Data Collection Report - Flood Control District of Maricopa County

Residential Character UnitThe Residential Character Unit consists of three subunits designated asRural Residential, Residential, and Residential Planned AreaDevelopment (P.A.D.).Rural Residential Character UnitDescriptionThe Rural Residential Character Unit is indicative of low densityresidential developments within the agricultural lands of the study area.These residences are typically positioned on large relatively spaciousflood irrigated lots with adjacent fenced areas containing shadestructures or shelters and a variety of livestock and small farm animals.The streetscapes are defined by various styles of fencing and rails, someclusters of vegetation, irrigation ditches and mailboxes. Existingenclosures consist of medium height wood or metal rails or fences. Thehomes are primarily single story ranch style dwellings of various sizes,styles, and materials - wood frame, block, brick, and stucco. Lotlandscaping is also varied and mixed and but often includes turfed areasand trees.Rural ResidentialScenic QualityScenic quality for the Rural Residential Character Unit is rated asmedium. In general, form, line, color, texture, and scale of elementsrepresent an average level of variety however the characteristics of thisunit are not particularly unique.Visual IntegrityVisual integrity for the Rural Residential Character Unit is rated asmedium. The visual elements/features represent an average level ofharmony amongst the parts. Some discordant elements include overheadpower lines, chain link fencing in some locations, outdoor unenclosedstorage of equipment, materials, and other debris, and other elementsresulting from lack of property maintenance.Residential Character UnitDescriptionThe Residential Character Unit describes the older residentialneighborhoods within the study area. Oldest neighborhoods occur eastof 43rd Avenue and north of Buckeye. There are also concentrationsaround 67th Avenue and at 91st Avenue in Tolleson. In many areas,adjacent noncompatible commercial and industrial land uses haveintruded upon and negatively impacted these older residentialdevelopments. Neighborhoods are typically characterized by a relativelyhigh density of small single family detached WWII era block and woodframe tract homes. There are also trailer parks and manufactured homesin some areas as well. Tract homes and other visual elements withinthese neighborhoods feature a very plain, simple functional design withlittle or no architectural detail. The fact that yards are small and thereis very little community recreational open space within theseneighborhoods has resulted in much of the regular outdoor activityappearing oriented to the street. In an effort to create a sense of securityand separation from the street, many lots feature low wall enclosures orchain link fences. Lack of property maintenance has also detracted fromthe neighborhood image. Landscaping is sparse to medium. There is noconsistent streetscape or landscape theme. Visual elements are mixed.There is no consistency in materials or colors.ResidentialScenic QualityScenic quality for the Residential Character Unit is rated as low tomedium. The combination of form, line, color and scale of visualelements represents a low level of visual interest. Architectural elements,landscape elements, and streetscape elements do not create a strongneighborhood character.Visual IntegrityVisual integrity for the Residential Character Unit is also rated as low tomedium. Neighborhoods lack a strong unifying element. Features suchas chain link fencing lend an institutional feel. Other discordant visualelements have resulted from lack of property maintenance and lack ofenclosed storage areas for vehicles and other equipment.DIBBLE & ASSOCIATES 24 DURANGO ADMPDATA COLLECTION REPORT