Adopt Resolution 20-05 to approve Docket CP-20-01 (Hwy191), a minor amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Growth Areas and Land Jurisdiction Map of Cochise County Comprehensive Plan.

The applicant (Cochise County, Planning) requests an amendment to the land use designation on all subject parcels from Rural (R) to Developing (DEV) and the land use growth area category from D to C. The area directly surrounding the site is primarily agricultural rural and sparsely developed to the east and west. Bisbee-Douglas International Airport and the Arizona State Prison Complex - Douglas are directly to the north of the corridor. Directly to the south is the northern growth boundary to the City of Douglas. The area to the south is primarily low density residential.

The state mandates that each county’s Comprehensive Plan be updated at least every ten years. This is a major undertaking and while some portions of the document may change significantly, others, like the Comprehensive Plan Growth Areas and Land Jurisdiction Map have not kept pace with development. In addition, undertaking periodic minor amendments, such as CP-20-01, allows a focused examination of specific areas that would not be as feasible during a general update to the Plan. In order to keep pace with change, staff regularly reviews the Growth Area Map for consistency with growth and development that has occurred or could be reasonably expected to occur in the near-term. A staff-initiated land use map change can reduce some regulatory barriers that could otherwise discourage growth and development. This area, and the individual parcels within, were selected due to the presence of several key indicators that change may be warranted and beneficial. This includes the following:

• Recent developer inquiries, like rezoning or special use requests
• Presence of large, undeveloped areas
• Proximity to incorporated areas and urban services
• Highway access and/or major roadway intersections
• Airport access
• Major employer presence
• Proximity to International ports of entry
• Availability of geographical-development incentives (such as opportunity zones and foreign trade zones)

The combination of these factors, along with the possible addition of another future port of entry, suggests this is an area that is likely to receive redevelopment interest and could benefit from the proposed land use map amendment. 


 

The land use the plan designation of 1,977 acres subject to this Resolution and as indicated in “Exhibit A” will change from “Rural” to “Developing” and to change the plan growth area category from “D” to “C” on the land use growth areas and land jurisdiction map of the Comprehensive Plan.

The current land use designation and category will remain unchanged and the Comprehensive Plan Growth Areas and Land Jurisdiction Map of the Cochise County Comprehensive Plan will not be amended. 

Sign and record resolution and provide a copy to Development Services