Don’t Assume These Plans are JUST Guidelines

If there is one area I know well, it is zoning and land use. I’ve reviewed hundreds of zoning ordinances, maps and “comp plans.”

A “comp plan” is short for Comprehensive Plan and includes all areas of life from housing to education, transportation to employment and even trails and parks. If you can imagine it, there is something in these documents that impacts your quality of life.

Three things to know

1. They get updated every 10 years.
2. They are marketed as a guideline yet are used for policy decision making.
3. They may impact you financially.
   

What’s so painful for property owners it the lack of clarity and communication. It is your responsibility to find out when the plan is coming up for renewal (it is weeks away here in Yavapai County) and then to get through the document and maps to understand what they are trying to do for the next 10 years.
Don’t forget, each incorporated city within the county also has their own comp plan so if you’re “on the border” be aware of that. It is the same level of disclosure – it is on you, as a property owner to do the digging.

Here are some tips:
Know if you are in the county or an incorporated city within the county.
Once you know, check out the comp plan for the county and, if within an incorporated city, its comp plan too.
Understand your property in relationship to their plans.
If you don’t like what you see, be sure you contact your representative and start figuring out what to do for the “next” update.

We live in an area with lots of regulation and these can be costly. While it may not be obvious to you know, it will become more clear. The planners and their hired consultants bank on you not paying attention (which is why so few people ever express a view or turn up to a meeting). By not saying anything, you are giving them permission. It is that simple.

Next Steps:

• Contact Yavapai County Development Services and ask your questions 928-771-3216.
  Always remember, those who are on public payroll are there to serve you!
• Mark your calendar Board of Supervisor public hearings in March (they vary between Cottonwood and Prescott). We are the “oversight” to the Board. While it may seem like they are in charge and have all the power, by standing up and speaking out, you can make your points heard. Staying silent does not change the status quo, it is called “tacit agreement.”
• If you opt to voice your support or no support for the Comp Plan final approval, you can email clerkoftheboard.web@yavapaiaz.gov – these do not get read aloud. The clerk only says “for” or “against” the item.

About the Author
Leigh Budlong is well versed in land use and zoning from the real estate valuation and marketing perspective having founded Zonability, a nearly 10-year subscription report service used in Texas (the state has better regulations around its GIS data than our state). Leigh and her husband live in Prescott. If you have questions about land use/zoning, please mark the email subject with “Yavapai related” to make it easier and send to: budlong@protonmail.com

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