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Dubois County adopts yearlong moratorium on commercial solar applications
Summary
The Dubois County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 2025-16, placing a temporary moratorium on processing applications for commercial solar energy systems countywide while a technical review committee recommends updates to local standards; the moratorium runs until Dec. 15, 2026 unless amended or repealed.
Commissioner Chad A. Blessinger read Ordinance 2025-16 and said the board sought to ensure county regulations align with strategic development. Commissioner Nick Hostetter moved to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Blessinger seconded; the motion carried and the ordinance was adopted.
The ordinance enacts a countywide moratorium on filing, processing, review or acceptance of applications related to commercial or large-scale solar energy systems and storage systems, effective upon adoption. It directs the county to develop a technical review committee to recommend amendments to Dubois County’s current solar energy regulations. Projects that held valid construction permits before the effective date are exempted. The text sets the moratorium to remain in place until Dec. 15, 2026 at noon, or until the county amends or replaces its commercial solar standards or repeals the moratorium earlier.
Commissioner Blessinger told the board the moratorium follows public input gathered during the comprehensive-plan process and comments received at the board’s Nov. 3, Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, 2025 meetings. The ordinance’s preamble cites concerns raised in public input about development, construction, maintenance and decommissioning of commercial solar installations and describes the county’s intent to align any amendments with "best practices associated with commercial solar energy systems installations."
The board did not record a roll-call vote in the meeting minutes; the minutes state only that the motion to adopt was made, duly seconded and carried. The ordinance includes a severability clause and states it becomes effective upon publication as required by law.
At the public comment period following business actions, several residents expressed support for the moratorium and asked the board to consider separate restrictions on battery energy storage siting and safety; those concerns are being discussed separately and were raised by speakers during public comment.
