Energy-related code amendments (Title 17)
A proposed ordinance adding definitions and special-use standards for battery storage, natural gas plants and small modular reactors, RTI overlay uses and solar requirements. The council tabled it Jan. 21, 2025 after a long public hearing, and the mayor planned a town hall.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
Every hearing and vote
January 9, 2025 · City Council work session
Question and answer with Idaho National Laboratory
Pending
The agenda says the council and Planning Commission could ask questions about the testing, development and operation of nuclear power generation facilities. The discussion is not available.
January 21, 2025 · City Council
Energy-related amendments to Title 17 (battery storage, natural gas, small modular reactors, solar)
Tabled · 5-0
Planning Director Brandon Larsen and Economic Development Director Evan Berrett presented definitions for energy uses, an agricultural zone use, permitted uses in the RTI overlay, special-use standards for battery storage, natural gas plants and small modular reactors, and solar requirements in Chapter 17.15. The hearing ran from 8:50 to 10:15 p.m. More than 20 residents and others spoke, along with representatives of Enyo, a university research official, the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab and the Eagle Mountain Nature and Wildlife Alliance; nine written comments were also submitted. The council voted unanimously to table the ordinance, and the mayor will schedule a town hall with questions and answers on energy.
December 16, 2025 · City Council
Alternative energy overlay zone, Chapter 17.64
Tabled · 5-0
Economic development staff presented an overlay zone allowing power generation facilities at approved locations; it is not applied to any property now and would be considered on request. Eight people spoke at the 8:36 to 9:01 p.m. hearing and two written comments were read. Council Member Jared Gray moved to table.
January 20, 2026 · City Council
Project Aquila: behind-the-meter energy project for Meta (work session)
Discussed
Williams presented a behind-the-meter generation project in the RTI overlay zone, with discussion of noise, wall heights, setbacks and aesthetics. Economic Development Director Abby Ivory gave background and the staff recommendation.
- Applicant: Williams
April 7, 2026 · City Council
Alternative energy overlay zone (discussion)
Discussed
Evan Berrett reviewed changes and asked for feedback. No action.
July 7, 2026 · City Council
Alternative energy overlay zone, Chapter 17.64
Approved with conditions · 4-1
Evan Berrett presented the overlay zone, and no one spoke at the 9:18 p.m. hearing. A motion to table by Council Member Brett Wright failed 2-3. The council then adopted the zone, with administrative appeals changed to go to the city council, 4-1 with Rich Wood voting no.