Gila County supervisors approve modified conditional use permit for Porter family, set 90‑day compliance window

GLOBE — The Gila County Board of Supervisors on a unanimous voice vote approved a modified conditional use permit for the Porter family that allows existing unpermitted structures to remain while giving the owners 90 days to obtain required permits or remove the items.

County planning staff told the board the property previously held a two‑year use permit for two items, but the permit was rescinded after staff found additional construction and utilities had been added without permits. Planning and Zoning recommended denial because the applicants violated the original conditions and staff expressed concern the rules would not be followed going forward.

Property owner Kim Porter addressed the board during the public hearing, describing medical and family emergencies that interrupted her plans to build a home. "I did sign the paperwork, though. My bad for not fully reading and understanding what I was signing," Porter said, and added she and her husband plan to build their home within two years and were willing "to remove the Connex if we have to."

Supervisor Humphrey, who made the motion to approve cup case CUPP2510‑001, proposed a 90‑day timetable for the family to come into compliance and then reapply for a two‑year use permit while they prepare home construction plans. A second supervisor supported a similar timeframe; the board modified the condition accordingly and approved the motion.

County staff explained compliance meant obtaining permits for the conex box, carport and utilities, and ensuring the amount and configuration of items on the property meet use‑permit standards. Staff said the original use permit allowed two items for two years, with limited footing or structural work allowed; the new CUP would attach conditions to the property and could convert to a standard use permit if requirements are met.

The board discussed alternatives including denial (which would require removal or disconnection of the unpermitted items) and modification (which could grant a specific compliance window). The supervisors noted the decision balanced the property owners’ hardship claims with broader zoning objectives in areas such as Tonto Basin that the board expects to see growth.

The board voted in favor of the modified CUP with the condition that the Porters have 90 days to resolve violations and reapply for a use permit; staff will follow up on compliance steps and the item will convert to the normal two‑year use permit if requirements are satisfied.

The public hearing portion of the item closed before the board moved on to the next agenda matter.

What's next: Staff will monitor compliance and advise the board if the Porters do not meet the 90‑day condition, at which point the board could require removal of the unpermitted structures or pursue enforcement.