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Council refers electrical power generation zoning item to planning commission with RC district included
Summary
After discussing whether electrical power generation facilities (generators, non-wind/solar power systems) should be handled as special exceptions or conditional uses, council voted to refer the draft ordinance to the planning commission and to include the Rural Conservation district in the review.
Saint Marys City Council moved to send a draft ordinance addressing electrical power generation facilities to the planning commission for review, including the Rural Conservation (RC) district.
Staff explained the draft was developed in response to comments on a separate data-center ordinance and would create a distinct regulatory path for generators and other electrical power generation facilities that are not wind or solar. The solicitor and planning staff outlined three approval pathways—special exception (zoning hearing board), permitted use (administrative), or conditional use (city council) — and noted conditional use or special-exception treatment would determine which body conducts hearings and the degree of public review. Staff observed that conditional-use approvals typically involve the most extensive public notice and can take longer.
Councilors discussed whether the RC district, which contains larger tracts at the city's outskirts, should be included; several members favored including RC. Members also discussed timing related to county planning commission review and the potential for one-month delay if external review schedules are missed. Council ultimately voted to refer the ordinance to the planning commission with the suggested RC inclusion so the planning commission and county review processes can proceed.
