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YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
C3.4
SUBSTATION
DETAILS
SUBSTATION PLAN VIEW
NORTH
YELLOW BELL
SOLAR
©
03
02
03
02
02
03
C3.5
TYPICAL BERM DETAIL
TYPICAL RETENTION BASIN DETAIL
TYPICAL TRACKER ROWS
TYPICAL TRACKER AND FOUNDATION DETAIL
TYPICAL TRACKER RACK EAST/WEST SIDE ELEVATION DETAIL
TYPICAL TRACKER ROWS
TYPICAL TRACKER AND FOUNDATION DETAIL
TYPICAL TRACKER RACK EAST/WEST SIDE ELEVATION DETAIL
TYPICAL DIVERSION SWALE DETAIL
1
TYPICAL RETENTION BASIN DETAIL
TYPICAL DIVERSION SWALE DETAIL
04
05
TYPICAL BERM DETAIL
06
TYPICAL TRACKER ROWS
TYPICAL TRACKER AND FOUNDATION DETAIL
1
TYPICAL TRACKER RACK EAST/WEST SIDE ELEVATION DETAIL
DRAINAGE AND
TRACKER DETAILS
kimley-horn.com
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
1st Submittal - 10/31/2023
2nd Submittal – 02/26/2024
YELLOW BELL SOLAR
CASE #: Z2023137
REQUEST: Zone Change with Overlay, from RU-43 & RU-190 to
IND-2 IUPD, and Plan of Development on Approximately +/-802.55
Acres of ASLD Land
NARRATIVE REPORT FOR
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1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NARRATIVE REPORT FOR .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.
PURPOSE OF REQUEST .......................................................................................................................... 3
2.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL ................................................................................................................ 4
2.1 Site Summary Information: ...................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Proposed Uses Summary: ....................................................................................................................... 4
Hours/Days of Operation: ........................................................................................................................... 4
Number of Employees: ............................................................................................................................... 4
Description/Location of Buildings: ............................................................................................................... 4
Color Palette: .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Sign Details: ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Screening Wall/Fence Details and Location: .............................................................................................. 5
Security Lighting ....................................................................................................................................... 5
3.
RELATIONSHIP TO SURROUNDING PROPERTIES .............................................................................. 6
Surrounding Adjacent General Land Descriptions ..................................................................................... 6
Existing Surrounding/Regional Solar & Utility Land Use Projects .............................................................. 7
Surrounding Adjacent Parcel Descriptions (Zoning and Land Use) ........................................................... 7
4.
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Location: ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Access: ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
5.
CIRCULATION SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................... 8
Off-site Circulation (Access) ....................................................................................................................... 8
On-site Circulation ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Parking and Loading ................................................................................................................................... 9
6.
DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................. 10
7.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES ........................................................................................... 10
8.
PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SERVICES ...................................................................................................... 10
Tables
1. Industrial Unit Plan of Development ………………………………………………………………...…....….10
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kimley-horn.com
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
1. PURPOSE OF REQUEST
RWE Solar Development, LLC, (RWE) on behalf of Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) is requesting
approval, from Maricopa County Planning and Development Department, of a Zone Change with Overlay
(rezone) from RU-43 and RU-190 to IND-2 IUPD Zone along with a Plan of Development for the Yellow Bell
Solar Project, a proposed industrial-scale solar energy generation and battery energy storage system. As seen
in Figure 1 – Vicinity Map, the site is located approximately 2 miles northeast of central Gila Bend, west of State
Route 85, in unincorporated Maricopa County, Arizona. The Project location was chosen based on the favorable
resources available for PV solar facilities in southwestern Maricopa County. These resources include large, flat
areas with compatible or existing land use designations within the site area and proximity to existing electrical
and transmission infrastructure.
The overall development is +/-2,004.48 acres; the subject +/-802.55 acres (the Project) are in unincorporated
Maricopa County and are on Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) lands. The remaining +/-1,201.93 acres
of the Project are contiguous to the ASLD land and within the Town of Gila Bend on privately owned land. The
+/-802.55 acres, a part of this application, was recently approved by the Board of Supervisors on December 8,
2021, for a Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Case #: CPA2021010) that changed the land use
designation in the Maricopa County SR85 Corridor Area Plan from Large Lot Residential and Community Retail
Center Area to Utilities Land Use to allow for the development of a utility-scale solar electric generating
project(s). Consistent with this approval, this proposal meets the overall intent of the Maricopa County
Comprehensive Plan Vision 2030 by providing a future need in renewable energy, which has been identified as
a strategic priority, that benefits the region and the county as a whole. The non ASLD portion of the Yellow Bell
Solar Project within the Town of Gila Bend will be rezoned as part of a separate application with the Town.
FIGURE 1 – VICINITY MAP
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1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSAL
2.1 Site Summary Information:
RWE is proposing the development of a PV solar generation facility with battery energy storage, and associated
facilities. In general, the Project could occur on all the property identified except for obvious restrictions such
as floodways, setbacks, and easements or other rights-of-way. The Project will include approximately +/-
160,000 solar modules mounted on single axis trackers, 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. On-
site overhead electrical structures would be a 150-foot maximum.
2.2 Proposed Uses Summary:
Hours/Days of Operation:
The site will be in operation and/or production 24 hours a day, seven (7) days per week. Solar generation
activities would be limited to daytime (daylight) hours which will vary seasonally but would generally range from
around 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM during summer months when daylight hours are longest. Energy storge activities
and operations will be continuous and energy transmission into the power grid will occur on demand as needed
throughout the daytime and nighttime hours.
Number of Employees:
The Project is anticipated to be developed in one phase and will generate up to 300 jobs in the construction,
contracting, administrative, and project management fields during the construction and project implementation.
Operation of the site will employ 5-10 permanent full-time employees daily. In addition to providing in state
construction jobs and long-term technical careers, local projects like Yellow Bell Solar will help contribute to the
regional economy by providing tax revenue and by using local engineering and development contractors in
Maricopa County.
Description/Location of Buildings:
Electrical and telecommunication equipment may be contained within housing units or cabinets that are a
manufactured protective outer covering for the internal equipment. Self-enclosed units include small
telecommunications equipment cabinets and BESS equipment cabinets/shelters located near the BESS system
components. BESS components will be housed in prefabricated steel containers located within the identified
BESS area in the southwest portion of the overall site as depicted on the Plan of Development (POD).
Operations & maintenance (O&M) building(s) will be provided for the Yellow Bell Solar Project located near the
BESS area and substation. Site sewer for this building(s) will be septic and the water will be either hauled and
provided via above ground tank or via well. These Project components are located outside of the county portion
of the overall site area. Although, in the event they are provided within this application area they will be subject
to the standards of the IUPD and/or the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance as applicable.
Smaller communication and electrical equipment are located among the PV array fields as depicted on the
POD.
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kimley-horn.com
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
Color Palette:
All materials coatings, finishes, and colors, where practicable, will be selected to blend facility components to
the natural setting. Selection of color palettes for electrical cabinets and PV solar equipment will be selected
from factory specifications and options provided by the respective manufacturers. Color palette selection will
conform to generally accepted and adopted industry standards for PV solar equipment and support structures.
Final color selections will seek to minimize heat absorption and glare and blend with surrounding natural
environment so far as is practicable.
Sign Details:
Signage will be limited to site identification signs, OSHA approved safety signage, and security signage in
accordance with Chapter 14 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance.
Screening Wall/Fence Details and Location:
The property is surrounded mostly by vacant and agricultural lands with utility infrastructure located to the
southwest and northeast. To ensure proper site security, the site perimeter will be enclosed with chain link fence
(6 feet in height) with gates where needed along the perimeter of the Project. Fencing section elevation details
have been provided on the POD which depict typical fencing types and proposed opaque screening. One (1)
foot of barbed wire strands will be incorporated atop 6-foot fencing for additional security. Barbed wire will not
be placed on perimeter fencing adjacent to existing residential properties.
As necessary, enhanced screening will be required adjacent to existing residential properties. Screening
against these boundaries will include opaque screening in the form of vinyl slats to create visual opacity to
screen the internal facility components and operations from public roadways and adjacent residential views.
Currently no residential properties are in the area that would require this type of screening. Proposed opaque
fencing may be combined with berming to enhance mitigation of visual impacts. Enhanced screening will be
provided around the BESS and Substation to mitigate visual impacts to surrounding views.
Security Lighting
Security lighting will be limited to motion activated lighting associated with the BESS and Substation and other
security sensitive areas such as entry gates, and parking areas, as shown on the Plan of Development. All
lighting installed will be directed downward and into the site, in compliance with Maricopa County Zoning
Ordinance Article 1112, to ensure lighting will not be cast onto neighboring properties. Lighting required for
safety operations during nighttime operational or maintenance activities will be provided by the associated
staff/employee personnel.
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kimley-horn.com
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
3. RELATIONSHIP TO SURROUNDING PROPERTIES
Surrounding Adjacent General Land Descriptions
Direction
Zoning
SR 85 Area Plan Land Use Designation
Current Use
North
RU-190 / SFOZ
Industrial Employment Center
Agricultural/Solar Utility
East
AG / RU-190 / RU-43
Community Retail & Large Lot Res.
Vacant
South
AG
Industrial Employment Center
Vacant
West
AG / I-3
Industrial Employment Center
Agricultural/Vacant/Utility
FIGURE 2 – SR85 AREA PLAN LAND USE MAP
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1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
The Yellow Bell Solar Project was subject to a previous CPA approval and is assigned a Utilities Land Use
designation in the Maricopa County SR85 Corridor Area Plan for the proposal to construct, operate, and
maintain an industrial-scale solar energy generation and battery energy storage system. Additionally, the
proposed land use will build upon the “Solar Capital of the World” slogan discussed in the Gila Bend General
Plan and furthered by the Gila Bend Solar Field Overlay Zone (SFOZ), proposed for the remaining Gila Bend
portion of the site, which was implemented to promote employment and identifies this area as a solar corridor
with primary access to the Gila River Power Station. Given this, the proposed solar use is appropriate and
compatible with other similar approved and implemented solar projects within the region. Associated facilities
within this area include power stations, PV solar generation facilities, utility corridors, transmission lines and
utility substations. The other nearby projects are as follows:
Existing Surrounding/Regional Solar & Utility Land Use Projects
Project
Location (Township/Range)
Gila River Power Station
T5SR4W
APS Panda Substation
T5SR4W
APS Paloma Solar Site
T5SR4W
APS Cotton Center Solar Site
T4SR4W
APS Gila Bend Solar Site
T5SR5W
Atlantica Solana Generating Station
T6SR7W
Arizona Solar One Solar Site
T6SR7W
The surrounding area has a few sparsely distributed residential land uses. The rest of the surrounding area is
characterized by active and passive agricultural land uses, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Arizona
State Land Department (ASLD) owned and managed lands, electric generation facilities, solar powered electric
generation facilities, and native desert lands. The predominant surrounding private land uses within the area
are agriculture and utilities.
The proposed Zone Change with Overlay and Plan of Development is consistent with similar approved and
implemented utility and solar projects around the Town of Gila Bend region. Associated facilities within this
region include approved CPA’s for Utility (solar) land uses, PV solar generation facilities, utility corridors,
transmission lines and a utility substations. The specific adjacent land uses are described below.
Surrounding Adjacent Parcel Descriptions (Zoning and Land Use)
Location
Parcel Number
Owner
Land Use
Incorporated
In Gila Bend
Zoning
North
402-03-009B & C Hettinga Revocable Trust
Agricultural/Vacant
Y
I-3
North
402-03-013F
Arizona State Of
Agricultural/Vacant
Y
AG
North
402-03-013G
Gila 1130 LLC
Agricultural/Vacant
Y
AG
West
402-04-018C &
402-05-008B
SRP/Tucson Electric Power
Co/UNS Electric Inc
Agricultural/Vacant
Y
AG
West
402-05-008C & -
402-05-028C
Getzwiller Joe B/Theresa D
Living Trust
Agricultural/Vacant
Y
AG
West
402-39-003C, D,
& -004A, B, C
Largo 258 LLC
Agricultural/Vacant
Y
I-1
South &
East
N/A
Arizona State Of
Agricultural/Vacant
N
RU-43/190
& IND-1
East
402-39-005
Arizona State Of
Agricultural/Vacant
N
RU-43
Page 8
kimley-horn.com
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
4. LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Location:
The Project is north of Interstate 8 (I-8) directly west of State Route 85 and approximately four miles east of the
intersection of Hwy 85 and I-8. The surrounding area contains existing utility infrastructure such as a natural
gas-fired electrical generating facility (the Gila River Power Station), industrial-scale PV solar facilities, the
Arizona Public Service (APS) Panda Substation, electrical transmission lines, a canal, the Gila Bend Municipal
Airport, as well as isolated rural residences and agricultural fields.
Access:
Access to the Project would be provided via existing roads. The majority of the site would be accessible via Old
U.S. Highway 80, which bifurcates the site, and other local roads. RWE will likely need to develop short, internal
access roads to portions of the site for internal circulation. These internal roads will be gravel or compacted dirt
roads. Any proposed road construction needed to access the Project would be constructed and paid for by
RWE, in coordination with ADOT and MCDOT as necessary, and would not require public expenditures.
There is an approximately 40-acre parcel of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered land located
within the Project boundary, but it is not included as part of the Project. RWE has been in communication with
BLM and BLM has no specific concerns regarding the proposed development. Access to the BLM property will
be maintained following construction.
5. CIRCULATION SYSTEM
Off-site Circulation (Access)
The Project site can be accessed from the north via the State Route 85 and Old U.S. Hwy 80, the east via AZ-
238/Maricopa Road, southeast via I-8 from exit 119/South Butterfield Trail interchange to connect to State
Route 85 and Old U.S. Hwy 80 and the southwest through central Gila Bend and S 307th Ave/Watermelon Rd
to Old U.S. Hwy 80. There are several smaller, existing roads, both named and unnamed, near the Project site,
which may be used and improved for construction and ongoing operations of the Project. Site access will be
identified in the Plan of Development. Final access locations will be determined in accordance with access
management policies and permitting requirements of Maricopa County. Additionally, it is understood that
Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) may require dedication or preservation of right-of-
ways as a condition of approval.
The Project would have minimal effects on traffic. There would be minimal increased traffic during the relatively
short construction period due to the delivery of equipment/supplies and the commuting of the construction
workforce, but there would be no notable increase in traffic during the operation and maintenance of the Project.
On-site Circulation
Internal circulation is planned via a network of private maintenance and service drive aisles to provide vehicular
access to the solar arrays, associated equipment, BESS, and substation facilities. There will be multiple access
points for occasional maintenance vehicles and a perimeter chain link security fence and gates. Existing roads
will be utilized as much as possible instead of creating new roadways. Construction and maintenance of the
drives will conform to applicable requirements of the Maricopa County Air Quality Control Department.
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kimley-horn.com
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
Parking and Loading
Parking and loading will be conveniently provided next to the proposed O&M buildings located on the Gila Bend
portion of the Project. As mentioned, if any facilities are provided within this application area, in the future,
spaces will be provided subject to the standards of the IUPD and/or the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance as
applicable. During operations maintenance parking, loading, and temporary maintenance staging will occur
within a designated area within the substation/BESS Yard area. Loading during maintenance activities in the
solar field will occur on private 20-foot (typical) improved roadways among the solar arrays and BESS Yard as
shown on the Plan of Development.
FIGURE 3 – DRIVEWAY LOCATIONS
Proposed site access driveway locations:
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kimley-horn.com
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
6. DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE
Project construction is expected to occur in one phase of construction starting as soon as Q3 2024 with
construction lasting approximately 18 months.
7. COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
The Project is located within the community service district boundaries:
Gila Bend Unified School District #24
Paloma School District #94
The Project is not anticipated to generate any adverse impacts to the listed school districts.
8. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND SERVICES
Utility service(s) to the site will be provided by the following providers. If necessary, septic facilities will be
provided for sewer and water is expected be hauled to the site during construction and operation or obtained
from new or existing wells on-site. Drinking water for employees will be individually provided. Permanent
restrooms may be provided with future O&M facilities although temporary facilities will be provided for
maintenance activities as needed.
UTILITY/SERVICE
AGENCY/PROVIDER
Water
(N/A) Hauled/well
Sewer
(N/A) Sanitary sewer provided via accessible portable
restroom facility as needed for maintenance activities. In
the event that a future O&M building is built and/or
permanent employees are present on the site sewer to
be septic.
Electric Service
Arizona Public Service
Fire Protection (including EMS and Ambulance)
Gila Bend Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services/
Buckeye Valley Fire District
Police Protection
Maricopa County Sheriff Office
Refuse (Waste Management)
Waste Management
Telephone
Century Link / Cox Phone Service
Irrigation
(N/A)
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1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
TABLE 1: INDUSTRIAL UNIT PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
YELLOW BELL SOLAR - IUPD MODIFICATIONS TO IND-2 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
STANDARD
CATAGORY
BASE IND-2 ZONING
DISTRICT STANDARD
PROPOSED IND-2
IUPD ZONING
DISTRICT STANDARD
JUSTIFICATION
MAX. HEIGHT
40'
40'
MIN. FRONT
YARD
10'-25'
10'*
ALL YARD SETBACKS AR EREQUESTED
TO BE 10’ FROM PROPERTY LINE FOR
CONSISTENCY. 10’ SETBACKS WILL
ALLOW FOR THE MOST EFFICIENT USE
OF SITE AREA AND WILL MAXIMIZE
ENERGY GENERATION. NEIGHBORING
PROPERTY IS ANTICIPATED TO REMAIN
AS FARMLAND OR BE DEVELOPED FOR
SIMILAR PROJECTS.
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
INSTALLING A LANDSCAPING STRIP ON
THE SITE ALONG ALL ROAD FRONTAGES
WOULD BE COST PROHIBITIVE, IMPACT
THE EFFECTIVNESS OF SOLAR PANEL
OPERATION, THE EXISTING NATURAL
VEGETATION IS NEARLY NON-EXISTENT
SO THE ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPE WOULD
LOOK OUT OF PLACE, AND WOULD
LOWER THE OVERALL ENERGY
GENERATING CAPACITY OF THE SITE.
MIN. LOT AREA 6,000 SQ. FT.
6,000 SQ. FT.
MIN. LOT WIDTH 60'
60'
MAX. LOT
COVERAGE
60% MAXIMUM**
60% MAXIMUM**
PARKING
REGULATIONS
ONE PAVED SPACE
PER 600 SQ. FT. OF
FLOOR AREA (5%
SHALL BE ADA
SPACES)
NONE REQUIRED
WITH A MARICOPA
COUNTY AIR
QUALITY CONTROL
APPROVED DUST
CONTROL PLAN
THE APPLICANT PLANS NO PERMANENT
PARKING SPACES. NO OCCUPIED
BUILDINGS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED NOR
WILL THERE BE ANY FULL-TIME
EMPLOYEES ON-SITE. WORKERS, WHEN
ON-SITE, WILL BE IN THE SOLAR FIELD
WITH PARKING AREAS ON THE 20-FT ALL
WEATHER (PRIVATE) ACCESS ROADS OR
AT THE DESIGNATED PARKING AREA AT
THE SUBSTATION AND BESS YARD.
PARKING IS NOT REQUIRED DURING
OPERATION. THE FACITLITY WILL BE
UNMANNED DURING OPERATIONS
EXCEPT FOR TEMPORARY SYSTEM OR
FACILITY MAINTENANCE. IF ANY
FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED IN THE
FUTURE, ADA SPACES WILL BE
PROVIDED PER ARTICLE 1102.1.5.
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1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
LOADING &
UNLOADING
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
LOADING AND UNLOADING SPACES WILL
NOT BE REQUIRED FOR THE SITE AS NO
OCCUPIED STRUCTURES ARE
ANTICIPATED AT THE FACILITY, NO FULL-
TIME EMPLOYEES OR MANNED PROJECT
BUILDINGS WILL BE LOCATED ON SITE
OR ON PUBLIC ROADS, AND THERE
WOULD BE NO ROUTINE DELIVERIES OR
SHIPMENTS. A ±1.98 ACRE PARKING AND
LOADING AREA IS DESIGNATED AT THE
SUBSTATION AND BESS YARD.
SIGHT
VISIBILITY
TRIANGLES
NO OBSTRUCTIONS
OVER 2' IN HEIGHT
WITHIN 25'X25' SVTS
NO OBSTRUCTIONS
OVER 2’ IN HEIGHT
WITHIN 25’X25’ SVTS
ARTICLE 902.91
ALL USES EXCEPT
FOR PARKING,
LOADING,
UNLOADING OR
STORAGE SHALL BE
CONDUCTED WITHIN
A COMPLETELY
ENCLOSED
BUILDING
ALL UTILITY USES
PERMITTED
OUTDOORS
THE OPERATING USES OF THE SITE
INCLUDE ENERGY GENERATION AND
STORAGE, THROUGH THE USE OF
SOLAR PV PANELS. THE USE CANNOT BE
ACHIEVED WITHIN ENCLOSED
STRUCTURES; THEREFORE, ARRAYS
WILL BE LOCATED OUTSIDE OF
ENCLOSED BUILDINGS,
SITE
ENCLOSURE
AND
SCREENING
6' CMU WALL
ADJACENT TO
RURAL AND
RESIDENTIAL
ZONING
BOUNDARIES AND
FOR OUTDOOR USE
OF AN INDUTRIAL
NATURE. BARBED
WIRE FENCING
MATERIALS UNDER
8’ IS PROHIBITED.
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.
AS REQUIRED TO ENSURE PUBLIC
SAFETY REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE
ELECTRICAL SAFETY REGULATIONS AND
PROVIDE FOR THE SECURITY OF THIS
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, THE
APPLICANT WILL INSTALL CHAIN-LINK
FENCING (WITH GATES WHERE NEEDED
ALONG THE PERIMETER OF THE
PROJECT). THE APPLICANT PROPOSES
TO USE CHAIN LINK FOR THE GATES
ALSO, WHICH WILL BE CONSISTENT
WITH OTHER ADJACENT AND NEARBY
ENERGY GENERATION PROJECTS.
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1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 131, Mesa, AZ 85210
480 207 2666
MAX ELECTRIC
TRANSMISSION
LINE HEIGHT
120'
150’
A NEW GEN-TIE ROUTE IS REQUIRED
FOR THIS PROJECT AND WHILE THE
MAJORITY OF IT IS OUTSIDE THIS
ZONING BOUNDARY THERE IS STILL
IMPACT TO THE PROJECT SITE WITH THE
CONNECTION TO THE SUBSTATION.
UTILITY POLE HEIGHTS UP TO 150 FEET
ARE REQUESTED BECAUSE UTILITY
STRUCTURES 120 FEET OR LESS IN
HEIGHT MAY BE INFEASIBLE DUE TO
FINAL ELECTRICAL DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS AND MAY IMPACT THE
SUBJECT ROW/PROPERTIES MORE,
REQUIRING LESS SPACING AND MORE
POLES. THE APPLICANT’S CURRENT
PRELIMINARY, CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS
INDICATE THAT HIGHVOLTAGE DEAD-
END STRUCTURES UP TO 150 FEET IN
HEIGHT MAY BE REQUIRED,
CONSISTENT WITH SURROUNDING 500
KV LINES, AND COULD RESULT IN LESS
IMPACT. THE APPLICANT REQUESTS THE
FLEXIBILITY TO MAKE THE NECESSARY
ADJUSTMENTS, AS NEEDED, FOR
FUTURE FINAL DESIGNS. FUTURE
COORDINATION THROUGH THE DOD
CLEARINGHOUSE WILL ENSURE THAT
THE PROPOSED HEIGHT INCREASE
WON’T HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THE
SURROUNDING USES.
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
BOUNDARIES.
A REDUCTION IN THE HEIGHT OF
FENCING WILL IMPROVE THE AESTHETIC
OF THE PROJECT, REDUCE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND BE
MORE COMPATIBLE WITH THE
SURROUNDING SOLAR AND
AGRICULTURAL USES.
LIGHT POLE
HEIGHT
18’ MAXIMUM FROM
GRADE
30’ MAXIMUM FROM
GRADE
A LARGER POLE HEIGHT WILL BE
CONDUCIVE TO INCREASING
PHOTOMETRIC REACH OF THE
PROPOSED LIGHTING. THIS WILL ALLOW
THERE TO BE A SMALLER AMOUNT OF
LIGHT POLES WHICH WILL DECREASE
LONG TERM MAINTENANCE COSTS.
* ALL YARDS WILL BE SET TO 10’ REGARDLESS OF STREET TYPE AND ADJACENT ZONING DISTRICT.
**DETACHED PV SOLAR ARRAY DO NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL LOT COVERAGE AS PER
ARTICLE 1206.3.2.A. OF THE MARICOPA COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE.
Bob Fedorka, PE
Planning & Development
301 W. Jefferson St., Suite 170
Phoenix, Arizona 85003
Phone: (602) 506-7151
www.maricopa.gov/planning
Email address:
bob.fedorka@maricopa.gov
Planning & Development
Engineering Plan Review
Date:
March 18, 2024
Memo To: Darren Gerard, AICP, Planning Manager, Department of Planning &
Development
Attn:
Paola Jaramillo-Quintero, Planner, Planning & Development Services
From:
Bob Fedorka, P.E., Engineering Manager, Planning & Development
Services
Subject:
Z2023137 - Zone Change (to IND-2 IUPD) & Plan of Development
Yellow Bell Solar
(E2 Memo)
Job Site Address: West of SR 85, North of Watermelon Road, Gila Bend
APN(s):
Several
PND Engineering Plan Review (DPR, FCD and PND Transportation) has reviewed the
2nd submittal of the Zone Change and Plan of Development application routed for
review on February 29, 2024 and has no objections subject to the following conditions:
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).
Page 2 of 2
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.
Please contact me with any questions.
Yellow Bell Solar Project
Traffic Impact Study
North of I-8 & West of SR85, 11-Parcels, Town of Gila Bend
Kimley Horn
Z2023137
Plans Sealed By
Keith Christian II, P.E.
Laxmikanth Narwa, P.E./602.506.8677
Int. Review No.
Date
Item No.
Page No.
Review Comment
Code
LN
2
3/18/2024
1
General
First review comments have been acknowledged by the consultant with Code A - Will Comply
(see attached). Therefore, MCDOT has no additional comments for this review.
LN
2
3/18/2024
2
General
Repeat: As per the comment # 7 in 1st review, for all the approved proposed access
points on US 80 under MCDOT jurisdiction, a driveway right-turn deceleration
lane shall be provided as per MCDOT Standards.
LN
2
3/18/2024
3
General
Repeat: As per the comment # 4 in 1st review, Developer shall coordinate with MCDOT
planning for review and approval of the proposed canal crossing at Driveway F during the
permit approval process.
The Traffic Statement is approved with the above stipulations.
Discipline
Consultant
Signature
Date
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:
Consultant Comment
Page 1 of 1
MCDOT -- TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
REVIEW COMMENT SHEET
1 of 2
Project Name: Yellow Bell Solar
Location: North of I-8 and West of SR 85, 11-Parcels, Town of Gila Bend
MCDOT File No.: Z2023137
Date: January 04, 2024
Reviewer: Laxmikanth Narwa, P.E.
Phone No.: 602-506-8677
Consultant: Kimley Horn
Project No.:
Plans Sealed By : Keith Christian II, P.E.
Consultant Code:
A = Will Comply B = Deleted
C = Consultant to Evaluate
Item
Number
Page
Number
Comments
Consultant
Reply
= = =
1.
2.
3.
4.
= = =
General
General
Page 6
(Typical)
Site Plan
1st REVIEW (TIS)
Consultant: Please use the code and respond to each comment in the
Consultant Reply Column. This sheet is for our record, please answer every
question and sign and date your acknowledgement 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 comment sheet. Thank you for your
cooperation.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Project Summary:
The proposed Yellow Bell Solar project is planned to include approximately
200 megawatts, alternating current (MWac) generating facility. The site is
approximately 1,950 acres across 11 parcels. The facility is anticipated to be
completed in year 2025. Access to the site will be established by the eight full-
access driveways.
Per the traffic statement, at full build-out, the proposed development
anticipates generating approximately 14 heavy vehicle trips during each of the
AM and PM peak hours (7 trips in and 7 trips out) primarily for deliveries.
General Comments:
The site is primarily within the jurisdiction of the Town of Gila Bend and Old
US 80 roadway, providing local access to the site, is under the Maricopa
County (MCDOT) jurisdiction. The comments below pertain to roadways
under MCDOT jurisdiction only.
Review Comments:
Please submit a copy of this traffic study for review and approval from the
Town of Gila Bend (TOGB). Upon authorization, developer shall provide a
copy of approval to MCDOT.
Update the report to identify the latest MCDOT Roadway Design Manual
(RDM), dated March 8, 2023 as the reference manual for this traffic study. For
example, criteria for right-turn auxiliary lane (Table 7.6) are different from
what is reported in the study in Section 2.3. Update the study accordingly.
Parcels (APN# 402-03-11B, APN# 402-03-009B, & APN# 402-03-009D)
along with US 80 appear to be within TOGB jurisdiction. Proposed access
points within these parcels shall be approved by the TOGB. Developer shall
coordinate with MCDOT planning for review and approval of the proposed
canal crossing at Driveway F during the permit approval process.
Use CODE
"A", "B","C"
in this column
next to every
comment.
= = = =
A
A
A
MCDOT -- TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
REVIEW COMMENT SHEET
2 of 2
Project Name: Yellow Bell Solar
Location: North of I-8 and West of SR 85, 11-Parcels, Town of Gila Bend
MCDOT File No.: Z2023137
Date: January 04, 2024
Reviewer: Laxmikanth Narwa, P.E.
Phone No.: 602-506-8677
Consultant: Kimley Horn
Project No.:
Plans Sealed By : Keith Christian II, P.E.
Consultant Code:
A = Will Comply B = Deleted
C = Consultant to Evaluate
Item
Number
Page
Number
Comments
Consultant
Reply
= = =
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
= = =
Site Plan
Site Plan
Page 6
General
General
1st REVIEW (TIS)
Consultant: Please use the code and respond to each comment in the
Consultant Reply Column. This sheet is for our record, please answer every
question and sign and date your acknowledgement 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 comment sheet. Thank you for your
cooperation.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Review Comments:
Within the project vicinity and site frontage, US 80 from south of parcel APN#
402-03-009B is within MCDOT jurisdiction. Please update the site plan to
include at a minimum: location, size, and spacing of proposed driveways,
along with driveways and access points adjacent to and opposite of the
proposed development where applicable. Please refer to Typical-Site-Plan-
Example-with-Checklist-PDF (maricopa.gov) for guidance.
The future classification of US 80 on site frontage road is rural principal
arterial; Setbacks shall be per Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance, Section
1105 based on the Right-of-Way requirements of the future roadway
classifications (Refer to RDM Figure 5.2) and any additional setbacks
required by the MCDOT Planning Department during the permit process.
Required Right-of-Way width shall be preserved but no dedication is required
at this time. Additional directions may be stipulated by MCDOT Planning
Department in this regard.
Regardless of the turn lane warrants, for all the approved proposed access
points on 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 facility. A minimum 160 feet of storage
length and an opening taper rate of 15:1 (L:W) shall be provided.
This review assumes no mixed-use land practice shall be allowed on this site.
Any mixed-use activities shall require a new traffic statement be submitted for
review and approval.
Project resides in proximity to a Flood zone; floodplain management
standards may apply. Please check with MCDOT Flood Control District for
any applicable plan review and approvals.
The Traffic Statement is NOT approved.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________
Use CODE
"A", "B","C"
in this column
next to every
comment.
= = = =
A
A
A
1
Paola Jaramillo Quintero (PND)
From:
Jon Fell <jfell@azdot.gov>
Sent:
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 11:27 AM
To:
Paola Jaramillo Quintero (PND)
Cc:
Gerardo Ramirez
Subject:
Re: Z2023137 Yellow Bell Solar Project Rezone Request
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Flagged
This Message Is From an External Sender
This message came from outside your organization. Please use caution when corresponding outside the county.
Comments for Rezoning Case Z2023137:
1. ADOT requires, but not limited to, a traffic statement for construction traffic to and from the site with material and
labor;
2. Depending on National Highway System Connection Point (existing interchange) upgrades to the on/off ramps and
crossroad(s) or arterials within ADOT ROW with applicable ADOT Encroachment Permit.
Jonathan Fell, PE, PTOE
Assistant District Engineer
ADOT Southwest District
GOOGLE GURU
2243 E Gila Ridge Road
Yuma, AZ 85365
928-317-2160
jfell@azdot.gov
azdot.gov
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the
Internet.
ADOT Mission Vision Values
2
On Wed, Nov 22, 2023 at 11:31 AM Bernadette Martinez <bmartinez@azdot.gov> wrote:
Good Morning,
This is in your district. Thanks.
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
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from the
Internet. Yellow Bell Solar Project
Bernadette Martinez
Transportation Construction Technician IV
Central District
2140 W. Hilton Ave, MD 700
Phoenix, AZ 85009
602.712.2086
To help
protect your
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Paola Jaramillo Quintero (PND) <Paola.Jaramillo@maricopa.gov>
Date: Wed, Nov 22, 2023 at 10:15 AM
Subject: Z2023137 Yellow Bell Solar Project Rezone Request
To:
This email serves as a notification to Areas of Interest for the Special Use Permit application we have received, Case No.
Z2023137, for a 802.55 acre site located northeast of Watermelon Rd & Old US HWY 80. The request is to rezone the
site from RU-43 and RU-190 to IND-2 IUPD for a proposed 200 MW Solar Photovoltaic Facility..
Applicable documents for review are available on the Online Permit Manager at:
https://accela.maricopa.gov/CitizenAccessMCOSS/Default.aspx.
Under Planning Services select ‘Search Applications’
Enter the case number “Z2023137” and click enter
New page will load with case information, at the top next to Record Info, click on the arrow drop down and select
Attachments.
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will hold a meeting to discuss the above reference case on Tuesday, December
19, 2023 at 11:15 a.m., via Microsoft Teams Meeting. Please note this meeting is reserved for technical review of the
application documents. Please advise if you are interested in participating in the meeting or providing any comments.
3
Thank you,
Paola Jaramillo
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Planner
301 W. Jefferson St. #170 Phoenix, AZ 85003
O: 602-506-8150
MARICOPA.GOV
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
DATE:
April 24, 2024
TO:
Planning & Zoning Commission
From:
Paola Jaramillo, Planner
SUBJECT:
Z2023137– Yellow Bell Solar Project
Agenda Item: #3
During publication of the staff report, staff was in communications with the applicant regarding
the language of a proposed condition by MCDOT. MCDOT has provided a revised comment letter
and has updated the language to condition c.7, the applicant has review the updated condition.
The conditions will now read as follows (changes in bold):
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).
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
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.
Attachment:
Revised MCDOT Comments (3 pages)
Yellow Bell Solar Project
Traffic Impact Study
North of I-8 & West of SR85, 11-Parcels, Town of Gila Bend
Kimley Horn
Z2023137
Plans Sealed By
Keith Christian II, P.E.
Laxmikanth Narwa, P.E./602.506.8677
Int. Review No.
Date
Item No.
Page No.
Review Comment
Code
LN
2
3/18/2024
1
General
First review comments have been acknowledged by the consultant with Code A - Will Comply
(see attached). Therefore, MCDOT has no additional comments for this review.
LN
2
4/24/2024
2
General
Revised: Prior to building permit approval, all the proposed construction access points
approved on 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 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.
LN
2
3/18/2024
3
General
Repeat: As per the comment # 4 in 1st review, Developer shall coordinate with MCDOT
planning for review and approval of the proposed canal crossing at Driveway F during the
permit approval process.
The Traffic Statement is approved with the above stipulations.
Consultant Comment
Discipline
Consultant
Signature
Date
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
MCDOT -- TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
REVIEW COMMENT SHEET
1 of 2
Project Name: Yellow Bell Solar
Location: North of I-8 and West of SR 85, 11-Parcels, Town of Gila Bend
MCDOT File No.: Z2023137
Date: January 04, 2024
Reviewer: Laxmikanth Narwa, P.E.
Phone No.: 602-506-8677
Consultant: Kimley Horn
Project No.:
Plans Sealed By : Keith Christian II, P.E.
Consultant Code:
A = Will Comply B = Deleted
C = Consultant to Evaluate
Item
Number
Page
Number
Comments
Consultant
Reply
= = =
1.
2.
3.
4.
= = =
General
General
Page 6
(Typical)
Site Plan
1st REVIEW (TIS)
Consultant: Please use the code and respond to each comment in the
Consultant Reply Column. This sheet is for our record, please answer every
question and sign and date your acknowledgement 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 comment sheet. Thank you for your
cooperation.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Project Summary:
The proposed Yellow Bell Solar project is planned to include approximately
200 megawatts, alternating current (MWac) generating facility. The site is
approximately 1,950 acres across 11 parcels. The facility is anticipated to be
completed in year 2025. Access to the site will be established by the eight full-
access driveways.
Per the traffic statement, at full build-out, the proposed development
anticipates generating approximately 14 heavy vehicle trips during each of the
AM and PM peak hours (7 trips in and 7 trips out) primarily for deliveries.
General Comments:
The site is primarily within the jurisdiction of the Town of Gila Bend and Old
US 80 roadway, providing local access to the site, is under the Maricopa
County (MCDOT) jurisdiction. The comments below pertain to roadways
under MCDOT jurisdiction only.
Review Comments:
Please submit a copy of this traffic study for review and approval from the
Town of Gila Bend (TOGB). Upon authorization, developer shall provide a
copy of approval to MCDOT.
Update the report to identify the latest MCDOT Roadway Design Manual
(RDM), dated March 8, 2023 as the reference manual for this traffic study. For
example, criteria for right-turn auxiliary lane (Table 7.6) are different from
what is reported in the study in Section 2.3. Update the study accordingly.
Parcels (APN# 402-03-11B, APN# 402-03-009B, & APN# 402-03-009D)
along with US 80 appear to be within TOGB jurisdiction. Proposed access
points within these parcels shall be approved by the TOGB. Developer shall
coordinate with MCDOT planning for review and approval of the proposed
canal crossing at Driveway F during the permit approval process.
Use CODE
"A", "B","C"
in this column
next to every
comment.
= = = =
MCDOT -- TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
REVIEW COMMENT SHEET
2 of 2
Project Name: Yellow Bell Solar
Location: North of I-8 and West of SR 85, 11-Parcels, Town of Gila Bend
MCDOT File No.: Z2023137
Date: January 04, 2024
Reviewer: Laxmikanth Narwa, P.E.
Phone No.: 602-506-8677
Consultant: Kimley Horn
Project No.:
Plans Sealed By : Keith Christian II, P.E.
Consultant Code:
A = Will Comply B = Deleted
C = Consultant to Evaluate
Item
Number
Page
Number
Comments
Consultant
Reply
= = =
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
= = =
Site Plan
Site Plan
Page 6
General
General
1st REVIEW (TIS)
Consultant: Please use the code and respond to each comment in the
Consultant Reply Column. This sheet is for our record, please answer every
question and sign and date your acknowledgement 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 comment sheet. Thank you for your
cooperation.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Review Comments:
Within the project vicinity and site frontage, US 80 from south of parcel APN#
402-03-009B is within MCDOT jurisdiction. Please update the site plan to
include at a minimum: location, size, and spacing of proposed driveways,
along with driveways and access points adjacent to and opposite of the
proposed development where applicable. Please refer to Typical-Site-Plan-
Example-with-Checklist-PDF (maricopa.gov) for guidance.
The future classification of US 80 on site frontage road is rural principal
arterial; Setbacks shall be per Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance, Section
1105 based on the Right-of-Way requirements of the future roadway
classifications (Refer to RDM Figure 5.2) and any additional setbacks
required by the MCDOT Planning Department during the permit process.
Required Right-of-Way width shall be preserved but no dedication is required
at this time. Additional directions may be stipulated by MCDOT Planning
Department in this regard.
Regardless of the turn lane warrants, for all the approved proposed access
points on 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 facility. A minimum 160 feet of storage
length and an opening taper rate of 15:1 (L:W) shall be provided.
This review assumes no mixed-use land practice shall be allowed on this site.
Any mixed-use activities shall require a new traffic statement be submitted for
review and approval.
Project resides in proximity to a Flood zone; floodplain management
standards may apply. Please check with MCDOT Flood Control District for
any applicable plan review and approvals.
The Traffic Statement is NOT approved.
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________
Use CODE
"A", "B","C"
in this column
next to every
comment.
= = = =