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Huron County commissioners review township choices under Ohio SB 52, leave some decisions to local zoning
Summary
Commissioners reviewed township feedback on three SB 52 implementation options for wind and solar siting, discussed statutory definitions distinguishing large utility projects from farm turbines, and instructed staff to collect revised township resolutions; no countywide prohibition was adopted at the meeting.
County commissioners on March 31 examined township responses to Senate Bill 52 implementation options and discussed how ORC definitions affect local control of wind and solar development.
Commissioner Tom Dunlap summarized recent public meetings and said he was disappointed by the Health Department discussion earlier in the week; Commissioner James R. Morgan reported Ripley Township favored options 2 and 3 while New Haven and Lyme offered mixed positions. Assistant Prosecutor Randal Strickler explained the statutory definition of an "Economically Significant Windfarm" under ORC 4906.13(A), noting the statute excludes smaller turbines dedicated to a single customer and under a specified aggregate capacity, which he said means typical farm turbines used to power barns likely do not meet the economically significant threshold.
Commissioners discussed leaving Ripley Township with options 2 and 3 while applying options 1–3 to Lyme and other townships that requested broader coverage. Commissioner Brady emphasized not wanting to preempt township zoning and asked that townships retain clear authority to regulate local uses. Dale Daniels of Wakeman Township said Wakeman did not want fee reductions tied to O&M program changes and defended township choices made after local discussion.
The board instructed Clerk/Administrator Vickie Ziemba to contact Ripley, Wakeman and New Haven townships to request revised resolutions reflecting their chosen options. No formal county ordinance or countywide restriction was adopted during the meeting; commissioners left final zoning decisions and potential updates to township authorities and the legal process.
