During a recent government meeting, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) addressed an appeal from citizen Bob Kerner concerning the interpretation of LISA scores related to a special use permit for a solar project proposed by Pacifico. The board had previously approved the permit, which was then forwarded to the county's land use committee. Kerner's appeal, submitted under section 8-14-12, questioned four specific LISA scores assigned by the county's zoning officer.

The scores in dispute were related to agricultural operations, consistency with the county plan, compatibility, and another unspecified factor. Kerner argued that these scores should be significantly higher than the zeros assigned by the zoning officer, suggesting they should be rated as 10, 10, 9, and 10, respectively. In response, the zoning officer provided documentation supporting the original scores, emphasizing that LISA scores are not mandatory but are one of several factors considered in the decision-making process.

The board deliberated on whether to uphold the zoning officer's scores or to accept Kerner's interpretations. Members expressed confidence in the county staff's expertise, noting that consistency in scoring is crucial for fairness in the process. The discussion highlighted the potential for future changes in how LISA scores are utilized, with the possibility of employing outside firms for scoring if the county chooses to do so.

Ultimately, the board's decision will impact the Pacifico project, as the LISA scores are site-specific and integral to the special use permit's approval. The ZBA is tasked with determining the validity of the scores in question, which could set a precedent for how similar appeals are handled in the future.