RIO VERDE FOOTHILLS AREA PLAN Quick Background: In 2000 RVHA approached Hamp Merrill to look into the possibility of incorporating the Rio Verde area for the purpose of governing ourselves. We found this would be impossible because with no commercial tax base, individual property taxes would be staggering to support the entire mandatory infrastructure. We then looked into a possible “county overlay” to protect our community and County reported there was no such thing. Hamp, along with Bill Bridwell, then approached County as to what we could do. An update of an out-of-date area plan that included our 18 square mile area could be done. Through these two mens efforts, this new Area Plan, JUST FOR OUR AREA, began in 2002. The next update of this Plan will not occur again for approximately 10 years. This new Area Plan strongly supports our desire to remain rural, agricultural and equestrian with low density, no commercial zoning, and to protect our groundwater supply. It emphasizes continually the fragile environmental conditions of our desert, lack of urban amenities and water supply availability which does not support large developments or higher density. We had both the RVHA formal membership surveys, completed in 2000 and 2004 and showing our members position on all the issues we support or oppose, accepted as data for this Plan. Both of these surveys are very pertinent to the direction of the Area Plan study. RVHA members who participated had to sign their completed forms in order to be included in both surveys. They are public record. It is important to note that even with the growth in our area, the property owners stand on all important issues has changed very little over four years. They solidly support keeping this area rural, agricultural and equestrian with low density, and oppose large developments, commercial zoning, annexation and water districts. Also important to note is our memberships favorable stand on Special Use Permits. We feel these permits should be judged independently and on their own merit, and that horse shows, clinics, and competitions are appropriate use in our area. Special thanks to Hamp Merrill (deceased), Bill Bridwell and Nena Henry for all their efforts in making this Area Plan happen! Click here for a link to the plan CODE OF THE WEST Maricopa County offers information for new residents of our rural area and for those who may be considering purchasing land out here. It is important for you to know that life in the country is different from life in the city. County governments are not able to provide the same level of service that city governments provide. To that end, the county is providing you with the following information to help you make an educated and informed decision to purchase rural land. Follow the link below: http://www.maricopa.gov/pr_detail.aspx?releaseID=1050