Planning commission approves small stock barn at Verde Valley Fairgrounds with one recusal

The Cottonwood Planning & Zoning Commission on July 20 approved a design review for a new small stock barn at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds, agreeing with staff that the replacement structure is needed for safety and operations. The approval carried after a motion and second; one commissioner recused himself from the discussion and vote because he serves as president of the Fair Board.

Senior planner Tina Hayden presented the application and a site plan for the 50-by-80-foot building within the Community Facility zoning district on the fairgrounds parcel, describing the project elevations, setbacks and recommended stipulations. Staff recommended approval subject to four standard conditions: the project must conform with development plans on file, adhere to the code review board comment letter, comply with applicable sections of the zoning ordinance, and submit required project submittals within 24 months.

Colleen Gilboy, speaking for the fairgrounds, said the old barn dated to the 1970s, had rotted and required replacement for both animal and human safety. “The barn that was there was built in the 1970s...it was too rotten,” Gilboy said, describing the rationale for replacement and upgrades to secure animals and infrastructure.

A commissioner moved to approve the design review subject to the stipulations in the staff report; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed by voice vote with one recusal recorded when a commissioner disclosed he is president of the Verde Valley Fair Board and did not participate in the discussion.

Next steps: The applicant will proceed with required submittals and comply with code review comments and zoning conditions; staff noted required follow-up documentation and a 24-month timeline for submittals.