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Officials discuss public hearings and legal steps for solar farm zoning
Summary
County officials said state statute requires organized public hearings for solar farm zoning; staff discussed locations and the need for licensed legal oversight of the record.
County meeting participants discussed procedures for public hearings on proposed solar farms and emphasized that hearings must follow statutory requirements and be properly recorded.
One speaker said that, "By statute, we can have organized public tonight... ZEA for the hearings for our solar farms," stressing that the process must comply with the law and that a licensed attorney should oversee the record and transcription. Meeting participants discussed potential venues for extended public comment, including using a high school auditorium to accommodate speakers and attendees.
Staff said they are preparing materials and guidelines to ensure the hearings and permit process meet distance and floodplain controls raised in public comments on specific projects. Officials noted that applicants may submit permit applications and that county review will address setbacks, drainage and flood-control concerns raised by staff and residents.
No formal hearing date or final decision was recorded; staff described continuing preparatory work and legal review.
