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Sioux County Planning Commission extends moratoriums and advances draft solar and wind rules to county commissioners
Summary
Between April and September 2025 the commission extended a county moratorium on renewable resources, placed and extended a moratorium on solid-waste sites while regulations are drafted, reviewed a draft solar regulation with NextEra representatives, and approved amendments to wind and solar regulations to recommend to the County Commissioners.
The Sioux County Planning Commission voted across multiple meetings in 2025 to extend moratoriums on renewable-resource development while the county drafts or finalizes regulations, and in September approved proposed wind- and solar-related zoning language to recommend to the Sioux County Board of Commissioners.
On April 30 the commission extended a moratorium on all renewable resources for an additional six months while solar regulations are reviewed with the county attorney’s office. The body simultaneously placed a six-month moratorium on solid waste disposal sites and facilities, citing that current zoning regulations do not address those uses. Minutes record the commission voted unanimously on both motions; the commission intended to present a resolution extending the moratoriums to the County Commissioners on May 1.
At the May 28 meeting David Levy of Baird Holm LLP and Austin/Auston Paxson of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC reviewed a draft of the county’s Solar Regulations for the commission. The minutes say setbacks and bonding were discussed at length; the planning commission agreed to review the draft further and forward questions or comments to Attorney Skavdahl.
At the Sept. 30 meeting the commission held public hearings (with no members of the public attending) on two items. Deputy County Attorney Skavdahl presented proposed amendments to the Sioux County Wind Energy Installation Regulations; the commission closed the hearing and approved the amendment on a motion by Jim Skavdahl, seconded by Jim Phipps, and recommended County Commissioners approve it. The commission then opened a public hearing on Solar Energy Regulations to add to the county’s zoning regulations; Deputy County Attorney Skavdahl presented the draft again and David Levy (Baird Holm LLP) and Auston Paxson (NextEra Energy Resources, LLC) answered questions. The commission approved the Solar Energy Regulations and recommended the County Commissioners adopt them. Minutes also show the commission again voted to place an additional six-month moratorium on solid waste disposal sites and facilities while regulations are reviewed; a resolution to extend moratoriums was to be presented to the County Commissioners on Oct. 1, 2025.
The minutes do not record public opposition or written comments at the Sept. 30 hearings. The documents show the commission’s actions were procedural recommendations to the county commissioners rather than final ordinance enactments; final adoption requires action by the Sioux County Board of Commissioners.
