Prescott City Council discusses updates to general plan amid annexation and land use issues

The Prescott City Council held a special meeting on June 12, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the city's general plan, focusing on land use designations and the implications of potential annexations. The meeting highlighted the need for a two-thirds majority vote from the council for certain decisions, particularly regarding annexations, which require a supermajority.

One of the primary discussions centered around maintaining very low-density land use near the airport, specifically retaining a designation of one dwelling unit per acre. Council members expressed a desire to collaborate with the airport director to define appropriate boundaries for this designation. A consensus was reached to proceed with the proposed mapping changes.

The council also addressed the presence of county islands within city limits, clarifying that if these areas were to annex into the city, they would adopt the land use designations reflected on the current map. This process would require the support of at least 50% of the property owners in those areas.

Further discussions included the integration of open space and recreation elements into the general plan, with council members confirming that these aspects were adequately represented in the updated map. The meeting also touched on the importance of addressing community challenges, such as maintaining the character of Prescott while accommodating growth.

As the council reviewed the general plan, members debated the necessity of including voluntary elements, particularly in light of the city's current population, which is estimated to be just below 50,000. Some council members advocated for retaining all proposed elements to ensure comprehensive planning for future growth, while others expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing numerous strategies given the city's resources.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to refine the general plan based on the discussions, with staff directed to incorporate the agreed-upon changes. The council's ongoing deliberations reflect a balancing act between community desires, regulatory requirements, and practical considerations for Prescott's future development.