Commission narrowly backs two‑year special‑use permit for Ranchero Livestock after neighbor complaints
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Summary
After neighbors raised noise, diesel‑fume and fire‑risk concerns, the commission voted 5‑3 to recommend approval of SU250021 for a hay‑delivery business with conditions including dust control, road maintenance and limited hay‑squeeze hours, and a modified expiration set for January 2028.
The Maricopa County Planning and Development Commission voted 5‑3 on Dec. 4 to recommend approval of SU250021, a special‑use permit for Ranchero Livestock & Supplies, subject to a set of conditions and a modified expiration date in January 2028.
Staff told the commission the request is for a cottage‑industry hay‑delivery operation on an approximately 1.2‑acre rural‑43 parcel at 224th Avenue and Patton Road in the Whitman area. Staff recommended approval with conditions including adherence to stated business hours (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.), dust‑control and roadway maintenance requirements, and limits on hay‑squeeze equipment use (recommended 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Staff also noted the application followed a zoning‑violation history and that three neighboring residences had submitted opposition letters citing road damage, excessive equipment noise and alleged operation outside permitted hours.
Neighbors who spoke during public comment described sustained diesel fumes, early‑morning and late‑evening equipment activity, stacked hay up to 8–10 feet, blocked drives and changes in drainage. One resident said the fumes sometimes "taste" in the house and worried about smoldering hay and smoke exposure. Another neighbor said trucks had created ruts and, on occasion, blocked the road.
Applicant representative Chad H. Dixon said dampening hay is unsafe and described plans to reduce dust by spreading gravel and installing screening. Owner Nene DeCastro said the operation began as a small, single‑person business and has grown; she said she is actively seeking larger, offsite storage but that land costs make relocation difficult.
Commissioners were divided. Several members cited fire risk and neighborhood intrusion; one commissioner said previous hay fires had produced prolonged smoke. Commissioners discussed shorter entitlement periods as a compromise. Commissioner Toma moved to approve SU250021 with a modified Condition C setting expiration in January 2028; Commissioner Layton seconded. The roll call produced a 5‑3 recommendation to approve with the listed conditions and the modified expiration. Staff indicated the county can entertain a compliance plan with tight timelines and enforcement steps if conditions are violated.
The decision recommends approval to the Board of Supervisors; neighbors may pursue code complaints or permit‑enforcement routes if conditions are not met.
