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Council approves heavy‑industrial rezoning and Rankin Mining permit to expand sand & gravel operations
Summary
Florence approved a multi‑parcel rezoning to Heavy Industrial (Ordinance 776‑25) and a conditional use permit (Resolution 1971‑25) allowing Rankin Mining to expand sand and gravel operations in land north of the Gila River; petitioners said the change continues an existing mining use and planning bodies recommended approval.
On Nov. 18 the Florence Town Council approved two related land‑use actions that together clear the way for expanded sand and gravel operations in an area south of Hunt Highway and north of the Gila River.
Paul Gilbert, representing the petitioner, told council the rezoning request before council (Ordinance 776‑25) follows a prior general‑plan amendment and mining overlay, and that staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. The rezoning changes several parcels from a mix of plan unit development (Merrill Ranch), planned rural agriculture (RA‑10) and existing designations to Heavy Industrial (HI).
Council subsequently considered a conditional‑use permit for the Rankin Mining project (Resolution 1971‑25) to expand mining activities in the same area. Staff explained the conditional use permit is the next procedural step after rezoning and that the petitioner intends to continue sand and gravel operations in the HI district.
No members of the public offered opposition at the hearing; petitioner and planning staff indicated prior hearings had reviewed environmental and access considerations. Council moved and approved the rezoning and the conditional use permit in sequence.
Both actions are legislative and administrative steps allowing future operational approvals, inspections and permitting. Additional project‑level details (specific operating plans, mitigation measures, and monitoring) will be addressed in subsequent permitting and through any required state or county oversight.
