Board approves introduction of development‑code amendment to allow commercial solar on some medium‑high priority AG‑40 lands

Noelle Tomlinson, planner with the Community Development Agency, presented Development Code Text Change No. 668.2 during a public hearing on Nov. 4. The proposed amendment would revise section 11.12.b.2.a to allow a commercial solar project in the AG‑40 zone district to be located on land designated medium‑high priority on Figure RC‑13 (Priority Agricultural Land) of the 2035 Kings County General Plan, in addition to the existing allowance for very low, low and low‑medium priority land. The amendment would continue to exclude high‑priority agricultural lands and would not apply to AG‑20 or exclusive agricultural zones in the county’s northern portion.

Tomlinson said the AG‑40 zone is largely rural, south of Kansas Avenue, with limited water access and soils often higher in salinity. She told the board that any solar project allowed by the code change would still require a conditional use permit and its own CEQA environmental review; the proposed text change itself was recommended as exempt from CEQA under the general‑rule exemption (CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3)). The Planning Commission held a public hearing Oct. 6, 2025, received no public testimony and recommended adoption (Resolution No. 25‑07).

The board opened the public hearing, received no public comment, and then moved to adopt the development‑code exchange on introduction. Supervisor Joe Neves moved the item; Supervisor Rusty Robinson seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous among members present (4–0, one absent). The second reading is scheduled for Nov. 18, 2025.