community (census designated place) had a population of slightly over 2,000 people and
in 2018 the population had grown to just under 3,000.
An existing primary helicopter training route runs northwest from SBAH to Picacho Peak
Stagefield. This helicopter training route is directly over the area where the Red Rock
Village master planned community is proposed for growth. In addition, the military has
multiple nighttime helicopter training routes in the immediate area around Red Rock.
For an overview of the SBAH military mission and operations, see Issue LU‐3 compatibility
assessment. Chapter 3 of this report provides additional detail on AZARNG activities at
and around SBAH.
The Red Rock Village is zoned for residential use and small amounts of commercial
development per the Pinal County zoning ordinance. Figure 5‐12 provides a map of Pinal
County zoning around SBAH. As mentioned in Issue LU‐3, to the north, east and west of
SBAH the land is currently zoned for general rural purposes. The Pinal County zoning
ordinance is consistent with dark sky initiatives to limit light pollution and mention
provisions for aircraft noise contours as part of a multi‐purpose master community plan,
but there are no specific provisions to ensure development is compatible with military
operations at SBAH.
The 2015 Updated Pinal County Comprehensive Plan identifies Red Rock as one of four
strategic growth areas in the County. Figure 5‐11 provides a map of the growth and
development activity centers near SBAH. One such area is located north near Red Rock.
The long‐term intent is to link northern Pima County and southern Pinal County along
Interstate 10 with mixed use residential / employment development. Goal 3.8 of the
Comprehensive Plan is for Red Rock to become the economic center for this area of Pinal
County supported by the following policies:
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Work closely with the Union Pacific Railroad, Town of Marana, City of Eloy,
Arizona State Land Department, Pima County and Pinal Airpark to facilitate
mixed use development and a diverse economic center.
Integrate a range of residential development compatible with surrounding
employment uses.
Capitalize on the multimodal infrastructure and identify and plan for suitable
transit‐oriented developments where possible.
Buffer and plan for an appropriate transition of development uses from the
Picacho Peak State Park and Picacho Mountains.
Preserve wildlife linkages and mitigate habitat fragmentation.
Promote improvements to Park Link Road and other regionally‐significant routes.
Compatibility Assessment