County GovernmentFriday, November 6
Bannock County's land use rewrite heads to commissioners with a Nov. 19 hearing penciled in
The Good Day Pocatello team
If you care about solar, wind or nuclear projects in Bannock County, watch this one. The Planning and Development Council voted 5-0 on Oct. 29 to recommend the county's land use rewrite, the LUDO. Its Chapter 7 would replace the county's 2024 ban on large-scale solar and wind with a conditional use permit process.
Chapter 7 would allow wind and solar in four zones, nuclear in two
| Project type | Zones allowed |
|---|---|
| Wind and solar | Agricultural, commercial general, industrial, light industrial |
| Nuclear | Commercial and industrial |
Source: Idaho State Journal
- Commissioners' hearing: Thu., Nov. 19, 11 a.m. (tentative)
- Where: Bannock County Courthouse, Room 119, 624 E. Center St.
- Council's conditions: project size limits and more on battery storage
We suggest checking bannockcounty.gov/ourfuture first: the Nov. 19 date could shift if the legal notice isn't published in time. Data centers are on a separate track. A county moratorium covers new applications, and staff are drafting an ordinance that would amend the LUDO. It doesn't cover the proposed facility at the former Hoku plant site, which is outside county jurisdiction.
Commissioners could hear the land use rewrite Nov. 19
- 2024Commissioners ban large-scale solar and wind projects after a temporary moratorium expires.
- Oct. 29Planning and Development Council votes 5-0 to recommend the LUDO with conditions.
- Nov. 19Commissioners tentatively hold their hearing on the LUDO at 11 a.m.