to pursue over a long‐range period, typically 10 to 20 years, to promote compatible land
use and guide growth through logical development. Local jurisdictions’ comprehensive
or general plans and zoning ordinances are the most effective tools to avoid and resolve
land use compatibility issues. These tools ensure similar and compatible land uses are
properly located and can co‐exist while separating land uses that differ significantly in use
and potential nuisance.
Technical Background
Land use planning around military installations is similar to the process for evaluating
other types of land uses. For instance, local jurisdictions consider compatibility factors
such as noise when locating residential developments near commercial or industrial uses.
As the land between local municipalities is developed–or the land between a local
municipality and the perimeter of a military installation is developed–both entities are
affected. New residents, tenants, or building owners are typically not fully aware of the
implications of locating near an active military installation and / or training area.
Among the most pressing factors causing incompatibility with installations containing a
military airfield or conducting weapons training are the proximate areas of encroaching
development, as well as off‐installation light pollution from that development, which may
impact the military operations. The development of land uses incompatible with a
military installation’s operations threatens that installation’s mission success and its
continued existence.
Issue:
LU‐1
AZARNG Site:
Florence
Military
Reservation
Future development pressure may encroach
upon Florence Military Reservation.
The land surrounding Florence Military
Reservation has been identified as a growth area
in the Pinal County Comprehensive Plan.
Concepts have been developed for a master
planned community called Superstition Vista that
could result in incompatible development near
the installation that could encroach upon the
AZARNG’s mission.
Compatibility Assessment
Florence Military Reservation’s mission is to provide the facilities and support functions
needed to train AZARNG units and other National Guard troops, including firing ranges,
maneuver areas, and other activity areas. It serves as Arizona’s primary training site for
individual weapons qualifications. Florence Military Reservation is a Level V Training
Center and serves as the Desert Training Environment for the AZARNG. A Level V
Training Center supports individual and collective training up to company level. Florence
Background Report
5-69