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November 20, 2024
Z2024027
Page 1 of 6
Report to the Board of Supervisors
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Board Hearing Date:
November 20, 2024
Case #/Title:
Z2024027 – TRB Tonopah
Supervisor District:
4
Applicant:
Mike Prefling, Prefling Engineering
Owner:
Medina Real Estate Enterprises, LLC
Request:
Special Use Permit (SUP) for a recreational open-air facility
(outdoor shooting range) in the Rural-43 zoning district
Site Location:
Generally located at the SEC of Northern Ave. (alignment) and 443rd
Ave. (alignment) in the Tonopah area
Site Size:
Approx. 10.5 acres of an approx. 39.9-acre parcel
County Island Status:
N/A
Additional
Comments:
The applicant is requesting an SUP for a recreational open-air
facility – an outdoor firearms training facility – on approximately
10.5 acres of a 39.9-acre parcel in the Rural-43 zoning district. The
site is located at the southeast corner of the alignments for
Northern Avenue and 443rd Avenue in the Tonopah area. The
Tonopah / Arlington area plan assigns the site a future land use
category of “rural (0 – 1 dwelling units per acre).” An outdoor
firearms training facility is a land use that would be most
appropriate in a remote location where impacts such as high noise
on adjacent uses would be minimal. The subject site is such a
location. The surrounding land is undisturbed desert, neighboring
properties are all vacant, and the adjacent land to the north and
west is federal BLM land. The site is accessible by roadway
easements. Even so, the distance of the site from the nearest
MCDOT- and ADOT-maintained roadway infrastructure suggests
that encroachment by incompatible land uses is unlikely for the
foreseeable future. The site would be in use no more than 40 days
per year, and no more than 20 people would be onsite during each
training session.
There are no outstanding concerns from internal reviewing
agencies. MCESD originally had concerns with the request to allow
portable restrooms. Staff traditionally allows portable restrooms
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with temporary use permits, but for special use permits, building
codes and MCESD generally require that permanent restrooms be
provided. In discussions between staff (Planning, Building Plan
Review, and MCESD), the owner, and the applicant, it was agreed
that portable restrooms would be allowed subject to specific
conditions. MCESD considers the nature of the proposed use as
temporary. However, if site conditions were to be altered or there
were to be a deviation from the approved conditions, MCESD may
no longer allow portable toilets and would require submittal of
applications for the installation of an approved sewerage system
for permanent plumbing fixtures and a public water system.
Planning staff believed these conditions were reasonable and has
included them with the recommended conditions of approval.
There are likewise no outstanding concerns from external
reviewing agencies. Luke Air Force Base had commented that the
site is located underneath a Military Training Route (MTR), within
which aircraft are authorized to fly as low as 100’ AGL. The Air Force
was concerned that the site could impact their flying operations
and, in turn, that the operations and safety of the site could be
impacted by flying operations within the MTR. Additional concerns
included the possibility of ammunition striking an overflying
aircraft, as well as the possibility of site personnel and pilot safety
becoming jeopardized in the event low-flying aircraft startle
personnel on the ground. The owner and applicant subsequently
spoke with Air Force personnel. Luke AFB provided follow-up
comments determining that the development would not negatively
affect its flying operations but did request that the owner share his
operating schedule with airspace managers to allow the Air Force
to communicate when flying operations are scheduled. Pursuant to
Luke’s comments, staff recommended a condition of approval
requiring that the owner / operator share the range schedule with
Luke AFB to allow for such communication.
Commission
Recommendation:
On 10/24/24, the Commission voted 7-0 to adopt a motion
recommending the Board of Supervisors approve Z2024027
subject to conditions ‘a’ – ‘l’:
a.
Development of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the site plan entitled
“Overall Site Plan for TRB Range,” consisting of 2 full-size sheets, dated May 27, 2024, and
stamped received August 19, 2024, except as modified by the following conditions. A
revised site plan that delineates the boundary of the area within the parcel specifically
subject to the SUP and features a corresponding legal description for the SUP area shall
be submitted to Planning & Development staff within 30 days of Board approval. 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 “Project Narrative for TRB Tonopah,” consisting of 9 pages, stamped received May
27, 2024, except as modified by the following conditions.
November 20, 2024
Z2024027
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c.
The following Planning Engineering conditions shall apply:
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
Detailed Grading and Drainage Plans must be submitted with the application for
Building Permits.
4.
The Drainage Report must be prepared in accordance with Maricopa County
Drainage Policies and Standards Standard 6.13 and/or 6.14 as appropriate.
5.
For the building permit, the applicant shall demonstrate how Wash 2 will be
rerouted between the shooting ranges. Building permit submittals shall include
analysis to determine stabilization requirements for channels to meet County
requirements. Grading must be contained on site.
6.
The subject site is not located within the County’s Urbanized Area; and thus, will
not require a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Permit (SWPPP) from the County.
This does NOT preclude the requirement to obtain a Notice of Intent to Discharge
(NOID) from the State (ADEQ), as may be required.
7.
Per the Pre-Application, the grading and drainage plan must indicate the required
stormwater retention volume for the 100-year, 2-hour storm event with one (1) foot
of freeboard is provided for the developed portions (i.e. parking areas) of the sites.
Basins one (1) foot or less in depth need not provide freeboard. Retention will be
required for parking areas.
8.
The site contains areas of regulated floodplain (FEMA Zone A). No development
is proposed in this area. Should development be proposed, a floodplain use permit
issued concurrent with building permit(s) will be required. Structures in the
floodplain must be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation determined by an
engineer.
9.
Prior to submission of plans for building permits, certification of the topographic
information will be required.
d.
The following Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) conditions
shall apply:
1.
MCESD will allow the use of portable chemical toilets for this site in lieu of a
permanent drinking water source and permanent means of wastewater disposal.
This allowance is based on the following considerations: the site is in a remote
location; the activity proposed with this SUP will occur no more than 40 days per
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Z2024027
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calendar year; there will be a maximum of 20 people using this site on any given
day; the nature of the activity proposed with this SUP is strictly limited to firearms
training; and the site will have no buildings, only dirt shooting bays, and all
equipment will be brought in and removed from the site per event. For these
reasons, MCESD considers this site and the nature of the activity as temporary.
2.
If the site conditions are altered or there is a deviation from the approved
conditions of this SUP (either of which would require an amendment to the SUP or
a modification of conditions, respectively), MCESD may no longer allow portable
chemical toilets and would require submittal of applications for the installation of
an approved sewerage system for permanent plumbing fixtures and a public water
system.
e.
This special use permit is valid for a period of 30 years and shall expire on November 20,
2054, or upon termination of the use for a period of 90 or more days, whichever occurs
first. All site improvements associated with the special use permit shall be removed within
90 days of such expiration or termination of use.
f.
The following SUP standards shall apply:
1.
Setbacks: 0’
2.
Site Enclosure/Screening: None required. However, all shooting of firearms shall
be conducted within designated shooting bays bounded by 10’ tall earth berms.
Shooting of firearms shall be exclusively in the direction of these berms.
3.
Parking: None required. However, any parking provided will be required to adhere
to the parking regulations established in MCZO Section 1102.
4.
Loading Areas: None required.
5.
Sight Visibility Triangles: None required.
6.
Roadway/Parking Surfacing: At minimum, stabilized DG shall be provided.
7.
Site Lighting: Temporary lighting may be provided in the form of rental lighting
towers powered by generators.
g.
The following restrictions shall apply:
1.
Use of the site shall be limited to a recreational open-air firearms training facility.
Any other uses of the site shall require approval of an SUP Major Amendment or
an SUP Modification of Conditions.
2.
Scheduled training activities shall be limited to a maximum of 40 days per calendar
year and shall only occur between the hours of 6:00 AM and 12:00 AM.
3.
The maximum number of people at a scheduled training event shall be 20.
4.
No ammunition, rounds, casings, or debris of any kind generated by shooting
activities may be allowed to exit the property boundaries.
November 20, 2024
Z2024027
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h.
The applicant or owner shall submit a Right-of-Way Reservation Action Request Form to
MCDOT to waive or reduce any requirement for right-of-way preservation along the north
and west lot lines. If a reduction or waiver is denied, or any approved reduction is to >34’
from either lot line, then the applicant or owner shall submit a revised site plan showing
any development set back no less than a distance equal to the required right-of-way
preservation from either lot line. Such a revised site plan shall be submitted within 30 days
of Board of Supervisors approval or within 30 days of MCDOT determination, whichever
occurs later. The required form may be accessed at the following link:
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/94549/Right-of-Way-
WaiverApplication.
i.
The owner / operator of the site shall share the range schedule, to the greatest extent
possible, with Luke Air Force Base Airspace Managers. This will allow Luke AFB to
communicate when air exercises are scheduled to possibly modify range use hours.
j.
The special use shall adhere to the Board of Supervisors Resolution, December 1980 as
applicable. This resolution establishes guidelines and conditions for temporary uses. The
following conditions shall apply:
1.
The applicant shall provide adequate ingress and egress to the premises and
parking areas.
2.
The applicant shall provide an ample supply of water for drinking and sanitation
purposes. The quality and quantity of water and location of facilities shall be
approved by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
3.
Supplemental toilet facilities must be provided for each scheduled training event.
At least one closed toilet facility marked ‘MEN’ and at least one closed toilet facility
marked ‘WOMEN’ shall be provided. The number and location of toilets shall be
approved by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
4.
At least one trash can with a capacity of 32 gallons shall be provided. Trash and
refuse disposal shall be pursuant to procedures established by the Maricopa
County Environmental Services Department.
5.
For training events conducted after dark, lighting shall be provided to ensure public
areas are adequately illuminated. All outdoor lighting shall be shielded so that it is
directed downward below the horizontal plane of the fixture and does not trespass
onto adjacent properties.
6.
No overnight camping is allowed with this Special Use Permit.
k.
Noncompliance with any of the conditions assigned to the approval of this Special Use
Permit by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors may be grounds for revocation in
accordance with the requirements and procedures as set forth in the Maricopa County
Zoning Ordinance.
l.
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 Special Use Permit, the property shall revert to the zoning that
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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 Special
Use Permit, 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 Special Use Permit. The Special Use Permit enhances the value of the
property above its value as of the date the Special Use Permit is granted and reverting to
the prior zoning results in the same value of the property as if the Special Use Permit had
never been granted.
Presented by:
Nick Schlimm, Planner
Reviewed by:
Darren Gérard, AICP, Planning Manager
Attachment:
10/24/24 P&Z Packet (36 pages)
Note:
10/24/24 Draft P&Z Minutes are not available as of the writing of this report but can be
provided upon request later when available.
Z2024027
Page 1 of 12
Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department
Case:
Z2024027 – TRB Tonopah
Hearing Date:
October 24, 2024
Supervisor District:
4
Applicant:
Mike Prefling, Prefling Engineering
Owner:
Medina Real Estate Enterprises, LLC
Request:
Special Use Permit (SUP) for a recreational open-air facility (outdoor
shooting range) in the Rural-43 zoning district
Site Location:
Generally located at the SEC of Northern Ave. (alignment) and 443rd Ave.
(alignment) in the Tonopah area
Site Size:
Approx. 10.5 acres of an approx. 39.9-acre parcel
Density:
N/A
County Island:
No
County Plan:
Tonopah/Arlington Area Plan – Rural Densities (0-1 d.u./ac)
Municipal Plan:
N/A
Municipal Comments:
None received to date
Support/Opposition:
None known
Recommendation:
Approve with conditions
Z2024027
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Project Summary:
1.
The applicant, Mike Prefling of Prefling Engineering, is requesting a special use permit (SUP) to
entitle a proposed recreational open-air facility – an outdoor firearms training facility – on
approximately 10.5 acres of parcel 506-73-037. The subject parcel comprises approximately 39.9
acres and is currently vacant except for a small shade canopy, a horse trough, and a horse corral
near the south lot line, all of which appear to be abandoned. These existing structures would not
be used in relation to the recreational facility and would not be included within the area subject
to SUP entitlement. The property is located at the southeast corner of the alignments for 443rd
Avenue and Northern Avenue in the Tonopah area. Although there are road and utility easements
with half-widths of 34’ along all four lot lines, none of these easements has been graded. There
are improved roadway easements along the nearest quarter section lines leading up to the subject
site from the south and east and terminating at the southeast property corner. Access to the site
is via these two roadway easements.
2.
The shooting range would be operated by the property owner under the name “Tap Rack Bang,”
or “TRB.” According to the narrative, TRB would be a private company specializing in training
private groups and law enforcement agencies in firearms proficiency. The site would not be open
to the public but would be made available only by private scheduling. The narrative estimates that
10 to 15 training sessions would be scheduled per calendar year, although discussions with
MCESD have referenced a maximum of 40 days per year during which the site would be in use.
The rest of the year, the property would remain unused. Each training session would consist of
between 5 and 20 individuals, including instructors, and would never exceed 20. Individual
sessions could be scheduled beginning as early as 6:00 AM and ending no later than midnight.
Temporary lighting in the form of rental lighting towers would be provided for the site during
nighttime training events, as the infrequency of the use negates the need for permanent fixtures.
Due to the infrequent use of the site, the owner is proposing to distribute bottles of water and use
portable restrooms – in lieu of a permanent drinking water source and permanent means of
wastewater disposal – to accommodate the low number of instructors and clients that would be
onsite on any given day. Portable restrooms would be brought to the site upon setup for training
events and subsequently removed upon the conclusion of each event.
3.
From the access gate at the southeast corner of the property, visitors would drive along a new
24’-wide path up to the parking area in the north central portion of the property. The parking lot
would feature 20 spaces, including one ADA-compliant space. From here, patrons would take a
short walk across minimally disturbed desert landscape to one of six gunnery bays located along
the north lot line. An ADA walking path would connect the ADA parking space with the nearest of
the gunnery bays. There would be three rifle bays and three pistol bays, each bounded on multiple
sides by 10’ tall earth mounds that would serve as barriers to prevent ammunition from leaving
the property. These mounds would effectively serve as screening for the gunnery bays and
provide noise attenuation. There is also an existing chain-link fence of unspecified height along
the lot lines that would remain intact. The gunnery bays would be designed to facilitate
stormwater flow when the site is not in use. A drainage swale would be provided between two of
the bays. Two additional bays have been designed with openings in their barriers to allow
historical wash paths to remain mostly unimpeded.
4.
Only the gunnery bays, access driveway, parking area, and ADA walking path would be subject to
the SUP. There would be no further improvements to the parcel. There would be no enclosed
buildings and no lot coverage within the SUP area. There would be no storage of ammunition,
firearms, or other materials onsite. Portable shade structures and other equipment would be
brought to the site as required for training events and removed upon their conclusion.
Z2024027
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5.
The following SUP development standards have been proposed with this request:
Development Standards
Rural-43 Standards
Proposed SUP Standards
Yard Regulations
Front
Street Side
40’
20’
0’
0’
Site Enclosure / Screening
N/A (Rural Uses)
Min. 6’ Solid Wall
(Commercial Uses)
None Required
Parking
1 per 250 SF
(Commercial Uses)
None Required
Loading Areas
1 per 25,000 SF
(Commercial Uses)
None Required
Site Visibility Triangles
25’x25’
None Required
Roadway/Parking Surfacing
Pavement
Stabilized DG
Excerpt from Site Plan
Z2024027
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2024 Site Aerial
2024 Regional Aerial
Z2024027
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Rural-43 Zoning District and Surrounding Zoning Districts
Existing On-Site and Adjacent Zoning / Land Use:
6.
On-site:
Rural-43 / Vacant
North:
Rural-190 / Vacant (BLM)
South:
Rural-43 / Vacant
East:
Rural-43 / Vacant
West:
Rural-43 / Vacant (BLM)
Utilities and Services:
7.
Water:
Well (bottled water to be distributed to instructors and patrons)
Wastewater:
None (except portable restrooms when site is in use)
School District:
Saddle Mountain Unified School District
Fire:
Arizona Fire & Medical Authority – South County Fire & Medical District
Police:
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Right-of-Way:
8.
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
Half-width Existing R/W
Half-width Proposed R/W
Future Classification
443rd Ave.
None
(34’ roadway/utility
easement)
N/A
None
Northern Ave.
None
(34’ roadway/utility
easement)
N/A
None
Z2024027
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Adopted Plan:
9.
Tonopah / Arlington Area Plan (adopted December 2000): This area plan assigns the subject site
a future land use category of “Rural (0 – 1 dwelling units per acre),” which is characterized as
allowing for a residential density of one dwelling unit or less per gross acre. The proposed
recreational facility is compatible with this land use designation.
Public Participation Summary:
10.
The applicant complied with the requirements of the citizen review process with the required
posting of the site and notification by first class mail to interested parties and adjacent property
owners within 300’ of the subject parcel. Two signs were posted onsite in accordance with
applicable regulations. Staff received no letters in support of or in opposition to the request.
11.
Luke Air Force Base provided comments regarding the request on April 11, 2024. The site is not
located within the Military Airport and Ancillary Military Facilities (MAAMF) Overlay Zoning
District, nor is it located within the designated Luke AFB Vicinity. However, Luke noted in its
comments that the site is located underneath DoD Military Training Route (MTR) VR231 and
therefore requires a close review as it could possibly impact military flying operations. In turn, the
operations and safety of the shooting range could be impacted by daily flying operations within
the MTR. Luke notes that military aircraft are authorized to fly as low as 100’ AGL (above ground
level) within VR231. Some additional concerns provided by Luke include the possibility of
ammunition ricocheting upwards and striking an overflying aircraft, as well as the possibility of
range personnel and pilot safety becoming jeopardized in the event low-flying aircraft startle
personnel on the ground, causing them to fire off-target.
12.
Following the scheduled TAC meeting on May 7th, the applicant and owner spoke with personnel
from Luke AFB on May 20th. Luke subsequently sent a follow-up comment letter to Planning staff
on June 12th. In their letter, Luke determined that the development would not negatively affect
their flying operations. However, Luke did request that the owner share the range schedule with
Luke AFB Airspace Managers at the email address provided in the letter. This would allow Luke
to communicate to the owner when air exercises are scheduled. Such information could be used
to modify the site’s hours of operation as required. Pursuant to Luke’s comments, staff will offer
a condition of approval requiring that the owner / operator share the range schedule, to the extent
possible, with Luke to allow for such communication.
13.
Finally, the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AGFD) provided comments on May 3, 2024, noting
that they provide technical assistance on site design, operations, and best management practices
for shooting ranges throughout the State. AGFD offered links to resources and guidelines from
various agencies to help with the design and best management practices of a shooting range.
AGFD further offered their own recommendations to minimize impacts to protected wildlife and
plants, as well as best management practices to minimize project effects to wildlife and habitats.
Outstanding Concerns from Reviewing Agencies:
14.
N/A
Staff Analysis:
Z2024027
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15.
Staff supports the applicant’s request for a special use permit. An outdoor firearms training
facility is a land use that would be most appropriate in a remote location where impacts such as
high noise on adjacent uses would be minimal. The subject site is such a location. The
surrounding land is undisturbed desert. No more than three residential structures, only one of
which has been assigned a physical address, appear to be within a two-mile radius of the site.
The adjacent land to the north and west is federal land owned by the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM), whereas the adjacent 40-acre properties to the east, south, and southeast are all vacant.
The state of transportation infrastructure in the area also suggests that encroachment by
incompatible land uses is unlikely for the foreseeable future. The site is approximately three-and-
a-half miles north and four miles west of the nearest interchange with I-10 at 411th Avenue. The
site entrance is just over seven miles’ drive from this exit. The nearest MCDOT-maintained road
(Bethany Home Road at 419th Avenue) is located over four miles’ drive from the site entrance.
Finally, the site would be in use no more than 40 days per year, meaning that, for nearly 11
cumulative months out of the year, the site would have no impact on surrounding land uses. For
these reasons, staff finds the proposed use to be appropriate for the subject property.
16.
Staff also supports the applicant’s requested SUP development standards. Eliminating the
setback requirements is justified by the remote nature of the site. Even so, staff notes that the
gunnery bays, by virtue of being graded areas and not primary structures, are not required to
adhere to primary building setbacks. As shown on the site plan, the earth mounds screening the
gunnery bays would place them abutting the 34’ roadway and utility easements along the north,
east, and west lot lines. Despite this, as noted in the site summary, these roadway easements are
currently unimproved and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the
gunnery bays would be effectively set back no less than 34’ from any lot line.
17.
Staff notes that MCZO Article 1105.1.3 establishes a setback of “55 feet from and on both sides
of the centerline of all existing or proposed major streets, section line roads, State and Federal
Highways, where service roads are not required.” The north and west lot lines are along section
lines. However, the roadway easements along these section lines are not owned or maintained
by MCDOT. The MCDOT Road Information tool shows no planning studies approaching the site.
The nearest is for Northern Parkway, the study boundary for which extends no further west than
411th Avenue, just under four miles east of the site.
18.
MCDOT did not review or comment directly on this request, as they had approved a Traffic Impact
Study (TIS) waiver for the applicant before this SUP request was submitted to Planning &
Development. At no point in the approved TIS waiver or in the Planning Engineering comments
given during either the pre-application or SUP review were requirements for right-of-way
preservation discussed. For these reasons, Planning staff does not object to the planned location
of the earth mounds as near as 34’ from the section lines, as there are currently no existing or
proposed MCDOT-maintained section line roads that would encumber the property. Nonetheless,
staff will offer a condition of approval requiring that the applicant or owner formally request a
right-of-way waiver from MCDOT for both the north and west lot lines. If MCDOT approves the
waiver, no changes to the site plan will be necessary. If MCDOT denies the waiver, the applicant
will be required to submit a site plan to Planning staff revising the location of the gunnery bays
and earth mound screening to be set back to the preservation line required by MCDOT from the
north and west lot lines. No formal amendment to the SUP would be required – in such case, the
applicant would simply need to submit to staff the revised site plan, which would be incorporated
into the case file. Case approval would then be considered conditioned upon substantial
conformance to the revised site plan.
Z2024027
Page 8 of 12
19.
Eliminating the site screening requirement is justified because the earth mounds would serve as
the effective screening for shooting activities. Staff has some concerns with the proposed
openings in the earth berms along the north and east sides of Rifle Bays #2 and #3, as shown in
the site plan. These openings were incorporated into the design to allow for wash flow to proceed
relatively unimpeded. However, these openings would provide breaks in screening between the
rifle bays and the north and east lot lines. These breaks would open the bays up to the adjacent
BLM land to the north and the adjacent private land to the east. Staff’s concern with this element
of the site design pertains to the possibility of ammunition leaving the property boundaries and
landing on adjacent land whose owners did not consent to being included within the SUP area.
However, staff acknowledges the importance of preserving wash flows. Furthermore, due to the
remote nature of the site and the vacancy of the surrounding properties, it is unlikely that any
persons or physical property would be impacted even in the event of stray ammunition leaving
the subject site. For this reason, staff will not require a redesign to the gunnery bays. Instead,
staff will recommend a condition of approval requiring that no ammunition, rounds, casings, or
debris of any kind generated by shooting activities be allowed to exit the property boundaries.
20.
Eliminating the parking, loading area, and SVT requirements are justified by the remoteness and
the infrequent use of the site, as well as the small number of people that would be onsite when in
use. Despite the request to eliminate parking requirements, spaces would be provided to
accommodate the anticipated maximum number of visitors. There are no MCDOT-maintained
roadways in the vicinity of the project, and traffic along the nearby roadway easements is minimal,
so waiving the SVT requirement is justified. Allowing stabilized DG as surfacing material for
onsite driveways and parking is justified for the same reasons.
21.
Staff did have concerns with the applicant’s request to allow portable sanitary facilities in lieu of
permanent means of wastewater disposal. Traditionally, staff may allow portable restrooms with
temporary events, which may be approved administratively as one-time events subject to review
of a temporary use permit (TUP). However, since an SUP serves as a long-term zoning entitlement
for a commercial use, building codes and MCESD generally require that permanent restrooms be
provided, regardless of the frequency (or infrequency) with which the site is used in relation to the
approved entitlement.
22.
In discussions between the applicant, the owner, and Maricopa County staff from the Planning
and Building Plan Review Divisions, as well as MCESD, it was mutually agreed that portable
restrooms would be allowed subject to specific conditions initiated by MCESD. These conditions
would allow the use of portable chemical toilets in lieu of permanent means of wastewater
disposal. This allowance is based on such considerations as the limited number of days per
calendar year during which the site would be in use (no more than 40), the limited number of
people onsite on any given day (no more than 20), the use of the site being strictly limited to
firearms training, the lack of any buildings onsite, and the fact that any equipment set up in
support of training sessions would be promptly removed upon conclusion of each session. For
these reasons, MCESD considers this site and the nature of the activity as temporary. However,
if the site conditions were to be altered or there were to be a deviation from the approved
conditions of the SUP, MCESD may no longer allow portable toilets and would require submittal
of applications for the installation of an approved sewerage system for permanent plumbing
fixtures and a public water system. Planning staff believes these conditions are reasonable and
will recommend them to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Z2024027
Page 9 of 12
Recommendation:
23.
Staff recommends the Commission adopt a motion recommending that the Board of Supervisors
approve Z2024027 subject to the following conditions ‘a’ – ‘l’:
a.
Development of the site shall be in substantial conformance with the site plan entitled
“Overall Site Plan for TRB Range,” consisting of 2 full-size sheets, dated May 27, 2024, and
stamped received August 19, 2024, except as modified by the following conditions. A
revised site plan that delineates the boundary of the area within the parcel specifically
subject to the SUP and features a corresponding legal description for the SUP area shall
be submitted to Planning & Development staff within 30 days of Board approval. 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 “Project Narrative for TRB Tonopah,” consisting of 9 pages, stamped received May
27, 2024, except as modified by the following conditions.
c.
The following Planning Engineering conditions shall apply:
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
Detailed Grading and Drainage Plans must be submitted with the application for
Building Permits.
4.
The Drainage Report must be prepared in accordance with Maricopa County
Drainage Policies and Standards Standard 6.13 and/or 6.14 as appropriate.
5.
For the building permit, the applicant shall demonstrate how Wash 2 will be
rerouted between the shooting ranges. Building permit submittals shall include
analysis to determine stabilization requirements for channels to meet County
requirements. Grading must be contained on site.
6.
The subject site is not located within the County’s Urbanized Area; and thus, will
not require a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Permit (SWPPP) from the County.
This does NOT preclude the requirement to obtain a Notice of Intent to Discharge
(NOID) from the State (ADEQ), as may be required.
7.
Per the Pre-Application, the grading and drainage plan must indicate the required
stormwater retention volume for the 100-year, 2-hour storm event with one (1) foot
of freeboard is provided for the developed portions (i.e. parking areas) of the sites.
Z2024027
Page 10 of 12
Basins one (1) foot or less in depth need not provide freeboard. Retention will be
required for parking areas.
8.
The site contains areas of regulated floodplain (FEMA Zone A). No development
is proposed in this area. Should development be proposed, a floodplain use permit
issued concurrent with building permit(s) will be required. Structures in the
floodplain must be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation determined by an
engineer.
9.
Prior to submission of plans for building permits, certification of the topographic
information will be required.
d.
The following Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) conditions
shall apply:
1.
MCESD will allow the use of portable chemical toilets for this site in lieu of a
permanent drinking water source and permanent means of wastewater disposal.
This allowance is based on the following considerations: the site is in a remote
location; the activity proposed with this SUP will occur no more than 40 days per
calendar year; there will be a maximum of 20 people using this site on any given
day; the nature of the activity proposed with this SUP is strictly limited to firearms
training; and the site will have no buildings, only dirt shooting bays, and all
equipment will be brought in and removed from the site per event. For these
reasons, MCESD considers this site and the nature of the activity as temporary.
2.
If the site conditions are altered or there is a deviation from the approved
conditions of this SUP (either of which would require an amendment to the SUP or
a modification of conditions, respectively), MCESD may no longer allow portable
chemical toilets and would require submittal of applications for the installation of
an approved sewerage system for permanent plumbing fixtures and a public water
system.
e.
This special use permit is valid for a period of 30 years and shall expire on November 20,
2054, or upon termination of the use for a period of 90 or more days, whichever occurs
first. All site improvements associated with the special use permit shall be removed within
90 days of such expiration or termination of use.
f.
The following SUP standards shall apply:
1.
Setbacks: 0’
2.
Site Enclosure/Screening: None required. However, all shooting of firearms shall
be conducted within designated shooting bays bounded by 10’ tall earth berms.
Shooting of firearms shall be exclusively in the direction of these berms.
3.
Parking: None required. However, any parking provided will be required to adhere
to the parking regulations established in MCZO Section 1102.
4.
Loading Areas: None required.
5.
Sight Visibility Triangles: None required.
Z2024027
Page 11 of 12
6.
Roadway/Parking Surfacing: At minimum, stabilized DG shall be provided.
7.
Site Lighting: Temporary lighting may be provided in the form of rental lighting
towers powered by generators.
g.
The following restrictions shall apply:
1.
Use of the site shall be limited to a recreational open-air firearms training facility.
Any other uses of the site shall require approval of an SUP Major Amendment or
an SUP Modification of Conditions.
2.
Scheduled training activities shall be limited to a maximum of 40 days per calendar
year and shall only occur between the hours of 6:00 AM and 12:00 AM.
3.
The maximum number of people at a scheduled training event shall be 20.
4.
No ammunition, rounds, casings, or debris of any kind generated by shooting
activities may be allowed to exit the property boundaries.
h.
The applicant or owner shall submit a Right-of-Way Reservation Action Request Form to
MCDOT to waive or reduce any requirement for right-of-way preservation along the north
and west lot lines. If a reduction or waiver is denied, or any approved reduction is to >34’
from either lot line, then the applicant or owner shall submit a revised site plan showing
any development set back no less than a distance equal to the required right-of-way
preservation from either lot line. Such a revised site plan shall be submitted within 30 days
of Board of Supervisors approval or within 30 days of MCDOT determination, whichever
occurs later. The required form may be accessed at the following link:
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/94549/Right-of-Way-Waiver-
Application.
i.
The owner / operator of the site shall share the range schedule, to the greatest extent
possible, with Luke Air Force Base Airspace Managers. This will allow Luke AFB to
communicate when air exercises are scheduled to possibly modify range use hours.
j.
The special use shall adhere to the Board of Supervisors Resolution, December 1980 as
applicable. This resolution establishes guidelines and conditions for temporary uses. The
following conditions shall apply:
1.
The applicant shall provide adequate ingress and egress to the premises and
parking areas.
2.
The applicant shall provide an ample supply of water for drinking and sanitation
purposes. The quality and quantity of water and location of facilities shall be
approved by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
3.
Supplemental toilet facilities must be provided for each scheduled training
event. At least one closed toilet facility marked ‘MEN’ and at least one closed toilet
facility marked ‘WOMEN’ shall be provided. The number and location of toilets
shall be approved by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.
Z2024027
Page 12 of 12
4.
At least one trash can with a capacity of 32 gallons shall be provided. Trash and
refuse disposal shall be pursuant to procedures established by the Maricopa
County Environmental Services Department.
5.
For training events conducted after dark, lighting shall be provided to ensure public
areas are adequately illuminated. All outdoor lighting shall be shielded so that it is
directed downward below the horizontal plane of the fixture and does not trespass
onto adjacent properties.
6.
No overnight camping is allowed with this Special Use Permit.
k.
Noncompliance with any of the conditions assigned to the approval of this Special Use
Permit by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors may be grounds for revocation in
accordance with the requirements and procedures as set forth in the Maricopa County
Zoning Ordinance.
l.
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 Special Use Permit, 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 Special
Use Permit, 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 Special Use Permit. The Special Use Permit enhances the value of the
property above its value as of the date the Special Use Permit is granted and reverting to
the prior zoning results in the same value of the property as if the Special Use Permit had
never been granted.
Presented by:
Nick Schlimm, Planner
Reviewed by:
Rachel Applegate, AICP, Acting Planning Supervisor
Attachments:
Case Map (1 page)
Site Plan (2 pages)
Narrative Report (9 pages)
MCDOT-approved Traffic Study Waiver (1 page)
DPR comments (4 pages)
Luke AFB comments 4-11-2024 (2 pages)
Luke AFB comments 6-12-2024 (1 page)
AGFD comments (4 pages)
/
Maricopa County Planning & Development - Phoenix, AZ
4
Gross Acres: 40 approx.
Generated October 15, 2024 2:40 PM
Z2024027
Application Name:
Legal Description
TRB - Tonopah
Applicant
Case Address
2N 7W 5
Mike Prefling
44248 W FRIER Dr
Applicant Phone/Email
Parcel Primary:506-73-037
4806259795
mike@preflingeng.com
TONOPAH, AZ 85354
Map scale 1:3,260
Supervisor District No.
SUP Special Use Permit
Maricopa
County
Date:
Checked by:
SEAL
JOB NUMBER
SHEET
Designed by:
Drawn by:
OF
Version
MJP
MJP
MJP
100
05/27/2024
4435 E. Chandler Blvd
Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85048
480-625-9795
TRB RANGE
OUTDOOR REC. FACILITY
A PORTION OF SECTION 5,
TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST,
OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN,
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA.
1
EXPIRES: 9/30/25
PREFLING
Engineering
2
OWNER/DEVELOPER
ENGINEER
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
SITE DATA
TRB RANGE
A PORTION OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 5,
TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, OF THE GILA AND SALT
RIVER BASE & MERIDIAN, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA
OVERALL SITE PLAN
FOR
COVER SHEET
OVERALL SITE PLAN
1
2
BASIS OF BEARING
PROJECT NARRATIVE
BENCHMARK
VINICITY MAP
NOT A PART
APN:506-73-036
ZONING: RU-43
OWNER: 123 ARIZONA LLC
NOTES TO THE CONTRACTOR
’
’
GENERAL NOTES
DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBLE CHARGE
MARICOPA COUNTY P&D COMMERCIAL
GENERAL NOTES & CONDITIONS:
INDEX OF SHEETS
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP INFORMATION
NOT A PART
VACANT
USA BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
RIFLE BAY #1
PISTOL
BAY #1
PISTOL
BAY #2
PISTOL
BAY #3
RIFLE
BAY #2
RIFLE
BAY #3
W NORTHERN AVENUE
5
4
9
8
17
18
INTERSTATE 10
427TH AVENUE (ALIGNMENT)
TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH
RANGE 7 WEST
(ALIGNMENT)
W GLENDALE AVENUE
(ALIGNMENT)
W BETHANY HOME ROAD
(ALIGNMENT)
NOT A PART
VACANT
USA BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
NOT A PART
APN:506-73-030
ZONING: RU-43
USE: VACANT
OWNER: MANUEL P/SUSAN L TRUJILLO
FEMA ZONE X
FEMA ZONE A
FEMA ZONE A
FEMA ZONE X
UTILITY COMMITMENT TABLE
443RD AVE
ALIGNMENT
NORTHERN AVE.
ALIGNMENT
Date:
Checked by:
SEAL
JOB NUMBER
SHEET
Designed by:
Drawn by:
OF
Version
MJP
MJP
MJP
100
05/27/2024
4435 E. Chandler Blvd
Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85048
480-625-9795
TRB RANGE
OUTDOOR REC. FACILITY
A PORTION OF SECTION 5,
TOWNSHIP 2 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST,
OF THE GILA AND SALT RIVER MERIDIAN,
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA.
1
EXPIRES: 9/30/25
PREFLING
Engineering
2
SITE PLAN DETAILS
2
2
RIFLE BAY #1
PISTOL
BAY #1
WASH PASS-THRU SWALE
EARTH/AMMUNITION MOUND - DETAIL
PARKING AREA - DETAIL VIEW
Project Narrative
For
TRB Tonopah – (APN 506-73-037)
Maricopa County Case No: Z2024027
Prepared for
Maricopa County Planning
Prepared by
Prefling Engineering
4435 E. Chandler Blvd, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85048
Table Contents
Introduction and Background ....................................................................................................................... 3
Applicant Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 3
Owner and Chief Instructor (Ernie Medina) ............................................................................................. 3
Special Use Permit Request .......................................................................................................................... 4
Purpose of Request ................................................................................................................................... 4
Description of Proposal ............................................................................................................................. 4
Operational Details of Facility ....................................................................................................................... 4
Number of Customers ............................................................................................................................... 4
Operating Hours ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Relationship to Surrounding Properties ....................................................................................................... 5
Surrounding Properties ............................................................................................................................. 5
Benefit to community/area ...................................................................................................................... 5
Location and Accessibility ......................................................................................................................... 5
Circulation System .................................................................................................................................... 5
Community Facilities and Services ............................................................................................................ 5
Public Utilities and Services ...................................................................................................................... 5
SUP Comparison Chart .................................................................................................................................. 6
ATF and Sheriff’s Dept Outreach .................................................................................................................. 6
Similar and Existing Facilities ........................................................................................................................ 6
Example Outdoor Shooting Ranges .......................................................................................................... 6
Appendix A – Driving Directions to Site
TRB Tonopah – Special Use Permit Request
Project Narrative
Existing APNs: 506-73-037
Address: SEC or Northern Ave (alignment) and 443rd Ave (alignment) in the Tonopah Area
Introduction and Background
Applicant Introduction – My name is Michael Prefling and I am representing the TRB -
Tonopah team who is wanting to develop this site into outdoor open-air recreational shooting
range. The site is located approximately at the Northern Ave alignment and 443rd Ave in
Tonopah Arizona. I am a licensed civil engineer here in Phoenix and will be preparing most of
the documents for the initial preliminary submittals as well as final permit and construction
documents.
Owner and Chief Instructor (Ernie Medina) – Ernie Medina is renowned for his vast firearms
knowledge, proven training methods, and capability to mentor other instructors for superior
weapon proficiency training. His reputation is founded on extensive field experience,
customized training methodologies, and unwavering professionalism.
Ernie, a United States Naval Academy graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in
Mechanical Engineering specializing in Thermodynamics, boasts a distinguished career.
Serving as a decorated U.S. Marine Captain and infantry officer for eight years, Ernie
commanded and supported over 1,200 Marines in various leadership roles.
With almost three decades of experience, he's a certified NRA pistol instructor and an
authority in combatives and weapons training.
Ernie is a life long martial artist holding black belts in both Marine Corp martial arts (1st
degree black belt) and karate (6th degree master level instructor ranking in Soo Bahk Do Moo
Duk Kwan).
Special Use Permit Request
Purpose of Request – The purpose of this request is to obtain a Special Use permit to operate
this open-air recreational training site.
Description of Proposal – “Tap Rack Bang” or TRB is a private tactical training company. They
train private groups and law enforcement agencies in firearms. Their facilities are not open to
the public and only available by private scheduling.
This TRB - Tonopah will be an open-air outdoor shooting facility with various ranges
depending on the firearm type. Private groups will travel to the site for scheduled training
events. The shooting ranges will incorporate earth mounds to separate each area, provide
protection and as a method of absorbing ammunition.
Existing/Past Zoning Cases – A pre-application has been completed and the processing
number is PA2023179.
Operational Details of Facility
Number of Customers per session and per year – A typical training session will consist of 5-20
individuals (which includes instructors) and will never exceed 20 individuals on site on the
range at any given time. This site is estimated to host 10-15 private training sessions per year.
Operating Hours – The site is not open to the public and will be utilized infrequently
throughout the year. When in use, the operating hours could be anytime between 6AM and
midnight seven days a week. As needed, temporary lighting will be provided on site for
trainings in the form of rental lighting towers powered by generators.
Site Specifics – TRB site will be providing pistol and rifle training for private citizens and
groups. The necessary skills are taught to increase competency from beginners to advanced.
There will be no munitions stored on site.
Emergency Action Plan and Safety – All TRB staff and instructors are CPR and emergency
medically trained. Staff and patrons receive a full safety briefing before entering the ranging
or handling any firearms. At all times there will be an emergency evacuation vehicle located
on site with full medical supply equipment. The range master will also have radio contact
capabilities with Abrazo Surprise Hospital and Banner Del Webb urgent care for helicopter
evacuation if ever needed.
Screening – All shooting range bays and surrounding perimeter of all areas of the site will be
screen with 10’ tall earthen mounds.
Relationship to Surrounding Properties
Surrounding Properties – This site is bordered by USA Bureau of Land Management land on
the north and west. There are undeveloped County lots that border the east and south
boundaries of this site.
-
It should be noted that pistol and rifle fire is allowed towards BLM land as long as rounds,
casings, and any litter or debris are cleaned up. There is no expectation for any rounds or
munitions to enter the adjacent BLM land due to the 10’ tall earth berms along the property
boundaries.
Benefit to community/area – The site and the surroundings are undeveloped desert land.
There are no businesses, residences, or developments within several square miles. The benefit
to the community will be bringing groups from around Arizona to this part of Tonopah and
West Maricopa County for trainings.
Location and Accessibility – This site is located along the Northern Ave alignment at
approximately 443rd Ave. Access to the site requires offroad travel along existing paved and
unpaved desert roads. Please see Appendix A for driving directions to the site.
Circulation System – When the facility is being used clients will enter via an existing drive
along the southern boundary. A DG path will be created onsite to direct patrons to a paved
area for car parking and staging. The site is secured by an existing fence, but a gate is located
at the SW corner of the site. Clients will enter the site through this existing gate, park onsite
and walk to the various ranges.
Community Facilities and Services –
Schools: This site is within the “Saddle Mountain” unified public school district. There
are no schools within 10 miles of the site.
Parks: The site is remote and there are no parks within 10 miles of the site.
Amenities: The site is remote and there are no amenities within 10 miles of the site.
Public Utilities and Services – The site is remote and there are no utilities or public services
within 10 miles of the site. If necessary, portable and temporary restroom facilities will be
provided during training events. There is an existing private well on the site that will be re-
activated and certified for the appropriate uses. Due to the site only ever seeing 20 people
per training event and being used infrequently throughout the year, there is no expectation to
provide a septic system or permanent restrooms.
SUP Comparison Chart
The following chart outlines the various standards of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance
that would be waived for modified with this SUP request.
Development Standards
Rural-43 Standards
Proposed SUP Standards
Yard Regulations
Front
Street Side
40’
20’
0’
0’
Street Enclosure/Screening
N/A
Min 6’ solid wall (commercial
uses)
None Required
Parking
1 per 250 SF (Commercial Uses)
None Required
Loading Areas
1 per 25,000 SF (commercial
uses)
None Required
Sight Visibility Triangles
25’x25’
None Required
Roadway/Parking Surfacing
Pavement
Stabilized DG
ATF and Sheriff’s Dept Outreach
Attempts were made to the ATF as well as Maricopa Sheriff’s department to receive formal or informal
reviews of the site layout. Due to legal reasons both groups declined to provide any feedback in writing.
However, both groups indicated that they would be very interested in utilizing the range for their own
needs and would partner with TRB ownership on any suggestions to improve the site. Additionally, both
groups felt there was not a need to review the site layout to do Ernie Medina’s (TRB owner) military
experience. They view Mr. Medina as an absolute expert with no concerns over his ability to property
design a shooting range site.
References:
Sergeant Alger, j_alger@mcso.maricopa.gov
Range Commander Kristin Banks, K_Banks@MCSO.maricopa.gov
Similar and Existing Facilities
Example Outdoor Shooting Ranges – The links below will show similar outdoor shooting and
training ranges to this proposed site.
Cowtown Range – Peoria: https://www.cowtownrange.com/
Raahauge’s Shooting Range: https://www.raahauges.com/
Please contact me with any additional questions or needs for clarification.
Sincerely,
Prefling Engineering
Michael Prefling, P.E.
mike@preflingeng.com
480-625-9795
Civil Engineer of Record
Appendix A
Driving Directions
Driving Directions to TRB Site
Exit 94 (411th Ave)
Turn Left at
Bethany Home Rd.
Head north where
Bethany Ends
Head west at
private road
Road ends at SW
corner of TRB site,
gated entrance
TIS Waiver | Special Use Permit Amendment
Traffic Study Waiver Request
APN 506-73-037
Prefling Engineering
PA2023179
Plans Sealed By
Not Applicable
Laxmikanth Narwa, P.E./602.506.8677
Int. Review No.
Date
Item No.
Page No.
Review Comment
Code
LN
1
3/14/2024
1
General
No new access points or modifications to the existing facilities surrounding the project site
were requested nor approved.
LN
1
3/14/2024
2
General
Based on the nature of the development and remote location of the Site, County estimates
that the proposed development would generate fewer than 100 peak hours trips and will have
negligible impact on to County roadways in the vicinity of the Site.
The Traffic Study Waiver Is Approved As Noted Above
Consultant Comment
Discipline
Consultant
Signature
Date
The developer is working on a Special Use Permit to operate open-air recreational shooting range facility. The proposed site is located approximately at the Northern Avenue
alignment and 443rd Avenue in Tonopoh, Arizona. The site is within unicorporated Maricopa County with parcel number APN# 506-73-037. The site and the surroundings are
undeveloped desert land.There are no businesses, residences, or developments within several square miles.
Traffic Engineering Review Comment Sheet
Project Name
Location
MCDOT File No.
Reviewer/Phone No.
Consultant: Please use the code and respond to each comment in the Consultant Reply Column. This sheet is for our records, please answer every question and sign and date your acknowledgment or the plans will be sent back
to complete the process. Send back the marked-up plans and a new set of plans along with this sheet. Thank you for your cooperation.
Consultant Code: A=Will Comply B=Deleted C=Consultant to Evaluate
General Project Summary:
Page 1 of 1
Doug Jones, PE, CFM
Planning & Development
301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 170
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Phone: (602) 372-0790
www.maricopa.gov/planning
Email address:
Doug.Jones@maricopa.gov
Planning & Development
Engineering Plan Review
Date:
July 15, 2024
Memo To: Darren Gerard, Planning Manager, Planning & Development
Attn:
Nicholas Schlimm, Planner, Planning and Development
From:
Doug Jones, PE, CFM Engineering Supervisor, Planning and
Development
cc:
Bob Fedorka, P.E., Engineering Manager, Planning and
Development
Subject: Z2024027 - Development of shooting range (SUP)
(E2 Memo)
APN:
506-73-037
Engineering Review has reviewed the first plan and report routed for review on
06/21/2024, for the subject application and have no objections providing the following
stipulations are part of any approval:
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
Detailed Grading and Drainage Plans must be submitted with the application
for Building Permits.
4.
The Drainage Report must be prepared in accordance with Maricopa County
Drainage Policies and Standards Standard 6.13 and/or 6.14 as appropriate
5.
For the building permit, the applicant shall demonstrate how Wash 2 will be
rerouted between the shooting ranges. Building permit submittals shall include
analysis to determine stabilization requirements for channels to meet County
requirements. Grading must be contained on site.
6.
The subject site is not located within the County’s Urbanized Area); and thus
will not require a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Permit (SWPPP) from the
Page 2 of 4
County. This does NOT preclude the requirement to obtain a Notice of Intent
to Discharge (NOID) from the State (ADEQ), as may be required.
7.
Per the Pre-Application, the grading and drainage plan must indicate the
required stormwater retention volume for the 100-year, 2 hour storm event with
one (1) foot of freeboard is provided for the developed portions (i.e. parking
areas) of the sites. Basins one (1) foot or less in depth need not provide
freeboard. Retention will be required for parking areas.
8.
The site contains areas of regulated floodplain (FEMA Zone A). No
development is proposed in this area. Should development be propose, a
floodplain use permit issued concurrent with building permit(s) will be required.
Structures in the floodplain must be elevated to the regulatory flood elevation
determined by an engineer.
9.
Prior to submission of plans for building permits, certification of the topographic
information will be required.
Please contact me with any questions.
Page 3 of 4
DRAINAGE PLAN REVIEW REFERENCES:
The Drainage Regulations are listed in Section 1205 of the MCZO:
https://www.maricopa.gov/documentcenter/view/272
Maricopa County Drainage Policies and Standards Manual:
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2369
For Additional Information See:
https://www.maricopa.gov/1635/Drainage-Review
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY REFERENCES:
Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County:
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/630
For Additional Information See:
https://www.maricopa.gov/3847/Flood-Control-District
PND TRANSPORTATION REFERENCES:
Residential Driveway Guidelines
https://www.maricopa.gov/documentcenter/view/362
Roadway Design Manual
http://www.mcdot.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24883
Maricopa County Resolution for ROW Permits
https://www.maricopa.gov/documentcenter/view/364
For Additional Information See:
https://www.maricopa.gov/156/MCDOT
PND STORMWATER QUALITY (SWPPP) REFERENCES:
Storm Water Quality Management and Discharge Control Regulation
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6577
Air Pollution Control Regulations Rule 310
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5354
For Additional Information See:
https://www.maricopa.gov/3980/Water-Sewage-Stormwater-Waste
Page 4 of 4
Abbreviations Key:
Drainage:
DD =
Department Directive (See: http://www.maricopa.gov/1911/Department-
Directives)
MCZO =
Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance
DPSM =
Maricopa County Drainage Policies and Standards
SSA =
State Standard Attachment
DDMV1= Maricopa County Drainage Design Manual – Hydrology
DDMV2 = Maricopa County Drainage Design Manual – Hydraulics
Flood Control:
FRMC =
Floodplain Regulations for Maricopa County
PND Transportation:
RDM =
MCDOT Roadway Design Manual
RDG =
MCDOT Residential Design Guidelines
MSRP =
MCDOT Major Streets and Routes Plan
PND Storm Water:
SWMDCR=
Maricopa County Storm Water Quality Management and Discharge
Control Regulation
DDMV3= Maricopa County Drainage Design Manual – Erosion Control
APCR=
Maricopa County Air Pollution Control Regulations – Rule 310
1
Nicholas Schlimm (PND)
From:
JAMES, MARK C CIV USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE <mark.james.14@us.af.mil>
Sent:
Thursday, April 11, 2024 11:22 AM
To:
Nicholas Schlimm (PND)
Cc:
RAHN, JENNIFER L CIV USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE; PADILLA, JOHN G CIV USAF AETC 56
FW/RMO; GILLIES, WILLIAM A JR CIV USAF AETC 56 RMO/ASM; TOALE, CHRISTOPHER P
CIV USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE; FINCH CIV Mary Ellen
Subject:
FW: Z2024027 - Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Notification
Attachments:
Z2024027 TAC Notification.pdf; Z2024027 - APPL-FORM-1.PDF.pdf; Z2024027 - SITE-
PLAN-1.PDF.pdf; Z2024027 - NARR-RPTS-1.PDF.pdf; Proposed shooting range.png
This Message Is From an External Sender
This message came from outside your organization. Please use caution when corresponding outside the county.
Hi Nick,
Thank you for allowing Luke AFB to review and comment on Z2024027 - Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
Notification. This application requests a grading permit for an outdoor, open air recreational shooting range and is located
on APN: 506-73-037; at approximately the Northern Alignment and 443rd Ave in Tonopah, AZ.
The site is located underneath a DoD Military Training Route (MTR); more specifically VR231 and therefore requires a
close review as it could possibly impact the flying operations of Luke AFB and other DoD assets. In turn, the
operations/safety of the shooting range could be impacted by the flying missions being conducted within the MTR on a
daily basis. Military aircraft are authorized to fly as low as 100 ft AGL (Above Ground Level) within VR231.
A few concerns that would require further dialog are:
-
Possibilities of ammunition ricocheting upwards and striking an overflying aircraft.
-
Shooting range personnel and pilot safety could be jeopardized should a jet (or multiple) be racing overhead at 100-
300 ft AGL and scare the armed person to where they discharge a weapon accidentally or jolt them enough to fire off
target. As you are probably aware, jets are loud, especially at low levels and when flying overhead, they will be
going very fast and approach without warning which would make it very easy for someone to be startled. Perhaps
some language in the signed waivers or pre-range use documents could be inserted that highlight these concerns and
the importance of remaining vigilant of overflying aircraft.
Would be happy to jump on call to discuss further. Thank you.
Mark
Mark James
Deputy Director, Community Initiatives Team
56th Fighter Wing
Luke AFB AZ 85309
Office: 623-856-6175
DSN: 896-6175
From: RAHN, JENNIFER L CIV USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE <jennifer.rahn@us.af.mil>
Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 2:34 PM
2
To: JAMES, MARK C CIV USAF AETC 56 FW/CVE <mark.james.14@us.af.mil>; PADILLA, JOHN G CIV USAF AETC 56
FW/RMO <john.padilla@us.af.mil>
Cc: 56 FW/CIT Community Initiative <56FW.CIT.CommunityInitiative@us.af.mil>
Subject: FW: Z2024027 - Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Notification
Hi Mark/John,
The location of this proposed shooting range is inside of VR231. Would you mind taking a look and providing
comments?
Thank you,
Jenn Rahn
Senior Planner, Community Initiatives Team
56th Fighter Wing
Luke AFB AZ 85309
Office: 623-856-9981
DSN: 896-9981
From: Nicholas Schlimm (PND) <Nicholas.Schlimm@maricopa.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:42 AM
To: Frank McWilliams (MCSO) <FrankMcWilliams@MCSO.maricopa.gov>; Philip Hilliker (MCSO)
<P_Hilliker@MCSO.maricopa.gov>; Teresa Retterbush (PRK) <Teresa.Retterbush@Maricopa.Gov>; bfenske@azdot.gov;
redletter@azdot.gov; gramirez@azdot.gov; Teigan Williams <tstruck@azgfd.gov>; Tiffany Sprague
<tsprague@azgfd.gov>; twilliford@azgfd.gov; pep@azgfd.gov; pe@azland.gov; Dan Krantz
<dan.krantz@orionprop.com>; proetto1950@gmail.com; HStumpRR@gmail.com; 56 FW/CIT Community Initiative
<56FW.CIT.CommunityInitiative@us.af.mil>; agarza@azmag.gov; kcotner@azmag.gov; swilken@azmag.gov; Michael
Winters <michael.winters@smusd90.org>; Robert Olmstead <Rolmstead@AFMA.Az.gov>; dmheisler1@aol.com;
tvcc.events@gmail.com; ronsatt@ev1.net; Mike Prefling <mike@preflingeng.com>
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Z2024027 - Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Notification
Good morning,
The attached document includes the TAC memo for Case Z2024027 (TRB – Tonopah). Please review the attached memo
for instructions to download application materials.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Nick Schlimm
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
301 W. Jefferson St. #170 Phoenix, AZ 85003
Planner
O: 602-506-0031
MARICOPA.GOV
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND
12 June 2024
Mr. Christopher P. Toale
Director, Community Initiatives Team
56th Fighter Wing
14185 W. Falcon Street
Luke AFB AZ 85309-1629
Mr. Nicholas Schlimm
Maricopa County Planning & Development
301 W. Jefferson Street #170
Phoenix, AZ 85003
RE: Z2024027; TRB Tonopah (APN 506-73-037)
Dear Mr. Schlimm
Thank you for allowing Luke AFB to review and comment on Z2024027 - Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) Notification. This application requests a grading permit for an outdoor, open air
recreational shooting range and is located on APN: 506-73-037 at approximately the Northern Alignment
and 443rd Ave in Tonopah, AZ.
The site is located underneath a DoD Military Training Route (MTR); more specifically VR231
and therefore requires careful oversight as military aircraft are authorized to fly as low as 100 ft AGL
(Above Ground Level) within that corridor.
After speaking with owners and operators of the proposed shooting range on 20 May 2024, it has
been determined that the development will not negatively affect the flying operations of Luke AFB. One
request is to share the range schedule, to the greatest extent possible, with Luke AFB Airspace Managers
at: 56rmo.asm.airspacemanagement@us.af.mil. This will allow Luke AFB to communicate when air
exercises such as IP War Days are scheduled to possibly modify range use hours.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Mark James at (623) 856-6175.
Sincerely
CHRISTOPHER P. TOALE
cc:
Colonel Keegan L. McLeese, Deputy Commander, 56th Fighter Wing
Ms. Demetria Themistocles, General Law Attorney, 56th Fighter Wing
Mr. John Padilla, LAFB Airspace Manager, 56th Range Management Office
TOALE.CHRISTOP
HER.P.1039696165
Digitally signed by
TOALE.CHRISTOPHER.P.10396
96165
Date: 2024.06.12 14:00:45 -07'00'
May 3, 2024
Mr. Nick Schlimm
Maricopa County Planning & Development
301 W. Jefferson Street, #170
Phoenix, Arizona, 85003
Electronically submitted toNicholas.Schlimm@maricopa.gov
Re: Tap Rack Bang (TRB) Private Outdoor Shooting Range (Maricopa County Z2024027)
Dear Mr. Schlimm:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) reviewed your Project Evaluation
RequestdatedApril3,2024,regardingtheconstructionofanewprivateoutdoorshootingrange
in western Maricopa County, northwest of Tonopah, Arizona. The “Tap Rack Bang” (TRB)
projectconsistsofafewexistingsmallstructuresandbuildingsonapproximately40acresof
land.ThesiteiscurrentlyundevelopedSonoran/Mohavedesertscrubhabitatwithsomeexisting
regionalwashesrunningprimarilynorth-souththroughtheparcel.Theshootingrangeswillbe
gradedtobeflatareas,buttherewillbenonewstructuresorimpervioussurfacesincorporated
into the site.
Under Title 17 of theArizonaRevisedStatutes,theDepartment,byandthroughtheArizona
Game and Fish Commission (Commission), has jurisdictional authority and public trust
responsibilities to conserve and protect the state fish and wildlife resources. In addition,the
DepartmentmanagesthreatenedandendangeredspeciesthroughauthoritiesofSection6ofthe
EndangeredSpeciesActandtheDepartment’sSection10(a)(1)(A)permit.Itisthemissionof
theDepartmenttoconserveandprotectArizona'sdiversefishandwildliferesourcesandmanage
forsafe,compatibleoutdoorrecreationopportunitiesforcurrentandfuturegenerations.Foryour
consideration,theDepartmentprovidesthefollowingcommentsbasedontheagency'sstatutory
authorities, public trustresponsibilities,andspecialexpertiserelatedtowildliferesourcesand
recreation.
TheDepartmentprovidestechnicalassistanceonrangedesign,operations,andbestmanagement
practices for shooting ranges throughout the State ofArizona.Therearemanyresourcesand
guidelines to helpwiththedesignandbestmanagementpracticesofashootingrange.Those
resourcesinclude,butarenotlimitedtotheNationalRifleAssociation’sRangeSourceBook,
1
the EPA’s Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges, and the
2
2https://www.epa.gov/lead/best-management-practices-lead-outdoor-shooting-ranges
1https://rangeservices.nra.org/range-owners/
Tap Rack Bang (TRB) Private Outdoor Shooting Range (Maricopa County Z2024027)
May 3, 2024
Page2
DepartmentofEnergy’sRangeDesignCriteria.Additionally,ArizonaRevisedStatuteTitle17-
GameandFish,Chapter6 coversoutdoorshootingrangenoisestandards.Intheseresourcesyou
3
will findguidelinesforsuchthingsasconstructingearthenbermstobeutilizedasbackstops,
administrativeandengineeringcontrolstoreducethesurfacedangerzonetowaterretentionand
lead best management practices.
● If you wish to seek assistance from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, please
contact Matthew Schwartzkopf, the Statewide Shooting Range Administratorat
mschwartzkopf@azgfd.gov.
TheDepartmentoffersthefollowingrecommendationstominimizeimpactstoprotectedwildlife
and plants:
● Sonoran desert tortoises are known to occur in the lands surrounding the proposed
project.TheSonorandeserttortoiseisafederalandstatespeciesofspecialconcern.The
DepartmentrecommendsconductingasurveyforSonorandeserttortoisewithinsuitable
habitat, in accordance with the Desert Tortoise Survey Guidelines for Environmental
Consultants,todeterminethepresenceofthisspecies.Iftortoisesareidentifiedduring
4
thesurvey,pleasereferandadheretotheRecommendedStandardMitigationMeasures
forProjectsinSonoranDesertTortoiseHabitat andGuidelinesforHandlingSonoran
5
Desert Tortoises Encountered on Development Projects.
6
● TheDepartmentrecommendsthataqualifiedbiologistconductasurveyfornestingbirds
withintheprojectareapriortoremovalortrimmingoftrees/vegetation,iftheremovalor
trimming occurs during the breeding season. The trees and/or vegetation within the
projectareamayprovidenestingopportunitiesforavianspeciesthatareregulatedunder
theMigratoryBirdTreatyAct(MBTA)andprotectedunderstatelaw.Breedingseason
forbirdsintheprojectvicinityisgenerallymid-JanuarythroughlateJune,dependingon
thespeciesandhabitat,andforraptorsitisgenerallyJanuarythroughlateJune.Ifitis
anticipated the project will not be in compliance with MBTA, the Department
recommendsthatcontactingtheU.S.FishandWildlifeService (USFWS)fortechnical
7
assistance. The USFWS will provide options to comply with the MBTA.
● PleaseensuretheprojectcomplieswithArizonaNativePlantLawregulations.ANative
8
Plant Inventory may need to be conducted to identify, record, and coordinate plant
salvage efforts for species that are Protected under the Arizona Native Plant Law.
Additionally, the Department offers the following best management practices (BMPs) to
minimize project effects to wildlife and wildlife habitats:
● Maintain washes- Please minimize impacts to vegetation during project construction,
especiallywithintheportionsofthewashbetweenRifleBay1andPistolBay1thatwill
8https://agriculture.az.gov/plantsproduce/native-plants
7https://www.fws.gov/office/arizona-ecological-services/contact-us
6https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2014%20Tortoise%20handling%
20guidelines.pdf
5https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/MitigationMeasures.pdf
4https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/2010SurveyguidelinesFor
Consultants.pdf
3https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=17
Tap Rack Bang (TRB) Private Outdoor Shooting Range (Maricopa County Z2024027)
May 3, 2024
Page3
notberealigned,andanyotherwashesthroughtheprojectarea.Stagingareasshouldbe
locatedinpreviouslydisturbedsitesandkeptassmallaspossible.Implementerosionand
drainage control measures during the project to prevent the introduction of
sediment-ladenrunoffintoadjacentwashesorsurfacewatersandtopreventimpactsto
surface water quality. Stabilize exposed soils, particularly on slopes, with native
vegetation as soon as possible to prevent excess erosion.
● Invasivespecies-Pleaseminimizethepotentialintroductionorspreadofexoticinvasive
species,includingstinknet,ahighlyinvasiveplantthatisknowntooccurinMaricopa
County.Precautionsshouldbetakentowashand/ordecontaminateallequipmentutilized
intheprojectactivitiesbeforeenteringandleavingthesite.PleasereviewtheArizona
DepartmentofAgriculture’swebsiteforalistofprohibitedandrestrictednoxiousweeds9
and theArizona Native Plant Society for recommendations on control methods.
10
● Landscaping- If any landscaping will take place,, the Department recommends
landscapingwithdrought-tolerantspeciesthatarenativetothearea.Landscapingwith
native plants can help support wildlife and pollinator species that inhabit rural and
urbanized areas. Visit the Arizona Native PlantSociety’swebsite forinformationon
11
preferred native plants to utilize in landscaping.
● Lighting- Artificial lighting impairs the ability of nocturnal animals to navigate(e.g.,
owls, migratory birds, bats, and other nocturnal mammals) and maynegativelyaffect
wildlifebehaviorandpopulations.TheDepartmentrecommendsusingonlytheminimum
amountoflightneededforsafety,especiallyinareasimmediatelyadjacenttoopenspace
orundevelopedlands.Motionsensinglightingandnarrowspectrumlighting(i.e.,close
totheredbandwidth)shouldbeusedasoftenaspossibletolowertherangeofspecies
affected by lighting. All lighting should be shielded and focused to ensure that light
reaches only areas needing illumination to minimize impacts to nocturnal wildlife.
● Fencing- For any areas where security fencing is not necessary, the Department
recommends any fencing be designedtoallowforthepassageofwildlifethroughthe
parcel.TheDepartment’sWildlifeCompatibleFencingGuidelines provideinformation
12
onhowfencingimpactswildlife,waystodesignfencingtopreventwildlifeentanglement
and impalement, and to ensure wildlife movement is not restricted. The Department
developed these guidelines to assist landowners, project managers, land management
agencies, and others in designing wildlife compatible fences.
● Trenching- If trenching will occur, trenching and backfilling crews should be close
together to minimize the amount of open trenches at any given time. Avoid leaving
trenches open overnight. Where trenches cannot be back-filled immediately, escape
rampsshouldbeconstructedatleastevery90meters.Escaperampscanbeshortlateral
trenches or wooden planks sloping to the surface. The slope should be less than 45
degrees (1:1). Trenches that have been left open overnight should be inspected and
animals removed prior to backfilling.
12https://s3.amazonaws.com/azgfd-portal-wordpress/PortalImages/files/wildlife/planningFor/wildlifeFriendly
Guidelines/110125_AGFD_fencing_guidelines.pdf
11https://aznps.com/grow-native/
10https://aznps.com/invas
9https://agriculture.az.gov/pestspest-control/agriculture-pests/noxious-weeds
Tap Rack Bang (TRB) Private Outdoor Shooting Range (Maricopa County Z2024027)
May 3, 2024
Page4
TheDepartmentappreciatestheopportunitytoprovideanevaluationofimpactstowildlifeor
wildlife habitats associated with the Tap Rack Bang (TRB) PrivateOutdoorShootingRange
(Maricopa County Z2024027) project. If you have any questions regardingthisletter,please
contact me at (623) 236-7615 and visit ourwebsite for additional guidelines.
13
Sincerely,
Cheri Bouchér
Project Evaluation Program Specialist, Habitat Branch
Arizona Game and Fish Department
AZGFD #M24-04031304
13
https://live-azgfd-main.pantheonsite.io/wildlife-conservation/planning-for-wildlife/planning-for-wildlife-wildlife-friendly-guidelines/