The Wildhorse Estates subdivision in Florence, Arizona has 84 large lots designated for manufactured homes (MH), but there are only 15 MH sited, and the remainder are site-built homes, making it out of compliance with county zoning. Many homes have horses and other farm animals, some of which have more animals than the county allows. Most lots are one acre, also out of compliance with zoning, according to trivalleycentral.com. The city is considering annexing the subdivision, and Mayor Tom Rankin appreciates the rural flavor, but a disagreement, not over the manufactured homes, but over how many horses and other animals each home may maintain is brewing.

The proposed new zone allows two horses per lot over 42,000 square feet. Following approval of a conditional use permit, a residential lot can have two additional horses, or up to 10 chickens with no rooster. MHProNews has been informed applying for a conditional use permit costs approximately $400. Many Wildhorse residents favor four horses, without the need for a conditional use permit, and remind the town council that 4-H members often raise sheep and rabbits as well. The council had the first reading and will take a vote at a later meeting. No mention was made of obtaining a conditional use variance for site-built homes in a manufactured home designated subdivision, or what may be sited on the remaining six lots. The proposed zoning does require an MH can only be replaced by another MH no more than five years old.

(Image credit: city of Pecos, Texas)