1. PowerButte: Solar Overlay Replacement with PowerButte Guide
Board of Supervisors Meeting – December 6, 2016

2. Planning Commission Recommendation to Board of Supervisors
Direct staff to amend the project and grant work program to remove the development of a Solar Overlay Zone and related amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, including permit processes and development standards; and,
Direct staff and consultant to develop the PowerButte Guide to Utility-Scale Solar in Butte County and related Mapping Tool based upon completed and planned work under a revised work program as an alternative to the Solar Overlay Zone

3. Project Background
Grant-funded project pertaining to the future of utility-scale solar energy facilities in Butte County. The original concept proposed the following:
Develop an Overlay Zone and Map to focus utility-scale solar to appropriate areas of the County
Develop permit processes that would incentivize utility scale solar in areas with the least amount of constraints and impacts
Include development standards for utility-scale solar facilities

4. Project Background
The following public outreach meetings and public hearings were held:
February 17, 2016 Stakeholder Group Meeting
Community Workshops in Chico, Oroville, and Butte Valley (May 5, 9, and 10, 2016)
Planning Commission Meetings
September 22, 2016
November 10, 2016

5. Project Background
Work completed to date resulted in the creation of the Draft Solar Overlay Zone and Draft Overlay Approach
Modeling was developed based upon a variety of factors to determine areas where utility scale solar presented the least amount of conflict with existing resources and proximity to utility lines

6. Project Course Correction
Substantial concern regarding impacts to grazing lands due to Utility Scale Solar facility development was voiced by the Butte County Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Association and the Butte County Farm Bureau
Identification of Grazing Lands as some of the most suitable sites for utility scale solar energy development under the original direction of the project
The need to be responsive to community interests and stakeholders in Butte County
The need for more information to help inform decision-makers, staff and the public on the subject of Utility Scale Solar energy development

7. Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Association Comment
Butte County provides valuable winter grazing, which would be jeopardized by solar facility development under a Solar Overlay Zone
Grazing generates revenue for the County.
It is not feasible for cattle to graze within solar panel facilities.
Grazing lands shaded by solar facilities does not produce grass that is adequate for cattle grazing.
Groundwater recharge lost to development in grazing lands cannot be returned.

8. Butte County Farm Bureau Comment
Solar facility development should only be developed as an accessory use to agriculture.
The Solar Overlay Zone would provide no economic benefit to County, while reducing effort for solar companies to develop on grazing lands.
Grazing lands must be kept productive and uncluttered

9. New Project Approach: Would not create a Solar Overlay Zone
Would develop the PowerButte Guide to Utility-Scale Solar in Butte County and related Mapping Tool
The PowerButte Guide would be informational only, it would not alter any permit process for utility-scale solar facilities.

10. New Project Approach
The Planning Commission recommended the new approach to the project at their November 10, 2016 Meeting
Both the Farm Bureau and Cattlewomen’s and Cattlemen’s Association indicated agreement with the new approach
Staff will continue to work closely with the Stakeholder Group, the Farm Bureau, the Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Association, and the public as this project moves forward.
The project will be re-named from the “PoweButte Solar Overlay Zone” to the “PowerButte Guide to Utility Scale Solar in Butte County”

11. PowerButte Guide to Utility Scale Solar in Butte County
Introduction
Purpose
Vision and Guiding Principles
Overview of Existing Permit Process
Constraints and Opportunities in Butte County
Recommended Standards and Design Criteria
Best Practices for Low Impact Development
Discussion of the Mapping Tool
Approaches for Community Benefits
Future Trends
Exhibit Maps

12. PowerButte Guide to Utility Scale Solar in Butte County
Project Benefits:
Builds upon existing work
Will provide valuable information on constraints and opportunities during the review of Use Permits for utility scale solar
Reduces potential impacts to grazing lands
Has received initial support from agricultural community

13. Alternative Project Options Considered by Planning Commission
No Project Option
PowerButte Guide Option (Planning Commission Recommended)
Narrowed Scope Option
Limited Overlay Option
Specific Areas Option

14. State Grant and Work Program
Development Services staff will work with PlaceWorks Consulting to amend the work program to support development of the PowerButte Guide
Existing work will be used towards the new project
State Grant Administrators with the Department of Conservation and the Strategic Growth Council have given a greenlight to this new approach

15. CEQA Review
The revised project would not be authorizing any development, will not be amending the Zoning Ordinance
No CEQA review would therefore be required
A CEQA exemption will be used for the project at time of its approval

16. Board of Supervisors Questions and Comments
PowerButte Project

17. Public Comment
PowerButte Project

18. Recommendation to Board of Supervisors
Direct staff to amend the project and grant work program to remove the development of a Solar Overlay Zone and related amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, including permit processes and development standards; and,
Direct staff and consultant to develop the PowerButte Guide to Utility-Scale Solar in Butte County and related Mapping Tool based upon completed and planned work under a revised work program as an alternative to the Solar Overlay Zone

19. Next Steps
Staff and consultant will develop the PowerButte Guide based on work completed and new work proposed under a revised scope.
An additional Planning Commission meeting will be scheduled for review of the final product and recommendations to the Board.
The Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing to review the PowerButte Guide, to be approved under County Resolution.
Project completion is expected by summer 2017.