Limits on large animals in unincorporated Pinal County

There have been lots of changes in how we view land use since1962 when the county passed the current zoning ordinance.

So, Pinal County is in the process of updating its zoning ordinance – in much the same way as we’re reviewing and revising many of our codes and policies. When the public process for revision of the zoning ordinance is complete, the county’s new zoning codes will be more tightly focused with more precise descriptions of what uses are permitted in each of those new zoning categories.

Recently horse enthusiasts in the county have voiced opposition to one of the proposed zoning code revisions for both good reasons and/or perhaps because of a misunderstanding. The heart of the controversy is this: large animals are presently limited to five per acre of land if the subject property is zoned General Rural. Large animals include horses, cattle, alpaca, llamas, sheep and goats.

Well-meaning individuals proposed that the new limit on large animals be revised to only two per acre under the assumption that many parts of Pinal County will become more intensively urban as time goes on.

Before there’s too much more confusion, there needs to be some additional clarification; none of the new zoning categories are intended to be implemented until there is a landowner request for a change in a parcel’s zoning. In other words, all current zoning will continue in place (and all those land uses allowable in that category will also continue in place) until the property owner decides to change the land use and needs a new zoning classification.

Returning to the issue at hand, please understand that even if these limits on large animals were approved – and as you will see below, it is now off the table for discussion – the limit of two per acre would only apply to new applications seeking any one of four rural zoning district designations. It would not apply to property with that designation today. Again, to be clear, it would not retroactively affect property owners having five or fewer animals per acre unless a zoning change was requested by the property owner.

After hearing separately from my colleagues and me, the Planning & Development staff restored the limits on large animals to the original limits in all five of the appropriate new zoning areas (RU-2, RU-3.3, RU-5, and RU-10).

The proposal to revise this ordinance is an open, public process, and this is clear evidence that the process is working well. Defining and designating specific uses for specific types of property is a public process. It is open to public scrutiny throughout the review process. Public participation and input is welcomed by me and welcomed by the county staff. As proof of that commitment, we have built a page on the county Web site where residents can view the rationale behind the review, view the proposed changes and offer comments. The complete schedule for public input is also posted.

Our aim is simple: to create, plan and design a county that serves its people well by allowing a diversity of residential, recreational and lifestyle opportunities.