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Commissioners extend solar moratorium 90 days and direct special use board to craft applications
Summary
The board voted to extend the 90‑day moratorium on large‑scale solar permitting an additional 90 days while directing the Special Use Permit Board to develop clearer applications, buffer standards and procedures; commissioners emphasized rooftop and small residential solar are exempt from that process.
The Dade County Board voted to extend an existing 90‑day moratorium on solar farm permitting for another 90 days while the Special Use Permit Board develops clearer application requirements and buffer standards.
Commissioners said the pause will allow the special‑use committee and staff time to draft specific application forms and procedures and to recommend ordinance language clarifying that rooftop solar and small residential systems are not subject to the special‑use standards. "This shall not apply to solar power generation systems designed to install scale for single family property ... or rooftop solar energy systems," one commissioner noted while discussing the exemptions built into the draft ordinance.
Members discussed buffer vegetation density, setbacks and how to define commercial‑scale projects versus residential installations. Commissioners asked the special‑use board to consider application templates, minimum screening vegetation (suggested densities and heights were discussed), and methods to ensure public notice and transparency for pending projects.
The commission added resolution R‑18‑26 to the consent agenda to effect the 90‑day extension and later approved the consent agenda unanimously.
Commissioners also instructed staff to schedule special‑use board meetings and to let commissioners observe or rotate attendance to maintain public oversight of the drafting process.
