Planning commission approves design review for Oak Creek cabins despite debate over visible rooflines

The Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7–2 on March 26 to approve DRO-25-001, a design review overlay application to replace and standardize the resort cabins at the Mesmerie Nature Resort (formerly Don Hall’s Cabins) in Oak Creek Canyon.

The commission’s action followed a staff presentation by planner Robert “Bob” Short and a design presentation by architect Fernando Mercado, who described the proposed cabins as one- and two-bedroom units with vertical siding, large windows and rooftop decks. Mercado said the project team plans to use cementitious, fiber-reinforced siding and other assemblies designed to achieve a one-hour fire rating to address Sedona-area fire concerns.

The commission’s approval was based on findings that the proposed cabin design “is compatible with the neighborhood and historic structures” and that materials and scale subordinate structures to the natural landscape,…