Text Amendments

Overview

The purpose of zoning is to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the County's residents as well as to guide the development of land in accordance with the County's Comprehensive Plan. Zoning districts specify permitted land uses, minimum lot sizes, and certain site development standards such as setbacks and screening. A change in any part of the Zoning Regulations, other than the official Zoning Map, is considered to be a text amendment to the Zoning Regulations. Some examples of text amendments are adding permitted uses to a zoning district, amending setback or yard requirements, modifying sign regulations, and/or changing administrative procedures. It is important to note that text amendments can potentially impact many residents of Cochise County. The potential impact on all residents should be considered. 

General Process

Prior to submitting an application for a text amendment, potential applicants are required to have a pre-application meeting with Planning staff to discuss their proposal  Once a complete application is summited and accepted a case planner will provide all required legal notice of the request and schedule the matter to be heard by the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the Board of Supervisors.

A public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission to accept input from people who support, oppose or simply have questions about the project. After the hearing is closed, the Commission votes to recommend approval, to recommend approval with conditions, recommend disapproval to the Board of Supervisors, or table the request. If it is not tabled by the Commission, then the request goes to the Board of Supervisors, in another public hearing, for a final decision. If approved, the amendment will go into effect 30 days following the Board's action.

Submittal Requirements

The process will not begin until fees and all information needed to evaluate the rezoning request are submitted. Acceptance of the application does not confer approval of the proposed text amendment request.

Commission meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. located in the:
Board of Supervisors Hearing Room
Building G
1415 Melody Lane
Bisbee, AZ 85603

The Board of Supervisors meets every Tuesday of the month (except the 5th Tuesday) at 9:00 am at the same location. The submittal deadline is 45 days before the Commission Meeting.