Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves private ‘family retreat’ use permit in Agua Fria watershed, adds conditions on wastewater and setbacks
Summary
After a lengthy hearing, the board approved a conditional-use permit for a 10.5-acre private family retreat compound that includes 25 dwelling units, a clubhouse and activity center; supervisors added and clarified conditions requiring noncommercial use, revised setbacks, and wastewater systems compliant with local/ADEQ rules to protect the Agua Fria watershed.
Development Services presented an application for a conditional-use permit to allow a private family retreat compound on a 10.5-acre parcel carved from a larger ranch. Planner BJ Ratliff described a proposal for one primary residence, six fourplex buildings (totaling 25 dwelling units), a clubhouse, an activity center and water-storage ponds. The application requested an 18% lot coverage (where 10% is typical for RCU-2A) and setback waivers; staff and Planning and Zoning recommended a permanent, nontransferable use permit with conditions limiting commercial rental and requiring review of site plans and wastewater engineering.
Supervisors and staff focused on environmental protections for the Agua Fria watershed. Supervisor Jenkins pressed for reclaimed or appropriately designed wastewater treatment rather than standard septic systems, citing watershed and aquifer concerns; the board added language requiring an appropriately sized wastewater treatment system with reclaimed capabilities that complies with local and ADEQ regulations. The applicant said they are open to engineered pretreatment or treatment options but noted operational constraints for low and intermittent occupancy and said they would work with county environmental staff on a feasible solution.
Other discussion addressed setbacks and lot coverage. Planning and Zoning initially recommended retaining a 50-foot front setback while allowing 10-foot setbacks elsewhere; commissioners and staff refined the final stipulations to require compliance with county setbacks unless physical constraints demonstrate otherwise, and to accept the requested 18% lot coverage with explicit conditions. The applicant stated the parcel draws water from the parent ranch’s wells and said the owners plan ‘‘farm-to-table’’ operations and are sensitive to watershed impacts.
No member of the public submitted written opposition, and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (5–2). After deliberation and the additional conditions described above, Supervisor Jenkins moved to approve the use permit with the revised stipulations; the motion passed unanimously.
The board’s approval is conditioned on: permanent, nontransferable status; prohibition on commercial renting or advertising (e.g., short‑term rental platforms); adherence to setbacks unless physical impossibility is demonstrated; submittal and approval of site and wastewater engineering plans including reclaimed-capable treatment compliant with ADEQ/local rules; and certificate of compliance within five years.
