Davenport council adopts moratorium on solar farms and freestanding panels through Nov. 14

Davenport — The Davenport City Council on May 14 adopted a resolution imposing a moratorium on solar farms as a principal use and on freestanding solar panels as a necessary use until Nov. 14, 2025, while staff examines zoning rules and siting standards.

The moratorium, adopted by roll call as announced by the city clerk, was described by staff as covering both large solar ‘‘farms’’ and freestanding panels; roof-mounted panels would not be affected. ‘‘This moratorium is for both, the freestanding accessories solar panels at this time as well as solar farms,’’ said Lower Berkeley, Development Neighborhood Services, during council discussion.

Council members and members of the public presented two broad perspectives during the discussion. Some speakers said they oppose large ground-mounted arrays on productive land. ‘‘What was really nice, beautiful, productive farmland is now covered with acres and acres of solar panels,’’ said Cheryl Shagna, a Third Ward resident who testified in favor of the moratorium. Other residents urged the council to consider alternative siting models such as panels over parking lots and partnerships with utilities before a sweeping prohibition. ‘‘Why aren't we looking at things like that?’’ said Jane Duwags, a Fifth Ward resident.

Alderman Grubb said the measure is not anti-solar but intended to protect land likely to be used for future housing or business development. ‘‘We want to encourage solar, but we want to encourage it in the right way in Davenport,’’ Grubb said. Alderman Lynch asked staff to clarify how the city currently defines and regulates freestanding panels; staff said the ordinance does not set specific numeric thresholds for what constitutes a solar farm and that most large installations are negotiated with utilities.

City staff told the council the ordinance allows roof-mounted panels to continue, but freestanding panels can be placed in front corner yards and currently have a four-foot height limit; the city has no setbacks for rear and side-yard freestanding panels. Staff also said there are no proposed solar farms inside city limits at this time and that the county has established criteria for siting in unincorporated areas.

The council voted by roll call; the clerk announced nine yes votes and the resolution was adopted. Council members directed staff to draft ordinance language that addresses setbacks, height, and thresholds for freestanding panels and to return with recommendations before the moratorium expires.

The moratorium will last through Nov. 14, 2025, giving staff and council time to propose regulatory changes and to consider alternatives such as rooftop installations and parking‑lot canopies.