By Steve Segner
Sedona, AZ — Last week, I received an email urging Sedona residents to apply for three open Planning and Zoning Commission seats. While encouraging citizen involvement in city governance is generally a positive move, the context of this request raises some concerns. The potential risk of ‘stacking planning and zoning ‘, which could lead to an imbalance in decision-making power, is not in Sedona’s best interest.
The email read:
“Hello, Wonderful Residents. The City has just posted a request for Planning and Zoning Commissioner applications. Three positions are becoming vacant because the current members’ terms are expiring. We need residents to apply for these positions, as your decisions will directly impact the balance between tourism/business and resident quality of life in our community.”
At first glance, it is commendable to encourage community members to participate in city government. However, the role of the Planning and Zoning Commission is of utmost importance. It is this body, established by the city council, that includes individuals with relevant expertise in building or engineering. The commission’s primary responsibilities involve recommending updates to the Community Plan, Land Development Code amendments, property zone changes, and subdivision applications to the city council. It also makes final decisions on conditional use permits and development review applications, ensuring that our city’s development is guided by expert advice.
The commission’s role is to objectively examine projects presented by community development and ensure they comply with the City’s zoning regulations. This is not a platform for personal views but a critical advisory function supporting the city council’s decision-making process.
Sedona Residents Unite advocates for a more insular approach to governance, implying that direct citizen involvement is desirable and necessary for the City’s development decisions. This stance suggests a preference for a shadow government, bypassing the established democratic processes in favor of a more unilateral approach. Sedona just had its bi-annual election, where residents chose their representatives, yet Sedona Residents Unite appears to challenge the legitimacy of these elected officials.
It is essential to recognize that the Planning and Zoning Commission’s purpose is not to subvert democratic processes but to ensure that development adheres to established codes and guidelines. The commission balances community, business, and tourism needs, without imposing personal biases, such as favoritism towards certain businesses or personal preferences for specific types of development.
Sedona Residents Unite’s approach, which aims to influence development through a carefully selected commission rather than through elected representatives, risks undermining our democratic system. Instead of seeking to replace or undermine existing governance structures, it is vital to work within them, ensuring that all voices, including those of Sedona Residents Unite, are heard and considered in the decision-making process. A balanced approach is key to ensuring that all concerns are addressed.
The Planning and Zoning Commission upholds local codes and city planning guidelines, ensuring that development benefits the community. As such, it is imperative to support a balanced approach that respects democratic processes and the commission’s expert advisory role.
In conclusion, while community involvement is crucial, it must be balanced with respect for democratic institutions and processes. Encouraging informed participation is beneficial, but we must guard against efforts that undermine the fundamental principles of our governance. It is not an institution that political activists should easily influence. Upholding and respecting democratic processes is essential to protecting the rights and voices of all Sedona residents.
2 Comments
Could be the city is just trying to find qualified people who already reside here rather than hiring more people who will have to live in the boonies in a car or tent?
Who ever is selected I hope they give some consideration to establishing a food truck hub or two where people can enjoy non monopolized restaurant ownership, variety and help food truck owners from around our two counties. Oregon has several of these facilities and they are pretty exciting to attend. An example-http://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/
TJ, that is not P&Z does. People, Architects, builders, and corporations come to P&Z and see what it takes and cost to do what they want. P&Z reinforces the rules that are in place.
I cant believe its a none paid position! They deserve as much as council gets!
They spend time at home looking at drawings, listening to what Sedonas engineers say, read studies, traffic, and impacts on the area.
They can only see what is in front of them, make sure it follows the many rules and regulations that are in place. Nothing about zoning, just give council their opinion how well it works.