Developers have requested rezoning from Residential 2-acre minimum (RCU-2A) to Planned Area Development (PAD) for a number of development proposals, such as El Rojo Grande, Spring Creek Ranch and AutoCamp. These requests highlight the need for more specific guidelines and policies to align with the county comprehensive plan. In each of these cases, opposition to rezoning cited non-conformance to the Yavapai County Comprehensive Plan as an important objection. Language in the plan indicates that these development proposals do not meet the County criteria.
Yavapai County has begun the process of updating the Yavapai County Comprehensive Plan. This update provides the opportunity to more specifically outline how the County will protect and sustain our natural environment while developing responsibly.
Since the last plan was adopted in 2012, we’ve become more aware of the economic value of our natural environment, open spaces, dark skies and water resources. We have also come to realize that our water resources are finite. The mega-drought we’re living through made worse by climate change threatens Verde Valley’s water resources as much as over-development. Land use decisions should take into account the resulting groundwater use because groundwater is the main source for the freshwater needs of Yavapai County.
Residents of Yavapai County can help protect our priceless environmental resources by participating in the update of the Yavapai County Comprehensive Plan. The County is currently reaching out to communities to solicit Vision Statements that will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. Contact your community leaders if you want to contribute to the creation of those Vision Statements.
CLICK HERE to view a copy of the 2012 Yavapai County Comprehensive Plan.
CLICK HERE to access a library of resources for updating the Comprehensive Plan