CU-18-00001 Vantage Pomona Heights Master File

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III. Zoning and Development Standards The proposed project is classified as a “Special Utility” under Kittitas County Code section 17.61.010(2)(b). Kittitas County Code permits utilities in all zoning districts and notes that existing utility corridors should be utilized whenever reasonable. This project is being proposed under KCC 17.60A.015 and 17.61.030. This use is a Conditional Use and requires that the following be met: KCC 17.60A.015 Review Criteria 1. The proposed use is essential or desirable to the public convenience and not detrimental or injurious to the public health, peace, or safety or to the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Applicant Response: “The project is desirable to the public convenience because it minimizes the potential for redistributed loads and the over loading of the adjacent transmission system and will ensure continued reliable and efficient service to the Yakima Valley. It will also address future reliability issues within the Mid- Columbia transmission system.” The FEIS process addressed any potential public health and safety impacts (Index #34). Staff Response: GPO 6.6 of the Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan states that expansion of utility facilities is primarily the responsibility of the utility providers. Pacific Power describes the need for the construction of this 230kV line as necessary to ensure “continued reliable and efficient service to the Yakima Valley.” GPO 6.18 requires that utility facility decisions complement regional demand and reinforce an interconnected regional distribution network. A combination of these GPO’s suggests that the proposed project is “essential and desirable” to the public convenience and determined as necessary by Pacific Power. The FEIS issued in October 2016 addresses in detail potential safety and health risks associated with the project, and the chosen alternative mitigates for, or strategically avoids, these issues. Most of the land the proposed transmission line will cross is not private and is characterized by sage lands and un-irrigated lands. 2. The proposed use at the proposed location will not be unreasonably detrimental to the economic welfare of the county and that it will not create excessive public cost for facilities and services by finding that a. The proposed use will be adequately serviced by existing facilities such as highways, roads, police and fire protection, irrigation and drainage structures, refuse disposal, water and sewers, and schools; or b. The applicant shall provide such facilities; or c. The proposed use will be of sufficient economic benefit to offset additional public costs or economic detriment. Applicant Response: “Project access will typically occur from existing highways and roads within the project area. Upgrades to some existing roads, and construction of some new roads will be necessary. Roads existing prior to construction will be left in a condition equal to or better than their condition prior to construction.” “The Project will not be expected to cause significant demands on public service or facilities. During construction, public services such as police, fire, and medical facilities would be needed only in cases of emergency.” “The Project does not require drainage structure, refuse disposal, water or sewer connections.” “The proposed project can result in both short and long-term benefits for the local and regional economies in Kittitas County. These benefits include the creation of new jobs and an increase in regional income, sales and income tax revenues, property tax revenues, and right-of-way rental receipts to the federal government.” (see index #7, Project Narrative 2.7.2). Staff Response: Index # 33