9-15A-1: SHORT TITLE AND PURPOSE:

   A.    This article shall be known as the OWYHEE COUNTY GREATER THAN 230kV NOMINAL POWER ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICT ORDINANCE (OVERLAY ORDINANCE).

   B.    It is the purpose of this article to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare, to minimize public and private losses and to locate high voltage power transmission lines in areas that best suit the needs of Owyhee County and its citizens. Specific goals are to:

      1.    Protect human life and health.

      2.    Continue to provide reliable power service to county residents.

      3.    Locate power corridors in areas of least impact to residents of the county.

      4.    Locate power corridors in areas of least impact to extraordinary natural, wildlife, historical, recreational, and cultural resources of the county. (Ord. 2013-03, 8-12-2013)

9-15A-2: ESTABLISHMENT OF POWER ZONING OVERLAY DISTRICT:

There is hereby established a power zoning overlay district where power transmission lines east of range 3 west, and greater than 230kV nominal shall be located.

Other power transmission overlay districts may be established by rezoning the property. (Ord. 2013-03, 8-12-2013)

9-15A-3: ALLOWED USES:

Power transmission lines east of range 3 west and greater than 230kV nominal are allowed uses in the overlay district, and shall be located in the overlay district unless a rezone is sought and approved in another area. (Ord. 2013-03, 8-12-2013)

9-15A-4: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:

   A.    Tower structures that support transmission lines shall not be located on prime irrigated land, nor interfere with existing pivot irrigation systems unless approved by the landowner.

   B.    Transmission lines shall preserve scenic qualities within the overlay to the greatest extent possible.

   C.    All residential development shall be outside of any transmission line easement. (Ord. 2013-03, 8-12-2013)