Zoning is used to specify allowable uses and development standards of a given parcel of land, such as lot sizes and setbacks from other properties or roadways. Floodplain regulations dictate minimum setbacks from significant washes and minimum elevations of structures above the 100-year flood elevation. These regulations are intended to help protect public health, safety, and welfare, and to minimize impacts to neighboring properties.
Each county has different minimum lot sizes in rural areas, depending on their zoning. These minimum lot sizes are required to obtain permits to build structures like a residence, barn or shed. The zoning for your property also dictates what kind of non-residential uses you can or cannot do on your property. General agricultural activities, like farming and ranching, are exempt from the local zoning regulations, per state statute, but not from floodplain regulations or health department requirements for wastewater treatment.
Agricultural processing activities are not exempt from local zoning. Due to such regulations, it can be important for property owners to know their zoning and associated restrictions, if interested in splitting/selling properties or planning for future development.
If interested in planning and zoning alterations to your land, permits and approval can be obtained through your county planning or community development departments. See the “Contact List” for detailed information.
For additional information, review: Know Your Zoning, by Arizona Cooperative Extension.
If you are interested in selling your property or a portion of your property, more information can be found in the Arizona Cooperative Extension article: What You Need To Know Before You Buy That Ranchette: Lots Splits Vs. Subdivisions.
In interested in reviewing information about your land parcel, see Graham County Planning and Zoning maps, available online.