Scottsdale Greenlights Ranch Gate Subdivision

Scottsdale’s northeast edge is getting a new neighborhood. On September 30, the City Council gave the go-ahead for Ranch Gate, a 32-home community covering 40 acres near Ranch Gate Road & North 128th Street. The project reshapes local zoning rules to allow more homes while preserving desert character.

Quick Points

• 32 homes planned across 40 acres

• Zoning change boosts housing density

• 18+ acres kept as open space

• Near McDowell Sonoran Preserve

• Council approved plan unanimously

Zoning Shift Paves The Way

A zoning district map amendment opened the door for Ranch Gate’s higher density. The site was once zoned R1-130 ESL, limiting it to just 12 lots. The change triples that number, aligning it with nearby luxury projects like Storyrock & Sereno Canyon.

• R1-130 ESL allowed only 12 homes

• New zoning permits 32 total lots

• Mirrors densities of nearby upscale builds

• Adds flexibility for design & access

This approval marks a balance between growth & environmental care, keeping the area’s open feel while adding more rooftops to the desert edge.

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Land & Layout Details

The developer added a 25% amendment to R1-35 standards, securing extra open space. Instead of 14.45 acres, the plan now includes 18.32 acres of Natural Area Open Space (NAOS). Most of it will sit along washes & property lines, creating natural buffers & wildlife corridors.

• 3.87 more acres of NAOS gained

• Buffers protect wash areas

• Open space ties into desert trail systems

• Neighborhood connects to nearby amenities

That open land softens the project’s footprint while keeping views wide & wildlife routes intact.

Desert-Living Design

Ranch Gate keeps the look & feel of north Scottsdale’s desert-living style - low profiles, native plants, & trail access. It sits just minutes from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve & Tom’s Thumb trailhead, putting outdoor options right at residents’ doors.

• Pedestrian friendly path links planned

• Desert-style architecture retained

• Trail access near Tom’s Thumb

• Close to urban services & recreation

The plan’s design builds on the region’s character while weaving in modern neighborhood planning.

Community Feedback & Outcome

Residents voiced a few concerns during hearings - mainly about construction routes through the preserve & signage for emergency-only access. Others pushed for fewer lots or a temporary pause on nearby development. Those suggestions didn’t stick, but the city addressed access clarity.

• Construction route signage requested

• Preserve entry concerns discussed

• Lot placement adjustments declined

• Temporary growth pause not adopted

In the end, both the Planning Commission & City Council voted unanimously in favor. Ranch Gate now joins a stretch of northeast Scottsdale that’s growing carefully but steadily.

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