Cochise supervisors adopt zoning text amendment to allow single remand of special use appeals

The Cochise County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 16 adopted Zoning Ordinance 25‑19, a staff‑initiated text amendment that modifies the county zoning regulations to provide a limited remand option when the board considers appeals of Planning and Zoning Commission special‑use authorizations.

Staff planner Christine McLaughlin said the change clarifies that special uses begin at the Planning and Zoning Commission and that the board may affirm, reverse, or modify the commission decision. The amendment adds a remand option that the board can use only once per appeal cycle and only when specific criteria are met — for example, when additional evidence or testimony is necessary for a proper decision or when new information not reasonably available at the commission hearing is submitted.

The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the amendment at its Sept. 10 meeting and voted 8‑0 to recommend approval, and McLaughlin said no public comment was received at the commission hearing. At the supervisors' public hearing, board members praised the clear language and emphasis on transparency and told applicants to present all relevant materials at the commission hearing because introducing late information risks remand.

Board action: the motion to adopt Ordinance 25‑19 passed unanimously, 3‑0. McLaughlin said the amendment is intended to make appeals more predictable and to ensure late‑arriving evidence can be considered without bypassing due process.

Ending: The board closed the public hearing with no public speakers on the item and adopted the ordinance; staff said the ordinance provides sample motions and guidance for remand timing and notice requirements.