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Commission asks staff to research rural substation standards and public engagement
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Summary
After discussing recent experience with a high‑voltage facility review, the Planning Commission voted to ask staff to consult supervisors and draft options to amend rural zoning for substations — including design standards, buffering, mapping potentially suitable locations, and a recommendation that applicants meet adjoining property owners before applying.
The Planning Commission voted Nov. 5 to direct staff to approach the Board of Supervisors for authorization to research potential amendments to rural zoning related to electric substations. Commissioner McKay moved the action after expressing concern about siting and community notification for substations in rural districts.
Members debated whether to require conditional use permits for substations or to adopt design standards and buffering requirements. Commissioner Thomas said he opposed adding a broad CUP requirement but supported clearer buffering standards and mapping areas where substations would be appropriate so prospective buyers and developers could be informed. Commissioner DeHaven recommended including design requirements specific to substations in the county ordinance. Several commissioners also supported an added procedural step requiring applicants to meet with adjoining property owners before filing an application; that amendment to the motion passed.
County staff (Pearson) said the commission’s vote would only ask the Board to authorize staff work on ordinance options and that the broader scope would be useful for staff to explore multiple avenues, including standards, comp‑plan mapping and procedural requirements. The commission voted in favor of the direction, and staff will report back with recommendations if the Board authorizes an ordinance amendment process.
