Sierra Vista council approves zoning and permitting changes for airports, food vendors and places of worship

Sierra Vista — The City Council on Dec. 11 approved a package of text amendments to the city development code that staff said will increase flexibility for businesses and resolve zoning inconsistencies.

Community development staff explained the revisions, which include allowing airports by right in the light-industrial zoning district to reflect the Sierra Vista Municipal Airport’s current zoning; revising the community-service definition to include emergency medical service providers (thereby permitting EMS operations in light-industry zones, including the airport); eliminating an annual permit certificate for mobile food vendors while retaining initial permitting and inspections; and allowing places of worship by right within the general commercial zoning district where staff said impacts have historically been minimal.

"The proposed amendments are intended to increase flexibility, reduce redundant regulations, and clarify existing standards," Mr. Prigel, a community development staff member, told the council. He said the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval at its Nov. 18 meeting.

Councilmember Ken Kilmery asked whether the change for places of worship would affect state-mandated alcohol buffer requirements; Mr. Prigel confirmed the state buffer rules remain in effect and would not be altered by the local code change. The council voted in favor of the resolution with no recorded opposition.

The amendments take effect as specified in the ordinances and staff will implement the permitting changes for mobile food vendors through administrative updates on the city website.