Planning commission approves special-use permit for contractor yard on Keeling Road with conditions

Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve Docket SU25-09 on Wednesday, allowing a contract construction yard and future single-family residence at 3715 East Keeling Road, the commission chair announced.

Staff recommended approval with conditions after finding the request met seven of eight applicable special-use factors, though the project does not comply with the county comprehensive plan’s “neighborhood conservation” designation, Planning staffer Matthew Taylor said. Taylor told commissioners the site consists of parcels 105421 and 024 B totaling about 2.6 acres and is roughly 2.3 miles south of Sierra Vista.

The commission’s approval requires that the two tax parcels be combined, that a single-family residence be established as the principal use to maintain neighborhood character, that business activities be limited to weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., that parking and storage be screened by a solid wall along Keeling Road and site-appropriate fencing elsewhere, and that parking/storage areas be covered with 2-inch gravel to reduce dust.

Ernesto De La Cruz, the property owner and applicant, told the commission he stores small construction equipment and trailers and plans to build a house on the site. “I’m not looking for trouble,” De La Cruz said, and said he has cleaned debris from an on-site wash and will work with neighbors on the fence design.

Neighbors offered mixed remarks at the public hearing. David Lancaster, who lives across Keeling Road, said he would support the special use if the applicant installs screening and outlines hours of operation. “A wall would certainly help mitigate [noise and dust],” Lancaster said. Another neighbor, Russell Laugen, said he had no objection provided there was no late-night activity.

Commission discussion emphasized safeguards to protect residential character: several commissioners suggested a decorative or 7-foot block wall to screen equipment, limits on hours and lighting, and dust mitigation by spreading gravel. Commissioner Lindbach said he would vote no, citing neighbor concern and the zoning code’s preference that nonresidential uses be subordinate to primary residential uses. Other commissioners—including the motion’s mover—voted in favor, and the chair cast a yes vote; the motion passed.

The approval is subject to standard permitting and may be appealed to the Cochise County Board of Supervisors within 15 days of the action, the chair said.