Ada County Development Services will hold a public hearing at 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 16, 2025 with the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission to hear public input on the county’s new Zoning Ordinance. This will include the Solar Farm Ordinance Amendment.

The January 16th meeting is critical, and we need everyone to show up and make their voices heard. This is our chance to address the proposed changes to the Ada County Code regarding solar projects and other lasting zoning changes — decisions that could have a profound impact on our community. Your attendance is essential to demonstrate strong, united opposition and ensure our concerns are taken seriously. Every voice matter, and we can’t afford to sit this one out. Let’s pack the room and stand together for our farmland and future once again!

You do NOT need to be an Ada County resident to attend this crucial meeting! I apologize for the late notice, but please join us if you can and bring as many people as possible. Even if you don’t plan to speak, your presence alone will make a significant impact.

Below are a few ideas and potential talking points to consider:

• Emphasize that the meeting is about proposed changes to the Ada County Code, not directly about the Powers Butte project.
• Reinforce that while the Code change may seem neutral, it has far-reaching implications for farmland throughout Ada County.
• The Code amendment would weaken protections for farmland across Ada County by limiting prohibitions on solar farms only to “prime” farmland, thereby opening up large swaths of viable agricultural land to industrial solar development.
• Cite other jurisdictions’ policies to demonstrate that the proposed language goes beyond what is typical or reasonable.
• Reference Powers Butte only as an illustrative example of what could happen under the proposed Code changes.
• Explain that under the new definition of “prime farmland,” the Powers Butte farmland—despite being irrigated and viable for crops—would not be protected, allowing its conversion to industrial use.
• Remind attendees and decision-makers of the strong public opposition demonstrated in two packed meetings concerning Powers Butte.
• Argue that weakening farmland protections contradicts public sentiment and undermines trust in local government.
• Point out that the proposed Code changes appear developer-driven, creating a potential perception of undue influence.
• Emphasize that this erodes public confidence and undermines fairness in the decision-making process.
• Propose alternative language for the Code amendment:
• Advocate for a prohibition of industrial solar farms on all viable farmland in Ada County, not just the “best” farmland.
• Suggest clearer definitions and protections that preserve farmland without loopholes.
• Provide clear examples of potential loopholes developers could exploit, such as selling off water rights to render farmland less viable or ambiguities in defining what qualifies as “viable farmland.”

Powers Butte Energy Center (Industrial-Scale Solar Facility)-Idaho

Solar facility is located in the Nampa/Kuna/Melba communities of Idaho. Information in this guide is directly from the developer: POWERS BUTTE ENERGY CENTER

Ada County – Idaho

The next public hearing is January 16th at 6:00 pm, 1st floor of the courthouse in the Commissioners meeting room.

The Board of County Commissioners and Planning & Zoning Commission meet once a month to review development applications. The applications that require a public hearing are Conditional Use permits, Development Agreements, Planned Communities, Subdivisions, Vacations, Variances, Zoning Map or Text Amendments, and Comprehensive Plan Amendments. All other applications are processed internally by our staff.

Our hearings are broadcast via WebEx video conference. Members of the public have the option to submit written comments and/or watch the hearing via LiveStream instead of testifying or watching in person. Please note that all written testimony must be submitted by the close of business the Thursday prior to the hearing. To testify either in person or via WebEx, please fill out our public hearing testimony registration form. Please note that all people wanting to testify remotely via WebEx are required to register by the Monday prior to the hearing date. To see a list of the applications that will be heard at these hearings, please see the legal notices in the Idaho Statesman.

Canyon County – Idaho

Planning and Zoning meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 6:30 pm. These are held in the Public Meeting Room on the first floor of the Administrative Building.

Suggestions for Testifying at the Public Hearing

Be informed . . .

Review the proposal, the staff report, applicable provisions of the ordinance and comprehensive plan. Learn the criteria used to consider the proposal’s merits, or other pertinent material.

Be on time . . .

Although the item you are interested in may not be first on the agenda, you never know when it will be heard. The governing body has authority to adjust the schedule according to its discretion. Thus, anticipate attending from the beginning.

Speak to the point . . .

The governing body appreciates pertinent, well organized, and concise comments. Redundant testimony is discouraged and each individual is given 3 minutes to comment. Long stories, abstract complaints, or generalities may not be the best use of time. Neighborhood groups are encouraged to organize testimony and have one person speak on behalf of the group — “opposition representative,” like the applicant’s representative, receives 10 minutes to make comments. Applicant has 5 minutes to rebut or discuss issues raised by any opposition.

If you don’t wish to speak, write . . .

At most hearings, previously submitted written testimony has been reviewed by the governing body before the meeting. It is unreasonable to submit extensive written comments or information at the hearing and expect them to be reviewed prior to a decision. All documents or written comments should be submitted to the Development Services Department by the comment deadline.

If you require special accommodations, please contact us at 454-7458 at least two weeks prior to the hearing so that arrangements can be made.

Noise, Fire, Water, Health Concerns

Property Values

BESS – Battery Energy Storage System

Information in regards to sound, fires, contamination, smoke, etc….

Decommissioning Solar Panels after 40 years (Anticipated)

Idaho Power | Idaho Public Utilities Commission

Boards and Commission Financial Facts

Compile a list of financial costs to cities, towns and states for Boards and Commissions that only care about passing regulations for solar and wind projects that generate revenue for the county or state.

Examples of Financial Facts Needed For Commissions

Example #1: If anyone has an example of a lawsuit that was filed against a leaseholder, town or county, even if the leaseholder, town or county won the lawsuit, please post any details you can find, because every lawsuit will cost the defendant money for lawyer fees and can be used as examples of costs to the city, county or private leaseholder.

Example #2: Share any examples of money paid out by a county or state in higher utility rates for their offices, or money paid to repair roads damaged by the heavy equipment used to build a solar project, or special equipment or training for fire departments so they can handle solar panel fires.

Example #3: Share any example of businesses that have closed or laid off workers due to less farm productivity, such as truck/tractor repair shops, a farmers Co-Op that distributes chemicals and diesel, seed companies, or even local part-time seasonal drivers that will have less hours of work, etc.

Remember, for every dollar that is not paid to a local resident, that is less money paid in sales tax, less state and county tax coming out of wages, etc.

Legal Regulations for Zoning Boards

List of legal state and/or county regulations for zoning boards, especially anything that “should” prevent them from allowing industrial solar or wind projects near residential dwellings.

Property Owners Rights

List of exceptions to the rule that property owners have the right to do what they want with their own land, such as when it infringes on the rights of neighbors, wildlife, ground water, erosion, noise and health hazards.

Before the Ohio Power Sitting Board

In the Matter of the Application of Fountain Point Solar Energy LLC for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need to Construct a Solar-Powered Electric Generation Facility in Logan County, Ohio.

Corrupt Solar Farm Developers

List of Corrupt Solar Farm Developers, documenting their negatives.