There are private airstrips in the JLUS Project Area.
There are existing private airstrips in the JLUS Project Area that have been added
to the AZARNG “Fly Friendly” areas for helicopters, but new airstrips have been
and may continue to be built in the area. Coordination of airstrip construction
with the AZARNG is needed to ensure safe military and civilian aircraft
operations.
AZARNG has a need to conduct specific types of helicopter flight and landing
operation training throughout Pinal County.
Helicopter operations and associated training activities require take‐off,
low‐level flight (nap‐of‐the‐earth), night operations, navigation, and rough
terrain landing (environmental‐based training). These operations are critical to
military readiness and must be conducted in a manner that minimizes
incompatibility with surrounding communities.
Land Use
The basis of land use planning and regulation relates to the government’s role in
protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Local jurisdictions’ general plans and
zoning ordinances can be the most effective tools for preventing or resolving land use
compatibility issues. These tools ensure the separation of land uses that differ
significantly in character. Land use separation also applies to properties where the use of
one property may adversely impact the use of another. For instance, industrial uses are
often separated from residential uses to avoid impacts from noise, odors, and lighting.
Six issues relating to Land Use have been identified as part of this JLUS.
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.
Current development is encroaching upon Rittenhouse Training Site.
There is existing development on the south and west sides of Rittenhouse
Training Site, as well as plans for new development around the site. The
development has the potential to impact the military training capabilities at the
site.
Future development pressure may encroach upon Silverbell Army Heliport.
Pinal County has plans for future development between Pinal Airpark and I‐10
that has the potential to impact military training at Silverbell Army Heliport if not
properly coordinated with the AZARNG.
Pinal County Joint Land Use Study
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