Commission hears how renewable-energy site plans are handled; suggests notification to commission

Commission planning staff explained to the Mohave County Public Lands and Recreation Commission on Dec. 4 that, under current zoning rules, many renewable-energy projects that are located on properties already zoned M2 or MX move through an administrative site-plan process and do not automatically come before the board or the commission for formal approval.

Matthew, speaking for planning and zoning, said that while projects with the proper zoning can begin a site-plan process and be administratively approved, the commission could be notified when a site plan for a renewable-energy project is received so commissioners can comment. "Those site plans are administratively approved," Matthew said, "but it would at least give the opportunity to provide comments."

Commissioner Barlow raised a recent large private-land renewable project east of Kingman and asked whether the commission would have oversight or an opportunity to review such projects. The chairman said the intent is for projects to come before the commission for review when appropriate and suggested staff and commissioners work between now and March to determine what procedural changes, if any, are feasible.

No formal change to planning policy or commission authority was adopted at the meeting; the discussion resulted in direction to consider notification or process adjustments for future meetings.