Planning commission backs downzone for large Patty Road parcel ahead of potential solar special-use review

The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors downzone approximately 900 acres near Patty Road from R36 to RU4, a move proponents say aligns zoning with the county comprehensive plan and opponents worry could ease the way for a large-scale solar energy project.

Staff presented the applicant-initiated request (docket RZ25-15), saying the current comprehensive-plan designation supports the requested district and that a downzone would cut theoretical residential density from roughly 1,200 dwellings to about 250. Staff reported property-owner notice was sent and that most of the mailed notices went to the Klump family, which owns much of the land.

Keyshawn Coleman, development manager for Adaptra Renewables, told the commission the proposal is at an early stage. He said Adaptra has operated nationwide and that the company expects to submit environmental studies, economic-impact information and a visual resource analysis as part of any later special-use application for a solar energy power plant. "We plan to address" viewshed and environmental concerns, Coleman said, and noted the project would use substantially less water than the current cattle-grazing operation.

During the public hearing, property co-owner Catherine Klump voiced support. Remote caller Hong (Huang) Kwan said he favors new technology and its revenue but urged the commission to consider aesthetic and environmental impacts of large solar tracts visible "from the sky" and to adopt a policy for siting large projects to protect the county’s natural views.

Commission debate centered on process: several members said the commission was only asked to consider the downzone, not a special-use approval, while others warned rezoning large tracts could permanently remove land from future residential, tourism and ranching uses. Commissioner Watkins, who moved the recommendation, argued a downzone is desirable because it reduces dwelling density; Commissioner Gonzales and Commissioner Limbach dissented, citing concerns about preserving land for other uses.

The motion to forward the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors passed 7–2. The commission and applicant stressed that any solar development would still require a separate special-use authorization and supporting studies before construction could proceed. The Board of Supervisors will review the commission’s recommendation at a future meeting.