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Planning staff outlines timeline for solar regulations; commission weighs moratorium extension and battery storage
Summary
Shawnee County planning staff recommended work sessions and a schedule to draft solar regulations before the county’s one-year moratorium on solar expires in May. Commissioners discussed scope, expert input and whether to add standalone battery storage to the moratorium.
Planning staff briefed the Shawnee County Planning Commission on next steps for drafting county regulations for solar energy projects and flagged battery storage as a related issue the commission may need to address.
Staff recapped the history: the county approved a ban on wind turbines and a one-year moratorium on solar in 2024 to allow time for rules development after several conditional use permits and public concern. "That moratorium is a one-year moratorium," staff said, noting it is intended as a temporary reprieve while the county works on regulations. Staff told the commission the moratorium should expire in May and recommended a March work session to begin drafting and to determine whether to seek a BCC extension before expiration.
Staff described three categories for solar: personal (home- or business-scale installations), limited (cooperatives, municipalities or smaller group projects) and utility-scale (projects that sell electricity into the grid). The director suggested the commission decide whether regulations should differentiate by scale, require specific setbacks, or impose standardized conditions that would apply to most cases. The planning director noted that other Kansas counties take differing approaches: some have extensive technical regulations requiring third-party studies and consultants, while others are lighter.
Commissioners discussed technical topics the draft should address, including setbacks, environmental review, glare, noise, decommissioning and whether to require third-party studies for large projects. Multiple commissioners suggested bringing outside experts or practitioners who have experience with local regulation of solar and battery projects for educational sessions. Staff named consultants and industry contacts who have previously provided presentations to the commission.
Staff also raised battery storage facilities. Several commissioners and staff noted that standalone battery storage inquiries had been reported to staff. "We've had at least three, if not four, inquiries on battery storage facilities," staff said, and recommended considering whether standalone battery storage should be included in the moratorium and in any new regulations. Commissioners signaled support for adding battery storage to the moratorium and discussed the need for public hearings if the commission pursues expansion of the moratorium.
Staff suggested a timeline that includes a March work session, additional drafting through the summer, possible public open-house outreach, a public hearing in the fall and a Board of County Commissioners review in October. Staff cautioned the timeline could slip if the commission receives other major docket items. The commission asked staff to prepare materials and outreach for the March session and to return with draft language for later review.
No formal vote was taken to amend the moratorium at the meeting; staff said if the commission wants the moratorium extended it can be placed on a future agenda for a vote and recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.
