Planning Commission approves temporary pole storage permit for Rocky Mountain Power

The Box Elder County Planning Commission on Jan. 15 approved a Temporary Use Permit (TUP26-001) allowing Rocky Mountain Power to temporarily store steel transmission poles on private property from May 2026 through December 2026.

Staff described proposed site controls to minimize impacts: the yard would be graded and covered with dust-suppressing material; a secure perimeter fence at least six feet tall would be installed; gated access with emergency contact signage would be provided; poles would be stacked safely on level ground and handled by certified equipment operators; operations would be limited to daylight hours (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.); emergency vehicle access routes would be maintained; dust-control measures such as water trucks or palliatives would be used during dry conditions; Rocky Mountain Power would notify nearby residents and businesses in advance; and all materials and temporary infrastructure would be removed and the site restored at the end of the permit period.

"Staff feels comfortable approving the request with conditions listed in the staff report," staff told commissioners before a vote. Commissioner Bonnie Robinson moved to approve the application; Commissioner Brian Bowen seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The commission's approval includes conditions requiring compliance with Article 5 and Article 2-2-160 (Temporary Use Permit) of the Box Elder County Land Use Management & Development Code and any applicable county, state and federal permits or licenses. The permit's stated operational controls are intended to limit noise, dust and traffic impacts and to preserve emergency access on nearby roads.

Next steps: the applicant must meet the stated conditions and maintain required site controls during the permit period; the commission or county staff may monitor compliance and require corrective action if conditions are not met.