Council weighs overlay, special‑use standards to allow high‑voltage transmission through ag zoning

City staff briefed council on a proposed transmission alignment to the Mercer substation and flagged a gap in the city’s agricultural zoning: the AG zone allows utilities by special use, but the code does not explicitly mention high‑voltage transmission lines. The presentation explained that the preferred alignment crosses largely agricultural parcels, and that the lack of explicit code language prevents staff and council from approving transmission lines there under current rules. "Our current AG zone doesn't mention anything about electrical transmission," a staff presenter said.

Councilmembers discussed options including special‑use standards in the AG zone, an overlay district, a new specific zone for transmission corridors, or using development agreements. Several members argued an overlay would require council review and public notice and thus offer more control; others worried that special uses, if meeting objective criteria, could be approved administratively and reduce council discretion. A council member asked whether Rocky Mountain Power would accept a development agreement; staff said utilities typically won’t sign a DA and would instead request zoning or an overlay. The council directed staff to pursue options that preserve the ability to require public notice and limit locations, with staff indicating they will return with draft overlay language and examples from other cities.