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Commission approves outdoor equine arena near Sierra Vista with daytime‑only condition
Summary
The commission modified a prior authorization to allow an open, daytime‑only equine arena at 8191 Barataria Boulevard, adding conditions on hours, access permits, and traffic analysis to address neighbors’ concerns.
The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a modification of a prior special use authorization to allow an outdoor equine arena and related daytime events at 8191 Barataria Boulevard, about three miles southeast of Sierra Vista.
Staff described the request as a modification of docket SU2314: the original two‑phase approval included a hay barn, parking and a future indoor arena. The applicant, Al Armenta, asked to change the previously approved indoor arena to an open arena for equine events. Staff reported one written opposition among 30 notices mailed within 750 feet and recommended approval with conditions addressing hours, access and traffic.
Al Armenta told the commission the events will be daytime only and that no light poles or nighttime events are planned: “Our outdoor events are always going to be in the daytime,” he said. Armenta said the arena’s activities are family‑oriented and aimed at community events and riders of all ages.
Staff recommended conditions that require events be limited to daylight hours, obtain a right‑of‑way permit for secondary arena access along Bauditatia (Bauditatia/Barataria) Boulevard, and record an ingress easement if primary access runs through adjacent tax parcels. The staff report also called for a traffic analysis at buildout and other standard permitting requirements.
Public comment included two nearby residents who said they and their children ride at the arena and supported the request. Commissioners asked about amplified sound and seating; Armenta said announcements will use small portable speakers and spectators typically sit in shade or bring chairs and pop‑up tents.
A motion to approve the modification with staff‑recommended conditions passed unanimously. The chair noted the 15‑day appeal period to the Board of Supervisors.
The modification keeps many original site conditions in place (hay barn and storage buildings, parking and driveways) and requires the applicant to obtain permits for commercial restrooms and septic at full buildout. Any future structural changes beyond the approved modification will require further permits or modifications.
