Zoning
Zoning regulations for Pinal County are outlined in Title 2 Zoning of the Pinal County
Development Services Code. The current Pinal County zoning ordinance was most
recently updated in August 2017. The zoning ordinance establishes two sets of zoning
districts. The first set of districts retains the zoning districts that existed before
February 18, 2012. There are 22 districts established that fall under the categories rural
zoning districts, residential zoning districts, business zoning districts, industrial zoning
districts, and overlay zoning districts. A second set of districts was established for land
zoned after February 18, 2012. There were 31 zoning districts established, of which are
grouped under the categories rural zoning districts, residential zoning districts, activity
center zoning districts, office zoning districts, commercial zoning districts, industrial
zoning districts, overlay zoning districts, and other zoning districts.
There are three components of the zoning ordinance that relate to compatible land uses
and development around the AZARNG sites. The Outdoor Lighting section relates to the
preservation of dark skies that will support nighttime training. The Wireless
Communications Facilities section establishes regulations for wireless communications
towers, which have the potential to impact helicopter flight operations. The Residential
Photovoltaic Solar Energy Devices section establishes guidelines for small‐scale solar
energy development, including managing to glare that could impact helicopter pilot
safety. Pinal County’s zoning ordinance does not have any provisions regulating
commercial photovoltaic solar energy devices.
The Pinal County zoning ordinance does not include any regulations for wind turbines or
commercial‐scale solar energy facilities. These types of uses could impact helicopter
flight areas if not properly coordinated and developed in compatible areas.
Outdoor Lighting
Chapter 2.195 of the Pinal County Zoning Ordinance establishes a comprehensive
provision for outdoor lighting within Pinal County. There are three lighting zones for
different ambiences.
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Low ambient light area ‐ Outdoor lighting in this lighting zone shall not exceed
50 percent of the maximum lighting power density.
Medium ambient light areas ‐ Outdoor lighting in this lighting zone shall not
exceed 75 percent of the maximum lighting power density.
High ambient light areas ‐ Outdoor lighting in this lighting zone shall not exceed
100 percent of the maximum lighting power density.
ᴏ Assessment of what the requirement are such as shielding;
ᴏ Certain types of bulbs;
Planning & Compatibility Tools