Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Oliver County debates 'avoidance zone' language for wind, solar and data-center ordinances; industry warns of arbitrariness
Summary
Board members reviewed draft 'avoidance zone' language recommended from McLean County for wind and solar siting. Industry attorneys warned the provision could be applied arbitrarily and create risk for developers; the board asked staff to request legal guidance and to schedule targeted work sessions and industry presentations.
Oliver County planning staff presented draft ordinance language drawn from McLean County that would allow the county to identify preliminary "avoidance zones"—areas to be considered for exclusion from wind, solar or similar developments—before developers submit formal project applications.
Supporters said the process could give resident landowners and local users a clearer voice and help the county protect conservation areas, wildlife migration…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
