Prescott Valley Tribune | 5/20/2013 | pvtrib.com
Yavapai County zoning ordinance amendments can become an issue with nearby municipal jurisdictions when the jurisdictions annex unincorporated areas.
However, a proposed county zoning amendment that applies to ground-mounted solar or wind-power installations is the only likely amendment that would be relevant to Prescott Valley, according to town planner Ruth Mayday.
By contrast, a county ordinance amendment on community gardens on vacant residential lots would not be an issue that is likely to come up, Mayday told the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday.
A community garden is located on commercial land behind Albertsons, and staff believes community gardens are inappropriate for residential areas, according to a staff report to the commission.
Commissioner Bill Johnstone asked Mayday why a county ordinance comes up.
“They ask our opinion,” she said, referring to her county counterparts. She added staff has no intention of drafting an ordinance to allow family cemeteries in backyards.
Mayday’s boss, Community Development Director Richard Parker, said a new state law mandates that towns and cities may not apply more stringent zoning when they annex unincorporated areas.
Commission Chairman Rick Duskey inquired about ground-mounted installations for solar and wind power.
“Do we wait for somebody to bring it up?” he asked.
Mayday responded that staff looks at a matter to determine whether community interest exists.
“How do we proceed?” Duskey asked.
Mayday responded, “Just like anything else. Staff thinks it is worthy of a review.”
Duskey said he does not favor wind turbines in residential areas.
“I guess we will just go ahead and ask you to put it on the agenda” when issues come up, Duskey said.
The issue could come up because interest in alternative energy sources is growing, the staff report states. But to date, most installations have been mounted on roofs.
The commissioners also briefly discussed proposed town ordinances involving temporary sign banners, recreational vehicle storage, definitions of commercial vehicles, and allowing mobile home and recreational vehicle parks in commercially and industrially zoned areas.
The commissioners also talked about Parker’s recommendation to arrange a joint meeting with the Town Council in a few months. The commission serves as an advisory board to the council.
Cherie Dreves and John Yeater attended their first meeting as commissioners, and Commissioner Charles Musarra was absent. Yeater formerly chaired the commission and served on the council. Dreves is a recycling specialist for Patriot Disposal.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/20/prescott-valley-commission-discusses-county-ordinances/