Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Equine Therapy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves Hoofprints equine therapy conditional use permit
Summary
The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Hoofprints Equine Therapy for a two‑acre site in Valley, allowing equine‑assisted learning and therapy with initial limited hours and up to two horses.
The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit for Hoofprints Equine Therapy (CUP 25‑11) at its April 30, 2025 public hearing. The applicant, Abigail Joseph Williams, will operate equine‑assisted learning and therapeutic sessions on two adjoining one‑acre parcels on South Sierra Drive in Valley.
Staff said the site consists of two parcels totaling about 2 acres, includes an existing residence and a small office with restroom, and a fenced round pen where sessions would take place. The applicant told the commission she intends to start with two to three clients per week and could grow to 10–15 clients; proposed operating hours are roughly 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Friday through Sunday during April–October.
County staff reported the neighborhood participation meeting (April 12, 2025) produced eight supportive written comments. Staff advised the commission that the zoning code allows up to three horses per acre in the AR/R‑1 context and that the applicant plans to keep two horses on site. Staff recommended approval subject to standard CUP conditions.
Commission discussion touched on client numbers, site layout, and neighborhood support. Applicant representatives Doug Joseph and Abigail Joseph Williams confirmed there were no further comments. Commissioners asked no substantive technical questions and several remarked in support of the project as a community service.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Williams moved to approve CUP 25‑11; Commissioner Walsh seconded. The commission recorded an 8–0 vote in favor (Commissioners Toghe, Walsh, Williams, Best, Berger, Leslie, Hayward and Chair Burton voting yes). The commission noted the standard 15‑day appeal window and that the decision is subject to the conditions in the staff report.
Why this matters: The permit allows a small, structured equine‑assisted therapy program to operate on a residentially zoned property; staff and neighbors told the commission the proposal is scaled to the site and includes site‑based amenities such as parking and an office restroom.
Next steps: The applicant may operate under the approved CUP once any required conditions are met and the appeal period expires. The county retains enforcement authority over CUP conditions and animal‑keeping standards.
