Board grants single-event temporary permit for Jimenez Ranch wedding despite staff safety concerns

The Maricopa County Board of Adjustment approved a one-day temporary use permit for a wedding at Jimenez Ranch on Oct. 25, 2025, despite staff’s recommendation that the application be denied because of unresolved public-safety and permitting issues.

Andrew, a county planner, told the board staff had serious concerns about traffic safety, emergency access, unpermitted structures and sanitation at the 6.3-acre R16 parcel. The file shows an open zoning violation dating to 2023 for operating an event venue and unpermitted structures; staff said the venue’s long-term continuation should be addressed through a special use permit rather than repeated short-term permits. “Staff recommends denial of the proposed temporary use permit due to issues of public safety,” Andrew said during the presentation.

The applicant’s representative, Alondra Esqueda, said the owner and operators had worked with vendors and security and that vendors would provide catering and porta-potties; she said the event would have security and traffic control. The applicant reported the event will host about 150 guests from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; food will be catered and the hosts expect a mariachi band without amplified speakers.

Board members acknowledged staff’s safety concerns but opted to approve the narrow, single-event application to give the applicants a chance to operate one event under county conditions while continuing work on a pending special use permit. Chairman Loper moved to approve the TUP for the Oct. 25 wedding only; Vice Chair Rosalie seconded. The motion passed 5–0.

Conditions and context - The event date is Oct. 25, 2025, with guest arrival and ceremony/reception hours described by the applicant as 4–11 p.m. for roughly 150 guests. - Staff had asked for denial and offered conditions a–o if the board chose approval; the board attached staff conditions to the approval. - Staff flagged an existing zoning violation (operation of an event venue and unpermitted structures) dating to 2023 and asked that the property pursue the special use permit route to address long-term safety, circulation, and sanitary issues.

Why it matters: Staff emphasized unresolved public-safety risks — emergency access, traffic flow through the site and sanitation — that commonly accompany rural event venues. The board’s approval allows a single event to proceed but places importance on the applicant advancing the longer-term special use permit process noted by staff.