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Navajo County planning commission recommends MET tower permit for Winding Canyon despite local opposition
Summary
The Navajo County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special use permit for a 272-foot meteorological tower near Joseph City, while noting significant public opposition and that the recommendation goes to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
The Navajo County Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 16 recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a special use permit (SUP25-004) to allow a 272-foot meteorological (MET) monitoring tower on about 0.7479 acres of a larger parcel southwest of Joseph City.
County planner Catherine (Navajo County planning and development services staff) told commissioners the tower would collect meteorological data to inform any future wind-energy development, would include a 1–2 meter lightning rod, and is proposed to operate for up to seven years. She said staff recommends approval of the permit subject to 17 conditions and reported the county received 28 emails and 11 voicemails opposing the project and two emails in support.
The recommendation was not a final approval for a wind farm. Multiple commissioners emphasized that the MET tower is a preliminary data-collection device and that any subsequent proposal for turbines would require its own public process and separate permits. Catherine clarified that the SUP does not vest rights for other types of development.
During public comment, Lloyd Johnson of Holbrook, who identified himself as a candidate for state senate, urged commissioners to reject the application, citing wildlife and livestock concerns, potential increases in electricity prices, visual and tourism impacts, and fire risks associated with turbines: "My main concern is wildlife and animals, wind turbines have got a history..." Johnson listed multiple alleged impacts and said he sees no community advantage to turbines.
The applicant’s agent, Kevin Gulley of EDP Renewables, introduced himself and offered to answer technical questions about the MET tower application. Commissioners then questioned staff about enforcement and long-term monitoring. Staff said condition 13 would require the applicant to remove the tower within six months after it ceases to be used, and explained the county’s Special Use Permit Time Extension process (administrative extensions up to 90 days; longer extensions require returning to the SUP process). Staff also said county planning has been creating and using a GIS inventory and calendar reminders to track permitted MET towers and follow up on removals.
An unidentified commissioner moved to recommend approval of the MET tower SUP to the Board of Supervisors; the motion was seconded and passed. For the record, staff noted Commissioner Rodgers opposed the recommendation. The motion and the vote were explicitly framed as a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which will hold a separate hearing and make the final decision.
Next steps: the Board of Supervisors will schedule the SUP25-004 item for public hearing and final action. The county’s staff report and the 17 recommended conditions — including the six-month removal requirement after cessation — will travel with that recommendation.
Sources: presentation and staff remarks by Catherine (Navajo County planning staff), comments by applicant Kevin Gulley (EDP Renewables), public comment from Lloyd Johnson, and actions recorded during the commission meeting.
