Council approves general plan amendment and rezoning to support Cochise College Foundation residential build program

The Sierra Vista City Council voted unanimously April 10 to amend the city’s general plan land-use map and to rezone two platted lots at 100 and 102 North First Street (0.38 acres) from commercial designations to allow high-density residential / manufactured home residence uses to support Cochise College Foundation’s residential construction program.

City planning staff said the complex comprises two vacant lots that were formerly occupied by a manufactured home; the lots have been vacant since the home was removed about a decade ago. Staff told the council the site abuts high-density residential uses and that the proposed change is consistent with surrounding development and infrastructure. Staff also noted regulatory constraints that limit commercial redevelopment of the small parcels, including setbacks and on-site parking requirements.

A city staff member filling in for Planning presented the background and analysis and said the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended unanimous approval. The council first approved the general-plan map amendment (resolution 2025-25) and then approved the corresponding rezoning ordinance (Ordinance 2025-002) to implement the new land-use designation. No members of the public attended the neighborhood meeting prior to the Planning and Zoning hearing, staff said.

Councilmembers who spoke welcomed the infill redevelopment and said the project is already improving the look of First Street after a fire and property abatement work. The council’s actions were approvals implementing the amendments; staff will proceed with zoning and permitting consistent with the changed designations.

The rezoning and map amendment are intended to facilitate Cochise College Foundation’s student-built single-family home program, which sells market-rate homes and uses proceeds to fund future builds; the foundation had recently completed other student homes in the area.