Planning commission forwards San Pedro Ranch Estates tentative plat to supervisors

The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 8 to forward a recommendation of approval for SUB-25-02, San Pedro Ranch Estates, a proposed eight-lot tentative plat north of Benson in the Pomerine area.

Staff said the property is zoned RU-4 and the applicant proposes eight 4-acre lots served by a private road. Planner Julian Reed explained that state law requires a plat for subdivisions of six or more lots and that tentative plat approval is valid for two years, with staff-authorized one-year extensions and additional extensions requiring commission approval. Reed also told the commission that the applicant had provided a drainage analysis, topography, and proposed standoff distances from existing washes.

Applicant Calvin Housley described the plan: “I have submitted an application to subdivide lot 1 of San Pedro Ranch into 8 4 acre lots with the remaining 4 acres from the 36 acres to be attached to my existing residence,” and requested a waiver to allow a dirt road because Pomerine Road is unpaved and traffic volumes will be low.

Commission discussion focused on survey closure, drainage, and long-term road maintenance. Staff confirmed the applicant’s engineering team addressed the survey closure and that a drainage analysis and erosion-hazard setbacks are documented. Staff said the county will not accept the private road for county maintenance and recommended recorded HOA covenants requiring mandatory participation and a comprehensive road maintenance plan.

Staff conditions added before forwarding include: recording a homeowner association covenant and restrictions to manage road and common-area maintenance, construction of a chip-sealed apron on San Pedro Ranch Road at Pomerine Road, addition of required access and utility dedication statements, corrections to plat notations and cover-sheet revision dates, and an assurance agreement to be recorded with the final plat. Reed explained that the county typically uses a third-party trust for subdivision improvements; lot releases follow engineering verification of completed improvements and the trust is commonly set for three years and sometimes extended to five.

Commissioner David Lindpock moved to forward the tentative plat with the staff’s recommended conditions; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The commission’s recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action. Members and the applicant were advised that appeals or objections should be made at the Board of Supervisors hearing for this docket.

Details that remain part of the record: tentative-plat approval timing (two years, with possible extensions), requirement for recorded HOA covenants that include a long-term maintenance plan and mandatory membership, and staff’s requirement of a chip-sealed apron at the parcel entrance.

The commission completed its recommendation without public testimony at the hearing stage; public comment was offered but none was submitted for this docket.