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SRP‑backed battery testing and storage expansion clears council after debate over 30→40‑foot height change
Summary
Council approved a PUD amendment to expand the Aurora Solar PUD for SRP battery testing facilities and allowed a localized increase in allowed building height from 30 to 40 feet; planning commissioners had split 3‑2, and SRP representatives emphasized research‑and‑development nature and distance to residences.
The council approved an amendment to the Aurora Solar Planned Unit Development to add approximately 26.66 acres to allow non‑lithium battery testing and to permit a localized increase in building height from 30 feet to 40 feet within the expansion area.
Marcela Benitez (staff) framed the revision as necessary to accommodate SRP’s Copper Crossing testing facilities and battery storage projects; she said P&Z heard the item and forwarded a recommendation of approval by a 3‑2 vote. Rhys Anderson, a zoning attorney representing Salt River Project, said the projects are research and development forNon‑lithium energy storage with longer duration ("10 hour") systems and stressed coordination with the fire department and safety planning. Anderson said the closest residence is about 3,225 feet from the proposed sites and argued that a 40‑foot limit would be a reasonable flexibility given surrounding infrastructure (existing 155‑foot power poles and other utilities).
Council asked whether the project could be built at 30 feet; SRP said yes but requested flexibility for potential future needs. After discussion the council adopted the ordinance. Planning commissioners’ concerns about visual impact and buffers were noted; staff said design review and covering/buffering (walls, fences) would be addressed at later permitting steps.
