Franklin County extends moratorium on commercial wind and adds temporary solar pause through 2028

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28 unanimously approved Resolution 26-05, extending the county's moratorium on commercial wind projects and adding a temporary moratorium on commercial solar projects in rural areas through Dec. 31, 2028.

Derek told commissioners that Resolution 23-21, the county's existing wind moratorium, is set to expire this year and that the proposed extension would provide time to update the comprehensive plan and establish a regulatory framework before permitting resumes. "If it's the will of the majority, then what you would want to do is a new resolution' . . . extending the existing moratorium on commercial wind projects and also adding a temporary moratorium on commercial solar projects in the rural areas of Franklin County through 12/31/2028," Derek said.

Commissioners discussed the scope as limited to commercial projects; one commissioner explicitly clarified that the moratorium would apply to "commercial" projects only. A motion to adopt Resolution 26-05 was moved, seconded and approved by roll call vote with all present voting yes.

The board and staff described the action as legislative and reversible: Derek noted the board can repeal or revise the moratorium at any time and recommended the 2028 target to allow completion of a new comp plan. The transcript records no specific developer proposals currently tied to the change; staff said the extension would create time to draft code and review land-use impacts.

Next steps: the resolution directs staff to pursue the comprehensive-plan work and drafting of implementing code; the moratorium will remain effective until Dec. 31, 2028, unless the board acts earlier.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 26-05 passed by unanimous roll call (all present commissioners voted yes).