Chino Valley planning panel forwards ordinance to prohibit utility‑scale solar, wind and restrict battery storage

CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. — The Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 2 voted unanimously to forward a text amendment to Town Council that would prohibit utility‑scale solar, utility‑scale wind and related concentrated solar power (CSP) projects inside town limits while allowing limited on‑site solar, wind and battery storage for individual properties.

The commission recommended approval of TA‑2025‑05 after staff presented proposed changes to the Town of Chino Valley Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) that add definitions for “concentrated solar power (CSP),” “utility‑scale solar facility,” and “utility‑scale wind farm,” and that tighten language in the UDO about uses that are not listed in zoning districts.

Will Dingey, assistant director for development services, told the commission the amendment implements direction the council gave staff after a March council decision. “As read, tonight before you is text amendment TA‑2025‑05, and this is a text proposed text amendment to address renewable energy — utility‑scale solar and wind — within Chino Valley town limits,” Dingey said. He said the ordinance language was drafted by the town attorney and reviewed by staff.

Under the proposed UDO language, roof‑mounted solar…