Hibbing council approves conditional use for solar array on closed landfill with three‑year start condition

The Hibbing City Council on Wednesday approved a conditional‑use permit for Saint Louis County and Hibbing Solar LLC to build a solar array on the city’s closed landfill, allowing the county and its partner to bid the project with a modified start deadline.

Planning staff described the site’s CLR (Closed Landfill Restricted) zoning and said the project would avoid methane‑sensitive areas and comply with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) guidance. “This would just be the solar project,” said planning staff member Mr. Green, noting the city adjusted ordinance language earlier to clarify that permanent structures would not be allowed in methane areas.

Planning staff said the county and Minnesota Power are partnering on the bid; because bids and utility timing mean the earliest on‑site work would start well after the standard one‑year permit window, the planning condition extends the permit start period to three years. Mr. Green said the project would not begin for about three years under current timelines and that the planning commission recommended approval.

Why it matters: Using closed landfill acreage for solar is a common way to repurpose land that cannot support other development. The council did not have a megawatt figure available at the meeting; Mr. Green said he would provide that information later.

Council action: Councilor Faso moved approval and Councilor Whitney seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with a condition that the permit remains valid for three years; if work has not begun by the end of the three‑year period, the permit will terminate and the applicants must reapply.

Next steps: Planning staff will supply the solar project’s capacity details to the council when available and coordinate required MPCA and utility steps before construction scheduling.