General Plan
Background
Voters approved the 2004 Camp Verde General Plan on March 8, 2005; 59% in favor to 41% opposed. A total of 57% of the registered voters returned ballots in the election. Camp Verde Town Council members adopted a revised 2004 Camp Verde General Plan on December 1, 2004 with a 6-1 vote.
The process for amending Camp Verde’s General Plan began in 2001. From May 2001 through July 2002, three open houses and 12 public presentations were conducted. Written comments were received from over 250 people.
Both the Planning Commission and Town Council conducted public hearings before the amended General Plan was adopted and forwarded to voters. Public hearings were conducted on Nov. 14, 2002, Nov. 6, 2003, Nov. 19, 2003, Oct. 14, 2004, Oct. 27, 2004, and Dec. 1, 2004. Below are responses gathered from the public through July 2002.
Top Qualities to Preserve:
#1 – Friendliness,#2 – Historic, #3 – Western/rural character, #4 – Small-town, #5 – Maintained roads
Top Assets/characteristics for the Future:
#1 – More business, #2 – Job opportunities, #3 – Health/medical care, #4 Tie – Verde River access - Wildlife/River protection
Three Greatest Needs:
#1 – Job opportunities, #2 – Preserving open space, #3 – Neighborhood upkeep
Three Biggest Future Concerns:
#1 – Water quality/quantity, #2 – Increase in traffic, #3 – Lack of medium priced homes
Three Strongest Assets:
#1 – Verde /River, #2 – Western/rural lifestyle, #3 – Open space/scenery
Top Five Attributes Want Camp Verde Recognized for in 2020:
#1 – Western/rural character, #2 – Visually attractive, #3 – Historic preservation, #4 – Verde River Wildlife protection, #5 – Open space/scenic views
General Plan
The General Plan amendment was completed in part with a Department of Commerce and the State Development Fund – Growing Smarter Planning Grant.
The General Plan is the primary tool and blueprint for guiding the Town’s future growth and development. It integrates the ideas and desires of the Town’s residents, businesses, and elected officials into a strategy for managing the Town’s future. Arizona Statute requires that every municipality and county have a General Plan. Camp Verde’s previous general plan was adopted by the Town Council in 1998. At that time, state law did not require that voters ratify the plan.
In 1998 and 2000, the State Legislature passed what is called the Growing Smarter Legislation and Growing Smarter Plus which mandates what elements are to be included in the 2003 General Plan and when the General Plan must be completed. For Camp Verde, seven (7) elements are required for the 2004 General Plan. These elements provide the framework and policies necessary to achieve long-term goals and make day-to-day decisions in just about every area in which town government is involved.
The Camp Verde 2004 General Plan includes the following (click to download):
Introduction, History & Culture, Land Use, Economic Development, Growth Area, Cost of Development, Housing, Transportation & Circulation, Environmental Planning, Open Space & Recreation, and Water Resources.
The General Plan also includes the following maps: Trails Map, Circulation Map,Land Use Map,Growth & Open Space Map, Water Resources Map, Public Facilities Map, and Recreation & Points of Interest Map.
The Town Council and Planning & Zoning Commission use the General Plan to evaluate land use changes. It is used by Town Staff in reviewing building and development regulations and preparing recommendations on projects. It is used by citizens and neighborhood groups to understand the Town’s long-range plans and proposals for different areas. The General Plan also provides the basis for the Town’s development regulations and its Capital Improvement Plan.
