Supervisors adopt six-month moratorium on utility-scale solar to craft local rules

The Crawford County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt Resolution 2025-40, a six-month moratorium on utility-scale (commercial) solar projects. Colin, a county zoning/staff presenter, described the measure as temporary and intended to give the county time to develop policies, regulations and decommissioning requirements for large commercial solar arrays. The draft expressly exempts rooftop and personal-use systems and contains a grandfather clause for projects already approved in zoning.

Supervisor 8 (Colin’s presenter role) told the board the moratorium "is not meant to be permanent" but would allow the county to consider policy, severability and the practical details such as decommissioning language. Supervisors discussed whether an excise or severance tax could be set at the county level and noted coordination is required with state law. Supervisor Kyle made the motion to approve Resolution 2025-40; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Board members directed staff to inventory any pending applications and to draft ordinances and decommissioning standards during the moratorium period. The resolution takes effect immediately and can be renewed or ended early at the board’s discretion.