Show Low planning panel approves guest house at 151 West Whipple with access condition

The Show Low Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 28 approved a conditional use permit allowing a detached guest house at 151 West Whipple, finding the application meets local zoning standards and imposing conditions on access and utilities.

Planner Celine told the commission that "the applicant intends to construct a detached guest house with a living space of 1,121 square feet for a family member alongside their main residence," and that the subject parcel is about 4.27 acres (roughly 186,000 square feet) in MH (manufactured housing) zoning. The main residence was described in the staff report as 1,927 square feet.

Why it matters: the commission’s approval permits a second dwelling unit on the lot as a guest house under City of Show Low code 19.60.030(I), subject to limits on size and shared utilities. Staff recommended approval after verifying minimum lot-size requirements and other development standards.

During the staff presentation, officials emphasized utility and access conditions. Staff said both the principal dwelling and the guest house must use a common single electric and water meter and a shared driveway. Director Tregasquez clarified that city code requires property owners to extend and connect to city sewer if a sewer line is available within 200 feet; he estimated the existing sewer is approximately 230 feet from the subject property and said the connection requirement applies whether or not a guest house is proposed.

Nearby property owners raised concerns about an existing roadway easement along the west side of the subject parcel. Renee Isaacs, of 201 West Whipple, said she was not opposed to the guest house itself but asked that the applicant "stipulate" to a separate driveway and culvert off West Whipple to avoid additional wear on the roadway. Planner Celine and Director Tregasquez showed the submitted site plan on the overhead and said it depicts a shared driveway coming off West Whipple.

Belinda Barber, who identified herself as the resident at 151 West Whipple and the applicant’s representative, told the commission construction is underway and that the family plans to "put our own driveway in" and run a trench for a power conduit. She said the family intends to locate the driveway near the church and does not plan to continue using the Isaac family’s driveway.

A city staff member clarified that Planning and Zoning does not have authority to force the abandonment of an easement and that the 1982 warranty deed describes a road easement; any dispute over the easement’s use is between property owners. The commission treated the applicant’s commitment to use West Whipple as the primary access as narrowing the issue for the CUP decision.

Vice Chair Wilson moved to approve CUP 602-04-278, "submitted by Timothy Barber on behalf of the Barber Family Living Trust to allow for a guest house in conjunction with the residence located at 151 West Whipple…subject to staff recommendations," and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Whipple. The measure passed unanimously.

Director Tregasquez told the public there is a seven-day appeal period: "As a reminder, there is a 7 day appeal period. If no appeal is received by the city clerk from a qualifying individual within those 7 days, this will become effective." If appealed, the action would be reviewed according to the city’s appeal procedures.

What’s next: the conditions of approval include compliance with building and fire codes, shared driveway and utilities, a limit of one income-producing dwelling unit, and a required connection to city sewer if the system is extended within 200 feet of the property. The commission approved the minutes of its Sept. 23 meeting and then adjourned.

(Reporting based on remarks and staff materials presented at the Show Low Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Oct. 28, 2025.)