The Pinal County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a rezoning request on October 1, 2025, that converts 24.23 acres from General Rural (GR) to Light Industrial and Warehouse (I-2) zoning with six stipulations. The approval marks another step in the transformation of the I-8 corridor between Casa Grande and Maricopa, where thousands of acres are being developed for energy generation projects, data centers, and industrial facilities.
The Property
Tim and Shirley Tate own the two parcels located southeast of South Trekell Road and Skyway Ave. Rick Miller served as the applicant’s representative. The Tates have operated the Tee Pee Sand & Gravel business in the area for 35 years, with their gravel operation located just north of Interstate 8 on South Trekell Road.
The property sits vacant and undeveloped. A 230 kV electric transmission line easement runs east-west to the north. Skyway Drive, a paved drive owned by the City of Casa Grande, adjoins the northern property line and provides access to JW Funeral Services cemetery located to the east. The Valley Humane Society operates an animal shelter south of the property.
The applicants stated they have no immediate development plans. The site will remain vacant and maintained for the foreseeable future.
I-8 Corridor Development
The property lies along the I-8 corridor, which has seen significant industrial expansion. Parcels directly south of the Tate property received I-2 zoning in 2025, transitioning from General Rural (GR), Manufactured Home (MH), and General Business (CB-2) designations for an industrial complex.
The corridor hosts multiple planned major energy generation projects spanning around 4,500 acres:
| Project Name | Acres | Solar Power (MW) | Battery Storage (MW) | Natural Gas (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Griffin | 2,685 | * | * | * |
| Bella | 352 | — | 400–440 | 480–520 |
| Silver Reef | 801 | 150 | 200 | — |
| Table Top | 643 | 96 | * | — |
— Not included in project
* Planned but capacity not specified in source documents
The Midway Data Center also has plans for development along the corridor.
Commission and Board Action
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 on July 17, 2025, to forward a recommendation of conditional approval with six stipulations. Prior to the Planning Commission meeting, staff received three letters of support from owners of parcels surrounding the proposed rezoning area. The letters discussed alignment with land use along the I-8 corridor, the comprehensive plan’s employment designation, and general growth patterns in the area. No opposition letters were received.
The Board of Supervisors approved the rezoning unanimously on October 1, 2025.
Strategic Zoning Approach
Board Chairman Stephen Miller praised the approach during the October 1 meeting: “This hard zoning on a piece of property like this, I think, is the way we need to go in the future. This gives a lot of flexibility to potential users on how they may approach that. And this is absolutely the corridor, it’s kind of the entrance into the industrial area of the Casa Grande area. So I applaud the owners for taking this action.”
Miller’s comments highlight how establishing clear industrial zoning signals to the market that the area commits to industrial growth. This approach can attract users faster and prevent incompatible uses from being introduced later. Once land receives a broad, standard industrial category, any user who fits the zoning can proceed without needing further political approvals. Companies considering the property can plan with a degree of certainty.
Supervisor Rich Vitiello expressed one concern during deliberations, asking for confirmation that the property could not become a dump zone. Staff confirmed it could not.
What Comes Next
The ordinance takes effect 30 days after its October 1 adoption date. When the property owners identify a potential user and decide to develop the site, they must submit detailed plans through the county’s Site Plan Review process. At that time, staff will require traffic impact analyses, drainage studies, and infrastructure plans tailored to the specific proposed use.
The six stipulations attached to the approval focus primarily on ensuring proper right-of-way dedication along Trekell Road (identified as a Route of Regional Significance), compliance with access management requirements, and adherence to I-2 zoning standards for any future development. The property’s over 500 feet of frontage on Trekell Road and access via Skyway Drive provide multiple options for future site access.
