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Zoning commission raises turbine setback to 2,000 feet; draft wind ordinance to go to supervisors
Summary
Jackson County staff told supervisors the zoning commission amended a draft wind energy conversion systems ordinance to increase setbacks from property lines to 2,000 feet and that the draft — including waiver provisions — will be forwarded to the board for review.
Jackson County supervisors were told on Jan. 21 that the county’s zoning commission revised a draft wind energy conversion systems ordinance and will forward that draft to the Board of Supervisors for review. The zoning commission increased the setback from turbines to the nearest property line from 1,500 feet to 2,000 feet and retained a waiver process that could allow shorter setbacks if neighboring property owners sign waivers.
Laurie, a county staff member who presented the update, said the commission’s change followed public testimony raising concerns about setbacks and waivers. “There was some concerns. One of the people that spoke had concerns about the setback, especially now that we're allowing waivers,” she said. The commission also removed the word “adjacent” from the waiver language so that any property owner within the 2,000-foot radius — not only immediately adjacent parcels — would need to agree to a waiver.
Staff explained how waivers would be recorded. If property owners within the setback area choose to waive the setback restriction, the waiver would be recorded as a document in the recorder’s office and would run with the land; a recorded waiver could apply to subsequent owners of the affected parcels. The zoning commission intends to present the finalized draft for supervisors to review at an upcoming meeting.
Supervisors were also told a separate solar ordinance draft is expected; staff said they are consolidating direction from the comprehensive plan and other land-use policies as they prepare the final drafts.
No formal action on the ordinance draft was taken by the board at the Jan. 21 meeting; the zoning commission forwarded the draft for supervisory review.
