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After intense neighbor opposition and an executive-session review, Yavapai supervisors approve seasonal RV/roping use permit
Summary
The Board approved a special-use permit allowing 3 rentable RV hookups, two attached accessory units and seasonal livestock increases at a Wickenburg-area roping facility after lengthy public comment, Planning & Zoning support, and a legal executive session; neighbors cited traffic, emergency-access and water concerns.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors on June 3 approved a contested special-use permit that allows Ruth and Wayne Arts to operate a seasonal roping operation with three rentable RV hookups, two attached accessory dwelling units (configured under one roof), two storage containers and a temporary increase in large-animal allotment for roping season on a 7.9-acre parcel in the Wickenburg East area.
Planning and Zoning staff and Commissioner Dan Cherry told the board the application had received unanimous P&Z support after modifications that reduced intensity from an earlier proposal. "PNZ has forwarded a unanimous vote of support twice to you now," Cherry said, noting the commission's review of mitigation measures including screened fencing and dust suppression.
Applicant representatives described site improvements and seasonal operations. Morgan Busby, agent for Ruth and Wayne Arts, said the application was revised after community feedback and noted measures including asphalt millings to reduce dust, a proposed 100-foot wood privacy fence along one property line, septic upgrades and electrical hookups for the RVs. Ruth Arts said the operation operates primarily five weeks of the year at peak roping season and that most visitors come for roping events or related horse activities.
Neighborhood opposition was extensive. Multiple neighbors said the use has already occurred outside permit approval, alleging higher traffic volumes, early-morning and late-night activity, water-availability concerns for private wells, uncertain emergency access and property-value impacts. Laura Deaver, representing neighbors, argued the application required five waivers and said the record did not meet the county's standards for commercial use in a residential area.
"This is more than offering piano lessons inside a home," Deaver said, urging the board to uphold residential zoning protections.
Supporters and other nearby residents told supervisors the Arts family maintains the property and that the seasonal activity is compatible with the neighborhood's horse-community character. P&Z staff noted 11 letters of support and that the applicants had reduced the number of RV sites from their earlier submission.
Supervisor Jenkins and others pressed staff and the applicant on emergency access and the technical ability for first responders to reach lower portions of the parcel; P&Z staff and the applicants demonstrated that fire apparatus had gained access for a test, and the application included conditions aimed at ensuring access and restrictions on the seasonal animal increase. After a supervisor requested legal guidance, the board recessed to executive session for legal advice on the matter and later returned to approve the use permit with stated conditions, 4-0.
The board directed staff to enforce the conditions and to monitor compliance. The use permit is nontransferable and limited in duration by the board's conditions; the board instructed staff to include enforcement language for any violations.
