Planning Commission Addresses Renewable Energy, Condominium Rules and Leadership

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a working lunch and public meeting on December 4 at the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 75 West Cleveland Street in St. Johns. The agenda opened with a working lunch session at 12 00 p.m. MST devoted to discussion of proposed amendments related to renewable energy development, and concluded with a public session at 1 00 p.m. MST for formal actions and reports.

Commissioners approved minutes from the October 2 and November 6 working lunches and public hearings. They conducted elections for next year, selecting Brad Peterson as chairperson for 2026 and Bob Pollock as vice chairperson for 2026. The commission also set the date, time, and place for regular monthly meetings for 2026 as part of routine scheduling. The posted agenda noted it had been posted on December 1, 2025.

The working lunch discussion on renewable energy development centered on proposed amendments that could shape future siting, permitting, and regulatory language for energy projects in Apache County. While the meeting record shows the matter was discussed, no final ordinance actions on renewable energy were taken at this session. The topic remains salient for residents and landowners because county policy changes could influence where utility scale projects are located, how local review processes operate, and how property and economic impacts are addressed.

A substantive ordinance matter concerning Greer Article 6 amendments was placed on the agenda for consideration, but the commission tabled the proposal. The amendment sought to revise Section 601B definitions, Section 602D purpose language, and Section 605 uses to incorporate clearer language addressing condominiums. Tabling the item postpones action and leaves uncertainty for property owners and developers in Greer who are seeking clarity on condominium regulation and permitted land uses.

Public participation procedures were reiterated. Members of the public were required to submit forms at the Call to the Public and were allowed to speak for an amount of time determined by the chair. Commissioners may not respond to comments during the call, but may ask staff to review matters or place items on a future agenda.

Staff concluded with reports on pending and upcoming agenda items before the meeting adjourned. The commission signaled continued attention to renewable energy policy and local housing regulation, with follow up expected in future meetings.