Sawyer County officials have taken a significant step towards regulating solar energy development by approving a nine-month moratorium on the issuance of permits for solar energy systems and battery storage. This decision, made during a recent government meeting, aims to provide the county with the necessary time to draft a comprehensive ordinance that will establish guidelines for solar facility siting, decommissioning plans, and other critical factors.

The need for this moratorium arose after a proposed 2-megawatt solar facility in Round Lake faced considerable local opposition, highlighting the absence of existing regulations governing solar installations in the county. Zoning Administrator Jay emphasized the importance of creating a well-crafted ordinance to address community concerns and ensure that future solar projects are appropriately managed.

The moratorium, which is officially classified as an ordinance, will temporarily halt any new applications for solar facilities while the county develops its regulatory framework. This process will involve gathering input from local towns and stakeholders, ensuring that the final ordinance reflects community interests and addresses potential issues such as visual impact, noise reduction, and environmental monitoring.

During the meeting, committee members discussed the timeline for ordinance development, with some expressing concerns about whether nine months would be sufficient. However, it was agreed that this timeframe would allow for thorough consideration and public feedback before any final decisions are made.

In addition to solar regulations, community members raised the need for ordinances addressing telecommunications and data centers, indicating a broader interest in comprehensive planning for emerging technologies in the region.

As Sawyer County moves forward with this moratorium, officials are committed to engaging with residents and ensuring that any future solar developments align with the community's values and needs. The next steps will involve drafting the ordinance and facilitating public discussions to refine the proposed regulations.