FLORENCE, AZ — The Florence Town Council unanimously approved a zone change and conditional use permit for the Tanner Rankin Mine expansion on November 18, 2025. The two approvals move the project forward after the council approved a general plan amendment in October.
This article continues coverage from previous hearings on the mining expansion.
Rezoning Approval
The council approved Ordinance 776-25, changing the zoning classification for eight parcels from a combination of Planned Unit Development (Merrill Ranch) and Rural Agricultural to Heavy Industrial. The parcels sit between the northern bank of the Gila River and south of Hunt Highway and the North Side Canal, approximately half a mile west of Pinal Parkway.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with a 4-0 vote on November 6, 2025. Staff also recommended approval.
The ordinance includes two stipulations. The development must comply with all Town of Florence regulations, including Heavy Industrial zoning requirements. The property owner must waive claims for diminution in value under Proposition 207.
Brief Presentation
Paul Gilbert, representing Tanner Rankin Farm LLC, kept his presentation short. He noted the council had heard thorough details during the general plan amendment hearing.
“All we’re doing is simply expanding an existing sand and gravel operation,” Gilbert said. “Frankly, there’s not much else that the property could be used for.”
Conditional Use Permit
The council also approved Resolution 1971-25, granting a conditional use permit for mining operations at the site. The permit allows sand and gravel mining activities in the newly designated Heavy Industrial zone.
Public Participation
Mayor Eaton opened public hearings for both the rezoning and conditional use permit. No one spoke at either hearing, either in person or online.
The council held no discussion on either item before voting. Both votes passed unanimously.
Project Background
The expansion will grow the existing 60-acre mining operation to approximately 250 acres. Mining operations will extract sand and gravel to depths of approximately 125 feet below ground surface.
The site will include material washing, sorting, and potential ready-mix or asphalt blending operations. An armored perimeter berm will provide flood protection, as most of the site sits within a 100-year floodplain.
The project does not anticipate increased truck traffic beyond current levels. According to traffic impact statements, the site currently serves about 15 daily delivery trucks and four employee trips.
For complete project details, see the Pinal Post’s coverage of the initial Planning Commission review.
With the rezoning and conditional use permit approved, the mine still requires a floodplain use permit before operations can expand.
