Planning commission backs SRP plan to expand Aurora Solar PUD, allow 40-foot buildings in limited area

The Florence Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of PZ-26-20 on July 16, a proposed amendment to the Aurora Farms Planned Unit Development that would add roughly 26.66 acres to the PUD and allow buildings up to 40 feet tall within a limited redlined area. Commissioner Lehman made the motion to approve the amendment with staff recommendations and an owner waiver; Commissioner Buckner seconded and the motion passed by roll call (Buckner Aye; Wooley No; Lehman Yes; DeRosa No; Chairman Frost Yes).

Rhys Anderson, attorney for the applicant, told the commission the request is limited to an area owned by Salt River Project (SRP) and is tied to a multi-phase ‘‘Copper Crossing’’ development that includes solar arrays, gas turbines and new energy storage testing. Anderson emphasized that the application does not change permitted uses, only the PUD boundary and a development standard for one portion of the site. "The area in purple (the red area shown in the packet) is essentially the area where the 40 feet goes," Anderson said, and he confirmed the 40-foot figure is what was advertised after staff caught a typo in the written project narrative that had mistakenly said "50 foot." (Staff and the applicant confirmed the correct requested height is 40 feet.)

Ellie Griesemer, an SRP engineer, said the site will evaluate alternatives to lithium-ion batteries as part of SRP’s long-term efforts to reach net-zero carbon goals by 2050 and that the project will host industry partners and first responders during research activities. Commissioners pressed the applicant on local benefits and visual impacts to nearby residents; Vice Chair DeRosa described existing panels along Attaway Road as "visual blight," and SRP representatives said they are coordinating screening and walls consistent with town code and that final aesthetics and site plans will be reviewed and enforced by staff at the design-review stage.

Before the final vote, Vice Chair DeRosa moved to continue the item to obtain more information about PUD details and the proposed building footprint; that motion failed on roll call. Commissioner Lehman then moved to approve the PUD amendment including staff conditions and the owner waiver language referenced in the applicant’s motion; that motion carried. The applicant also stated they signed a waiver referenced in the meeting as a "207 waiver." The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for a hearing and final action.