Commissioners open 45-day comment period on zoning language amendment for solar and wind projects
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Summary
Land use staff proposed language changes to the 2015 Sweetwater County Zoning Resolution to align wildlife protection and mitigation standards for solar and wind projects; commissioners approved a notice of intent to open a 45-day public comment period under the Wyoming Procedures Act.
The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners voted Oct. 21, 2025, to publish a notice of intent and open a 45-day public comment period on proposed language amendments to the 2015 Sweetwater County Zoning Resolution addressing solar energy facilities, wind energy conversion systems, and related definitions.
Land Use Director Eric Bingham presented the proposed changes, saying the amendments make the solar- and wind-energy conditional-use-permit language consistent on wildlife and habitat protections and add a definition for “significant adverse impacts.” Bingham said the changes would require projects to incorporate recommendations from local, state and federal agencies (specifically naming Wyoming Game and Fish) and would align wind-energy requirements with language already in the solar-energy provisions, including adherence to the governor’s executive order where appropriate. He also said the amendment adds standards for MET (meteorological) towers — including height, setbacks and FAA notifications — and clarifies removal requirements for defective, abandoned towers.
Bingham said the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed and unanimously recommended the language changes and that staff is seeking the notice of intent under the Wyoming Procedures Act to start a 45-day comment period.
Commissioner Tim Toman asked that the county forward the draft to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) if BLM-managed lands could be affected; Bingham confirmed staff would do so during the 45-day period. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
Commissioner Slaughter moved to approve issuance of the notice of intent to open the 45-day comment period; Commissioner Jones seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve the notice.
The county will publish the notice of intent and accept written comments during the 45-day period required by state administrative procedures. Staff said comments received will be returned to Planning & Zoning for review and potential revision before a final ordinance or regulation is presented for adoption.