridgelines, hillsides, peaks and foothills of the Santa Catalina, Tortolita, and more distant mountain ranges that contribute to the Town’s valued scenic character by: A. Developing land use regulations that

require development proposals to maintain and/or enhance the quality of views to and from public parks.

Medium CED Future Item

The scenic corridor standards for Tangerine Road and Oracle Road are in place. All new developments must comply with these requirements.

B. Monitoring and revising scenic resource regulations as needed to enhance community-wide goals.

Ongoing CED In progress

A code amendment is being drafted to review the Employment and Institutional regulations for both scenic corridors. Additional code amendments may occur over time.

C. Continuing to place a high priority on the conservation of views from defined scenic view corridors, as identified in the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance and supported by the General Plan during development review

Ongoing CED Maintained A View shed Analysis and View Preservation Plan are currently required for developments that may impact views along Tangerine Road and Oracle Road.

72

Maintain and improve night sky visibility by: A. Updating regulations to incorporate

new technologies and best practices that minimize light pollution.

Short CED, PW Future Item

Updating the lighting section of code is on the FY19-21 Planning Work Plan.

B. Adhering to regional dark-skies initiatives.

Ongoing CED, PW Future Item

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73

Protect wildlife and wildlife routes within the community by: A. Identifying preferred wildlife routes.

Medium CED and partnerships with Pima County

Complete These areas are identified on the ESL map.

B. Ensuring that any recreational trail density is appropriate to wildlife needs in natural areas.

Medium PW and partnerships with Pima County

Maintained The Town currently works closely with Pima County to map and dedicate trails throughout the Town. This is done during the design review phase.

C. Developing roadway design standards that allow for wildlife to move below, above or across roadways.


Maintained All major regional corridor road construction incorporates wildlife crossing facilities into the project. Typically, these elements are funded out of existing RTA Wildlife Linkages dedicated categorical funding, which is one of five categorical dedicated funding elements.

All major road projects that incorporate wildlife crossing and control facilities are designed and studied by the appropriate wildlife experts, such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Both the Tangerine Road and La Cholla Blvd. widening projects incorporated crossings.

The Town in partnership with Pima County will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the wildlife facilities.

D. Incorporating appropriate spacing and wildlife friendly fencing into roadway design and construction.


Maintained

74 Develop and implement the Town’s Tree Master Plan, which considers the benefits of trees in relation to overall community welfare, while making plans for infrastructure, facilities, new development and the conservation of Oro Valley's scenic views.

Medium CED, PW, P&R Future Item

Recommended for future strategic plan/work plan item.

75 Periodically review and update the Town's Save-A-Plant program in order to protect healthy, native vegetation.

Medium CED Future Item

The Save-a-Plant program is utilized on a case by case basis. A review and/or update to ensure best practices has not been conducted.

76 Evaluate the effectiveness and provide appropriate support to programs or groups that strive to reduce invasive species and the replanting of native species.

Ongoing CED, PW Future Item

Invasive plant species are identified and removed during the development process.

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77 Develop measures that encourage private property owners to assist in invasive species removal.

Short CED Future Item


78

Maintain a landscape plant palette that includes drought- tolerant and native Sonoran Desert plants and: A. Require its use in all new landscape

plans.

Short CED Complete A native plant list exists, originally derived from the ADWR plant list. All new landscape plans are required to utilize plants from this list or provide the Town with information to approve other drought-tolerant plants.

B. Make it available for general public use.

Short CED Complete The Native Plant List is available online.

C. Continue Town programs that encourage its use.

Ongoing CED Maintained Both public and private projects utilize the approved native plant list.

WATER RESOURCES

NO. TASK TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILITY STATUS COMMENTS SLP

79 Provide and expand opportunities for public education and advocacy regarding water conservation, alternative water use, stormwater management and best practices for building and landscape design and retrofits, including low impact development and green infrastructure.

Ongoing CED, PW, WU Maintained The Water Utility has a water conservation specialist that conducts educational events.

The Water Utility sponsors the "Water Wednesday" educational program.

4B

80 Periodically review and update a drought response plan as a means to address future Central Arizona Project water and groundwater shortages.

Medium WU Complete This has been completed. 4B

81

Protect water resources by: A. Coordinating with appropriate water

utilities, jurisdictions and public agencies.

Ongoing WU Maintained The Water Utility has three full-time employees that work on water quality monitoring and sampling. They create a consumer confidence report. ADEQ, Pima County DEQ, and the EPA all have requirements for monitoring and sampling.

B. Continuing water-quality monitoring and sampling.

Ongoing WU Maintained

C. Continuing long-term planning efforts. Ongoing WU Maintained 4B

82

Reduce dependence on, use and diminishing of the groundwater supply by: A. Exploring the expanded use of

stormwater harvesting and recharge areas.

Medium WU Future Item


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B. Continuing use of Central Arizona Project water.

Ongoing WU Maintained A fourth delivery station is planned to bring additional CAP water into the Town.

4B

83 Expand infrastructure and facilities that provide for a diverse water supply portfolio, including Central Arizona Project water and the use of reclaimed water for irrigation and other purposes.

Long WU In Progress

The water utility is expanding and the NWRRDS will be online in 2024.

4B

84

Develop plans, create partnerships and, where appropriate, incentives that increase use of alternative water sources for potable and non-potable uses, including: A. Treated wastewater effluent.

Long WU Complete An inter-governmental agreement (IGA) is in place with Pima County for reclaimed water. Currently, there are no plans to do this independently.

B. Graywater. Long WU Future Item


C. Passive and active stormwater harvesting.

Long WU Future Item

Rainwater harvesting is required for all new developments. Although there are no official incentives for homeowner’s, the Water Conservation Specialist provides programs to assist with stormwater harvesting. The Town does not collect a conservation fee.

D. Reclaimed water. Ongoing WU Maintained E. Central Arizona Project water. Ongoing WU Maintained 4B

85 Create programs that utilize Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology across user groups that encourage self-monitoring and facilitate improved water management practices through early leak detection.

Short WU Complete

86 Continue conservation pricing through a tiered rate structure for water customers.

Ongoing WU Maintained This is currently done and reviewed periodically.

87 Support the continued utilization of water impact fees.

Ongoing WU Maintained

88 Explore the feasibility, value and public interest in fluoridation of Oro Valley's water supply.

Short WU Future Item


89

Provide resources for water course management including: A. Channelizing to minimize safety

threats.

Long PW Future Item


B. Maintenance to avoid clogging caused by impediments.

Ongoing PW Maintained This is routinely completed by Stormwater staff.

90 Design wash crossings to pass the design flow safely and with minimal physical, traffic or environmental impacts.

Medium PW Maintained This is completed as funding becomes available.

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91 Evaluate and rehabilitate or enhance as appropriate, any drainage systems, water detention and retention facilities and other infiltration areas existing within the project area of a capital improvement project.

Ongoing PW, WU Maintained The Town does not have retention facilities. The Town evaluates major assets every year and 20% of routine assets every 5 years.

92 Continue maintenance for publicly owned retention basins and stormwater facilities.

Ongoing PW Maintained This is based on the evaluation completed yearly and every 5 years.

93

Put in place plans, resources and requirements to manage stormwater runoff in order of: A. Increase infiltration into the

groundwater.

Short PW Future Item

The Water Utility is interested in this subject and Stormwater has been invited to the discussions. However, further evaluation is needed to begin.

B. Reduce soil erosion. Short PW Maintained This is completed routinely through the inspection process.

94 Continue support and provide resources for programs that manage vegetation as a means to support stormwater management.

Ongoing PW Maintained This is routinely done by cleaning up vegetation and reducing soil build-up in the washes.

95 Continue to support planning for and implementation of the Town's Stormwater Management Plan.

Ongoing PW Maintained This is part of a regulatory report, required annually to show how the Town meets best practices and minimum control measures. This report is posted online for public view.

96 Monitor and enforce stormwater controls to prevent aquifer pollution and the erosion or siltation of washes.

Ongoing PW Maintained This is done through the asset inspection program and Stormwater Prevention Plans required with new construction.

97 Develop and implement a public education program regarding ways to minimize negative environmental impacts of stormwater caused by development.

Short PW In Progress

Public education is required as a minimum control measure. A draft program has been created and needs to be formalized. Town staff does go to schools and community events, such as the farmer's market and State of Town to share information.

98 Study options and provide opportunities for development or redevelopment to design for, capture and manage stormwater in facilities having multiple benefits, such as stormwater management, recreation, wildlife habitats and groundwater recharge.

Short CED, PW In Progress

The design criteria manuals are currently being updated. These design standards include washes and stormwater infrastructure. This is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2019.

99 Evaluate all public and private development projects during the review process to determine the effects of the projects on on-site and downstream drainage and associated ecological systems.

Short CED, PW Maintained This is an ongoing effort. All new developments are reviewed for these considerations.

5A

100 Evaluate stormwater management policies, practices and work programs and align with

Medium PW, WU Future Item


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water conservation strategies when appropriate.

CULTURAL RESOURCES


101

Preserve and share significant cultural resources of Oro Valley with the community by: A. Preserving Town of Oro Valley historical

records and documents to maintain a chronology of Town development and milestone events.

Medium CED, P&R Complete Official development records are kept through the Town Clerk's office.

The Historic Society preserves historic items and documents.

B. Requiring that interpretive elements related to cultural resource sites be planned for in public use areas and private developments during the development review process.

Medium CED, P&R Complete This is required for all new developments during the review process.

C. Collecting oral histories from key persons related to Oro Valley history.

Medium CED, P&R Future Item Key people have been identified and some oral histories have been collected. However, this effort was more expensive than anticipated so no further work will be done unless otherwise directed.

D. Creating and executing a plan for the placement of interpretive elements related to cultural resource sites in existing and planned Town facilities and properties with the assistance of outside funding.

Medium CED, PW, P&R Future Item This may be a project for the Historic Preservation Commission.

102 Explore potential agreements with public and private entities, including partnerships with library and education institutions, to ensure appropriate use and preservation of cultural resources for future generations.

Medium P&R Complete The library has a local history section, a native seed library, and other resources provided from the Town.

The OV Historic Society has a strong relationship with the Town.

103

Raise community awareness and support of local cultural resources by: A. Creating engaging and informative parks

and recreational programs and activities.

Ongoing P&R Maintained This is an ongoing effort and goal of programming events and activities.

B. Developing collaborative work programs with community organizations and groups to provide information, education and events increasing the awareness of the history of the Town.

Medium P&R Maintained The Town has a formal agreement with the OV Historic Society to provide docents and tours of Steam Pump during the 2nd Saturday programs.

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Community Academy also features a session on the history of Oro Valley.

104

Implement, monitor and oversee the Town’s current and future cultural resource plans by: A. Exploring a potential agreement with Pima

County to implement the Interpretive Plan for Honey Bee Village Archaeological Preserve and obtaining appropriate public access.

Medium P&R Complete Honey Bee Village is county owned property. Public access is complete, and the trailhead has interpretive signage including the history of the village. This was done in partnership with Pima County.

B. Implementing the Cultural Resources Management Plan.

Medium P&R Maintained The Historic Preservation Commission reviews the Cultural Resources Management Plan annually when creating the commission's work plan.

C. Implementing the Steam Pump Ranch Master Plan in conformance with easement agreements with Pima County.

Medium P&R Maintained The plan is currently being implemented and as funding comes in the Town will continue to work with the County.

2A

D. Exploring adaptive rehabilitation of historic properties for public use.

Medium P&R Maintained Adaptive rehabilitation projects have been identified as well as designed in some cases. This includes the proposed work for Steam Pump. These preservation projects will be completed as funding becomes available.

2A

105 Pursue grants and other funding, including dedicated Town funding, to provide for the protection and preservation of cultural resources in the community.

Ongoing P&R Maintained CIP funds have been spent on Steam Pump and annual grants from the state historic preservation office are applied for annually for these types of projects.

106 When opportunity exists, acquire properties of significant cultural resource value that enhance the history of Oro Valley.

Ongoing P&R Maintained

107 Continue to provide Town resources to maintain certified local government status with the State of Arizona Historic Preservation Office.

Ongoing P&R Maintained An annual report is submitted every year to maintain this status.

108

Avoid, minimize or mitigate as appropriate the potential effect of development projects on significant prehistoric and historic sites during the Town’s planning and design processes by: A. Requiring the preparation of cultural

resources assessments by a qualified archaeologist or historian for new development projects.

Short CED, P&R Complete This is a requirement for all new development projects. Experts in the field, either the State Historic Preservation Office or other agencies, must validate the assessment.

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B. Consulting with the State Historic Preservation Office or other appropriate agencies as needed.

Short CED, P&R Complete

CLEAN ENVIRONMENT


109

Provide and support safe and convenient waste disposal options for the community by: A. Exploring the creation of a Town-wide

recycling program for municipal, commercial and residential uses.

Medium PW, OVPD, TM Future Item There is no external community wide program. Private companies such as Waste Management offer services to their clients.

B. Collaborating with the private sector to offer recycling stations and clean composting sites throughout the Town.

Medium PW, OVPD, TM Future Item

C. Establish hazardous waste collection and storage facilities in Oro Valley.

Medium PW, OVPD, TM Future Item

D. Implementing programs that demonstrate best practices in recycling, waste minimization and disposal programs.

Short PW, OVPD, TM Future Item

E. Continuing support and expanding public outreach for public education regarding proper medication disposal and the Town’s Dispose-A-Med program.

Ongoing PW, OVPD, TM Maintained The Dispose-A-Med program takes place eight times a year. Drop boxes are not in place for year-round disposal, but that can be explored.

110

Promote sustainable practices in the private sector by: A. Developing an Oro Valley awards program

to recognize these practices.

Medium CED, WU Future Item There are national programs such as LEED that do recognize these efforts.

B. Establishing development incentives for projects demonstrating an exemplary commitment to sustainability.

Medium CED, WU Future Item

C. Partnering with local businesses to create incentives for the education, purchase and/or installation of resource conservation products.

Medium CED, WU Future Item

111

Develop and implement strategies and programs that: A. Promote conservation of resources,

especially water, in public spaces, art or activities.

Medium CED, WU Maintained Impact fees go towards these items.

The zoning code prohibits fountains in public spaces.

The Water Utility created an energy efficient program for booster stations and are upgrading their equipment to be more energy efficient.

B. Demonstrate best practices in air quality improvement, sustainable operations and energy efficiency.

Medium CED, WU Complete 4A

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112

Identify, promote and increase community awareness of natural, water and cultural resources by: A. Exploring the development of a public

space that educates the community on Sonoran Desert Resources and their conservation.

Short CED, PW, P&R, WU

Complete The Town of Oro Valley annexed Tohono Chul Park, which provides classes and workshop about the natural desert.

B. Developing a program that educates the public on these resources and best practices for their protection and conservation.

Short CED, P&R, WU Complete There is a Town webpage for cultural resources and educational events at Steam Pump.

The Water Utility conducts lectures and study sessions on water conservation and best practices.

This is also a topic that is covered in the Community Academy

4B

113

Promote energy efficiency by: A. Adopting the most up-to-date International

Code Council (ICC) Energy Conservation Code in concert with regional jurisdictions and stakeholders.

Medium PW Complete The 2018 ICC was adopted by Town Council in January 2019

B. Reviewing, identifying and addressing Town policies and ordinances that enhance renewable energy production, efficiency and conservation.

Medium CED, PW Future Item Recommended for future strategic plan/work plan item.

C. Conducting an assessment of emerging renewable technologies for potential application in the community.

Medium CED, PW Future Item

114

Support the use of alternative energy to reduce emissions and air pollution and to enhance environmental quality by: A. Creating programs that incentivize and

reduce barriers to the use of clean alternative energy in business, institutional and residential settings.

Medium CED, TM Future Item

B. Exploring opportunities to encourage private industry to develop and maintain convenient alternative fuel stations.

Medium CED, TM Future Item

115

Create energy efficiencies in Town operations by: A. Implementing measures to increase

efficiencies of Water Utility equipment.

Medium PW, WU Complete The Water Utility does this through the booster station efficiency program. It tracks the performance of the infrastructure to make sure leaks or aging infrastructure is identified and replaced.

4A

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B. Investigating the feasibility of converting Town vehicles and negotiating agreements with other large fleet organizations to utilize “green fuel.”

Medium PW, WU Future Item This has been evaluated and all vehicles would need to be updated for this to be economical. This may be reevaluated in the future but is also not practical for every department. For instance, the Water Utility has very specialized equipment and needs.

4A

C. Providing an annual energy report card to track energy usage in relation to energy plans and savings.

Annual PW, WU Maintained The Water Utility does this through their booster station efficiency program (refer to 115.A.).

4A

116 Create programs that increase awareness about energy usage in order to reduce consumption of energy, water and electrical resources.

Medium PW, WU Complete The Water Utility does this through their water conservation programs and ongoing energy efficiency work.

4B

117 Work collaboratively with regional partners to create and maintain web-based information portals such as Solar One Stop, uniform renewable energy standards, inspection procedures and submittal requirements, and provide for electronic permitting.

Medium CED, PW, IT In Progress Electronic permitting is being implemented and a full transition is anticipated in FY20/21.

118

Utilize sustainable landscape solutions and irrigation standards that: A. Include the use of native vegetation

appropriate to varying sites.

Short CED, WU Complete The zoning code already requires this and all new developments must use plants from the approved native plant list, which are drought tolerant plants.

B. Minimize energy demands of development. Short CED, WU Complete Impact fees are higher for developments that need larger water lines. This helps curb the use of landscape that requires a large amount of irrigation (grass etc.).

C. Consider view conservation. Short CED, WU Complete Native landscape requirements as well as buffer yards and required open space help protect views.

119

Create programs to enhance air quality by: A. Controlling construction dust and exploring

the requirement of reclaimed water use to do so.

Long PW Future Item

B. Encouraging the use of natural gas, multimodal transportation, rideshares and renewable resources.

Long CED Future Item Further evaluation is needed to begin this action item.

120

Pursue sustainability and environmental conservation in development by: A. Integrating new green infrastructure and

low-impact development techniques into

Medium CED Complete The 2018 ICC uses the most energy-efficient building materials and methods.

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development regulations where appropriate.

B. Periodically updating existing low-impact development regulations.

Medium CED In Progress ESLO is currently being reviewed for possible code amendments.

5A

C. Including sustainable and environmental development practices in Town development review.

Medium CED In Progress 5A

121 Require the most energy efficient roofing materials practicable, based on performance, to be used in new commercial and residential construction.

Long CED Complete The most recent building codes utilize best materials for the thermal envelope. The design guidelines are also being amended in FY19/20 to update the Light Reflective Color percentage, which will allow more energy efficient roofs.

122 Remove regulatory barriers and develop programs that recognize model green building efforts in the community and promote green building for new construction.

Medium CED Complete The most recent building codes, 2018 ICC utilize materials that reduce energy consumption.

123

Update existing and develop new building codes and design standards for development that: A. Encourage the passive and active solar

orientation of lots.

Long CED Complete The most recent building codes, 2018 ICC utilize materials that reduce energy consumption.

B. Reduce heating and cooling demands of buildings.

Long CED Complete

C. Minimize blocking or reflecting sun on adjacent public spaces or buildings.

Long CED Complete

Department abbreviations: CED- Community and Economic Development Department F- Finance GRFD- Golder Ranch Fire District OVPD- Oro Valley Police Department P&R- Parks and Recreation PW- Public Works TM- Town Manager’s Office WU- Water Utility

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