Linn County approves zoning amendment that requires conditional-use permits for towers 100 feet and taller

Linn County commissioners voted 2-1 on Resolution 25-19 to amend Article 16 of the county zoning regulations, clarifying that towers 100 feet or taller in the agricultural district will require a conditional-use permit and standard setbacks.

The change, approved after more than two hours of discussion, aims to resolve a drafting omission commissioners and planning staff said left procedures unclear after a rewrite of the zoning code. Planning and zoning had recommended the amendment at a public hearing; the commission considered whether to approve the amendment, send it back for further revision, or amend it themselves.

The amendment sets a 110 percent setback from property lines (for example, a 400-foot tower would require a 440-foot setback) and specifies that towers of 100 feet or more “require a conditional-use permit in compliance with the following” provisions that the planning board added to Article 16. Planning and zoning director Souza told the commission the board planned to review battery energy storage rules at its next meeting and that the intent of the change was to give applicants and reviewers clearer standards.

A citizen who identified himself to the commission as Darren, and who provided handouts to…