Pinal County
Comprehensive Plan
Pinal County’s Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009 and most recently updated in
2015. It covers all of Pinal County, but policies within it only apply to unincorporated
areas, as incorporated areas have their own general plans that guide development. The
plan is guided by a long‐term vision that promotes effective economic vitality while
ensuring environmental stewardship. The Plan also provides the county with guidance
and actions to manage growth, preserve the quality of life, and promote sustainability.
The Pinal County Comprehensive Plan further identifies and addresses AZARNG sites
within the county and their importance to the local community and economy. It specifies
Florence Military Reservation, Silverbell Army Heliport, and other ancillary military
facilities are separate land use designations.
Zoning
Zoning regulations for Pinal County are outlined in Title 2 Zoning of the Pinal County
Development Services Code. The current Pinal County zoning ordinance was most
recently updated in August 2017. The zoning ordinance establishes two sets of zoning
districts. The first set of districts retains the zoning districts that existed before February
18, 2012. There are 22 districts established that fall under the categories rural zoning
districts, residential zoning districts, business zoning districts, industrial zoning districts,
and overlay zoning districts. A second set of districts was established for land zoned after
February 18, 2012. There were 31 zoning districts established, of which are grouped
under the categories rural zoning districts, residential zoning districts, activity center
zoning districts, office zoning districts, commercial zoning districts, industrial zoning
districts, overlay zoning districts, and other zoning districts.
There are three components of the zoning ordinance that relate to compatible land uses
and development around the AZARNG sites. The Outdoor Lighting section relates to the
preservation of dark skies that will support night time training. The Wireless
Communications Facilities section establishes regulations for wireless communications
towers, which have the potential to impact helicopter flight operations. The Residential
Photovoltaic Solar Energy Devices section establishes guidelines for small‐scale solar
energy development, including managing to glare that could impact helicopter pilot
safety. Pinal County’s zoning ordinance does not have any provisions regulating
commercial photovoltaic solar energy devices.
Pinal County Joint Land Use Study
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