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Planning commission recommends approval of 38‑lot Diablo Canyon subdivision near Mormon Lake
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Summary
The commission unanimously forwarded a recommendation July 30 for preliminary plat SUB25‑003, a clustered 38‑lot conservation subdivision on 335 acres near Mormon Lake that protects about 60% of the land as open space and includes public trails and private roads.
The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 30 voted to recommend the Diablo Canyon subdivision preliminary plat (SUB25‑003), a clustered conservation design that would create 38 residential lots from a 335‑acre ranch property near Mormon Lake while protecting roughly 202 acres—about 60%—as open space.
Staff and the applicant described the plan as an integrated conservation subdivision that concentrates building envelopes away from ponding and drainage features, preserves significant meadow and tree stands, and provides a publicly accessible trail network through the open space. Planner Bob Short noted the parcel contains stock ponds, a portion of mapped FEMA flood hazard zone A and a number of trees and rock outcroppings; the design places lots and roads to avoid the most sensitive areas.
Applicant representative Thomas Lampeau said the developer agrees with staff's recommended conditions. "We agree with staff, with their recommended conditions," he told the commission.
Why it matters: The plan uses the county's subdivision density and clustering incentives to reduce lot size in return for large open‑space protection and trails. Planning staff recommended the design because it yields coordinated infrastructure (private roads, maintenance by a property owners' association), protects drainage and wildlife habitat and avoids the fragmented development pattern that can result from piecemeal 10‑acre lot splits.
Public comments and concerns: Neighbors raised standard subdivision concerns at the neighborhood meeting (density, flood hazards, water hauling, fencing and fire protection). During the public hearing several residents spoke about road use, off‑highway vehicle activity and potential septic/percolation issues on shallow soils; one commenter said she hunts in the area and questioned whether new septic designs had been tested on the site's soil types.
Staff response and conditions: County staff identified Arizona Game and Fish recommendations for wildlife‑sensitive construction and required wildlife‑friendly fencing where fencing is proposed. The applicant provided a tree inventory, indicated many trees would be preserved in open space, and submitted a citizen participation report showing outreach to neighboring property owners. Conditions require CC&Rs to govern private road maintenance, trail access and open‑space maintenance.
Commission action: The commission voted to forward a recommendation of approval to the Board of Supervisors. The roll call recorded affirmative votes by Vice Chair Wilson, Commissioner Tohi, Commissioner Best, Commissioner Berger, Commissioner Leslie, Commissioner Hayward and Chair Burton. Final approval and plat recordation will be contingent on the applicant satisfying conditions and completing technical approvals and any required permits.
Next steps: The recommendation will be considered by the Board of Supervisors. The developer must complete the detailed final plat documentation, secure any required permits for access and utilities and satisfy CC&R requirements for road and open‑space management.
