Frequently Asked Questions

Arcadia evolved from orange and grapefruit orchards. With good care, citrus trees can live to 125 years and beyond. Our trees need regular feedings with a good balanced fertilizer to keep them healthy and productive. The first feeding is in February, the second in June, and the third in September. A mature citrus tree requires 10 cups (5 lbs.) of fertilizer per feeding. The fertilizer should be scattered evenly on the soil under the tree, from the trunk to the drip line, prior to deep watering.

 According to Baker Nursery, a fertilizer blend should contain 16 percent nitrogen, 8 percent phosphorus, 4 percent potassium, and iron and sulfur to neutralize the salt and alkalinity of our desert soil. Both Baker and Berridge Nurseries are very knowledgeable about citrus care and are always happy to answer questions.

TIPS FOR TREE PICKING LIST

1. Contact the West Side Food Bank. WSFB can provide receipts for your self-picked fruit for tax purposes.

2. Gleaning utensils may be borrowed through the City's Tool Lending Program at (602) 495-0323. A long pole with a double narrow hook works best, not the baskets on poles sold at many hardware stores.

3. Discard all rotten or punctured fruit, as this will taint the contents of the entire bin.

4. Fruit should be free of all foliage before being placed in the bin.

5. Contact the Food Bank 1 week prior for pickup as well. You may want to schedule pickup as soon as bins are delivered, depending on your gleaning plans.

6. Self-pickers may also use Barry Paceley's fruit drop-off station, if desired. See website: http://www.roofrat.net

ARCADIA WATER COMPANY

 The AWC “Betterment Committee” strives to educate homeowners about citrus, and make picking and maintaining citrus easier.  Planting trees makes  sense in our desert climate.  Plus, Arcadia has been home to citrus for over 100 years!  Please check their website for more info!http://www.awcwater.com/

VARIANCES AND USE PERMITS Worksheet
Arcadia Camelback Mountain Neighborhood Association

A variance is a request to allow a deviation from a development standard required by the Zoning Ordinance. The Arizona State Statutes and the Zoning Ordinance require that four (4) conditions exist on the subject property for a variance to be approved. The Zoning Administrator must find that these four (4) conditions exist on the subject property to rule favorably on a variance request. It is the burden of the applicant to prove his or her case. The four (4) conditions are as follows:

1.     There are special circumstances or conditions applying to the land, building, or use of the subject property which do not apply to other similar properties in the same zoning district. (Special circumstances or conditions would include, for example: an unusual lot size, shape, or topography. This condition is considered a property hardship and it must be a condition relating to the property that is so unique it cannot be replicated on any other similarly zoned land in the City.)

2.     The special circumstances or conditions described above were not created by the applicant, owner, or any previous owner of the property. The property hardship cannot be self-imposed.

3.     The authorization of a variance is necessary in order for the owner or applicant to enjoy reasonable and substantial property rights. (In other words, without the granting of a variance the property cannot be reasonably used. There is no cause for a variance if the property can be used, even if it is in a manner other than that desired by the owner or applicant.)

4.     The authorization of a variance will not be materially detrimental to persons residing or working in the vicinity, to the adjacent property, to the neighborhood, or to the public welfare in general. (A variance which will not be compatible with the surrounding development or will create an adverse impact on other properties cannot be approved.)

ALL FOUR (4) CONDITIONS MUST BE SATISFIED BY THE SUBJECT PROPERTY FOR A VARIANCE TO BE GRANTED.

Variance:  A deviation from any term or standard contained in this ordinance and authorized according to the procedures in Section 307. 

10.   The Zoning Administrator may not:

a.   Make any changes in the uses permitted in any zoning classification or zoning district, or make any changes in the terms of the Zoning Ordinance; provided that the restriction in this paragraph shall not affect the authority to grant variances.

b.     Grant a variance if the special circumstances applicable to the property are self-imposed by the property owner.

15.   The Zoning Administrator may hear application concerning property upon which a previous application has been heard only when:

a.   The application does not involve the same request for use permit, determination of location of district boundary line, or alleging the same misinterpretation, point of non-coverage, or hardships as the previous application, or when:

b.   The application does not contain the original request for specific variance; or

c.   Substantial change in the use of adjacent property has occurred since the previous application was heard; or

d.   A period of not less than one year has passed since the previous application was heard; or

e.   The previous application was closed without hearing when neither the property owner nor his representative were present at the time such application was scheduled for hearing.