Board approves five‑lot rezoning in MCAS Yuma noise contour despite air‑station objection
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Summary
The Board approved rezoning of a 10‑acre parcel to create five two‑acre lots even after Marine Corps Air Station Yuma submitted a formal letter urging denial because the site lies within the 65 dB noise contour; the board debated accessory-dwelling limits, variance procedures and recording of noise disclosures before voting to approve.
The Yuma County Board of Supervisors voted April 6 to approve rezoning case 25‑23, a request to rezone a 10‑acre parcel to SSB‑2 to allow a five‑lot residential split, despite formal objections from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma citing the property’s location inside the 65‑decibel high‑noise contour.
Planning staff presented the request and staff recommendation for approval. During the public hearing, a letter from MCAS Yuma was read into the record asking that the Board and Planning and Zoning Commission deny the rezoning, citing Arizona statute and county zoning rules that discourage or prohibit new residential development within high‑noise or accident‑potential zones. Mary Ellen Finch, community liaison officer at MCAS Yuma, and Antonio Martinez, community liaison specialist, spoke to the public‑safety and mission‑compatibility rationale behind the base’s request.
The applicant’s agent and neighbors spoke in favor of the rezoning and described plans for right‑of‑way dedication, irrigation access and CC&Rs intended to limit future conflicts. Staff clarified that parcels already approved in surrounding areas had been rezoned in earlier years and some predated the relevant restrictions; where properties are located inside the 65 dB contour, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other additional units would not automatically be allowed under state law and county zoning, and building a primary home on a newly subdivided lot would require a variance. Planning staff noted the county may record a disclosure statement so the presence of the noise zone appears during title searches.
Board members pressed staff and the applicant on whether CC&Rs or predevelopment agreements could be used to limit future additional dwellings; staff said the county cannot generally force CC&Rs but may address covenants during the land‑division process. One supervisor moved to deny the rezoning; after discussion the board voted to approve rezoning case 25‑23 (voice vote recorded as carrying with one 'nay'). Planning and land‑use conditions and any required variances will apply at the time individual lots seek building permits.
The board’s approval does not override MCAS Yuma’s operational restrictions; the transcript shows the air‑station letter and comments will remain part of the administrative record and could inform future variance decisions.
