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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-135 Yakima County’s current comprehensive plan, “Plan 2015,” describes a vision for Yakima County, including how it should grow, what services are anticipated to accommodate growth, and the goals and objectives to achieve the community vision. Policies related to utilities include: Policy UT 2.3: Assist and facilitate the siting of utility-related infrastructure in a manner consistent with Plan 2015 through land use planning and development review policies and procedures Policy UT 3.1: Utility services should be provided in accordance with approved utility comprehensive plans that are consistent with future population projects and the preferred land use categories defined by Plan 2015 Yakima County Code (YCC) 19.18.260 - Linear Transmission Facilities establishes the criteria and standards for the development and expansion of transmission lines. YCC 19.14 - Allowable Land Use Table details land uses which may be permitted through Type 1, 2, 3, or 4 reviews. Review of applications for linear transmission facilities are in accordance with a Type 2 review. In addition to the required application contents specified for Type 2 applications, there are additional requirements necessary for the application detailed in YCC 19.18.260. A Type 2 or Class 2 use is generally permitted provided that development standards are met and compatibility with neighboring uses and consistency with the YCC can be met. Zoning in Yakima County within the Project study area is typically “Agriculture,” “Remote/Extremely Limited Development Potential,” and “Valley Rural.” See Appendix A - Zoning Map for zoning designations in the Project study area. The GMA requires counties to develop policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas. These are adopted in ordinance and are typically referred to as Critical Areas Ordinances (CAO). Critical areas identified by Yakima County in the Project study area include “Wetlands,” “Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas,” “Frequently Flooded Areas,” “Geologically Hazardous Areas,” and “Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas.” Crossing of these areas in Yakima County may require a Critical Areas Permit. Benton County According to the Benton County Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2006 (amended), planning for utilities should be recognized as the primary responsibility of the utility providers. The county should rely on plans prepared by the utility providers. However, the land use map, plan policies and capital facilities plan of the Comprehensive Plan offer opportunities for providers to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of service to county residents. A review of the Benton County Code, Title 11 “Zoning” did not indicate whether transmission or power lines were a permitted or a conditional use within the county’s zoning classifications. However, a Shoreline Management Substantial Development Permit would be required, subject to Benton County Shoreline Hearing Board approval. Zoning in Benton County within the Project study area is designated as GMA Agricultural District. See Appendix A: Zoning Map for zoning designations in the Project study area. The GMA requires counties to develop policies and development regulations to protect the functions and values of critical areas. These are adopted in ordinance and are typically referred to as CAO. Critical areas identified by Benton County in the Project study area include “Wetlands,” “Rivers and Creeks,” “Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas/Interchange Areas,” “Frequently Flooded Areas,” “Geologically Hazardous Areas,” “Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas,” and “Mineral Resource Areas.” Crossing of these areas in Benton County may require a Critical Areas Permit.