The CUP Approval Process

TOWN OF SAHUARITA: THE DECISION PROCESS 

FOR THE VULCAN TYPE 3 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) APPLICATION

For the VULCAN TYPE 3 CUP - 

the players are the Mayor and Town Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, 

Town Management, and the Planning and Zoning Division.

Notice to the public is required by the Town Code for Public Hearings.  Read about the Public Notice Requirements.

The Planning & Zoning Commission is comprised of seven members*, each nominated and appointed by the Mayor and Town Council.  

*(Update April 2023: Upon resignation of one of the commissioners (Cathy Maghran) the Council voted to operate with five rather than seven Commissioners). 

In most cases, the Planning and Zoning Commission serves as a recommending body to the Mayor and Town Council; however, the Commission does have decision-making authority on certain cases.  

Decisions and recommendations of the Commission occur during noticed public hearings.  The Commission also advises the Mayor and Town Council on planning and zoning policies, plans, and regulations. 

Source: https://sahuaritaaz.gov/1019/Candidate-Elections---2024 

Department directors are hired by the town manager and work under the direction of the manager to create a strategic plan (with council's guidance and input) that provides a framework for accomplishing town goals. The manager juggles town projects that involve both day-to-day operations and long-term goals. .... Read more

Link to team members biographies, Town Attorney information 

A Study Session regarding Conditional Use Permits (CUP) and the Vulcan Asphalt Application WILL BE conducted on December 11, 2023 by the Town of Sahuarita.   To view full presentation: Click/tap: HERE

Areas discussed in the presentation will be Nature of Town Council, Due Process, Zoning codes, what goes into the analysis and what does not. 

Analysis inputs to CUP Process:

Seven CUP Findings

• • Compliance with General Plan policies

  • Conformance to zoning regulations

  • Adverse impacts – if any, can they be substantially mitigated?

  • Vehicular access and circulation

  • Served by utilities and services

  • Meet established regulatory standards for noise, smoke, glare, odors,pollution, etc.

  • Hours of operation

Preliminary Development Plan / Site Plan

What does not go into the CUP Analysis:  Read More

Zoning Discussions

Sahuarita Zoning Code Section 18.97.010

Purpose:  Conditional uses provide zoning flexibility, but, due to their potentially adverse impacts, require the site-specific review

processes established in this chapter.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS

Sahuarita Zoning Code Section 18.97.030

Procedures and requirements.

Findings. The applicant must demonstrate that all of the following findings are met:

a. The conditional use complies with the objectives of the general plan or the area plan in which the property is situated;

b. The conditional use conforms to the zoning regulations applicable for that use and the zone in which it is located;

c. The conditional use does not adversely impact adjacent property or the surrounding neighborhood or area, or that such impacts can be substantially mitigated through the use of additional conditions;

Sahuarita Zoning Code Section 18.97.020

Definitions.

B. “Conditional use” means a use which, due to its greater potential for nuisance or hazard than other uses of the zone, has its establishment in a zone conditional upon the procedures and standards of this chapter.

What goes into a CUP analysis?

• Compliance with General Plan policies

• Conformance to zoning regulations

• Adverse impacts – if any, are they substantially mitigated?

• Vehicular access and circulation

• Served by utilities and services

• Meet standards for noise, smoke, glare, odors, pollution, etc.

• Hours of operation

Read more: