Z2023137 BOS REPORT_PART1.PDF

Maricopa County — Formal (2024-05-22)

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May 22, 2024 
Z2023137 
Page 1 of 4 
 
 
 
 
Report to the Board of Supervisors 
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department 
 
Board Hearing Date: 
May 22, 2024  
 
 
Case #/Title:   
 
 
Z2023137 – Yellow Bell Solar Project 
 
 
Supervisor District: 
5 
 
Applicant/Owner:  
Kimley-Horn & Associates, Keith Nichter / Arizona State Land 
Department 
 
Request: 
Zone change from Rural-43 and Rural-190 to IND-2 IUPD with a plan 
of development (POD) 
 
Site Location: 
Generally located at the NEC of the intersection of Watermelon Rd. 
and Old US Hwy 80 
 
Site Size: 
Approximately 802.55 acres 
 
County Island Status: 
No 
Additional 
Comments: 
 
The applicant is seeking a zone change with overlay from Rural-43 
and Rural-190 to IND-2 IPD with a plan of development (POD) for an 
industrial-scale solar electric energy generation and battery energy 
storage facility. The site is currently designated as a Utilities land 
use per an approved Comprehensive Plan Amendment approved by 
the Board of Supervisors on December 8, 2021 (CPA2021010). 
 
The project is comprised of approximately 2,004.48 acres, but 
802.55 acres is located within unincorporated Maricopa County 
and the remaining 1,201.48 acres is within the Town of Gila Bend. 
The applicant is processing a rezone request with the Town of Gila 
Bend for the portion of the site is located within the Towns 
jurisdiction. This request was routed to the Town and they have not 
provided any comments or concerns.  
 
The subject site to this request is administered by the Arizona State 
Trust Land (ASLD). A letter from ASLD was provided along the 
application providing permission for the applicant to process a 
zone change request with Maricopa County.  
 
The applicant is requesting to change the zoning to IND-2 IUPD, the 
overlay request is to vary the parking, pavement, loading/unloading, 
landscaping, sight visibility triangles, site enclosure, screening,

May 22, 2024 
Z2023137 
Page 2 of 4 
transmission tower height, and light pole height requirements in 
order to be consistent with other similar utility scale solar facilities 
in this area of the county. On April 24, 2024 a handout was provided 
to the Planning and zoning commissioners to update condition ‘c.7’ 
per the revised comment letter provided by MCDOT. 
 
There is no known public opposition. 
 
 
Commission  
 
Recommendation: 
On 4/25/24, the Commission voted 6-0 to adopt a motion 
recommending the Board of Supervisors approve Z2023137subject 
to conditions ‘a’ – ‘h’:  
 
 
a. 
Development of the site that be in substantial conformance with the site plan entitled 
“Yellow Bell Solar” consisting of 21 full-size sheets, dated February 9, 2024, and stamped 
received March 29, 2024, 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 “Narrative Report for Yellow Bell Solar”, consisting of 13 pages, dated February 26, 
2026, and stamped received February 29, 2024 except as modified by the following 
conditions. 
 
c. 
The following Planning Engineering conditions shall apply: 
  
1. The concentrated inflow locations at the east end of the solar fields east of the Gila 
Bend Canal may warrant redirection to avoid conflict with the solar field grading. 
These locations are generally shown at those depicted as 404 washes and at locations 
where the floodplains extend east from the canal. These areas shall be further 
evaluated with the final design. 
 
2. On-site retention basins shall be designed to contain overflows/spillways designed to 
accommodate the unattenuated peak 100 year inflow to each respective basin, 
inclusive of offsite flows. 
 
3. Detailed grading and drainage plans shall be submitted with building permit 
application(s) indicating that runoff from each solar field area will be directed to a 
retention basin. Diversions may be required to direct flow towards the retention basins 
as part of the final design. 
 
4. The site contains area of regulated floodplains (FEMA Zone AO2) along the Gila Bend 
Canal. Disturbance of the floodplains will require procurement of a floodplain use 
permit prior to or concurrent with building permits. Inverter pads located in a floodplain 
shall be elevated to the Regulatory Flood Elevation.  
 
5. Preservation of 65’ of R/W on both sides of Old US 80 (measured from the centerline) 
will be required. The preservation area must be shown on the plans submitted for 
building permit(s).

May 22, 2024 
Z2023137 
Page 3 of 4 
 
6. Private utilities that will occupy County R/W (Old US 80) or other County property 
require a solar license in addition to any construction related permits. The solar license 
must be effectuated prior to issuance if building permit(s). 
 
7. Prior to building permit approval, all the proposed construction access points 
approved on the US 80 under MCDOT jurisdiction, a driveway right-turn deceleration 
lane shall be provided due to anticipated high speeds on US 80 and anticipated heavy 
vehicle usage for the proposed facility. A minimum 160 feet of storage length and an 
opening taper rate of 15:1 (L:W) shall be provided as per MCDOT Standards. The 
developer shall coordinate with MCDOT’s Planning Branch to identify such proposed 
construction access point(s) on OLD US 80 that fall under County jurisdiction.  
 
8. The developer shall coordinate with MCDOT’s Planning Branch who shall approve the 
final design for the canal crossing near driveway “F”. 
 
9. 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. 
 
10. There appears to be public or private irrigation facilities located on or adjacent to this 
project site. Certain entities may have rights to work in or use said facilities. There may 
be public or private rights associated with the historical conveyance of water within 
said irrigation facilities which Maricopa County does not regulate. It will be the 
applicant’s sole responsibility to ensure the integrity of any irrigation rights. Any 
disputes that may arise with respect to any irrigation rights are a civil matter that will 
not involve Maricopa County. 
 
11. Based on the conceptual design nature of the information submitted, changes to the 
site layout and/or a reduction in the number of solar arrays may be necessitated by 
the final engineering design of the site’s drainage infrastructure. 
 
d. 
The following IND-2 IUPD Zoning District standards shall apply: 
 
1. Maximum Electric Transmission Line Height – 150’ 
2. Parking Spaces Required – None required  
3. Loading & Unloading Spaces Required - None required  
4. Landscaping – No landscaping strip required 
5. 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 
6. Article 902.91 – All utility uses shall be permitted to be conducted outdoors 
7. 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 
8. Pavement Required – Pavement not required for parking spaces with approval of a 
dust control plan by Maricopa County Air Quality Department.  
9. Light Pole Height – 30’ maximum from grade

May 22, 2024 
Z2023137 
Page 4 of 4 
e. 
The IND-2 IUPD shall limit the use of the site exclusively to a solar electric generating facility 
and ancillary uses. Any other uses shall require a Zone Change Major Amendment. 
 
f. 
The owner or developer shall receive approval of a traffic statement for construction in 
accordance with the comments received by ADOT in an email dated November 29, 2023.  
 
g. 
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 these conditions or other 
Maricopa County regulations.  
 
h. 
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: 
 
Paola Jaramillo, Planner 
Reviewed by: 
 
Darren Gérard, AICP, Planning Manager   
 
Attachments: 
 
4/25/24 P&Z Packet (53 pages) 
 
 
4/24/24 P&Z Handout Memo (6 pages) 
 
 
Note: 
4/25/24 Draft P&Z Minutes are not available as of the writing of this report but can be 
provided upon request later when available.

Z2023137 
Page 1 of 10 
 
 
Report to the Planning and Zoning Commission 
Prepared by the Maricopa County Planning and Development Department 
 
 
Case: 
Z2023137 – Yellow Bell Solar Project 
 
 
 
 
Hearing Date: 
April 25, 2024 
 
Supervisor District: 
5 
 
 
 
  
 
Applicant: 
Kimley-Horn & Associates – Keith Nichter 
 
Owner: 
Arizona State Land Department 
   
Request: 
Zone change from Rural-43 and Rural-190 to IND-2 IUPD with a plan of 
development (POD) 
 
  
 
Site Location: 
Generally located at the NEC of the intersection of Watermelon Rd. and Old 
US Hwy 80 
 
  
Site Size: 
Approximately 802.55 acres 
 
Density: 
N/A 
 
County Island:  
No 
 
 
County Plan: 
Maricopa County Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan - Utilities 
 
Municipal Plan: 
N/A  
 
Municipal Comments: 
N/A  
 
Support/Opposition: 
None Known 
 
Recommendation: 
Approve with conditions

Z2023137 
Page 2 of 10 
Project Summary: 
 
1. 
This is a request is for a zone change with overlay from Rural-43 and Rural-190 to IND-2 IUPD with 
a POD for an industrial-scale solar electric energy generation and battery energy storage. The 
subject site is designated as a Utilities land use per Maricopa County’s Vision 2030 
Comprehensive Plan following a Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment approved by the Board 
of Supervisors on December 8, 2021 (Case No. CPA2021010).  It should be noted that the 
applicant is requesting legislative approval of the POD along with rezoning approval. 
 
2. 
The project is comprised of approximately 2,004.48 acres, but 802.55 acres is within 
unincorporated Maricopa County and the remaining 1,201.93 is within the Town of Gila Bend. The 
applicant is processing a rezone request with the Town of Gila Bend for the portion of the project 
site that is located within the Town’s jurisdiction. This request was routed to the Town, and they 
have not provided any comments. The parcels subject to this request are administered by the 
Arizona State Trust Land (ASLD). A letter from ASLD was provided along with the application 
providing permission for the applicant to process a zone change request with Maricopa County.  
 
3. 
The development of the PV solar generation facility with battery energy storage will include 
approximately 160,000 solar modules mounted on a single axis tracker, inverters to convert direct 
current into alternating current, transformers to increase the voltage of the electricity generated, 
a 200 MW photovoltaic (PV) generating facility and battery energy storage system (BESS) with 
associated infrastructure. The project will interconnect to the transmission grid at the Arizona 
Public Service (“APS”) Panda Substation located to the southwest of the subject site. On-site 
overhead electrical structures would be at a 150-foot maximum height. 
 
4. 
The applicant is proposing a single phase and to begin construction in the latter half of 2024. The 
construction period is expected to employ approximately 300 employees. Up to 5-10 permanent 
full-time employees will be hired for routing maintenance activities, equipment repaid, and 
equipment replacement. All of the properties within the immediate vicinity of the project are 
privately owned. 
 
5. 
Nearly all land used for solar energy project like this are developed for the 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.  
 
6. 
The subject site is currently zoned Rural-43 and Rural-190. The applicant is requesting to change 
the zoning 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, shown in bold text:

Z2023137 
Page 3 of 10 
REGULATION 
BASE ZONING DISTRICT 
REGULATIONS (IND-2) 
PROPOSED ZONING 
REGULATIONS 
MAX. HEIGHT 
40’ 
40’ 
MIN. FRONT YARD 
10’ – 15’ 
10’ 
MIN. SIDE YARD 
3’ – 10’ 
10’ 
MIN. REAR YARD 
25’ 
10’ 
MIN. STREET SIDE 
YARD 
0’ – 10’ 
10’ 
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 
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 
SIGHT VISIBILITY 
TRIANGLES 
REQUIRED 
NO SVT’S AT PROJECT SITE 
ENTRY/EXIT POINTS, SECTION 
LINE, AND MIDSECTION LINE 
INTERSECTING ALIGNMENTS. 
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. ONE (1) FOOT OF 
BARBED WIRE STRANDS WILL 
BE INCORPORATED ATOP 6-
FOOT FENCING FOR 
ADDITIONAL SECURITY AND 
ALLOW BARBED WIRE FENCING 
MATERIALS UNDER 8’ IN 
HEIGHT, EXCEPT IF NEXT TO 
EXISTING RESIDENCES. 
ARTICLE 902.9.1 
ALL USES EXCEPT FOR PARKING, 
LOADING, UNLOADING OR STORAGE 
SHALL BE CONDUCTED WITHIN A 
COMPLETELY ENCLOSED BUILDING 
ALL UTILITY USES PERMITTED 
OUTDOORS 
MAX. ELECTRIC 
TRANSMISSION LINE 
HEIGHT 
120’ 
150’ 
BARBED WIRE 
FENCING 
BARBED WIRE ATTACHED TO FENCES IS 
PROHIBITED FOR FENCES UNDER 8’ 
BARBED WIRE ATTACHED TO 
FENCING UNDER 8’ WILL BE 
ALLOWED WITHIN THE 
PROPERTY LINE BOUNDARIES 
LIGHT POLE HEIGHT 
18’ MAXIMUM FROM GRADE 
30’ MAXIMUM FROM GRADE

Z2023137 
Page 4 of 10 
7. 
The applicant is requesting to vary the parking, pavement, loading/unloading, landscaping, sight 
visibility triangle, site enclosure, screening, transmission tower height, and light pole height 
requirements. The proposed standards are consistent with other similar utility-scale solar 
facilities in this area of the County.  
 
8. 
The applicant is requesting to waive landscaping requirement but intends 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 a chain-link 
fencing with vinyl slats to provide opacity and screen the proposed substation. Additionally, the 
applicant is requesting that 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. 
 
9. 
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 x 25 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 approved dust control plan from Maricopa County Air Quality Control as 
no regularly occupied buildings will be placed on site.  
 
10. 
There is also a request to vary the standard for electric transmission line height from 120’ to 150’. 
This is requested because a new gen-tie route is required for the project. The applicant states 
that if the transmission line height were limited to 120’ that less spacing between poles and 
additional poles would be required.

Z2023137 
Page 5 of 10 
2024 Aerial Image of the Site 
 
 
 
Zoning of the Site and Adjacent Properties

Z2023137 
Page 6 of 10 
Site Plan Excerpt 
 
 
 
Substation Exhibit

Z2023137 
Page 7 of 10 
Existing On-Site and Adjacent Zoning / Land Use: 
 
11. 
On-site: 
 
Rural-43 & Rural-190 / Vacant 
North: 
Town of Gila Bend / Vacant 
South: 
Town of Gila Bend/ Vacant 
East: 
Rural-43 & Rural-190/ Vacant 
West: 
Town of Gila Bend / Vacant 
 
 
Utilities and Services: 
 
12. 
Water: 
 
Hauled water 
Wastewater: 
Onsite septic System  
Electric: 
APS 
School District: 
Gila Bend Unified School District 
Fire: 
Gila Bend Fire Department /Buckeye Valley Fire District 
Police:  
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office 
Solid Waste:                 Republic Services 
 
Right-of-Way: 
 
13. 
The following table includes existing and proposed half-width right-of-way and the future 
classification based on the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Major 
Streets and Routes Plan.   
 
Street Name 
Existing R/W 
Proposed R/W* 
Future Classification 
Old US 80 
Varies 
65’ (half) 
Major Arterial 
    *Right-of-way dedications and preservations will be addressed at the time of construction 
permitting.                                       
 
Adopted Plans: 
 
14. 
Maricopa County Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan (adopted 2013): The site is designated as 
Utilities, which is intended 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. 
 
15. 
Town of Gila Bend General Plan 2026 (adopted 2017): The site is designated as Industrial 
Business Park (IBP) and Medium Density Residential (MDR). The designations for the Town Of 
Gila Bend General Plan designates Industrial Business Park for the development of areas where 
a mix of warehouse/distribution, assembly and storage, office show rooms, and retail sales. The 
General Plan designates Medium Density Residential for higher residential densities are desired 
within the proximity of vehicular access, water, and sewer services exist. The request was routed 
to the Town of Gila Bend and no comments were provided.  
 
Public Participation Summary: 
 
16. 
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. To date, no opposition has been received.

Z2023137 
Page 8 of 10 
Outstanding Concerns from Reviewing Agencies: 
 
17. 
N/A 
 
 
Staff Analysis: 
 
18. 
Maricopa County recognizes the potential environmental and economic benefits that solar 
technology can provide. Yellow Bell Solar will use photovoltaic technology that generates energy 
from sun absorption. Photovoltaic technology differs from other 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, thus this development would not pose a threat to the 
groundwater supply. 
 
19. 
Staff believes the proposed solar facility is well suited to this rural area, which requires large 
amounts of relatively flat land. Staff agrees with the applicant that the subject site is suitable due 
to proximity to electrical transmission lines, nearby stations and substation, 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. 
 
20. 
The development of solar energy over the past several years in Maricopa County reinforces the 
County’s interest in promoting the it as an economic leader for solar development. Staff believes 
that Yellow Bell Solar would add to this effort in a positive way by providing the potential of 300 
temporary construction and 10 permanent operation/maintenance jobs. 
 
21. 
Staff is recommending approval of this zone change request for the reasons noted above with 
the conditions of approval that would make the site appropriate for the area.  
 
Recommendation: 
 
22. 
Staff recommends the Commission adopt a motion recommending that the Board of Supervisors 
approve Z2023137 subject to the following conditions ‘a’ – ‘h’: 
 
 
a. 
Development of the site that be in substantial conformance with the site plan entitled 
“Yellow Bell Solar” consisting of 21 full-size sheets, dated February 9, 2024, and stamped 
received March 29, 2024, 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 “Narrative Report for Yellow Bell Solar”, consisting of 13 pages, dated February 26, 
2026, and stamped received February 29, 2024 except as modified by the following 
conditions. 
 
c. 
The following Planning Engineering conditions shall apply: 
  
1. The concentrated inflow locations at the east end of the solar fields east of the Gila 
Bend Canal may warrant redirection to avoid conflict with the solar field grading. 
These locations are generally shown at those depicted as 404 washes and at locations

Z2023137 
Page 9 of 10 
where the floodplains extend east from the canal. These areas shall be further 
evaluated with the final design. 
 
2. On-site retention basins shall be designed to contain overflows/spillways designed to 
accommodate the unattenuated peak 100 year inflow to each respective basin, 
inclusive of offsite flows. 
 
3. Detailed grading and drainage plans shall be submitted with building permit 
application(s) indicating that runoff from each solar field area will be directed to a 
retention basin. Diversions may be required to direct flow towards the retention basins 
as part of the final design. 
 
4. The site contains area of regulated floodplains (FEMA Zone AO2) along the Gila Bend 
Canal. Disturbance of the floodplains will require procurement of a floodplain use 
permit prior to or concurrent with building permits. Inverter pads located in a floodplain 
shall be elevated to the Regulatory Flood Elevation.  
 
5. Preservation of 65’ of R/W on both sides of Old US 80 (measured from the centerline) 
will be required. The preservation area must be shown on the plans submitted for 
building permit(s). 
 
6. Private utilities that will occupy County R/W (Old US 80) or other County property 
require a solar license in addition to any construction related permits. The solar license 
must be effectuated prior to issuance if building permit(s). 
 
7. Access points from Old US 80 under County jurisdiction shall require driveway right 
turn deceleration lanes designed in accordance with MCDOT’s Roadway Design and 
Traffic Manuals. 
 
8. The developer shall coordinate with MCDOT’s Planning Branch who shall approve the 
final design for the canal crossing near driveway “F”. 
 
9. 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. 
 
10. There appears to be public or private irrigation facilities located on or adjacent to this 
project site. Certain entities may have rights to work in or use said facilities. There may 
be public or private rights associated with the historical conveyance of water within 
said irrigation facilities which Maricopa County does not regulate. It will be the 
applicant’s sole responsibility to ensure the integrity of any irrigation rights. Any 
disputes that may arise with respect to any irrigation rights are a civil matter that will 
not involve Maricopa County. 
 
11. Based on the conceptual design nature of the information submitted, changes to the 
site layout and/or a reduction in the number of solar arrays may be necessitated by 
the final engineering design of the site’s drainage infrastructure.

Z2023137 
Page 10 of 10 
d. 
The following IND-2 IUPD Zoning District standards shall apply: 
 
1. Maximum Electric Transmission Line Height – 150’ 
2. Parking Spaces Required – None required  
3. Loading & Unloading Spaces Required - None required  
4. Landscaping – No landscaping strip required 
5. 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 
6. Article 902.91 – All utility uses shall be permitted to be conducted outdoors 
7. 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 
8. Pavement Required – Pavement not required for parking spaces with approval of a 
dust control plan by Maricopa County Air Quality Department.  
9. Light Pole Height – 30’ maximum from grade 
 
e. 
The IND-2 IUPD shall limit the use of the site exclusively to a solar electric generating facility 
and ancillary uses. Any other uses shall require a Zone Change Major Amendment. 
 
f. 
The owner or developer shall receive approval of a traffic statement for construction in 
accordance with the comments received by ADOT in an email dated November 29, 2023.  
 
g. 
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 these conditions or other 
Maricopa County regulations.  
 
h. 
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: 
Paola Jaramillo, Planner 
Reviewed by: 
Darren Gerard, AICP, Planning Services Manager 
 
Attachments: 
Case Map (1 page) 
 
Site Plan (21 pages) 
 
Narrative Report (13 pages) 
 
Engineering comments (2 pages) 
 
MCDOT Comments (3 pages) 
 
Email from ADOT (1 page)

/
Maricopa County Planning & Development - Phoenix, AZ
5
Gross Acres: 802.55 approx.
Generated April 16, 2024 11:07 AM
Z2023137
Application Name:
Legal Description
Yellow Bell Solar Project EDR
Applicant
Case Address
,
Keith J Nichter for Kimley-Horn
Applicant Phone/Email
Parcel Primary:
602.313.7206
keith.nichter@kimley-horn.com
Map scale 1:25,955
Supervisor District No.
ZONE CHANGE WITH OVERLAY (REZONE) FROM RU-43 AND RU-190 TO IND-2 IUPD ZONE FOR THE
YELLOW BELL SOLAR PROJECT, A PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION

YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
BASIS OF BEARING:
BENCHMARK:
APN
OWNER
PARCEL ACREAGE
PART OF REZONE
ZONE
LAND USE
NORTH
VICINITY MAP
PROJECT INFORMATION:
SITE SUMMARY
SITE REGULATION
UTILITIES:
YELLOW BELL SOLAR SITE PLAN
200 MWac & 200MW BESS
FOR IND-2 IUPD (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING) WITH AN INDUSTRIAL ZONING
ZONE CHANGE & PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
KIMLEY-HORN PROJECT NO.
291841000
CASE REFERENCE NO.
Z2023137
NORTH
PARCEL PLAN
PROJECT PARCEL INFORMATION (TOWN OF GILA BEND - NOT A PART)
N.T.S.
N.T.S.
GENERAL NOTES:
LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
APN
OWNER
ADJACENT
PARCEL ACREAGE
ZONE
LAND USE
INCORPORATED IN
GILA BEND
ADJACENT PARCEL INFORMATION
PRESERVATION/DEDICATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY
C1.0
COVER SHEET
PROJECT PARCEL INFORMATION (ASLD) (MARICOPA COUNTY)
APN
OWNER
PARCEL ACREAGE
PART OF REZONE
ZONE
LAND USE
SHEET NUMBER
SHEET TITLE

YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
¬
PRIVATE LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
PRIVATE LEGAL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED):
PRIVATE LEGAL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED):
PRIVATE LEGAL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED):
C1.1
LEGAL
DESCRIPTION
TOWN OF GILA BEND:

YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
”
”
”
”
”
”
”
ASLD LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
ASLD LEGAL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED):
ASLD LEGAL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED):
C1.2
LEGAL
DESCRIPTION
ASLD LEGAL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED):
ASLD LEGAL DESCRIPTION (CONTINUED):
MARICOPA COUNTY:

70001
760.41
70003
747.97
70004
731.22
70005
712.33
70010
732.39
70014
694.03
70015
741.68
70017
705.09
70018
734.78
70019
670.24
70020
676.55
70021
690.13
70022
724.40
70023
724.33
7011
762.91
7016
766.53
7070
764.70
70001
760.41
70003
747.97
70004
731.22
70005
712.33
70010
732.39
70014
694.03
70015
741.68
70017
705.09
70018
734.78
70019
670.24
70020
676.55
70021
690.13
70022
724.40
70023
724.33
7011
762.91
7016
766.53
7070
764.70
LEGEND
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
C2.8
C2.9
YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
NORTH
C2.0
OVERALL SITE
PLAN 1

70001
760.41
70003
747.97
70004
731.22
70005
712.33
70010
732.39
70014
694.03
70015
741.68
70017
705.09
70018
734.78
70019
670.24
70020
676.55
70021
690.13
70022
724.40
70023
724.33
7011
762.91
7016
766.53
7070
764.70
70001
760.41
70003
747.97
70004
731.22
70005
712.33
70010
732.39
70014
694.03
70015
741.68
70017
705.09
70018
734.78
70019
670.24
70020
676.55
70021
690.13
70022
724.40
70023
724.33
7011
762.91
7016
766.53
7070
764.70
LEGEND
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
C2.8
C2.9
YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
NORTH
C2.1
OVERALL SITE
PLAN 2

YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
C2.2
NORTH
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
LEGEND
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
C2.8
C2.9

YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
C2.3
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
NORTH
LEGEND
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
C2.8
C2.9

YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
C2.4
ENLARGED
SITE PLAN
NORTH
LEGEND
C2.2
C2.3
C2.4
C2.5
C2.6
C2.7
C2.8
C2.9