Z2021111 BOS REPORT__PART1.PDF

Maricopa County — Formal (2022-04-06)

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April 6, 2022 
Z2021111 
Page 1 of 5 
Report to the Board of Supervisors 
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department 



Board Hearing Date: 
April 6, 2022 
Case #/Title:   
 
 
Z2021111 – Harquahala Sun
Supervisor District: 
5
Applicant/Owners:  
Kimley-Horn & Associates – Keith Nichter / CV Harquahala LLC 
(C/O HV Sunrise, LLC) & Kawela One LLC (C/O HV Sunrise, 
LLC) – Matthew McCaffrey 
Request: 
Zone Change from Rural-43 to IND-2 IUPD with a Plan of 
Development 
Site Location: 
Generally located at the SWC of the intersection of 483rd 
Ave. & Courthouse Rd
Site Size: 
Approx. 1,173 acres 
County Island Status: 
No 
Additional
Comments:
The applicant seeks a Zone Change from Rural-43 to IND-2 
IUPD with a Plan of Development for the development of a 
utility-scale 
solar 
development 
that 
will 
generate 
approximately 150 megawatts (MWs) of electricity along with 
battery storage. The proposal complies with the land use 
designation of Utilities in the Vision 2030 Maricopa County 
Comprehensive Plan. Comments were received by Arizona 
Game & Fish Department (AZGFD), Luke Air Force Base (LAFB) 
and Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (AZSHPO). Staff 
received one (1) letter of opposition from an individual 
concerned with the big horn sheep habitat in and around the 
Saddle Mountain area and the potential for continuous solar 
development to disrupt the habitat.  According to the AZGFD, 
this site will not have a significant impact on the big horn 
sheep in the area.   Other comments by AZGFD included 
standard construction-related comments for protection of 
local wildlife.  SHPO requested a cultural resources survey 
which has since been completed and is under review by 
various state and federal entities with approval of the survey 
conditioned by Staff at the time of building permitting.  LAFB 
requested that the applicant route their proposal through the 
Department of Defense siting clearinghouse process.  The 
applicant has initiated this process and is awaiting the results 
of any recommendations. The Commission recommended

April 6, 2022 
Z2021111 
Page 2 of 5 
approval of a condition that requires the applicant to revise 
the site plan if required as a result of those recommendations. 
Commission
Recommendation:
On 3/10/22, the Commission voted 7-0 to recommend
approval of Z2021111 subject to revised conditions ‘a’, ‘d.9’ 
and ‘e’ as presented by Staff. 
a.
The initial Plan of Development shall be developed in substantial conformance 
with the Site Plan entitled “Harquahala Sun Site Plan” consisting of 17 full-size 
sheets, dated March 1, 2022, and stamped received March 1, 2022, except as 
modified by the following conditions. Staff may determine slight refinements to 
remain in substantial conformance with the approved site plan.  Minor and major 
amendments to the site plan will be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance. 
b.
Development of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the Narrative 
Report entitled “Harquahala Sun Narrative Report”, consisting of 14 pages, dated 
February 25, 2021, and stamped received March 1, 2022 except as modified by 
the following conditions.
c.
The following Planning Engineering conditions shall apply: 
1. At the time of application for building permits, the plans or a drainage exhibit 
must identify (quantity) offsite flows entering the site, 
2. At the time of application for building permits, retention basin design for basins 
located in a floodplain must be revised to provide excavated basins. 
3. Retention basin volumes must be sized for the 100 year, 2 hour storm event. 
Retention basins must drain within 36 hours.  
4. At the time of application for building permits, the weighted runoff coefficient 
to size retention basins must be verified and be based on C=0.95 for the panels, 
C=0.88 for gravel access roads; and C=0.5 for unimproved areas. 
5. At the time of application for building permits, detailed grading and drainage 
plans must show diversions necessary to direct flows from solar development 
site to a retention basin. No flow from the solar development site shall be 
permitted to flow directly offsite (unretained). 
6. Electrical equipment, including inverters must be elevated to be at or above 
the regulatory flood elevation for each respective flood zone; or otherwise 
floodproofed. 
7. Work with the floodplains will require a floodplain use permit issued concurrent 
with the building permits. 
8. Extension of the gen-tie across FCDMC owned properties will require 
procurement of a Flood Control District R/W permit.

April 6, 2022 
Z2021111 
Page 3 of 5 
9. Extension of the gen-tie within County (MCDOT) right-of-way may require 
procurement of a lease or license to occupy the right-of-way. 
10.Driveways C and D along 491st Avenue, south of Courthouse Road must align. 
11.The following R/W dedication and preservation will be required. R/W 
dedication must occur prior to issuance of building permits. 
Dedication:
491st Avenue – 40’ half width (80’ full) right-of-way for a collector roadway 
Courthouse Road – 65’ half width right-of-way  
Preservation: 
483rd Avenue – 40’ half width right-of-way  
499th Avenue – 65’ half width right-of-way  
12.Based on the conceptual design nature of the information submitted, changes 
to the site layout may be necessitated by the final engineering design of the 
site’s drainage infrastructure. 
13.Detailed Grading and Drainage (Site Infrastructure) Plans must be submitted 
with the application for Final Plat Approval and Building Permits. 
14.Engineering review of planning and/or zoning cases is for conceptual design 
only. All development and engineering design shall be in conformance with 
Section 1205 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance; Drainage Policies and 
Standards; Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County; MCDOT Roadway 
Design Manual; and current engineering policies, standards and best 
practices at the time of application for construction. 
d.
The following IND-2 IUPD Zoning District standards shall apply: 
1. Maximum Electric Transmission Line Height – 140’ 
2. Maximum Lot Coverage – 60% 
3. Parking Spaces Required – None required  
4. Loading & Unloading Spaces Required - None required  
5. Landscaping – No landscaping strip required 
6. Sight Visibility Triangles – No sight visibility triangles are required at project site 
entry/access points and road intersection, section line, mid-section line or 
alignment corners 
7. Article 902.91 – All utility uses shall be permitted to be conducted outdoors 
8. Site Enclosure and Screening – Chain-link fencing and gates are permitted 
around the perimeter of the site boundaries except that opaque chain-link 
fencing with vinyl slats shall be required along any property line abutting a 
residential zoning boundary 
9. Pavement Required – Pavement not required for parking spaces with approval 
of a dust control plan by Maricopa County Air Quality Department.

April 6, 2022 
Z2021111 
Page 4 of 5 
e.
The applicant shall route their plans through the Department of Defense (DOD) 
siting clearinghouse process in accordance with the letter from Luke Air Force Base 
dated November 1, 2021. Based on those findings, a revised site plan shall be 
submitted in accordance with condition ‘a’ if required. 
f.
The Owner or Developer shall address and respond to all recommendations of the 
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) included in the letter dated February 
24, 2022 at the time of construction permitting.  The response shall be sent to 
AZGFD for review and consideration.  The Zoning Inspector and/or their designee 
shall review the applicant’s response, and any subsequent comments received 
from AZGFD, to determine whether the response issued by the Owner or Developer 
addresses AZGFD comments in good faith.  Should the Zoning Inspector and/or 
their designee decide that the Owner or Developer has not substantially 
addressed AZGFD comments in good faith, the Owner or Developer shall be 
required to propose and implement alternatives to the recommendations made 
by AZGFD. 
g.
The Owner or Developer shall receive approval of a Cultural Resource Survey 
accordance with the comments received by AZSHPO in the letter dated July 8, 
2021 prior to the issuance of building permits. 
h.
The IND-2 IUPD shall limit the use of the site exclusively to a solar electric generating 
facility including ancillary offices and ancillary uses.  Any other site uses shall 
require a Zone Change Major Amendment.   
i.
Noncompliance with any Maricopa County Regulation shall be grounds for 
initiating a revocation of this Zone Change as set forth in the Maricopa County 
Zoning Ordinance.
j.
The property owner/s and their successors waive claim for diminution in value if 
the County takes action to rescind approval due to noncompliance with 
conditions.
k.
The granting of this change in use of the property has been at the request of the 
applicant, with the consent of the landowner.  The granting of this approval allows 
the property to enjoy uses in excess of those permitted by the zoning existing on 
the date of application, subject to conditions.  In the event of the failure to comply 
with any condition, and at the time of expiration of the Zone Change, the property 
shall revert to the zoning that existed on the date of application.  It is, therefore, 
stipulated and agreed that either revocation due to the failure to comply with any 
conditions, or the expiration of the Zone Change, does not reduce any rights that 
existed on the date of application to use, divide, sell or possess the property and 
that there would be no diminution in value of the property from the value it held 
on the date of application due to such revocation or expiration of the Zone 
Change.  The Zone Change enhances the value of the property above its value 
as of the date the Zone Change is granted and reverting to the prior zoning results 
in the same value of the property as if the Zone Change had never been granted. 
Presented by: 
 
Adam Cannon, AICP, Planner 
Reviewed by: 
 
Darren Gerard, AICP, Planning Manager   
Attachments: 
 
3/10/22 P&Z Packet (116 pages)

April 6, 2022 
Z2021111 
Page 5 of 5 
 
 
3/10/22 PZ Handout memo (5 pages)  
Note: 
3/10/22 Draft P&Z Minutes are not available as of the writing of this report, but can 
be provided upon request later when available.

Z2021111 
Page 1 of 13 
Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission 
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department 
 
Case: 
Z2021111 – Harquahala Sun 
 
 
 
 
Hearing Date: 
March 10, 2022 
 
Supervisor Districts: 
5 
 
 
Applicant: 
Kimley-Horn & Associates – Keith Nichter 
Owners: 
CV Harquahala LLC (C/O HV Sunrise, LLC) & Kawela One LLC (C/O 
HV Sunrise, LLC) – Matthew McCaffrey 
 
Request: 
Zone Change with Overlay from Rural-43 to IND-2 IUPD with Plan of 
Development 
  
 
Site Location: 
Generally located at the SWC of the intersection of 483rd Ave. & 
Courthouse Rd 
  
Site Size: 
Approx. 1,173 acres 
Density: 
N/A 
County Island:  
No 
 
County Plans: 
Maricopa County Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan - Utilities 
Municipal Plan: 
N/A 
Municipal Comments: 
N/A 
Support/Opposition: 
One (1) opposition letter 
Recommendation: 
Approve with conditions

Z2021111 
Page 2 of 13 
Project Summary: 
 
1. 
Kimley-Horn & Associates is requesting a Zone Change with Overlay from Rural-43 to IND-
2 IUPD with a Plan of Development for a utility-scale solar development project 
generating approximately 125 megawatts (MWs) of electricity, along with 1,800 
megawatt hours (MWhs) of battery storage.  The subject property is designated as a 
Utilities land use per Maricopa County’s Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan following two  
Major Comprehensive Plan Amendments approved by the Board of Supervisors on 
December 9, 2020 (CPA2020002) and December 8, 2021 (CPA2021007). 
 
2. 
It should be noted that the applicant is proposing a site plan (required plan of 
development, POD) and is requesting legislative approval of the POD along with rezoning  
approval. 
 
3. 
The site is comprised of approximately 1,173 acres of eight (8) contiguous parcels.  The 
applicant submitted applications from the owners authorizing the request for the zone 
change.  It is anticipated that the parcels will be merged prior to construction 
permitting.  The applicant is proposing to begin construction in late 2022. The 
construction period is expected to employ approx. 240 employees.  Up to twenty (20) 
seasonal employees will be hired for routine maintenance activities, equipment repair 
and equipment replacement. All of the properties within the immediate vicinity of the 
project are privately owned.   
 
4. 
Nearly all land used for solar energy projects like this are developed for the large fields 
of solar collectors that capture the energy through photovoltaic technology. The 
subject site is relatively flat and allows for the development of solar energy with little or 
no additional grading. There do not appear to be any significant washes on the site.  
The general area contains significant local electrical infrastructure including power 
generation facilities (nuclear, gas, and solar), transmission lines, substations, and 
switchyards.  The project’s gen-tie line will transmit power from the project’s substation 
to APS Delaney Substation. 
 
5. 
The subject site is currently zoned Rural-43.  The applicant is requesting to change the 
zone to IND-2 IUPD.  The base IND-2 zone and requested zoning standards for the IND-2 
IUPD district are listed on the next page:

Z2021111 
Page 3 of 13 
REGULATION 
BASE ZONING DISTRICT 
REGULATIONS (IND-2) 
PROPOSED ZONING REGULATIONS 
(IND-2 IUPD) 
Max. Height  
40’ 
40’ 
Max. Electric 
Transmission Line 
Height 
120’ 
140’ 
Min. Front Yard 
10’ – 25’ 
10’ – 25’ 
Min. Side Yard 
3’ - 10’ 
3’ – 10’ 
Min. Rear Yard 
25’ 
25’ 
Min. Lot Area 
6,000 sq. ft. 
6,000 sq. ft. 
Min. Lot Width 
60’ 
60’ 
Max. Lot Coverage 
60% 
60%  
Parking Spaces 
Required 
1 per 600 sq. ft. of floor area with 
5% required to be ADA 
None required with a Maricopa 
County Air Quality Control 
approved dust control plan 
Loading & Unloading 
Spaces 
Article 1103.2 One loading and 
unloading space for each 
10,000 sq. ft. of floor area, or 
fraction thereof, devoted to 
such use in the building 
None required 
Landscaping 
Article 901.4.1: All properties 
abutting a public street shall 
have an open setback area 
which shall be landscaped 
extending for the full width of 
the property 
No landscape strip required 
Screening 
A solid masonry wall not less 
than six feet in height shall be 
required along and adjacent to 
any side or rear property line 
abutting any rural or residential 
zone boundary, or any alley 
abutting such zone boundary. 
Further, any access gates shall 
be constructed of view-
obscuring material to provide 
effective site screening 
Chain-link fencing and gates shall 
be allowed on the perimeter of 
the project. Opaque screening 
shall be provided against 
residential zones in the form of 
vinyl slats. 
Sight Visibility 
Triangles 
Required 
No SVT’s at project site entry/exit 
points, section line, and 
midsection line intersecting 
alignments 
Article 902.9.1 
All uses except for parking, 
loading, unloading or storage 
shall be conducted within a 
completely enclosed building 
A waiver from Article 902.9 as 
applied to solar arrays; they will 
not be located inside enclosed 
buildings

Z2021111 
Page 4 of 13 
6. 
The applicant is requesting to vary the parking, pavement, loading/unloading, 
landscaping, sight visibility triangle, site enclosure, screening and transmission tower 
height requirements.  The proposed standards are consistent with other similar utility-scale 
solar facilities in this area of the County.    
 
7. 
The applicant is requesting to waive landscaping requirements in order to preserve 
existing natural desert vegetation.  For screening, the applicant has proposed chain-link 
fencing in lieu of a 6’ CMU wall abutting rural zoning. Along residential zones the 
applicant will provide slatted chain-link fencing with vinyl slats to provide opacity and 
screen the proposed substation.  Additionally, the applicant is requesting that site uses 
be permitted outside of an enclosed building as the nature of the use (solar panels) 
requires the use to be conducted outdoors to generate energy. 
 
8. 
The applicant is also requesting to vary the required site visibility triangles at all project 
site entry/exit points, section line, and mid-section line intersecting alignments.  The MCZO 
specifies that 25’x25’ sight visibility triangles are to be provided at the property line where 
all access points are present and at the corner of properties with an intersection.  Sight 
visibility triangles are unnecessary at alignments internal to the site.  Additionally, 
proposed fencing at the intersecting alignments and driveways will not include slats and 
thus visibility will not be obstructed.  Also, the applicant requested that there be no 
parking or loading spaces and that pavement for parking spaces be waived with an  
approved dust control plan from Maricopa County Air Quality Control as no regularly 
occupied buildings will be placed on site. 
 
9. 
There is also a request to vary the standard for electric transmission line height from 120’ 
to 140’. This is requested because a new gen-tie route is required for the project.  While 
the majority of the gen-tie route is located outside of the proposed site boundaries, the 
applicant notes in their narrative a portion is still connected to the substation.  The 
applicant states that if the transmission line height were limited to 120’ that less spacing 
between poles and additional poles would be required.

Z2021111 
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Exhibit 1 – 2018 Aerial Map (More Recent Map Not Available) 
 
 
Exhibit 2 – Rural-43 Zoning District and Surrounding Zoning Districts

Z2021111 
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Exhibit 3 – Site Plan Excerpt 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 4 – Solar Panel Exhibit

Z2021111 
Page 7 of 13 
Existing On-Site and Adjacent Zoning / Land Use: 
 
10. 
On-site: 
 
Rural-43 / Vacant; Agricultural 
North: 
Rural-43 / Vacant; Agricultural  
South: 
Rural-43 / Vacant; Agricultural  
East: 
Rural-43, C-2 & R-5 / Vacant; Agricultural  
West: 
Rural-43 / Vacant; Agricultural  
 
Utilities and Services: 
 
11. 
Water: 
 
Private Well or Hauled Water 
Wastewater: 
Septic 
Electric: 
APS 
School Districts: 
Arlington Valley Elementary School District #47  
 
Buckeye Union High School District #1 
Fire: 
Harquahala Valley Fire District 
Police:  
MCSO 
Solid Waste: 
Republic Services 
 
Right-of-Way: 
 
12. 
The following table includes existing and proposed half-width right-of-way and the future 
classification based upon the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) 
Major Streets and Routes Plan.   
 
Street Name 
Existing R/W 
Proposed R/W* 
Future Classification* 
Courthouse Rd 
Varies 
65’ (half) 
Minor Arterial 
483rd Ave 
Varies 
65’ (half) 
Minor Arterial 
491st Ave 
Varies 
40’ (half) 80’ (full) 
Minor Collector 
499th Ave 
Varies 
65’ (half) 
Minor Arterial 
*Right-of-way dedications and preservations will be addressed at the time of 
construction permitting. 
 
Adopted Plan: 
 
13. 
Maricopa County Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan: The site is designated as Utilities.  The 
Utilities designation is for electric generating plants, water, and wastewater treatment 
facilities, associated offices and accessory equipment.  Under a Utilities designation, the 
appropriate zoning district is IND-2. 
 
Public Participation Summary: 
 
14. 
The applicant complied with the Maricopa County Citizen Review Process with the 
required posting of the site and notification by first class mail to adjacent property owners 
within 300’ of the subject parcel and interested parties.  The applicant submitted a Public 
Participation Results Report.   
 
15. 
According to the Public Participation Results Report, the applicant received two (2) 
inquiries from residents and interested parties about the proposed zone change.  The 
inquiries were both information requests about the site.

Z2021111 
Page 8 of 13 
 
16. 
The applicant conducted an open house meeting during the Comprehensive Plan 
Amendment public outreach period.  The applicant elected to not hold a follow-up 
meeting for the Zone Change public outreach period as the applicant felt the prior 
meeting was sufficient to address concerns.  
 
17. 
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) submitted several comments related 
to protection of local species such as the Western Burrowing Owl to be addressed at the 
time of construction permitting. The Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (AZSHPO) 
also submitted comments during the CPA portion requesting a cultural resource survey 
to be provided.  While this was requested at the time of the zone change and plan of 
development, the cultural resource survey is something that is traditionally submitted 
after the zone change and plan of development at the time of construction permitting. 
The applicant has stated that cultural resource surveys are complete on both generation 
site and all gen-tie alternatives. BLM, as lead federal agency, initiated SHPO and Tribal 
consultations on February 10, 2022. The results of SHPO and tribal consultation are being 
documented in the BLM’s NEPA process. 
 
18. 
Luke Air Force Base (LAFB) submitted similar comments to the comments received during 
the CPA process regarding the potential for transmission lines to impact flying operations 
and is requesting that the applicant route their plans through the DOD Siting 
Clearinghouse process.  Staff is requiring LAFB’s subsequent approval of the site at the 
time of construction permitting.  The applicant has initiated the informal review process 
as evidenced by the correspondence included with this report.   
 
19. 
There is one individual in opposition to the proposed zone change.  Staff received a letter 
from Mr. Craig Weaver of the Western Desert Association expressing concern about 
continuous solar development in the area in and around the Saddle Mountain area and 
associated impacts to wildlife.  Mr. Weaver feels that Desert Bighorn Sheep will be isolated 
around the area and notes that there is also a poaching problem unrelated to the solar 
proposal.  Additionally, he noted an error in the letter produced by Arizona Game and 
Fish Department about the location of the site.  Ginger Ritter of AZGFD updated the letter 
with the correct location and responded to Mr. Weaver’s concerns about the Desert 
Bighorn Sheep.  AZGFD stated they do not believe the project will have significant 
impacts to bighorn sheep movement in the area and noted Bighorn Sheep tend to take 
the shortest distance possible between mountain ranges. Additionally, based on the 
topography and the bridges on I-10, most of the bighorn movement would likely occur 
east of the project area. Any projects proposed in the undeveloped areas east of the 
agricultural fields for this area would have far more significant impacts to Bighorn Sheep, 
especially if fenced. 
 
Outstanding Concerns from Reviewing Agencies: 
 
20. 
N/A 
 
Staff Analysis: 
 
21. 
Maricopa County recognizes the potential environmental and economic benefits that 
solar technology can provide.  Harquahala Sun will use photovoltaic technology that 
generates energy from sun absorption.  Photovoltaic technology differs from other

Z2021111 
Page 9 of 13 
models of solar electric generation that require vast amounts of water to cool the units.  
In contrast, very little water is utilized for photovoltaic technology.  As a result, this 
development would not pose a threat to the groundwater supply.   
 
22. 
Staff believes the proposed solar facility is well suited to this rural area, which requires 
large amounts of relatively flat land.  The majority of the land is flat.  Staff agrees with the 
applicant that the subject site is suitable due to proximity to electrical transmission lines, 
nearby stations and substations, and because the surrounding area is vastly 
undeveloped.  Staff agrees with the applicant that the project will not detrimentally 
affect the visual quality of the area.   
 
23. 
The development of solar energy over the past several years in Maricopa County 
reinforces the County’s interest in promoting the County as an economic leader for solar 
development. Staff believes that Harquahala Sun would add to this effort in a positive 
way by providing the potential for 240 temporary construction and 20 seasonal 
operation/maintenance jobs.   
 
24. 
Staff routed this proposal to LAFB twice.  No comments were received on the first routing; 
however, Staff received the same comments as received during the CPA process on the 
second routing. Staff is concerned about the comments received by LAFB in regard to 
flight operations; however, notes that the applicant did initiate an informal review 
process through the DOD Clearinghouse process as evidenced in the correspondence 
between the applicant and the DOD.  As the IUPD overlay allows for Staff to propose 
conditions related to the development of the site, Staff is proposing to require that the 
applicant submit and receive approval the site plan from LAFB, and that the applicant 
may submit a revised site plan for administrative approval if required by LAFB. 
 
25. 
Likewise, Staff is including a condition that requires the applicant to address comments 
to the satisfaction of AZGFD at the time of construction permitting and to submit a cultural 
resources survey to AZSHPO at the time of construction permitting in accordance with 
AZSHPO’s comments.  Staff notes that other solar developments have been required to 
address these issues at that time as well, and that for consistency Staff is requiring the 
same. 
 
26. 
Staff shares the concerns about the impact on wildlife due to large concentrated solar 
development overtaking certain areas.  It is why we route solar proposals to expert 
agencies like AZGFD as those agencies are best equipped to provide advice to Staff on 
wildlife matters. While AZGFD indicated that they do not have concerns about the 
potential for impact on animals such as the Bighorn Sheep, they did note an area of 
future concern and Staff will take that into account if a proposal is received by any 
applicant that encompasses the undeveloped areas east of the site.  With that said, Staff 
is recommending approval of this zone change request for the reasons noted above, 
and the conditions of approval that require comments to be addressed by the various 
agencies. 
 
Recommendation: 
 
27. 
For the reasons outlined in this report, staff recommends the Commission motion for 
Approval, subject to conditions ‘a’ – ‘k’.

Z2021111 
Page 10 of 13 
a. 
The initial Plan of Development shall be developed in substantial conformance 
with the Site Plan entitled “Harquahala Sun Site Plan” consisting of 17 full-size 
sheets, dated March 1, 2022, and stamped received March 1, 2022, except as 
modified by the following conditions and except that a revised site plan shall be 
submitted to Staff and Luke Air Force Base for review and approval if required by 
Luke Air Force Base in accordance with Luke Air Force Base comments dated 
November 1, 2021. The Plan of Development may be amended administratively 
under separate application as long as the amendment complies with the 
established IUPD development standards as approved by the Board of 
Supervisors. Staff may determine slight refinements to remain in substantial 
conformance with the approved site plan.  Minor and major amendments to the 
site plan will be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the Maricopa 
County Zoning Ordinance. 
 
b. 
Development of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the Narrative 
Report entitled “Harquahala Sun Narrative Report”, consisting of 14 pages, dated 
February 25, 2021, and stamped received March 1, 2022 except as modified by 
the following conditions. 
 
c. 
The following Planning Engineering conditions shall apply: 
  
1. At the time of application for building permits, the plans or a drainage exhibit 
must identify (quantity) offsite flows entering the site, 
 
2. At the time of application for building permits, retention basin design for basins 
located in a floodplain must be revised to provide excavated basins. 
 
3. Retention basin volumes must be sized for the 100 year, 2 hour storm event. 
Retention basins must drain within 36 hours.  
 
4. At the time of application for building permits, the weighted runoff coefficient 
to size retention basins must be verified and be based on C=0.95 for the panels, 
C=0.88 for gravel access roads; and C=0.5 for unimproved areas. 
 
5. At the time of application for building permits, detailed grading and drainage 
plans must show diversions necessary to direct flows from solar development 
site to a retention basin. No flow from the solar development site shall be 
permitted to flow directly offsite (unretained). 
 
6. Electrical equipment, including inverters must be elevated to be at or above 
the regulatory flood elevation for each respective flood zone; or otherwise 
floodproofed. 
 
7. Work with the floodplains will require a floodplain use permit issued concurrent 
with the building permits. 
 
8. Extension of the gen-tie across FCDMC owned properties will require 
procurement of a Flood Control District R/W permit.

Z2021111 
Page 11 of 13 
9. Extension of the gen-tie within County (MCDOT) right-of-way may require 
procurement of a lease or license to occupy the right-of-way. 
 
10. Driveways C and D along 491st Avenue, south of Courthouse Road must align. 
 
11. The following R/W dedication and preservation will be required. R/W 
dedication must occur prior to issuance of building permits. 
 
Dedication: 
 
491st Avenue – 40’ half width (80’ full) right-of-way for a collector roadway 
Courthouse Road – 65’ half width right-of-way  
 
Preservation: 
 
483rd Avenue – 40’ half width right-of-way  
499th Avenue – 65’ half width right-of-way  
 
12. Based on the conceptual design nature of the information submitted, changes 
to the site layout may be necessitated by the final engineering design of the 
site’s drainage infrastructure. 
 
13. Detailed Grading and Drainage (Site Infrastructure) Plans must be submitted 
with the application for Final Plat Approval and Building Permits. 
 
14. Engineering review of planning and/or zoning cases is for conceptual design 
only. All development and engineering design shall be in conformance with 
Section 1205 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance; Drainage Policies and 
Standards; Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County; MCDOT Roadway 
Design Manual; and current engineering policies, standards and best 
practices at the time of application for construction. 
 
d. 
The following IND-2 IUPD Zoning District standards shall apply: 
 
1. Maximum Electric Transmission Line Height – 140’ 
2. Maximum Lot Coverage – 60% 
3. Parking Spaces Required – None required  
4. Loading & Unloading Spaces Required - None required  
5. Landscaping – No landscaping strip required 
6. Sight Visibility Triangles – No sight visibility triangles are required at project site 
entry/access points and road intersection, section line, mid-section line or 
alignment corners 
7. Article 902.91 – All utility uses shall be permitted to be conducted outdoors 
8. Site Enclosure and Screening – Chain-link fencing and gates are permitted 
around the perimeter of the site boundaries except that opaque chain-link 
fencing with vinyl slats shall be required along any property line abutting a 
residential zoning boundary 
9. Pavement Required – Pavement not required for parking spaces with approval 
of a dust control plan by Maricopa County Air Quality Department. Pavement 
shall be required

Z2021111 
Page 12 of 13 
 
e. 
The Owner or Developer shall receive clearance by Luke Air Force Base in 
accordance with the letter dated November 1, 2021, and must receive a 
favorable finding from Luke Air Force Base following the process prior to the 
issuance of building permits. A revised site plan shall be submitted in accordance 
with condition ‘a’ if required. 
 
f. 
The Owner or Developer shall address and respond to all recommendations of the 
Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) included in the letter dated February 
24, 2022 at the time of construction permitting.  The response shall be sent to 
AZGFD for review and consideration.  The Zoning Inspector and/or their designee 
shall review the applicant’s response, and any subsequent comments received 
from AZGFD, to determine whether the response issued by the Owner or Developer 
addresses AZGFD comments in good faith.  Should the Zoning Inspector and/or 
their designee decide that the Owner or Developer has not substantially 
addressed AZGFD comments in good faith, the Owner or Developer shall be 
required to propose and implement alternatives to the recommendations made 
by AZGFD. 
 
g. 
The Owner or Developer shall receive approval of a Cultural Resource Survey 
accordance with the comments received by AZSHPO in the letter dated July 8, 
2021 prior to the issuance of building permits. 
 
h. 
The IND-2 IUPD shall limit the use of the site exclusively to a solar electric generating 
facility including ancillary offices and ancillary uses.  Any other site uses shall 
require a Zone Change Major Amendment.   
 
i. 
Noncompliance with any Maricopa County Regulation shall be grounds for 
initiating a revocation of this Zone Change as set forth in the Maricopa County 
Zoning Ordinance.  
 
j. 
The property owner/s and their successors waive claim for diminution in value if 
the County takes action to rescind approval due to noncompliance with 
conditions.  
 
k. 
The granting of this change in use of the property has been at the request of the 
applicant, with the consent of the landowner.  The granting of this approval allows 
the property to enjoy uses in excess of those permitted by the zoning existing on 
the date of application, subject to conditions.  In the event of the failure to comply 
with any condition, and at the time of expiration of the Zone Change, the property 
shall revert to the zoning that existed on the date of application.  It is, therefore, 
stipulated and agreed that either revocation due to the failure to comply with any 
conditions, or the expiration of the Zone Change, does not reduce any rights that 
existed on the date of application to use, divide, sell or possess the property and 
that there would be no diminution in value of the property from the value it held 
on the date of application due to such revocation or expiration of the Zone 
Change.  The Zone Change enhances the value of the property above its value 
as of the date the Zone Change is granted and reverting to the prior zoning results 
in the same value of the property as if the Zone Change had never been granted.

Z2021111 
Page 13 of 13 
Presented by: 
 
 
Adam Cannon, AICP, Planner 
Reviewed by: 
Matthew Holm, AICP, Planning Supervisor 
 
Attachments: 
Case Map (1 page) 
 
Site Plan (reduced 8.5”x11”, 17 pages) 
 
Narrative Report (14 pages) 
 
MCESD Comments (1 page) 
 
Engineering Comments (2 pages) 
 
MCDOT Comments (17 pages) 
 
LAFB Comments (4 pages) 
 
AZGFD Comments (6 pages) 
 
AZSHPO Comments (1 page) 
 
Applicant Correspondence Re: LAFB & SHPO Comments (3 pages) 
 
DOD Clearinghouse Correspondence (3 pages) 
 
BLM Tribal Consultation Letters (30 pages) 
 
Opposition Correspondence (1 page) 
 
Applicant Response to Opposition (3 pages)

MARICOPA COUNTY 
 
Legal Description:
Pt. of Secs. 5, 6 & 7, T1N, R8W 
Applicant:  Keith Nichter, Kimley-Horn & Associates 
P&Z Hearing Date: 
March 10, 2022 
MARICOPA COUNTY REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - PHOENIX, ARIZONA 
 
Z2021111 
Aerial Date: 2018 
Case Address: N/A 
Parcel: Multiple  
SUPERVISORAL DISTRICT NO 5 
Zone Change with Overlay from RU-43 to IND-2 IUPD for Harquahala Sun 
Phone: 480-207-2666

HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C1.0
HARQUAHALA SUN SITE PLAN
150 MWAC
PARCEL PLAN
NTS
PARCEL INFORMATION
VICINITY MAP
PROJECT INFORMATION:
SITE SUMMARY
NO LANDSCAPE
STRIP REQUIRED
NONE REQUIRED WITH
A MARICOPA COUNTY
AIR QUALITY
CONTROL APPROVED
DUST CONTROL PLAN
NONE REQUIRED
NO SVT'S AT PROJECT
SITE ENTRY/EXIT
POINTS, SECTION LINE,
AND MID-SECTION LINE
INTERSECTING
ALIGNMENTS
A WAIVER FROM
ARTICLE 902.9 AS
APPLIED TO SOLAR
ARRAYS; THEY WILL
NOT BE LOCATED
INSIDE ENCLOSED
BUILDINGS
CHAIN-LINK FENCING
AND GATES SHALL BE
ALLOWED ON THE
PERIMETER OF THE
PROJECT. OPAQUE
SCREENING SHALL BE
PROVIDED AGAINST
RESIDENTIAL ZONES
IN THE FORM OF VINYL
SLATS.
140FT
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS CHART:
COVER
UTILITIES:
BENCHMARK:
BASIS OF BEARING:
FOR IND-2 IUPD (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING) WITH AN INDUSTRIAL ZONING
PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
KIMLEY-HORN PROJECT NO.
291565001
CASE REFERENCE NO.
Z2021111
SHEET INDEX
APN
OWNER
Zone
LAND USE
506-23-038A
WPI-HD2 FARM AZ LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-003A
TONOPAH WEST HORIZON
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-003H
ALLBEE KAREN
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-003L
VALPARAISO LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-003Q
ATIENZO PAUL MICHAEL
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-003R
BELLO PASCUAL SORIA/BALENCIA MARVELLA
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-005
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-005
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-006A
WILTSHIRE DAISY J ETAL
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-024A
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-024B
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-025A
WPI-HD1 FARM AZ LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-025B
WPI-HD1 FARM AZ LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-029
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-029
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-030
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-030
CV HARQUAHALA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-29-067
SUNRISE NURSERY LLC   LEASE # 01-106014
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-30-017E
NEW HARQUAHALA GENERATING COMPANY LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-30-018C
ACCOMAZZO JACQUELYNN C TR
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-30-023
MELANIE ACCOMAZZO LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-30-026A
ACCOMAZZO MARITAL DEDUCTION TR LSE # 01-1610
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-001B
WEST BUCKEYE WATER CO INC
R-5
WATER UTILITY COMPANIES
506-58-110A
IBARRA DORA
R-5
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-110C
WATRO GLORIA SULDAHL/GUZEK JOYANN SULDAHL
R-5
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-110D
WATRO GLORIA SULDAHL/GUZEK JOYANN SULDAHL
R-5
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-117A
IBARRA FRANCISCO A/NANCI
R-5
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-117D
DOROTHY J PULKRABEK REV TRUST/GOOLSBEY JOHN H
R-5
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-118A
KNORR MARGARET ANNE
R-5
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-118D
GUNDERSON DONNA M TR/NELSON NYMAN J
R-5
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-125A
MARTINEZ ERACLIO/RAMOS MARIA E
R-5
RESIDENTIAL
506-58-126
MB MEZZDEV LLC
C-3
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-234A
FLORES MARIO GARCIA
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-235
MCDONALD DESIREE ANN
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-246
KATARIA 1DW 483 COURTHOUSE 21 LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-247B
BASAR EDWARD G/CHRISTINE A
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-259
GARUVA LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-260
GUERRERO MARIELA
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
506-58-272
LAND DEAL LLC/ARIZONA LAND STORE LLC
RU-43
AGRICULTURAL/VACANT
3

HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C1.1
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
AND EASEMENTS
3

HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C1.2
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
AND EASEMENTS
ZONING APPLICATION REV.3
         
3
03/01/2022

N 487TH AVE
491ST AVE
W COURTHOUSE RD (PAVED)
483RD AVE
VAN BUREN ST.
499TH AVE
C2.7
C2.6
C2.5
C2.4
C2.1
C2.2
C2.3
LEGEND
HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C2.0
OVERALL
SITE PLAN
NORTH
GEN-TIE ROUTING OPTIONS
NTS
3

499TH AVE
W COURTHOUSE RD (PAVED)
C2.1
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
KEY MAP
HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C2.1
NORTH
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
LEGEND
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.4
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.2
3

491ST AVE
W COURTHOUSE RD (PAVED)
N 487TH AVE
C2.1
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
KEY MAP
HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C2.2
NORTH
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
LEGEND
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.5
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.1
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.3
3

483RD AVE
N 487TH AVE
W COURTHOUSE RD (PAVED)
C2.1
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
KEY MAP
HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C2.3
NORTH
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
LEGEND
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.6
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.2
3

499TH AVE
C2.1
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
KEY MAP
HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C2.4
NORTH
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
LEGEND
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.7
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.1
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.5
3

VAN BUREN ST.
C2.1
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
KEY MAP
HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C2.5
NORTH
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
LEGEND
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.2
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.6
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.7
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.4
3

C2.1
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
KEY MAP
HARQUAHALA SUN
©
BRETT M.
STROUP
54159
C2.6
NORTH
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
LEGEND
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.5
MATCHLINE SEE SHEET C2.3
3