Council OKs zoning change to allow commercial solar on city agricultural land
Summary
The council approved an ordinance amendment to add commercial solar energy systems to the zoning and land development code; staff said it enables potential solar development on city‑owned land south of the airport.
The Moline City Council on Aug. 5 approved an amendment to Chapter 35 of the city code to add provisions allowing commercial and accessory solar energy systems in certain land‑use categories, with staff noting the change applies specifically to agricultural zoning and is intended to enable future solar development on city‑owned property south of Quad City International Airport.
City staff presented the ordinance as a planning action approved previously by the planning commission. City Administrator Vytas said the amendment would allow future solar projects and that the city anticipates receiving bids soon for a potential project on land owned by the city south of the airport.
Action: Council approved the ordinance amendment as presented (Resolution/Ordinance 8.8). Staff recommended approval and said the change does not alter other zoning districts but creates clear standards for solar energy systems in the applicable zoning classification.
Next steps: staff expects solicitations or bid responses for a solar project and will return to the council with project‑specific proposals, contract terms and site plans for any city‑owned property considered for development.
