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The land, near the intersection of South Harrison and East Dawn roads, was designated either resource sensitive or resource conservation, and the board voted 3-2 Tuesday to change it all to industrial, “to allow for future rezoning from large-lot rural residential to commercial and industrial zoning,� according to development services documents provided to the supervisors.

Resource sensitive designation restricts the number of residences per acre to .3, and resource conservation bars home construction except in “specific circumstances.�

Businesses have been inquiring about large sites for manufacturing facilities and other sources of employment, according to county officials.

Supervisors Richard Elías and Ally Miller voted against the measure. Elías said the land had been intended as a park. Miller shared that concern, and also was uncomfortable with the idea of county-owned lands being used to spur private development, adding: “I believe we should leave that to the private sector.�

Chickens allowed in more zones

Chickens are now allowed in several unincorporated Pima County zones where they were previously prohibited.

With a 3-2 vote Tuesday, the board approved changes to county ordinance that open up small-lot residential zones to egg-laying chicken rearing.

Up to eight female chickens will be allowed per dwelling on lots over 6,000 square feet, and four would be allowed on smaller lots. Coops and runs are prohibited in front yards, and also have to abide by zone setback requirements.

Miller, who ultimately voted against the measure, said she was concerned about chickens on such small lots and the smells that come with them. Mark Holden, of county development services, said there are existing ordinances that could be used to handle any waste or smell issues.

Supervisor Steve Christy, the other “no� vote, shared Miller’s concerns, and said the changes present a policing nightmare. He joked that a new “chicken police� force may be necessary.

Chris Poirier, also of development services, said enforcement has not been an issue in the areas of the county where chickens are already allowed.