Council-Approved General Plan
Town Council unanimously approved the Make it Chino! 2040 General Plan on June 27. The approved Plan can be downloaded by clicking the image below. A separate executive summary is also available for download.
Residents will vote to adopt the final plan in November.
The existing general plan (now being replaced/updated) includes the following elements: land use, circulation/transportation, open space/recreation, water resources/environment, cost of development, and economic development. Matrix reviewed the parts of the general plan, the process for creating and approving the plan, and the vision for the Town of Chino Valley and will use them as a baseline for this general plan revision.
The Town of Chino Valley envisions a future with expanded and diverse business and employment opportunities, housing variety, and transportation options while its valued farming heritage, recreation, environmental assets, and small-town image are all preserved. The Chino Valley General Plan is a product of many long discussions by community residents, business owners, and leaders over many months. The General Plan is based on the comments and aspirations of Chino Valley citizens.
This document describes the transportation goals, objectives, and policies for the Town of Chino Valley. Matrix reviewed the existing transportation system conditions, land uses, and socioeconomic conditions, as well as the transportation plan and implementation plan. Implementation actions and their estimated costs will inform future projections and the Town’s vision.
This document describes the current and future conditions as well as a plan of improvements. Matrix reviewed the study area, the relevant plans and studies described, the existing conditions, environmental considerations, future conditions, the needs for the area, as well as the potential improvement strategies.
In the next 25 years, the population of Chino Valley is anticipated to grow by 73%, with a 100% increase in employment. This general growth coupled with very limited traffic mobility (high speed limits, limited passing opportunities, poor traffic flow) is and commercial and recreational traffic to I-40 and beyond are circumstances noted in this study. The study highlights the need for safety and operational improvements along SR 89 directly impacting Chino Valley.
Further study findings indicate provisions for managing traveler access to future development should be considered. Primarily south of Road 5N and at spot locations to the north, the density, location, and type of access points needed should be addressed
This plan identifies the hazards that impact various jurisdictions within Yavapai County and opportunities for mitigating those hazards. Matrix reviewed the assessment of vulnerabilities and risks to the community and infrastructure and mitigation strategies.
The hazard mitigation planning process identifies hazards that threaten communities; determines the likely effects of those hazards; sets mitigation goals; and identifies, prioritizes, and guides the implementation of appropriate strategies to lessen hazard impacts that threaten communities. The Plan identifies relevant hazards and risks and identifies the strategy used to decrease vulnerability and increase resiliency and sustainability.
This document includes the allowed uses and design requirements for all subdivisions in the Town of Chino Valley. Matrix reviewed the permitted uses, zoning requirements, permitting, and infrastructure and utility design to accommodate development.
Chino Valley’s Strategic Plan defines the priorities for the Town as a government enterprise. Matrix reviewed the plan in terms of how the government will serve the community, focusing on infrastructure and utilities, water, employment, the road network, and business opportunities that align with the area's rural feel.
The strategic plan surmises the underlying values of the community’s vision statements have been consistent through time: (1) a desire to protect the small-town attributes that have attracted new residents to the community; (2) a focus on retaining a family-centric outlook; and (3) desire for growth that will cement the Town’s economic viability and sustainability. While economic growth and retaining a small-town atmosphere might appear to be mutually exclusive, thoughtfully balancing these needs offers the community a unique opportunity to define what success looks like for both and to cultivate that distinctive character and sense of place.
This document includes the planning and zoning provisions for the Town of Chino Valley. Matrix reviewed the land use districts, open space development standards, sign code, light pollution guidelines, ordinance amendments, and fee schedules. It should be noted that the sign code is not Reed compliant, but the Town does thoroughly define its light pollution controls.
This study provides the description, status, and conservation goals of several natural areas in the Chino Valley region. Matrix reviewed the challenges for the area’s habitat and avian species.
The Upper Verde River State Wildlife Area consists of 1,809 acres located along the Upper Verde River and lower Granite Creek. Grazing was once prominent within the Upper Verde Wildlife Area. Although trespass grazing does occur, the ecosystem has improved dramatically since the Arizona Game and Fish Department purchased the property in 1996. The area will continue to improve as restoration plans are enacted, enabling increased cover, foraging, and nesting opportunities for a variety of resident and migratory avian species. Conservation challenges are primarily human activities that immediately affect conservation efforts, although drought and wildfire are also considerable threats.
This plan includes goals and actions for improving soil conditions to support watershed health, wildlife habitat, and vegetation growth. Matrix reviewed the mitigation measures and best management practices to minimize impacts on the region's environmental health.
The document focuses on the Prescott National Forest’s plan and goals for “managing forest lands with primary emphasis on healthy, robust environments with productive soils, clean air and water, and diverse populations of flora and fauna.” Specific resource goals and objectives of the Chino Valley Allotment (Chino Valley Ranger District) are also highlighted. The plan's overarching vision is to continue improving soil conditions and maintain effective vegetative cover in the region.
This study summarizes the existing water distribution system's configuration and a proposal for a looped water distribution system and the Town’s need to address the water quality issues. Matrix reviewed the proposed project, physiography, geology, topography, and soil data, as well as the archeological resources in the area.
The configuration of the current distribution system only provides water to the customers in a single direction along a dead-end line. If a portion of that line were shut down for maintenance or other reasons, the customers would be without water service between that point and the end of the line. A ‘looped’ system would help prevent that scenario but would require additional water lines to be installed. Because water quality is a public health concern, a substantial amount of labor and natural resources are committed to maintaining acceptable water quality in this line.
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