Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Viewshed Protection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission leans to keep 7-mile exclusion for major scenic areas for commercial projects
Summary
Commissioners largely supported retaining a 7-mile viewshed exclusion (applied previously to wind) around Kamiak Butte, Steptoe State Park and Palouse Falls for commercial-scale solar and BESS; some said community-scale projects could be exempted from the radius under CUP review.
Commissioners debated whether the 7-mile radius previously applied to wind energy should also bar commercial-scale solar and battery projects near key scenic areas. Bill Myers and Chris Melhus argued for keeping the exclusion, noting the policy protects photo-tourism and viewsheds: "Seven miles is still seven miles," Myers said, urging caution about visual intrusiveness.
Members differentiated Commercial-scale developments from smaller Community-scale projects: several commissioners indicated they would maintain the 7-mile exclusion for large commercial projects but allow limited community-scale projects to be reviewed through CUPs if local jurisdictions or communities request them. Staff will revise draft language to reflect the distinction and return it for further review.
