Arizona hotel project overcomes NIMBY opposition and legal hurdles

Prescott businessman wins hotel approval after two years of legal battles

An Arizona businessman has spent two years fighting to build a hotel in downtown Prescott. Jim Griset first proposed the project in 2023, but local authorities repeatedly blocked his plans. Recent legal changes and a city council reversal have now given him a chance to move forward—though hurdles remain.

Griset’s hotel faced immediate opposition from the Prescott Historical Preservation Commission and the city council. Both bodies denied his permits, citing concerns that critics later called vague and inconsistent. His attorney, Jon Riches, argued that the rejections relied on subjective criteria rather than clear rules.

The project also ran into resistance from residents embracing the 'Not In My Backyard' (NIMBY) mindset. Despite Griset redesigning the hotel to meet shifting city standards, approvals kept slipping away. His breakthrough came when Arizona’s Permitted Freedom Act took effect in 2023, requiring local governments to use objective criteria for permit decisions.

After two years of legal battles, the Prescott City Council finally overturned the commission’s denial and greenlit the project. Yet Griset still needs a use permit from the zoning and planning commission, as well as the city council itself. Complicating matters, four new members have since joined the council, leaving Griset uncertain about their stance. He must also secure a water service agreement before construction can begin.

The city council’s approval marked a turning point, but Griset’s hotel isn’t guaranteed yet. His next steps depend on the zoning commission and a council now filled with fresh faces. If successful, the project will end a long battle—one shaped by changing laws and persistent local opposition.