ARE HORSE PEOPLE BETTER OFF WITH THE NEW RULES?
Lots of people, clients and otherwise, have been asking me how it is that we are better off with more rules. So, here’s the short answer (hard to believe I’m a lawyer).
Many people object to rules, particularly those rules that they don’t like. They argue along the lines of “no one can tell me what to do - especially on my land” or more colorfully said “I don’t need no stinkin’ rules”. I understand the sentiment. I don’t like some of the rules either. Then again, if I were Emperor I’d love rules - especially my rules! Reality being a constraint, I awake every morning to find that I’m still not Emperor, not even in my own house, and that I have to accept that there are rules because we live in a rule-based society. The issue is not will there be rules but, what rules and how can I help shape them?
The Arizona horse community is blessed with groups such as the Arizona State Horseman’s Association (“ASHA”) that are devoted to furthering the interests of horse people in Arizona. Recognizing that urban creep was beginning to have impact on horse activities, even in areas previously thought to be safe, and that as urban growth continued the once horse-friendly nature of the land would be forever lost to housing developments, groups such as ASHA have been working with the County to enact some measures of protection. The effort required vast amounts of time and effort by many, however, the results were worth the effort. Consider what horse people have gained as a direct result of these actions.
The County code now affirmatively states that, on your conforming, residential property in the rural zoning districts, you may:
- Keep your own horses.
- Board up to five horses that do not belong to you (or your tenant).
- Hold a public event (so long as no admission charge is involved) involving up 24 people without a Special Use Permit.
Are there limitations? Sure, there always are, and you would do well to know them. However, understand that our County Supervisors had the wisdom to recognize the importance of our equestrian heritage and the role it plays in many people’s lives. Balancing the demands that arise as the trend to suburbanize rural areas occurs, our County Supervisors wisely enacted laws that protect our equine heritage by specifically providing for and protecting certain equestrian uses on residential property in the rural zoning districts.
Better off? You bet!
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