Development News for Safford, Arizona

Cotton Crossing Rezoning Request Approved by Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and approved the rezoning request for Cotton Crossing as written. The staff recommendation was for approval, and a motion and second were made to approve the rezoning request according to the staff's recommendation.

Rezoning Request for Commercial Parcels to Single-Family Residential Moves Forward

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing to consider a rezoning request for parcels 103, 09042, and 103, 09041 from the Highway Commercial (C2) district to the R16 Single Family District. Staff recommended approval, citing that the rezoning supports needed residential development, contributes to infill housing, is consistent with the 2016 General Plan, and provides access to trails and community amenities. Portions of the lot abutting Highway 191 will remain Highway Commercial, while adjacent parcels to the north and south are already zoned residential. The applicant, Steven Kumard, presented the case and confirmed that Phase 1 of a similar development on an adjacent parcel is already approved and pre-platted. Lot sizes for the proposed development will be around 6,000 square feet, with most homes being three-bedroom, two-bath. Some homes will be retained as rentals. Discussions also touched on potential future development of condos or apartments on the southern portion of the property. The commission is expected to forward a recommendation to the city council.

Updated General Plan Nears Adoption; Public Vote Set for November

The Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing for the adoption of the City of Safford's 2026-2036 General Plan. The plan has undergone staff and agency review, with minor comments received from the Graham County Library, Arizona State Land Department, and Arizona State Historic Preservation Office. These comments have been incorporated, including adding the State Land Department as a partner in action items and creating a new action item for the protection of prehistoric resources, requiring desktop reviews, mitigation protocols, archaeological surveys, and tribal consultation. The final draft is presented for recommendation to the City Council, who will hear the presentation on June 22nd. The plan will then go to the voters in November for ratification. Efforts are being made to ensure public access to the plan through online hosting, paper copies at city facilities, and presentations to community groups.