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Board approves 24‑space RV park near San Pedro River after heated public comment
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Summary
The Cochise County Board approved a special-use authorization (SUA25-04) to allow a 24‑space RV park on ~30 acres adjacent to the San Pedro River after public opposition raised water, septic and traffic concerns; the applicant agreed to setbacks and other conditions.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors approved a special-use authorization for a proposed recreational-vehicle park on tax parcel 104-34-010A (docket SUA25‑04) on April 7, granting the applicant permission to develop up to 24 RV spaces after a contentious public hearing.
What was at issue: The parcel abuts the San Pedro River and is inside the Southern San Pedro Valley planning area. Planning staff summarized a multi-step history: initial denial by the Planning & Zoning Commission, remand to the commission and then a revised recommendation for conditional approval that reduced the proposed spaces from 30 to 24.
Public concerns: Neighbors and conservation groups urged denial or tabling, arguing the site is in a sensitive riparian area with flood plain and groundwater concerns, narrow rural roads and a one-lane bridge, and uncertain wastewater/septic disposition. Holly Richter and other nearby residents asked for independent water‑impact analysis and more robust community engagement before approval.
Applicant response and conditions: The applicant told the board the project would maintain a 600‑foot setback from the riparian area, use septic systems sized and managed per county rules, and include traffic mitigation so RVs pull into the site rather than stopping on Hereford Road. The applicant estimated modest water use and pledged to manage trash, fire risk and habitat restoration on retained acreage.
Board decision: After hearing public testimony and the applicant’s presentation, the board voted to approve the special-use authorization, following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s revised recommendation and additional clarifications from the applicant. Supervisors noted limits to county authority but emphasized the permit is conditioned and can be revisited if required.
Next steps: Approval allows the project to proceed to required permitting steps (septic and site work) subject to county environmental and building standards and any conditions imposed as part of the SUA. The board encouraged continued public engagement and asked staff to ensure adequate monitoring and enforcement.
Proper names and references in the hearing include the San Pedro River, the Southern San Pedro Valley Area Plan, and docket SUA25‑04 (appeal by Benny and Janelle Schmidt).
