Table of Contents

Solar Energy

The county's zoning code permits accessory PV and hot water solar energy systems by right in all zoning districts, accessory concentrated solar thermal solar energy systems in all districts with a conditional use permit, PV solar energy systems as primary land uses in rural and nonresidential districts with a conditional use permit, and concentrated solar thermal solar energy systems as primary land uses in agricultural and two industrial districts with a conditional use permit (§17.16.030).

This code includes specific development standards for solar energy systems as primary uses addressing minimum lot size, maximum height, setbacks, safety/access features, noise restrictions, visual appearance, electrical interconnections, and fire protection (§17.33.030.B).

This code also includes specific conditional use review requirements for solar energy systems as primary uses requiring development and decommissioning plans and multiple studies looking at economic, environmental, traffic, and visual impacts (§17.33.050).

Wind Energy

The county’s zoning code defines and regulates small and large wind energy systems.

It permits small wind energy systems by right in most zoning districts, subject to use-specific standards (§17.16.030). These standards address permitted locations and number, minimum lot size, pole or tower design, height, safety, setbacks, noise, visual appearance, interconnection, signal interference, overspeed controls, fire protection, and permit requirements (§17.34.030).

It permits large wind energy systems with a discretionary use permit in most zoning districts, subject to use-specific standards (§17.16.030). These standards address permitted locations and number, minimum lot size, pole or tower design, height, safety, setbacks, noise, visual appearance, interconnection, signal interference, overspeed controls, fire protection, and permit requirements (§17.34.040).

It defines “commercial wind energy system” and “small wind energy system” (§17.34.020).