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Planning commission recommends lifting narrow solar prohibition in part of Big Lake Township
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to recommend removing a local prohibition that had blocked solar development in a specific corridor of Big Lake Township so parcels adjacent to existing solar farms can pursue expansion through the IUP and comprehensive-plan amendment processes; recommendation will go to the County Board.
Sherburne County planning commissioners voted to recommend lifting a prohibition on solar farms in a targeted portion of Big Lake Township so land adjacent to existing solar installations may seek expansion through the interim use permit (IUP) and related comprehensive-plan amendment procedures.
Planning staff explained the prohibition was originally adopted in 2019 to manage potential long-range transportation corridor and river-crossing options identified in studies at that time. Staff told the commission that a 2023 planning/environmental linkage study and the county’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan no longer identified the area for future transportation improvements, and staff proposed narrow edits to the ordinance language to allow solar on parcels adjacent to existing solar farms (parcels between Highway 10 and the Mississippi River were cited in the staff packet).
Applicant James Sanford (address provided for the record) told the commission the change would allow his family to diversify into solar on land that has sandy soils that limit productive cropping. Sanford said the proposal would affect parcels adjacent to infrastructure that already exists "south of the solar" and noted that his roughly 54‑acre parcel near County Road 17 and Highway 25 would fall into the hatched area in staff materials. He and staff confirmed map details and that the change would not permit unlimited multiplication of solar farms because the ordinance language allows only parcels that share a boundary with existing, pre‑10/01/2025 solar farms to seek expansion.
A commissioner moved to adopt the proposed language, citing property‑rights concerns and the need to allow property owners options. The motion was seconded; the commission opened a public hearing but no public speakers appeared. The motion carried on a voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll‑call tally. Planning staff said applicants would still be required to come forward with IUP and, when necessary, comprehensive‑plan amendments, giving the county an opportunity to evaluate compatibility and transportation impacts on a project‑by‑project basis.
The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners for consideration at the scheduled 01/20/2026 9:00 a.m. hearing.
