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The Use of Zoning to Protect Grasslands
A Panel Discussion 1
David Yetman2 , Session Moderator
The biggest player concerning decisions that affect the land is the county. In Arizona, Santa
Cruz County retains the highest acreage of grassland.
Concerning zoning, every landowner has the right to request a change in zoning and it must be
heard at the county level. At present, it is almost guaranteed that the rezoning will then happen
unless it could constitute an emergency such as relating to public health and safety (flood
protection, for example). When there are exceptions, there is usually a time frame attached
whereupon the reason for caution will be mitigated.
In Arizona, the procedure is to petition for a change in zoning. Planning and Zoning considers it
and makes a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. But if P&Z gives a negative
recommendation, most often the Board will ignore it and rezone anyway. Landowners do have
ultimate say.
1
2
The entire panel was summarized by Nancy Zierenberg, Sky Island Alliance, Tucson, AZ.
Southwest Center, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ.
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