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Commission recommends rezoning for proposed RV park near Grama Canal despite floodway concerns
Summary
Commissioners recommended a favorable referral to the Board of Supervisors for a rezone to allow an RV park (applicant Howard). Opponents, including Wansley Farm LLC, raised concerns about floodway proximity, septic infrastructure and agricultural impacts; staff and the applicant said engineering and state approvals will be required.
The Graham County Planning & Zoning Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on a rezoning request (introduced by Stephanie Howard) to change two parcels (APNs 10204035 and 10204016) from general land use to RMH (residential manufactured home) for development described by the applicant as an RV park.
County staff read into the record an opposition letter from Denise Reyes, farm manager for Wansley Farm LLC (parcel 10204003D). The letter cautioned that the parcels are adjacent to the Gila River floodway, warned that flood debris could be pushed onto farm fields, and noted potential conflicts between residential uses and ongoing agricultural activities, including noise, dust and chemical use.
Applicant representatives said the development plan aims to avoid mapped floodway areas, and described exploring sanitary solutions including on-site septic systems or holding tanks that could be pumped, subject to engineering feasibility and approval by state regulators (ADQ) and the Grand County Health Department. One applicant representative stated, "we're just looking into all of our options" for sewage handling and that engineering would be required before proceeding.
Members asked specifically whether the project would rely on septic systems; staff and commissioners noted state and county sanitary requirements for RV parks and said projects of this type must meet ADQ/health-department standards. Mary McKinnon, an adjacent resident, raised personal concern about past flooding and asked how flood insurance would be affected; she said her property had flooded in 2007 and expressed concern for grandchildren and ongoing flood insurance costs.
After questions and discussion about flood risk, sewer infrastructure and agricultural impacts, a commissioner moved and the commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. The recommendation is advisory; the Board will schedule a hearing at a later date.
Action and next step: The commission’s favorable recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for final decision and any required engineering or state approvals will have to be obtained before development can proceed.
