Developer seeks exemption from Pima multi-family development prohibition

Pima Town Manager Vernon Batty reads a letter from a developer asking for an exemption from the town's moratorium on multi-family development. - David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central

PIMA — The temporary moratorium on development of multi-family housing units in Pima is barely a month old and has already seen some push back.

Town Manager Vernon Batty said developer Palmer Goodman is asking for an exemption, due to being previously told he could move forward with his project, across the street from the schools.

“I can tell you right now that we’ve already had others come to us; this is going to be the first. If you grant this one, there may be problems,” Batty said.

Batty explained that Goodman has not yet pulled permits to begin his development.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the council tabled Goodman’s request to its April meeting, so Goodman may attend and answer questions from the council.

At the request of staff, the council implemented the moratorium in order to afford time to plan where future multi-family development may take place in the town.

However, Batty said that developers who pulled permits to develop multi-family housing units before the council initiated the moratorium may go forward with construction, regardless of location.

The council also unanimously approved the regulations for industrial zoning within the town, including removal of the stipulation that all manufacturing be conducted inside a building.

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