§ 17.88.100. Public uses, public utilities, and high voltage electrical transmission and distribution projects.

A.

High voltage electrical transmission and distribution projects are permitted if a use permit is issued. Section 17.92.025 of this title governs those projects and sets forth various standards and requirements for applications, permit review, and related matters. In some cases, state and federal laws may regulate certain types or characteristics of these projects. This section shall be construed to provide the county with the maximum control consistent with such other laws.

B.

Public uses and public utilities are permitted if a use permit is issued, except that public utility transmission lines, towers, distribution poles and lines, regardless of height, and gas pipelines, which are not associated with high voltage electrical transmission and distribution projects, are permitted uses.

C.

A use permit shall not be issued for a public use or utility or a high voltage electrical transmission and distribution project in a resource district unless findings are made that there is not a reasonable alternative site outside of a resource district, and the impacts from the project on the resource land have been reduced to the lowest reasonable level.

D.

Notwithstanding subsections A and B and C of this section and Section 17.94.040, minor additions or alterations to existing public utility facilities or high voltage electrical transmission and distribution projects, such as construction of small, unmanned buildings or addition of microwave dishes to an existing tower, are permitted uses, and shall not require amendment of a use permit.

E.

Notwithstanding subsections A and B and C of this section, small, new public utility facilities or small, new facilities associated with existing high voltage electrical transmission and distribution projects, such as unmanned telecommunication relay or booster stations, are permitted if an administrative permit is issued. (Ord. 95-3 § 79, 1995; prior code § 5.03.010 (I))

(Ord. No. 2010-03, § III, 8-3-2010)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 2010-03, § III, adopted Aug. 3, 2010, renamed § 17.88.100 from "Public uses and public utilities" to "Public uses, public utilities, and high voltage electrical transmission and distribution projects".