During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the potential zoning of Cherokee County, with significant implications for future energy projects, particularly solar and wind developments. One commissioner advocated for comprehensive zoning to establish clear regulations for these energy sources, emphasizing that zoning could streamline processes and enhance transparency. However, the proposal faced opposition from other board members who expressed concerns about the costs and the potential for overly restrictive regulations.

The commissioner noted that implementing zoning could take considerable time, referencing Lebec County's experience, which took approximately 18 months. The estimated cost for hiring a planning company to assist with zoning was projected to be around $200,000, raising questions about budget constraints and the timeline for such an initiative.

Opponents of zoning highlighted that previous regulations on wind energy did not require zoning discussions, suggesting that the current push for zoning might be a delay tactic. They argued that the county should not impose strict regulations that could deter development and expressed a preference for maintaining the county's current unzoned status.

The conversation also touched on the necessity of a zoning board and a comprehensive plan before any zoning could be enacted, indicating that the process would involve multiple steps and require a formal vote from the commission. Some members expressed a desire to ensure that any decisions made would leave the county in a favorable position for future developments.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the complexity of the issue, with calls for further discussion and consideration of extending the current moratorium on new energy projects until a clearer path forward could be established. The debate reflects a broader tension between the desire for regulation and the need for flexibility in managing the county's energy landscape.