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Crook County to consider temporary opt-out of new Eastern Oregon solar siting rules after grant award
Summary
Community Development Director John Eisler proposed a draft opt-out of newly adopted Eastern Oregon solar siting rules so the county can pursue a locally tailored Goal 5 program; he said the county won a grant to update maps and recommended pausing automatic application of the new statewide rules.
Community Development Director John Eisler briefed commissioners on a draft that would opt Crook County out of newly adopted Eastern Oregon solar-siting rules and pursue a locally developed program instead.
Eisler explained state rules create three choices for local governments: do nothing (apply the new rules), opt out (preserve current local rules) or create a local program under Division 23. The rules go into effect Jan. 1. "If we do nothing, then we will be basically an applicant in applying these new rules," he said.
Eisler said the county was selected for a grant to update its Goal 5 inventory and maps, and recommended pausing to pursue a local program that would include community input and let the county craft agricultural mitigation and community-benefit provisions appropriate to local conditions. "This opt out just basically calls a time out, while we get a chance to look at getting our own program in place," he said.
Commissioners expressed support for developing a local program and asked staff to bring the opt-out draft to the next regular meeting for action; Eisler said he would adjust language to reflect the grant award and return with the draft for consent or discussion.
Ending: Staff will return next week with a revised opt-out draft and schedule public input if the board proceeds down the local-program path.
