Buffalo County approves solar rooftop setbacks, subdivision and telecom project; sets budget hearing date

The Buffalo County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 12 adopted a package of zoning and county business items, including amendments to the county zoning code governing rooftop solar systems, approval of an administrative subdivision called “Cherry Valley,” and approval of a Trileaf Corporation telecommunications project. The board also authorized an interlocal Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Gibbon for law‑enforcement services and conducted a public hearing on the 2023–2024 budget, scheduling final action for Sept. 26.

Zoning code amendments: The commissioners adopted amendments to Buffalo County Zoning Regulations Section 3.3156 to create subcategories and to define rooftop setback requirements for roof‑attached solar energy systems. The code language specifies a 3‑foot open space on residential roofs from side edges, hips and ridges, a maximum 24‑inch height from roof surface to the highest edge of the solar surface, and different subcategory handling for non‑residential structures. No public opposition was recorded; the Planning and Zoning Commission had earlier recommended the amendment.

Subdivision approval: The board approved an administrative subdivision to be known as “Cherry Valley,” filed by registered land surveyor Trenton Snow on behalf of Daniel L. Saathoff and Karen S. Saathoff (Resolution 2023‑45). The board found the proposed plat complied with Buffalo County Subdivision Resolution requirements and authorized the plat to be filed in the Register of Deeds.

Telecommunications project: The board approved Trileaf Corporation's proposed telecommunications project (Project #731659) for a location in part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 17, Township 9 North, Range 18 West. Highway and zoning staff will incorporate the project into county permitting processes as required.

Other actions and administrative items: The board approved Wilkins Professional Architectural Services Proposal, authorized purchase of additional playground equipment for Ravenna Lake, approved payment for employee flu shots scheduled for Sept. 26, and approved two special designated liquor licenses for events at The Farm (Village 1919) and Knobel Barn (The Wandering Well) on Sept. 30 and Oct. 6. The board also reviewed correspondence from the City of Kearney and other organizations and set multiple bid dates (Oct. 10) for box culvert and bridge projects.

Board of Equalization: During a recess the commissioners convened as the Board of Equalization, approved motor vehicle tax exemptions for Hope Evangelical Free Church (multiple shuttle/van vehicles listed) and approved Tax List Corrections numbered 4988–4990 before returning to regular session.

Budget hearing: The board opened a public hearing on the Buffalo County 2023–2024 fiscal year budget; Board Administrator Lynn Martin presented a summary comparing proposed revenues and expenditures with the prior year. The hearing was closed; the board scheduled final action on the budget for the Sept. 26 meeting.

Votes at a glance: • Resolution 2023‑45 (Cherry Valley administrative subdivision): approved (Aye: Loeffelholz, Higgins, Kouba, Lynch, Maendele, Morrow, Klein). • Resolution 2023‑46 (amend Section 3.3156, rooftop solar setbacks): adopted (unanimous Aye). • Trileaf Project #731659: approved (unanimous Aye). • MOU for law enforcement services with City of Gibbon: authorized (unanimous Aye).

The board adjourned at 10:30 A.M.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 26, 2023 at 9:00 A.M.