Commission approves outdoor equine arena near Sierra Vista with daylight‑only condition

The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request to modify an earlier special‑use authorization so that an arena and associated equine events would take place outdoors rather than in an enclosed structure. The applicant, Al Armenta, requested the change to allow daytime, family‑oriented horse events on a roughly 21‑acre property at 8191 Barataria Boulevard, about 3 miles southeast of Sierra Vista.

Staff reported the property is zoned RU‑4 and that a prior two‑phase authorization (SU23‑14) had approved a hay barn and later an indoor arena and feed store. The modification would make the arena open‑air at this stage; staff noted the parcel already had an approved special use and that most required conditions would apply at final build‑out, including gravel parking, septic and restrooms when the feed store/indoor arena components are constructed.

Armenta told commissioners all events would be daytime only; the arena would not be lighted for nighttime activities and would use small, localized speaker systems for announcements. Two nearby residents testified in favor, and one written opposition was on file from a nearby property owner. Staff recommended approval with conditions including daylight‑only events, obtaining a right‑of‑way permit for secondary arena access on Barataria Boulevard, and recording an ingress easement if primary access to certain parcels runs across adjacent property.

After discussion about potential future expansion, amplified sound and parking, the commission approved SU25‑07 with the staff conditions. The action was recorded as unanimous.