Board of Adjustment - October 26, 2026

The City of Moscow, Idaho Board of Adjustment met on October 26, 2026, and approved 4–1 a conditional use permit for Avista Utilities to build an electrical substation at 2222 Paradise Ridge Road. The proposed facility includes electrical equipment, a control building, stormwater detention, fencing, screening, and related utility infrastructure. Avista said the substation would improve power reliability and support future growth; residents raised concerns about neighborhood compatibility, visibility, noise, flooding, traffic, and property impacts. The board found the use met the applicable approval criteria, while one member disagreed with several findings.

Approval includes conditions requiring dedication of 35 feet of right-of-way along the site’s eastern boundary and frontage improvements along Paradise Ridge Road and Palouse River Drive within five years of approval or before construction of the service center, whichever occurs first. The board also approved a written decision concerning an appeal of the zoning administrator’s decision on a proposed building permit; one member abstained. No procurement, contract award, or purchasing action was identified.