Payson planning commission votes 7-0 to recommend rezoning for Mountain View subdivision

The Payson Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend that the Town Council approve a rezoning of a portion of the property at 1500 East Frontier (APN 304-01-3121) to allow the Mountain View subdivision, a proposed five single-family-lot development.

Staff reported that the application requests rezoning from R1-175 to R1-90 (as identified in the staff report) and that the proposal is consistent with the town’s general plan designation of traditional residential at no more than seven dwelling units per acre. “This is the rezoning request for the purpose of the Mountain View Subdivision,” a town planning staff member said while presenting the report, which included a site map and the draft site plan showing five lots.

The staff presentation said the site was partially rezoned previously (referenced in the record as a prior approval, P.22-002) and described existing streets in the nearby Granite Dallas Estates subdivision as originally constructed with aggregate and a double chip seal. Staff noted that a double chip seal is not structural pavement and does not meet current standards for new roadways, and that the subdivision approval will require completion of the internal roadways, a turnaround/cul-de-sac, and off-site improvements to Frontier Street as listed in the staff report.

Commissioners asked several questions about utilities and lot development. During the discussion a commissioner asked whether the new lots would have wells and septic systems; staff replied that the property is not inside the Green Valley Water District and that R1-90 does not require public water or sewer, so the developer is proposing private wells and septic systems. Staff said septic systems are regulated by Gila County; the commission was told the location of town water is “over 500 feet” from the site as reported in the staff presentation. When asked about lot-size requirements for septic, a staff member answered that the minimum was two acres as stated in the report.

There was no public testimony: the chair opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers. After discussion, a commissioner moved that the commission recommend approval to the Town Council “with conditions” listed in the staff report; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote, 7-0.

What happens next: the staff presentation and commission motion state that the Mountain View subdivision must complete the town’s subdivision process in Town Code Chapter 154 (Unified Development Code), including preliminary plat, civil improvements, and final plat approval by the Town Council, before any new homes are constructed. The staff report lists specific conditions of approval that must be satisfied as the subdivision proceeds.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for a final decision on the rezoning and related subdivision approvals.