Required Government Approvals
Government Approvals & Permits Required for the Camino Madre Project
The Camino Madre Renewable Power Project (wind, solar, and battery storage) is a complex, multi-jurisdictional development. Because it is located on private land in a checkerboard pattern with Prescott National Forest sections and involves tall structures and transmission infrastructure, it requires approvals at the local, state, and federal levels. The MET test towers (already approved in 2025) went through some of these processes; the full project will require additional and more comprehensive reviews.Below is a thorough, researched list of key approvals needed for the project to receive full “green light” status and begin construction/operation. This is based on Yavapai County records, developer materials, and standard permitting pathways for utility-scale wind projects in Arizona.
Yavapai County (Local)
Use Permit (or Renewable Energy/Wind Facility Use Permit): Required for the main wind energy generation facility, solar arrays, battery storage, substations, and associated infrastructure. The four MET test towers were approved under Use Permit PLA24-000120 in April 2025 (after Planning & Zoning recommendation in March 2025). A new or amended permit will be needed for the full project.
Building, Grading, and Electrical Permits: Issued by Yavapai County Development Services / Building Safety for all structures, foundations, roads, and electrical systems. Must comply with county codes.
Compliance with Zoning Ordinance: The site is zoned RCU-2A (Residential Rural). The project must meet height limits, setbacks, and other standards (or obtain variances/waivers). A new Solar Facilities Ordinance (Section 608, effective ~Dec 2024) may apply to solar/BESS components.
Other Local: Fire district review for access/egress; road department approvals for new or upgraded roads; addressing and flood control reviews.
Process: Application → Staff review → Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing/recommendation → Board of Supervisors final decision.
State of Arizona
Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) – Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC): Likely required for the generation facility and especially the generation-tie (gen-tie) transmission line that connects the project to the grid. The CEC process involves public hearings before the Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee and final ACC approval. It evaluates environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD): Mandatory consultation on wildlife impacts, habitat, and mitigation. They provided (or referenced) comments on the MET towers and will review the full project. May require wildlife surveys, bird/bat studies, and avoidance/minimization measures.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ): Stormwater construction general permit (CGP), potential air quality permits (during construction), and any water-related permits.
Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO): Cultural resources review (archaeological and historic sites located on the property) - often triggered by federal involvement but may be required independently. Several ancient ruins or structures have been documented within the proposed wind farm area.
Federal Agencies
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Aeronautical study and “Determination of No Hazard” for all turbines and structures exceeding 200 feet above ground level (AGL). Includes lighting/marking requirements (red flashing lights). Already completed for the MET towers; full project turbines will require new filings.
Department of Defense (DoD) / Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse: Review for impacts on military airspace, radar systems, and training routes. Coordination with Luke Air Force Base has already occurred for the MET towers (no major issues noted for those shorter structures). Taller turbines will likely trigger additional review.
U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – Prescott National Forest: Special Use Permits, easements, or road use authorizations for any roads, transmission lines, or access that cross or border National Forest System lands (due to the checkerboard ownership pattern). The USFS has already been coordinating on access for the MET towers and has expressed support for negotiations. Any significant federal action may trigger NEPA review (Environmental Assessment or full Environmental Impact Statement).
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS): Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation (if federal nexus exists) and potential Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act permits for incidental take. Golden eagles are a key concern in Arizona wind projects.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Clean Water Act Section 404 permit if the project impacts wetlands or “waters of the United States” (possible during road or transmission construction).
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Triggered if there is a federal action (USFS permits, federal funding, or major federal involvement). Could require an Environmental Assessment (EA) or full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
(actual project area photo of proposed wind farm boundary)
Additional / Supporting Approvals
Cultural Resources / Tribal Consultation: Section 106 review (if federal involvement) or state-level review for archaeological sites and tribal resources.
Decommissioning/Financial Assurance: Often required as a condition of county or state permits to ensure site restoration at end of project life.
Interconnection Agreement: With the transmission owner/utility for grid connection (separate from but related to ACC CEC).
Current Status (as of mid-2026)
MET test towers: Fully approved at county level (2025) with FAA/DoD coordination and USFS access discussions completed.
Full project: Still in early development/permitting. No full Use Permit or CEC applications appear to have been publicly docketed yet. The developer’s timeline targets construction in 2028–2029 and operations in 2029.
Note: Exact requirements can evolve based on project design changes, new studies, or agency feedback. Many processes run in parallel but have long timelines (often 1–3+ years for major permits). Public comment periods are built into most hearings.This page should be updated regularly as new filings or decisions occur. For the most current information, check Yavapai County Development Services, the Arizona Corporation Commission docket, and the developer’s project updates.