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Commission weighs tiers, zoning and setbacks for BESS and solar siting
Summary
Staff outlined a draft tier structure for BESS and commissioners debated which districts should allow each tier, whether large facilities require rezoning, and whether setbacks should be increased from roadways to reduce visual and safety impacts.
Staff described a tiered approach for BESS in draft language: Tier 1 (residential/small scale) allowed in all zoning districts, Tier 2 allowed in Agricultural and Pullman‑Moscow Corridor districts, and Tier 3 allowed in Agricultural and Pullman‑Moscow Corridor districts but with larger scale and additional review requirements.
Commissioners debated appropriate siting: several members said smaller, standalone BESS (Tier 1 or 2) should be broadly permissible, while larger facilities may need rezoning or higher review. Commissioner David McKeirnan recommended more conservative setbacks near high‑speed roads, saying 100 feet may be insufficient and noting examples where sites are set back 200 feet or more from highways. The Commission agreed to consider tiered standards, overlay zones and whether rezoning to industrial or commercial districts is appropriate for large facilities.
The body also discussed the potential for co‑located installations (solar plus BESS) and whether combined projects should be treated under solar rules or by separate BESS standards. Staff said the draft allows combined facilities to be permitted as solar with BESS included, but commissioners asked for clearer language distinguishing co‑located system standards vs. standalone systems.
No formal vote was taken; staff and the consultant will return with revised tier definitions, recommended setbacks, and sample redlines for the Commission's review.
