Bellemont
Area Plan

An Amendment to the Coconino County Comprehensive Plan
Development by the Residents of the Bellemont Community
with assistance of the County Community Development Department
Approved by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on July 1, 1985

Bellemont Area Plan
Approved by the Coconino County Planning & Zoning Commission
May 28, 1985
Approved by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors
July 1, 1985

Coconino County Board of Supervisors
Karan L. English, Chairman, District Four
Verne Seidel, District One
Tio Tachias, District Two
J. Dennis Wells, District Three
Louise Yellowman, District Four
Planning and Zoning Commission
Walter Rhoton, Chairman
Jerry Craig, Vice Chairman
Sara Aleman
Dan Cothran
Roy Dan
Bill Helmcke
Tulley Mann
Gordon McHood
Pat Wamble
Jean Wilder
Director of Community Development
Brian N. Hawley
Contributing Staff
John O'Brien - Planner in Charge
Tom Schafer - Technical Assistance
Mike Raber - images
Nina Montfort – Typist

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985

Table of Contents

Introduction – Purpose and Area Description......................... 1
Historical Development ............................................................. 1
Ownership Patterns and Current Zoning................................. 2
Existing Land Uses.................................................................... 2
Land Use Determinants............................................................. 3
A. Topography and Vegetation............ 3
B. Soils................................ 4
C. Effluent Disposal.................... 4
D. Flood Hazards........................ 5
E. Water Supply......................... 5
F. Utilities............................ 6
G. Roads................................ 7
Land Use and Policy Recommendations................................. 7
A. Development Standards................ 7
B. Policies............................. 8
Appendices............................................................................... 11
Appendix A: Ownership Patterns.......... 11
Appendix B: Soil Survey & Definitions... 13
Data Sources ............................................................................ 17

NOTE: Maps and figures are not included with this electronic copy. Map copies may be
obtained from the Coconino County Community Development Department.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985

Introduction – Purpose and Area Description
The purpose of the Bellemont Study is to determine appropriate land
uses and zoning for the Bellemont Interchange area of Interstate 40.
Irregular parcel configurations and their close proximity to the
freeway and the nearby Santa Fe Railroad tracks detract from the
area's appeal for intensive residential development. These same
attributes, however, enhance the area's viability for limited
commercial and light industrial uses.
Figure 1 identifies the location of the Study Area, the boundaries of
which extend about one and one-half miles east and west of the
Bellemont Interchange. The Atcheson, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad
tracks demarcate the Study Area's southern border with the remainder
of the private land holdings bordered by the Coconino National Forest.
The Study Area includes an additional non-contiguous parcel to the
northwest as also indicated in Figure 1. The property was incorporated
in the project because of its large size and relative proximity to the
Interchange.
Staff's evaluation
upon analyses of a
following sections
factors which have
which remain valid

of the Study Area's Development potential was based
variety of identifiable land use determinants. The
of this study provide a comprehensive review of
historically influenced the area's development and
in the consideration of future uses.

Historical Development
Permanent settlement of the Bellemont area was first initiated in 1876
with the construction of a 12-room ranch house by a Texas rancher
named Walter Hill. Hill, who had previously herded cattle along the
Chisholm Trail settled in the area with the intention of establishing
a ranching operation for sheep. The availability of a reliable water
source, now known as Volunteer Spring, appears to have influenced
Hill's selection of the area for the establishment of his ranch. The
spring also attracted the attention of the Northern Arizona Stagecoach
Company, who subsequently established a relay station in the general
vicinity of the spring to support their stagecoach lines through the
area.
Development of the railroad in 1882 provided the next major impetus
for the area's growth. The large number of railroad ties necessary for
extension of rail service mandated the establishment of lumbering
operations in the area, which continued to operate for many years
thereafter because of the convenience and inexpensive transportation
the railroad provided for milled lumber.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 1 of 17

The community that developed in the area was commonly referred to as
Volunteer until 1882, when the name of Bellemont was officially
designated. Bellemont never was a large settlement. Permanent
residency in the area appears to have been fairly stable but grew to
no more than 400 people in that 50 year span from the introduction of
the railroad to the early 1930's. Limited resources and the growing
appeal of Williams to the west and Flagstaff to the east affected
Bellemont's viability as a community. By the time the Navajo Army
Depot was established in the area in 1942, the Bellemont community had
already rapidly declined. The town was almost completely deserted when
the Interstate 40 bypass was constructed in 1963. There are now only
three occupied dwellings at the original Bellemont Townsite.

Ownership Patterns and Current Zoning
The Study Area encompasses approximately 594 acres of private land
with ownership patterns more specifically indicated in Appendix 1. The
majority of the land is now situated in the G (General) Zone allowing
for limited agricultural and very low density residential uses (one
dwelling per ten acres). Approximately 52 acres within the study area
are zoned CH-10,000 (Commercial-Heavy). Figure 1 illustrates the
current zoning pattern.

Existing Land Uses
Figure 2 illustrates current development patterns within the Study
Area. The Bellemont Truck Stop, situated just north of the
Interchange, is the area's largest existing development. Approximately
10.8 acres are incorporated within the development which was
originally authorized by Coconino County in 1967. Existing facilities
include a 4700 square foot building accommodating a restaurant,
service station and gift shop. Fuel dispensing facilities and a truck
maintenance bay are provided on the site. Two mobile homes for
employee housing are also situated on the property. Remaining land
areas are utilized for overnight truck parking. The Coconino County
Planning and Zoning Commission approved a 30% expansion of the truck
stop facilities in September 1984.
Another improvement located north of Interstate 40 in the most
easterly portion of the Study Area is the Haven of Rest Mobile
Home/Travel Trailer Park established in 1971. Ten mobile units are
currently established in the park for residential purposes. This is
the maximum number of units that can be legally accommodated on the
site give the park's existing effluent disposal facilities. Remaining
parcels on the northerly side of Interstate 40 are vacant.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 2 of 17

Improvements located on the southerly side of Interstate 40 include
the original Bellemont Townsite situated adjacent to Old Route 66
South (See Figure 1). Most of the dwellings within the townsite were
abandoned several years ago and are now in a state of extreme
disrepair. Of the three currently occupied buildings on the site, two
are now used for single family residential purposes with the remaining
one now utilized as a combination liquor store/apartment. One of the
single family dwellings was constructed in 1920 and the owner has
applied for nomination to the State Historical Register.
An El Paso Natural Gas substation is located easterly of the Bellemont
Townsite directly adjacent to a commercially zoned property which as
approved by Coconino County in 1983 for a multifaceted commercial
development. To date, however, only one structure incorporated into
the approved plan has been partially constructed and is proposed for
use as a motorcycle sales/service facility.
Further east along Old Route 66 South are approximately eight
dilapidated buildings, now abandoned, but previously used as a Whiting
Brothers service station and associated motel units. Use of these
facilities may have been terminated when the Interstate 40 bypass was
constructed and Old Route 66 was abandoned as the mojor east-west
thoroughfare.
Located in the extreme southeast corner of the Study Area is a motel
development formerly known as the Pine Breeze Inn. This development
likewise appears to have lost its financial viability when Old Route
66 was bypassed by the Interstate, as use of the facility for motel
purposes seems to have been discontinued. Current utilization of the
property consists of limited residential use of several of the former
motel units and a couple of mobile units which have been established
on the site. Remaining parcels on the southerly side of Interstate 40
are vacant.
Surrounding land uses include the Navajo Army Depot to the south and
Coconino National Forest in all other directions.

Land Use Determinants
Future development of the Bellemont area is contingent upon
recognition of a variety of pertinent constraints. The following
sections of this study address these factors.

A. Topography and Vegetation
The entire Study Area is comprised of generally flat lands with slopes
averaging approximately 5%. Mature woodland vegetation on the site is
extremely limited and is confined to those areas as shown in Figure 1.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 3 of 17

B. Soils
The Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of
Agriculture provides detailed information regarding the inherent
qualities and engineering limitations of soils. A soil survey of the
Bellemont Study Area was conducted in October, 1984. The survey is
general in nature but provides valuable insight into developmentrelated problem areas that need to be considered for land use planning
purposes.
The report of the Soil Conservation Service is included with this
study as Appendix B. Figure 3 illustrates dominant soil types within
the Study Area. In general, soils in the vicinity of the Bellemont
Interchange have a high shrink-swell potential, which is to say they
tend to contract when dry and expand when wet. Soils of this type
typically present a greater potential for structural damage to
buildings and other improvements developed on them. Area soils also
have a slow to very slow permeability rate, meaning that water is not
readily transmitted through the soils when saturated. Soils with slow
permeability typically allow for infiltration of water at a rate of no
more than 0.2 inches per hour, causing surface waters to pond for
prolonged periods, creating difficulties with the proper operation of
standard septic tank systems, and generally increasing flooding
hazards in the areas of their occurrence. Soils in the Study Area are
generally shallow, providing no more than 20 to 40 inches of soil
cover over the underlying bedrock and creating difficulties for
establishment of proper foundations and underground utilities.

C. Effluent Disposal
All of the previously indicated problems associated with the soils in
the Study Area adversely affect the installation and proper
functioning of septic tank absorption fields. Because of these
problems, the Soil Conservation Service identifies the soils of the
Stud Area as being severely limited for that type of use. Severe soil
limitation indicate conditions which are so unfavorable or so
difficult to overcome that special design, significant increases in
construction costs, and possibly increased maintenance are required.
The high clay content and shallow depths of area soils create problems
with adequate percolation and soil saturation (ponding and flooding)
that effectively prevent standard septic systems from operating
properly. Shallow depth to rock and the presence of large stones
throughout the area also make installation problematic.
Two developments within the Study Area have experienced previous
problems regarding their effluent disposal systems. The Haven of Rest
Mobile Home/Travel Trailer Park was originally approved for
approximately 80 trailer hookups. However, the Park is currently
limited to a maximum of ten units because of functional limitations of
their standard community septic system.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 4 of 17

The Bellemont Truck Stop has also experienced difficulties. This
development utilizes sewage lagoons to accommodate effluent disposal.
Unfortunately, the lagoons were originally installed at a higher
elevation than an on-site water well serving the truck stop, leading
to contamination of the well as a result of a spring flood and the
subsequent issuance of a Cease and Desist Order for the well from the
State Health Department in May, 1982.
Because of the problems associated with the use of standard septic
systems in this area, installation and use of alternate effluent
disposal systems such as package treatment plants, evapotranspiration
systems, or other alternatives acceptable to the State Health
Department may be required.

D. Flood Hazards
Figure 4 illustrates areas of special flood hazards, periodic ponding,
and high water table occurrences within the Study Area. Approximately
twenty-five acres of land are situated within the one hundred year
floodplain of Volunteer Wash. A good portion of the Study Area is
subject to periodic ponding. High water tables affect approximately
three-fourths of the noncontiguous parcel included in the Study Area
and located to the northwest of the Interchange.
Flood hazards associated with the Study Area create higher potentials
for structural and personal property damage and increased insurance
costs for proposed developments. Accordingly, all new developments in
identified flood hazard areas (as shown in Figure 4) will be allowed
only in accordance with all applicable County, State and Federal flood
management regulations.

E. Water Supply
The Arizona Department of Health Services' Bureau of Water Quality
Control regulates public water distribution systems in Arizona. Their
records indicate that groundwater resources in the Bellemont area are
readily available but limited to low volume production due to a
shallow aquifer. There are currently two water distribution systems
within the Study Area.
The first of these is situated on the Bellemont Truck Stop property.
This well was established in the autumn of 1983 and is classified as a
non-community public water system serving about 200 people. The system
provides water for the truck stop restaurant, service station, public
showers, and two employee mobile homes. The well is 200 feet deep with
an output of 14 gallons per minute. A 3,000 gallon storage tank is
also included in the system.
The other water system within the Study Area is owned by the Santa Fe
Railroad and is leased by Bellemont Industries. The facilities,

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 5 of 17

consisting of two wells and a large storage tank have been operated by
Bellemont Industries since 1962. The water system is located just
south of the Bellemont Townsite on Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way.
These facilities are classified as a non-community water source
serving about 500 people via water haulers and several service
connections. The two wells are approximately 150 to 200 feet in depth.
The storage tank has a capacity of 203,000 gallons, approximately
98.5% of which is utilized by residents of the Parks area who haul
water for domestic purposes. The remaining 1.5% of the water available
from this system serves the three currently occupied residences at the
Bellemont Townsite. The total water usage varies from 35,000 gallons
per day during the winter to more than 100,000 gallons perday during
the peak summer months.
The water system serving the Navajo Army Depot which is situated
outside of the Study Area consists of three springs, three small
reservoirs and one well, all of which are located on the Depot's
property.

F. Utilities
Utility companies which serve the Study Area include El Paso Natural
Gas, Southern Union Gas, Arizona Public Service and Mountain Bell.
The El Paso Natural Gas substation is located just southeast of the
Bellemont Interchange. The company does not provide individualized
service in the area, but does supply Southern Union Gas which in turn
serves individual property owners.
Southern Union Gas currently provides service for the Navajo Army
Depot, Bellemont Truck Stop and all other properties on the eastern
side of the Bellemont Interchange. The company provides no service on
the western side of the Interchange. All gas lines within the Study
Area have a two inch diameter and may have to be enlarged to four
inches to accommodate additional commercial or industrial uses.
Arizona Public Service currently serves the entire Study Area and the
Navajo Army depot for electrical needs. Electrical service may be
required to be upgraded if additional commercial or industrial uses
are located in the Study Area.
Mountain Bell provides the telephone service for the entire Study
Area. Depending on the need of the development, Mountain Bell will
install the necessary wire capacity for new development.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 6 of 17

G. Roads
Interstate 40, which was constructed in the early 1960's, bisects the
Study Area into northern and southern sections. Prior to the
Interstate 40 bypass of Bellemont in 1963, the major thoroughfare in
the area was Old Route 66 South which runs parallel to and south of
the Interstate and north of the Santa Fe Railroad. This road provides
access to properties south of Interstate 40 and is paved throughout
the Bellemont area, but changes to dirt to the west and terminates
just east of the Study Area.
Transwestern Road, also known as Old Route 66 North, runs parallel to
and north of the Interstate just south of the Bellemont Truck Stop.
This road provides access to properties north of Interstate 40 and is
paved from the truck stop westward, but is dirt from that point
eastward. Transwestern Road turns into Forest Service Road 146 just
west of the Study Area.
Old Route 66 South and Transwestern Road are currently designated as
being within the Coconino County road system after having been
recently abandoned to the County from the State. Both roads,
especially Old Route 66 South are in severe disrepair and will have to
be improved to County standards if major developments occur in the
future.

Land Use and Policy Recommendations
Figure 5 identifies proposed land use classifications for the
Bellemont Study Area. These classifications recognize the limitations
of properties to support significant residential development, the
suitability of the area for industrial/commercial uses and the
developmental constraints identified in the report.
It is recommended that the Bellemont Study Area be rezoned to the PC
(Planned Community) Zone and that development of all properties be
subject to the following developmental standards and policies:

A. Development Standards
1.
Residential Uses - Uses permitted within these identified
areas and development and performance standards applied thereto
shall conform to Section 10 of the Coconino County Zoning
Ordinance for the RM-10/A (Residential Multiple Family) Zone,
maximum density of 10 units per acre.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 7 of 17

2.
Mobilehome Park Uses - Uses permitted within these
identified areas and development standards applied thereto shall
conform to Section 13.1 of the Coconino County Zoning Ordinance
for the MHP (Mobilehome Park) Zone.
3.
Commercial Uses - Uses permitted within these identified
areas and development and performance standards applied thereto
shall conform to Section 11 of the Coconino County Zoning
Ordinance for the CH-10,000 (Commercial-Heavy) Zone; except that,
billboards shall not be permitted.
4.
Industrial Uses - Uses permitted within these identified
areas and development and performance standards applied thereto
shall conform to Section 12 of the Coconino County Zoning
Ordinance for the M-1-10,000 (Light Industrial Zone.
5. Signs - The number, type, location and size of all signs
proposed for any project shall conform to all requirements and
provisions of Section 16 of the Coconino County Zoning Ordinance
for the use proposed. Billboards shall not be permitted.
6. Parking - Off-street parking shall be provided for each use
in accordance with and subject to the standards of Section 15 of
the Coconino County Zoning Ordinance regarding parking.
7. Outside lighting associated with all development within the
Study Area shall be of high pressure or low pressure sodium vapor
typed and shall not project above the horizontal plane of the
light source. Outside lighting shall be shielded so that the
direct illumination is confined to the property boundaries of the
light source.
8. A comprehensive landscaping plan shall be prepared and
incorporated into the overall development plan for all major
projects. This landscaping plan shall be submitted to the
Director of Community Development for review and approval. All
required landscaping shall be installed prior to the issuance of
a certificate of occupancy and initiation of use of the
facilities.

B. Policies
1.
All current health, sewage and water quality regulations
shall be rigorously enforced.
2. A comprehensive hydrology study must be conducted and the
availability of an adequate water supply must be substantiated to
the Arizona Department of Water Resources prior to the initiation
of construction of water intensive development projects. The
study must clearly show that existing users of the proposed water

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 8 of 17

source will not be adversely affected by the proposed
development. A copy of the study and the State's findings must be
submitted prior to approval of the project by the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
3.
The conservation of water resources shall be a major
consideration in all new building construction and shall be
enhanced through such programs as the installation of water
saving plumbing fixtures and separate water meters for individual
units in all new construction within the Bellemont Study Area.
4.
A surface hydrology and drainage study and construction
plans for facilities necessary to accommodate adequate drainage
surface and storm waters must be submitted to the County Engineer
for his review and approval prior to the initiation of
construction of major development projects. All new development
in areas subject to flooding or ponding must be constructed in
full compliance with the Coconino County's Floodplain Management
Zone requirements.
5.
Soil capabilities and limitations shall be recognized and
appropriately considered in the County's developmental review and
implementation functions as they related to properties within the
Study Area. In accordance with this policy, the following
procedural sub-policies shall be initiated:
A.
Comprehensive on-site soil investigations, conducted
by a registered/licensed soils engineer, shall be required
for all industrial, commercial, or major residential
developments.
B.
In areas not served by an approved community effluent
disposal and treatment system, the suitability of local
soils for the establishment of septic tank absorption
fields shall be assessed and all necessary corrective
measures shall be incorporated in the proposed disposal
system to ensure against soil related system failures.
C. In developments requiring an Excavation and Grading
Permit from the County Engineer, the capabilities and
limitations of on-site soils shall be appropriately
addressed prior to the initiation of construction.
D.
Erosion and sediment control measures shall be
incorporated in all new construction projects.
E. The issuance of Building Permits in areas with severe
soils limitations shall be conditioned to required the
incorporation of appropriated structural modifications to
compensate for applicable limiting soil characteristics.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 9 of 17

6.
All existing street rights-of-way and any new streets
established to serve future development projects shall be
improved to the specifications of the County Engineer.
7.
All subdivision of lands shall conform to State and County
Subdivision Regulations.
8.
All development projects, except those approved under a
conditional use permit, shall be subject to site plan review and
approval by the Planning Commission and subject to such
conditions of approval for development as the Commission deems
appropriate to ensure conformance with the adopted development
standards and policies for the Bellemont Area.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 10 of 17

Appendices
Appendix A: Ownership Patterns
(Ownership of Properties as of December, 1984)
Assessor's
Parcel #

Acreage

Raymond Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 1423
Flagstaff, AZ 86002

116-01-001A

11.29

Raymond Educational Foundation

116-01-001B

4.79

Raymond Educational Foundation
Dennis Gray
3300 N. E. 27th Ave. - Apt. 94
Vancouver, WA 98661

116-01-002A

7.05

Curtis and Margie Knudsen
P.O. Box 33
Bellemont, AZ 86015

116-01-002B

8.76

Daniel Real
Jack Dees
2636 W. Orangewood
Phoenix, AZ 85021

116-01-003A

3.00

Thomas Ruth
Box 26 Bellemont Station
Bellemont, AZ 86015

116-01-004

2.08

Chicago Title Agency of Arizona
Trust #607
3500 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012

203-35-007

2.45

203-35-010B

69.27

203-40-001

30.00

Chicago Title Agency

203-40-002B

77.50

Chicago Title Agency

203-40-002C

38.50

Tottie Yamato
P.O. Box 1093
Wickenburg, AZ 85358

203-40-003

1.70

Maud Thompson / Treva Lint
2212 W. Curry St.
Chandler, AZ 85224

203-40-004A

1.20

William Warner
Box 17 Bellemont Station
Bellemont, AZ 86015

203-40-004C

.87

Property Owner

Chicago Title Agency
L.C. and Mary Caughran
5537 W. Frier Dr.
Glendale, AZ 85301

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 11 of 17

Assessor's
Parcel #

Acreage

A.M. Persons
P.O. Box 81052
San Diego, CA 92138

203-40-004D

.72

Helen Harr
Pauline Williams
4 Pine Wood Circle
Arkadelphia, AR 71923

203-40-005

1.58

J.E. Whipp
Box 66 Bellemont Station
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

203-40-006

1.17

Maybelle Melton
C/O Keffe Realty Co. Inc.
457 Andra Court
Cheyenne, WY 82009

203-40-007

29.70

Jack and Clare McCracken
397 Malpais Lane
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

203-40-009

3.90

Museum of Northern Arizona, Inc.
Rt. 4 Box 720
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

203-47-001B

14.00

Programmed Land, Inc.
7745 E. Redfield Rd. #600
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

203-47-001C

6.10

Len Martinson
Bellemont Truck Center
P.O. Box 45
Bellemont, AZ 86015

203-47-003

7.27

Len Martinson

203-47-004B

9.90

Chicago Title Agency

204-02-001A

62.10

Sixth Avenue Apartments
P.O. Box 1136
Flagstaff, AZ 86002

204-03-001A

125.00

Charles and Adrienne
Crockatt3340 S. Gillenwater Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

204-03-001B

12.60

Chicago Title Agency

204-03-003

27.70

Chicago Title Agency

204-03-004

13.20

Chicago Title Agency

204-03-005

21.30

Property Owner

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 12 of 17

Appendix B: Soil Survey & Definitions
Soil Survey of the Bellemont Interchange Area
Most of the soils on ridges and on convex positions are similar to the
Brolliar soils series. These soils are moderately deep over basalt bedrock,
and have high clay content, predominantly montmorillonite. The resulting high
shrink-swell potential, slow permeability, and moderate depth to rock (20 to
40 inches) severely limit most uses of this soil.
Deep, clayey soils occur along drainages and in concave depressions. These
soils are similar to the Friana soils series, and are subject to common
flooding and prolonged periods of ponding, especially where construction and
cultural features have altered natural drainage. High shrink-swell potential
and slow to very slow permeability are additional limitations of this soil.
Inclusions of soils with seasonal high water tables were noted in the
northwest rectangular piece of land. Depth and content of rock fragments vary
considerably from one area to another. Water tends to perch above layers of
contrasting particle size, and saturated soil layers were encountered above
cobbly and gravelly substratums.
The soils located near the Bellemont Interchange have areas of higher rock
fragment content, but interpretations and limitations are otherwise the same.
Definitions of the limitations ratings are also attached.
Limitations Ratings
Slight:
soil limitation is the rating given soils that have properties
favorable for the rated use. The degree of limitation is minor and can be
overcome easily. Good performance and low maintenance can be expected.
Moderate: soil limitation is the rating given soils that have properties
favorable for the rated use. This degree of limitation can be overcome or
modified by special planning, design, or maintenance. During some part of the
year the performance of the structure of other planned use is somewhat less
desirable than for soils rated slight. Some soils rated moderate require
treatment, such as artificial drainage, runoff control to reduce erosion,
extended sewage absorption fields, extra excavation, or some modification of
certain features through manipulation of the soil. For these soils,
modification is needed for those construction plans generally used for soils
of slight limitation. Modification may include special foundations, extra
reinforcements, sump pumps, and the like.
Severe: soil limitation is the rating given soils that have one or more
properties unfavorable for the rated use, such as steep slopes, bedrock near
the surface, flooding hazard, high shrink-swell potential, a seasonal high
water table, or low bearing strength. This degree of limitation generally
requires major soil reclamation, special design or intensive maintenance.
Some of these soils, however, can be improved by reducing or removing the
soil feature that limits use, but in many situations, it is difficult and
costly to alter the soil or to design a structure to compensate for a severe
degree of limitation.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 13 of 17

Suitability Ratings
Good: means the soils have properties favorable for the use. Good
performance and low maintenance can be expected.
Fair: means the soil is moderately favorable for the use. One or more soil
properties make these soils less desirable than those rated good.
Poor: means the soil has one or more properties unfavorable for the use.
Overcoming the unfavorable property requires special design, extra
maintenance, or costly alteration.
Restrictive Features
Restrictive Features are used to help explain the ratings for sanitary
facilities, building site development, construction material, water
management, and recreational development blocks. The following is a list of
these features and their definitions.
Definitions
AREA RECLAIM......Borrow areas are difficult to reclaim, and revegetation and
erosion control on these areas are extremely difficult.
CEMENTED PAN......Cemented pan too close to surface.
COMPLEX SLOPE.....Short and irregular slopes. Planning and construction of
terraces, diversions, and other water-control measures are
difficult.
CUTBANKS CAVE.....Walls for cuts are not stable. The soil sloughs easily.
DEEP TO WATER.....Deep to permanent water table during dry season.
DEPTH TO ROCK.....Bedrock is so near the surface that it affects specified
use of the soil.
DROUGHTY..........Soil holds too little water for plants during dry periods.
DUSTY.............Soil particles detach easily and cause dust.
ERODES EASILY.....Water erodes soil easily.
EXCESS FINES......The soil contains too much silt and clay for use as gravel
or sand in construction.
EXCESS LIME.......The amount of carbonates in the soil is so high that it
restricts the growth of some plants.
EXCESS SALT.......The amount of soluable salt in the soil is so high that it
restricts the growth of most plants.
EXCESS SODIUM.....Exchangeable sodium imparts poor physical properties that
restrict the growth of plants.
FAST INTAKE.......Water infiltrates rapidly into the soil.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 14 of 17

FAVORABLE.........Features of the soil are favorable for the intended use.
FLOODS Soil flooded by moving water from stream overflow,
runoff, or high tides.
FRAGILE...........Soil easily damaged by use or disturbance.
FROST ACTION......Freezing and thawing may damage structures.
HARD TO PACK......Difficult to compact.
LARGE STONES......Rock fragments greater than three inches across affect the
specified use.
LOW STRENGTH......The soil has inadequate strength to support loads.
NO WATER..........Too deep to ground water.
NOT NEEDED........Practice not applicable.
PERCS SLOWLY......Water moves through the soil slowly, affecting the
specified use.
PERMAFROST........The soil contains frozen layers throughout the year.
PIPING............The soil is susceptible to the formation of tunnels or
pipe-like cavities by moving water.
PITTING...........The soil is susceptible to the formation of pits caused by
the melting of ground ice when the plant cover is removed.
PONDING...........Soil in closed depressions inundated by standing water that
is removed only by percolation or evapotranspiration.
POOR OUTLETS......Surface or subsurface drainage outlets are difficult or
expensive to install.
ROOTING DEPTH.....A layer that greatly restricts the downward rooting of
plants occurs at a shallow depth.
SALTY WATER.......Water too salty for livestock consumption.
SEEPAGE...........Water moves through the soil so quickly that it affects the
specified use.
SHRINK-SWELL......The soil expands on wetting and shrinks on drying, which
may cause damage to roads, dams, building foundations, or
other structures.
SLIPPAGE..........Soil mass is susceptible to movement downslope when loaded,
excavated or wet.
SLOPE.............Slope too great.
SLOW INTAKE.......Water infiltrates slowly into the soil.
SLOW REFILL.......Ponds fill slowly because permeability of the soil is
restricted.
SMALL STONES......Rock fragments that are three inches or less across may
affect the specified use.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 15 of 17

SOIL BLOWING......Soil easily moved and deposited by wind.
SUBSIDES..........Settlement of organic soils or of soils containing semifluid layers.
THIN LAYER........Suitable soil material is no thick enough for use as borrow
material or topsoil.
TOO ACID..........The soil is so acid that growth of plants is restricted.
TOO CLAYEY........Soil slippery and sticky when wet and slow to dry.
TOO SANDY.........Soil soft and loose; droughty and low in fertility.
UNSTABLE FILL.....Banks of fill are likely to cave in or slough or uneven
settlement is likely.
WETNESS...........Soil wet during period of use.

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 16 of 17

Data Sources
Arizona Department of Health Services' Bureau of Water Quality Control (Mike
Neher - Flagstaff Branch)
Arizona Department of Transportation (Julian Diaz - Flagstaff Branch) (Ray
Gordon, Robert Adams and Mike Hall - Phoenix Branch)
Arizona Public Service (Don Smith - Flagstaff Branch)
"Bellemont Properties master Plan and Report" prepared by Don Ziemba Coconino Engineering and Surveying Company
Cline, Platt - Northern Arizona/Flagstaff historian
Coconino County Assessor's Office Records
Coconino County Community Development Department Records
Coconino County Environmental Health Department - conversations with Dan
Smith, Director, and Blair Davis
Coconino County Road Department - conversations with Bill Howells and Steve
Bell
Coconino County Water Reference Book (1982), prepared by Joe Gibb
El Paso Natural Gas (Flagstaff Branch)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (Flood Insurance Rate Map - Community
Panel number 040019-3575B effective date - November 16, 1983)
Griffen, Joyce - Northern Arizona University Associate Professor of
Anthropology (Parks-Bellemont Historical Paper)
Northern Arizona University South Campus Library (Special Collections
Section)
"Oak Creek Canyon Area Plan" prepared by Coconino County Community
Development Department
Southern Union Gas (Flagstaff Branch) - conversations with Representative
Bill West
United States Department of Agriculture; Soil Conservation Service (Flagstaff
Branch)
United States Geological Survey "Bellemont Quadrangle Sheet" - 1963

Bellemont Area Plan – Coconino County, Arizona – Approved July 1, 1985 – Page 17 of 17