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Planning commission approves Hoofprints Equine Therapy conditional-use permit in Valley
Summary
The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional-use permit for Hoofprints Equine Therapy, a small equine-assisted learning and therapy operation on two parcels in Valley, after staff presentation and unanimous commissioner support.
The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission on April 30 approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) CP 25‑11 to allow Hoofprints Equine Therapy to operate on two parcels totaling about 2 acres on South Sierra Drive in Valley.
The permit, requested by applicant Abigail Joseph Williams, authorizes equine-assisted learning and therapy (defined in county code as equestrian centers, stables and riding academies) to begin with two to three clients per week and grow to as many as 10–15 clients. County staff presented the proposal and recommended approval with conditions.
The permit matters locally because it allows a small, therapy-oriented business in a residential zoning district while establishing limits intended to reduce neighborhood impacts. The applicant told the commission the operation will use an existing small office with restrooms on one parcel and a fenced round pen on the adjacent lot. Staff noted typical allowances on two acres would permit up to six horses (three horses per acre) but the applicant expects to keep two horses for the therapy program. The applicant’s operating plan calls for weekend hours from about 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., April through October, and an on‑site parking/waiting area at the parcel frontage.
Commissioners heard that the applicant held a neighborhood meeting on April 12; staff reported eight neighbors submitted comments in support. After brief questions from commissioners, applicant Abigail Joseph Williams and Doug Joseph (who spoke on her behalf at the hearing) said they had no additional comments beyond the staff presentation. Community development staff summarized the findings required for a CUP and recommended approval subject to conditions in the staff report. Commissioners then voted in favor of the permit in a roll‑call vote; the motion passed unanimously among commissioners present.
The formal action approves the CUP as described in the staff report. As with other county land‑use decisions, the commission’s decision is subject to appeal to the Board of Supervisors within the 15‑day appeal period noted by staff. Conditions attached to the permit limit hours, describe use of the on‑site office/restroom and parking, and note the expected number of horses and clients; the hearing record indicates those limits were intended to reduce potential impacts to adjacent residential properties.
County staff noted the proposal is consistent with the Valley area plan and the county comprehensive plan’s support for small-scale, community-serving enterprises when impacts can be mitigated. The commission’s approval allows the applicant to proceed subject to the permit conditions; any future changes in hours, intensity, or structures would require further county review.
Details commissioners cited in support included the small initial client load, the limited seasonal operating window, the applicant’s neighborhood outreach, and existing on‑site facilities for parking and restrooms. The commission explicitly found the staff report’s CUP findings were met and voted to approve CP 25‑11. No public opposition was recorded at the hearing.
