Oroville planning commission rescinds prior approvals for South Side solar farm pending further environmental review

The Oroville Planning Commission on Sept. 30 voted to rescind approvals it granted Aug. 28 for a large solar farm on the city’s South Side, saying the project needs fuller environmental review after staff concluded part of the parcel lies on a former Superfund site.

Planning staff told the commission that the approvals to be undone include the notice of exemption, use permit UP 25-12, variance 25-01 and resolution 25-16. “What we’re asking the planning commission to do is to reverse your decision for the use permit for a large solar farm,” staff said, explaining that an initial study and mitigated negative declaration will be completed and returned for certification.

The staff report said the city had sent its initial study to a third party for review and the third party suggested changes; staff then decided the project could not be treated as categorically exempt because the parcel is at least partly on a former Superfund site, which precludes a categorical exemption. Staff told the commission the mitigated negative declaration materials should be posted this week and that the state clearinghouse was expected to accept the filing imminently, after which the public review period would begin.

A letter from Citizens for Responsible Industry asked the commission to rescind the Aug. 28 approvals; planning staff said that roughly half of the reason for reopening the approvals came from that outside input and the remainder from new staff findings. Staff also reported having spoken with the solar project applicant, and said, “They agreed.”

A commissioner moved to rescind the earlier action as described by the city attorney; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed 5-0 with two commissioners absent. The rescission undoes the approvals so staff can complete the environmental review process and return the item for public review and formal action.

The planning commission noted no public comment was submitted in person at the special meeting; staff confirmed the Citizens for Responsible Industry comment had been received about 45 minutes before the meeting and entered into the record. Staff said it will return the certified initial study and the use permit once the public review period and any required revisions are complete. The commission adjourned and noted its next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 23, 2025, at 6 p.m.