Looking to protect the Prescott Regional Airport from potential development that could affect its future operations, the Prescott Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval for an Airport Vicinity Overlay district.
Development in the 1,800-acre Deep Well Ranch is exempted as the City and the master plan’s developers continue negotiations.
P&Z conducted five hearings on the controversial issue between its first proposal in August and November. The Dec. 8 vote to recommend approval passed 5-1.
The measure will go to City Council after the start of the new year, but no date has been scheduled yet.
Supporters are seeking to protect the airport from incompatible and noise sensitive development, such as schools and residences. They have also said they want to protect those types of development from the higher risk of plane crashes near the airport.
Deep Water Ranch representatives have said the Airport Vicinity Overlay violates a 2017 development agreement between them and the City. Some other nearby property owners have also expressed opposition and questioned the need for the measure.
City Attorney Joseph Young said the items still under negotiation during the temporary exemption are confidential. (Source)