CP 2045 Draft Comments

Thank you for your comments. Cochise County remains firmly committed to protecting its dark skies. Detailed requirements for shielding, fixture types, timers, and other lighting controls are included in the Outdoor Lighting requirements in the Zoning Regulations (Chapter 2.45)—not the Comprehensive Plan, which sets broader policy direction. CP2045 moves from broad “encourage/discourage” statements of the previous plan to a clear implementation strategy—it directs the County to pursue recognized Dark Sky Community and Dark Sky Park designations, which come with measurable standards, public accountability, and long-term stewardship. It also places dark skies within a broader, coordinated effort to showcase Cochise County’s historic and natural assets, helping align preservation goals with funding opportunities, partnerships, and practical actions that can strengthen protections over time.

Thank you for the questions. The widening of US 191 is not currently listed as a funded project in ADOT’s adopted 2026–2030 Five-Year Construction Program. US 191 is a state highway, so any expansion will require formal scoping/environmental process where ADOT must present alternatives to the community and take public comment. Regarding fissures and subsidence - any future widening would require extensive geotechnical studies. The location of active subsidence areas will be a major factor in whether, where, and how road improvements could be built. Because the widening of 191 is not a currently funded project, there is no finalized alignment/location available yet that we can share.

Sunsites #4 was platted in 1962, before Cochise County adopted subdivision regulations. Fencing is not shown on the plat, as current rules did not apply, and under Arizona open range law, neighboring property owners are generally responsible for fencing livestock out if animals roam onto their property.

Thank you for your question. The plan is currently in the 60-day public review period, which ends January 25, 2026. After that, it will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission on February 11, 2026, for a public hearing and recommendation. Finally, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on February 24, 2026, to consider adoption of the plan. If adopted by the board at that meeting, it would go into immediate effect (Feb 24).

Thank you for your comment. The Comprehensive Plan does not designate Cochise County as a heavy industrial site. Its purpose is to guide land-use decisions, emphasizing the protection of rural character and natural resources. The plan, which applies to unincorporated areas of Cochise County, directs industrial uses appropriate areas with adequate infrastructure.  

Thank you for your comment. You are correct - this is a significant part of Cochise County’s history and cultural heritage. In the final draft, we will revise the historical timeline to include these important periods, highlighting the long-standing presence of Spanish and Indigenous cultures and the bilingual heritage that continues to shape the County today.

Thank you for your comment and for sharing your concerns. In platted subdivisions, Cochise County requires fencing or other measures to keep livestock out of residential areas, helping protect safety, health, and property. On unplatted rural lands, Arizona’s open-range laws generally allow livestock to roam. Property owners can contact state legislators to advocate for changes to these laws to better protect their property. 

Thank you for your comments. The Comprehensive Plan emphasizes preserving Cochise County’s rural character and requires that land-use decisions, particularly in cases where there is a request to change the land use or zoning from rural to industrial, prioritize water availability, infrastructure capacity, transportation access, emergency services, and compatibility with surrounding uses before changes are considered. The County recognizes your concerns and will use this Plan to guide growth in a manner that protects public safety, environmental resources, tourism, and the long-term viability of rural communities.

Thank you for your comments. While groundwater regulation and agricultural pumping are primarily overseen by the State of Arizona, the County can address these concerns through land-use planning by requiring water supply considerations for new (non-exempt) development and coordinating with state agencies on long-term groundwater sustainability. These issues are critical to protecting the viability of existing rural residences, which is a priority of this planning document.

Thanks for the suggestion!