Designation Process

The process for consideration of a road can be initiated by any interested group or individual by requesting designation to the Parkways, Historic and Scenic Roads Advisory Committee (PHSRAC).

 

The PHSRAC reviews, prioritizes and evaluates the requests based on the established criteria and the quality of resources. Recommendations are then made to the Arizona Transportation Board for the designation of favorable routes. Development guidelines are compiled as recommendations for the enhancement and preservation of the route.

 

Designated routes also may be reviewed and significant changes may require deletion of a designation to maintain the integrity of the program. The guidelines contained in this publication were developed to help the applicant in preparing the application report for the designation of Parkways, Historic and Scenic Roads.

 

Format

The format of the application report to the PHSRAC should be prepared following the criteria listed below:

 

• Use 8 1/2" x 11" pages, vertically bound on the left side, with the capacity to add or delete material without destroying the binder (loose leaf, spiral bound or similar).
• Provide a cover sheet with the proposed project name, route number, mileposts, preparer's name, date, and agencies involved.
• A cover letter addressed to:
  Parkways, Historic & Scenic Roads Advisory Committee
  1611 West Jackson Street, Mail Drop EM03
  Phoenix, AZ 85007
  Attention: LeRoy Brady, Chairman
• A copy of the letter of request for designation and the jurisdictional agencies approval for designation of the road as a parkway, historic or scenic road.
• Please note the following:
  Photographs included in the report for information and documentation should be enclosed in acetate sheet protectors on black background or in clear vinyl sheet holders. Color photocopies are acceptable. Any supportive material not conforming to the 8 1/2" x 11" format should be folded neatly and placed in a pouch at the back of the report. It should be labeled: Appendix A, B, C, as appropriate, and referred to in the text of the report.

 

Road Sections or Area

The road sections or areas proposed for designation should be clearly described by a written paragraph and should be depicted on standard, published maps.

 

The written description should include the general location within the state, the county, road name and number, length, mileposts, adjacent cities, direction of road and area or width of the zone of influence.

 

For example: From the Coronado Trail Scenic Road Application Report:

 

 

Maps

Maps to be included in the report should be of a quality published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), ADOT, the county or city. The area to be depicted should be at a scale that will maximize the space on the 8 1/2" x 11" sheet. If a larger map is used, fold and place it in the pouch at the back of the report.

 

Inventory Process

The inventory of natural, cultural, and visual resources is the main focus of the designation evaluation. It must be descriptive and provide complete and convincing information. Historical Road Applications should emphasize cultural resources and Scenic Road Applications should emphasize natural and visual resources.

 

The inventory should contain the following information as applicable to the road area under consideration.

 

• Natural Resources
  » Geology
  » Hydrology
  » Climate
  » Biota
  » Topography
  
  
• Cultural Resources
  » Architectural Resources
  » Historical Resources
  » Archaeological Resources
  » Cultural Development
  
  
• Visual Resources
  » Visual Quality Assessment Procedures
  » Landscape Classification Process
  » Landscape Inventory
  » Visual Quality Assessment Definitions
  

 

Other Supportive Documentation

• Desirable Zone of Influence
  Define an area to either side of the roadway that would be necessary to protect the resources from
  damaging encroachment. These areas will be generally the same as the view shed but may need to be
  further clarified. Give linear measurements for the corridors and illustrate on a map.
  
  
• Land Ownership
  Describe and illustrate the land ownership along the roadway. Use the following general categories: federal
  (Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service), state, city, reservation and private.
  
  
• Land Use
  Describe and illustrate the land uses along the roadway. Use the following categories: residential,
  commercial, industrial, agricultural, governmental, conservational and recreational.
  
  
• Land Zoning
  Describe and illustrate the zoning along the roadway. Consult local zoning boards for this information.
  
  
• Photographs and Supportive Material
  Provide photographs and other information that document the scenic or historic significance of the roadway.
  Newspaper, magazine articles, etc. may be cited here. Include letters from local agencies or groups
  indicating their concern with the proposed designation. These may be special interest groups, city or county
  governments, etc.

 

Recommendations

List recommendations to protect or enhance the unique features and special natural or cultural resources in the area. The Laws and Rules, which contain Arizona Revised Statute 41-516 and R17-3-809 provide for exemption from standard construction and maintenance practices to ensure resource preservation and provide for the safe use and service of the traveling public. Examples include:

 

• Modifications to structures and signs
• Pruning or removal or addition of plant materials
• Enhancement of historical markers
• Erosion control
• Addressing vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• Compliance with area planning and zoning
• Location of scenic viewpoints
• Restoration of vegetative cover in disturbed areas