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Humboldt planners press supervisors for clearer wind-energy rules as moratorium remains
Summary
Planning & Zoning commissioners recommended amending the county's current wind-energy ordinance rather than waiting for a full comprehensive-plan rewrite, and asked supervisors whether they want a faster ordinance amendment process. Commissioners will send an attorney-reviewed draft for board feedback and requested a joint work session.
Kevin Cordray, the Planning & Zoning commissioner, told the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors that the commission has been working on wind-energy rules while the county’s comprehensive-plan rewrite — begun in 2022 with MIDAS Council of Governments — remains unfinished after three years. Cordray said the board adopted a temporary moratorium in January 2024 on permits for wind, solar and similar projects and that developers are pressing the county for direction.
"We're not gonna look or accept any permits for, like, wind, solar, pipeline, things of that nature," Cordray said of the moratorium in place while the county reviews policy. He told supervisors the commission has drafted an amendment to the current ordinance as a quicker alternative to waiting for the comprehensive-plan process to finish.
The commission estimated amending the existing ordinance could move faster than rewriting the comprehensive plan and suggested a possible two- to four-month timeline to complete the ordinance amendment and public hearings. Cordray said the commission will have the draft reviewed by the county attorney and then circulate it to the supervisors for comment. He asked whether the board prefers the commission to continue with the comprehensive-plan route or to prioritize an immediate ordinance amendment.
Supervisors asked procedural questions — including hearing requirements — and several asked for a joint work session before formal action. Cordray said the commission’s goal is a "well written and balanced ordinance" that protects the safety, health and welfare of Humboldt County residents while reducing gray areas that have caused confusion.
Next steps: Planning & Zoning will revise the draft, seek legal review, and provide the supervisors with the attorney-reviewed version for feedback; supervisors discussed scheduling a work session to review the draft before any formal votes.
The bulletin-style matter will return to the board after the commission completes attorney review and any requested pre-vote work sessions.
