A significant variance request took center stage at the Cochise County Board of Adjustment meeting, as applicant Rhonda Jo Wilson sought to reduce the minimum required parcel size for keeping horses from 36,000 square feet to 23,522 square feet. This request also included a proposal to eliminate the minimum setback requirement for horse corrals and shade structures from 50 feet to 0 feet along the east, west, and south property lines.

The property in question, located at 10193 South Rainbow Ranch Road near Earthling, is situated in Miracle Valley, approximately 10 miles west of Bisbee. Currently zoned for multifamily use, the area requires a minimum lot size of 7,200 square feet. The applicant's proposal aims to accommodate livestock on a parcel that has not changed in dimensions since it was platted in 1968.

During the meeting, planners presented detailed information about the property, including its layout and existing structures. The corral area designated for the horses totals about 9,600 square feet, and the property boasts three street frontages, providing significant access.

The board's discussion highlighted the implications of the variance on local zoning regulations and the surrounding residential areas. As the meeting concluded, the board members were tasked with considering the potential impact of these changes on the community and the environment.

This variance request marks a pivotal moment for land use in Miracle Valley, with the board's decision expected to shape future agricultural practices in the region.