In a recent meeting of the Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission, significant discussions centered around the development of a new ordinance aimed at regulating utility-scale solar energy projects. This comes in the wake of a legal challenge to the town's interpretation of its 2040 general plan, which was ratified by citizens in November 2023. The challenge, brought forth by a law firm representing two of the three proposed solar projects, seeks to compel the town to accept conditional use permit (CUP) applications based on past practices, potentially bypassing the protections outlined in the new general plan.

The proposed ordinance is seen as essential for safeguarding both the town's legal standing and the interests of its residents. Town staff emphasized that relying solely on a CUP would not provide the necessary protections that the new ordinance would ensure. Key requirements from the general plan include evaluating best practices for solar energy policies, ensuring that solar facilities do not disrupt wildlife movement, and establishing guidelines for project size, visual impact, and land reclamation.

Moreover, the general plan mandates the formation of a committee to assist in developing these regulations. In response, the town council approved the creation of a staff advisory committee to engage with the community and gather input on regulatory language for solar facilities. This outreach aims to ensure that the voices of residents are considered in the regulatory process.

The discussions highlight the town's proactive approach to managing the growing interest in solar energy while balancing environmental concerns and community interests. As the town moves forward, the establishment of this ordinance and the advisory committee will be crucial in shaping the future of solar energy development in Chino Valley. The next steps will involve further community engagement and the drafting of regulations that align with the goals of the 2040 general plan.