Project Overview
Ada County has recently seen an increase in applications for utility scale solar developments. Although the existing zoning code allows for this type of development, more specific standards seem appropriate given comments from the public, reviewing agencies, and staff’s increased understanding of how these developments work. In particular, staff seeks to amend the existing zoning code to address issues associated with lot coverage in the Rural Base Districts; potential impacts to sensitive plant and wildlife species; fire safety and emergency response; and decommissioning of these facilities.
A revised and updated ordinance to address the lot coverage allowance, request supporting documents, and require collaboration with other agencies could allow the Planning and Zoning Commission to review these applications more thoroughly and mitigate some potential negative impacts of utility-scale solar development.
Project Timeline and Process
Our team has put together a draft ordinance that is ready for public feedback. A public survey is available for the public through Friday, May 10, 2024. We will then compile feedback, review as a team, and integrate the feedback into the amendment. It will then go before the Board of County Commissioners for review, after which we will officially submit the zoning ordinance amendment application to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
Maps and Resources
We referred to a number of existing policies and documents from partners across the state to model our draft ordinance after. We also pulled resources from the Boise State Energy Policy Institute and Idaho Fish and Game to help us in our research.
Bannock County Draft Solar Ordinance (this draft was never published, just used for reference)
Bingham County Solar Ordinance
I still have questions – where can I find more information?
For more information, questions, or to subscribe for e-mail updates, contact us at [email protected] or use the form at the bottom of this page.