Issue:
VO‐2
AZARNG Site:
Entire JLUS
Project Area
Cellular communication towers may
generate obstructions to flight operations.
Pinal County and incorporated municipalities
approve cellular communication towers within
the JLUS Project Area but do not coordinate with
the AZARNG in order to identify their potential
impacts on military flight operations.
Compatibility Assessment
Development that results in the construction of tall facilities within areas used for
helicopter flight and training activity, including cell towers, can pose a potential hazard to
safe helicopter operations within the JLUS Project Area. Cell towers can vary in height
from 100‐200 feet for typical equipment to some that are up to 400 feet, depending on
the construction method and use of the tower. Other types of towers can be taller, again
depending on the application. The FAA has developed parameters whereby tall objects
such as towers are considered obstructions to safe operation of aircraft including
helicopters.
The 2015 Updated Pinal County Comprehensive Plan discusses limiting building heights
near airports and compliance with Federal Aviation Regulation Part 77 dealing with
obstructions to airspace but does not discuss communication towers specifically. The
Plan also notes that much of the county lies under special use airspace intended for
military operations and the need to minimize impacts to that airspace, although much of
this is presented in the context of future commercial airport development. The Pinal
County zoning ordinance regulates towers including cell towers and requires permits for
construction and demonstration of compliance with FAA regulations. However, there are
no policies related to coordination with the AZARNG to ensure no impacts to helicopter
operations.
The Town of Florence General Plan discusses object heights but only in the context of
buildings with no reference to communication towers or similar facilities. The Town of
Florence zoning code includes communication towers but only in a very limited manner
with no reference to vertical obstruction considerations. The Town of Marana General
Plan and zoning code do not include provisions for communication towers. The Town of
Queen Creek zoning ordinance requires the permitting of communication tower
construction and also prohibits the construction of any facility including towers that
would be a hazard to safe aircraft operations.
None of the JLUS partner communities require coordination with the AZARNG when
considering or approving siting/construction of communications towers.
5-136
Compatibility Assessment