Ada County is considering changes to its zoning ordinances, including new restrictions on solar energy projects. While some of these updates could improve opportunities for responsible solar development, others could create unnecessary roadblocks for renewable energy in the region.
As Idaho’s population and energy demands continue to grow, we need forward-thinking policies that support cost-effective, clean energy. That’s why the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) is working to ensure that Ada County’s new ordinances strike the right balance—allowing for responsible solar development while addressing legitimate concerns about land use and farmland preservation.
What’s Changing?
The proposed ordinances are part of a larger rewrite of Ada County’s zoning code and include several provisions specific to centralized solar facilities. One positive change would reduce the minimum required property size for solar facilities from 40 acres to 10 acres, enabling smaller projects with fewer social and environmental impacts.
However, a major concern is the proposed ban on solar projects on lands classified as “prime farmland.” While protecting agricultural land is important, this ban unfairly singles out solar facilities, while residential and commercial developments—which permanently remove land from agricultural use—are only “discouraged” in county code. Unlike subdivisions, solar projects are temporary and can be decommissioned, allowing the land to be restored to agriculture in the future.
What Happens Next?
- April 17: Public comments are due to the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission (but submitting them sooner is better!).
- April 24: The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinances.
- May (TBD): The Ada County Board of Commissioners will make the final decision.
How You Can Help
ICL is encouraging advocates to submit comments urging Ada County to reconsider the proposed restriction on solar energy facilities in prime farmland. At a minimum, we would like the County to replace the proposed ban with language that simply “discourages” solar development on prime farmland, keeping it consistent with other land uses.
Make your voice heard! Submit a comment today and help shape Ada County’s energy future.