Board approves two down‑zone rezonings in SunSites and near Wilcox to reduce allowable residential density

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors adopted two zoning ordinances Oct. 7 to down‑zone properties in Supervisor District 3.

Docket RZ‑25‑12: The board approved a rezoning submitted by Paul Prince to change multiple parcels in SunSites Unit 2 from SR‑43 (one dwelling per 43,560 sq. ft.) to SR‑174 (one dwelling per 4 acres). County planner Brian Taylor told the board the request complied with nine of 15 rezoning factors and that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 8–0 on Sept. 10. Taylor noted the application followed a prior, withdrawn request and that the applicant will combine parcels with the assessor. Taylor said the down‑zone "does suit his needs, the subsequent text amendment to allow him to construct his horse barn, prior to his residence." No written protests were received and no public speakers opposed the rezone; the board adopted the ordinance by a 3–0 vote.

Docket RZ‑25‑13: The board also approved a rezoning requested by Ryan and Desiree Girth, changing tax parcel 202‑81‑169 (a 40‑acre parcel about three miles east of Wilcox) from SR‑8 (one dwelling per 8,000 sq. ft.) to RU‑10 (one dwelling per 10 acres). Taylor said the parcel’s topography and infrastructure were not conducive to higher density; Planning and Zoning recommended approval 8–0 and staff recommended approval without special conditions. The board voted 3–0 to adopt the ordinance.

In both cases staff emphasized compliance with the county’s notification process and that no written opposition was received. The approvals reduce allowable residential density in areas where infrastructure is limited and align with recent text amendments and prior SunSites rezonings, staff said.