Commission grants special use for McCrumb Lane contractor yard with conditions after neighbor complaints

The Cochise County Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a special‑use request that will allow an existing contractor yard at 8875 East McCrumb Lane to continue operating under conditions, after staff presentation, public comment and lengthy commissioner discussion.

Staff case planner Mr. Taylor told the commission the use had been established without prior county review and that inspection and complaint files documented concerns (operating a construction business, outdoor storage and unpermitted structures). Staff recommended approval subject to conditions that included gravel surfacing, screening, 20‑foot setbacks for commercial vehicles and time‑limited authorization to encourage relocation or remedy of unpermitted structures.

Applicant William Barnes said he bought and cleaned a derelict four‑acre parcel in 2017 and has used it primarily for storing equipment for off‑site jobs. "Once the property was cleaned up, I use it to store my equipment," Barnes told the commission, and he said he would work to move items away from property lines, add screening and repair a damaged fence. Neighbors expressed sharply differing views: William Pesaro said dust, fence damage and early‑morning engine noise had caused health and access problems, while Michelle Carson and Bradley Kron described Barnes as an active, helpful neighbor who maintains roads and assisted during emergencies.

Commissioners debated whether to make approval temporary (a staff condition had included a one‑year limit) or permanent if the applicant completed mitigation. After discussion the commission adopted a compromise motion: remove the one‑year automatic expiration, retain the operational and mitigation conditions (setbacks, gravel surfacing, removal/permit of unpermitted structures), and add a requirement that Barnes repair the neighbor’s fence. The motion passed on roll call, recorded as seven ayes and two nays.

The decision authorizes existing vehicles and equipment stored on the property subject to permit and setback compliance, removal or permitting of unpermitted structures and limits on idling; any party may appeal to the Board of Supervisors within 15 days. Barnes indicated he will pursue a special‑use modification later if needed and said he will plant screening and move equipment away from property lines to comply with conditions.

What happens next: the applicant must either bring unpermitted containers and structures into compliance (permit/inspection) or remove them, install required gravel surfacing and screening, observe vehicle setbacks and idling limits, and repair the neighbor’s fence as a stated condition of approval.