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York County hires Marvin Planning Consultants to update comprehensive plan and review solar rules
Summary
The York County Board of Commissioners approved a $50,000 professional services contract with Marvin Planning Consultants to update the county comprehensive plan and revise zoning regulations, including a review of solar siting and setbacks; staff recommended using ARPA funds and estimated a 14–18 month process with broad public engagement.
The York County Board of Commissioners voted May 14 to hire Marvin Planning Consultants to complete a countywide comprehensive-plan update and revise zoning regulations, including a review of renewable-energy (solar) rules.
The contract, presented by planner Keith Marvin, covers a full comp-plan update and targeted changes to zoning codes. Marvin told the board his firm has worked on plans for roughly 50 Nebraska counties and estimated the project would take about 14 to 18 months, include multiple public meetings, surveys and a dedicated project website, and engage the county’s planning commission and staff throughout the process.
“We will set up a website for this project where things will be put out there,” Marvin said, describing online and hard-copy surveys and outreach approaches the firm uses to reach both tech-savvy and less connected residents. He also said the team would review the county’s existing renewable-energy regulations as part of the contract.
Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized that the update is a mandatory 10-year planning cycle and that current local zoning was last adopted in 2015. The consultant’s review of solar rules was cited repeatedly as timely given recent public comment and local debate about large industrial solar projects.
County staff recommended funding the $50,000 contract from ARPA dollars to avoid an immediate tax impact. Commissioners discussed process and oversight: staff (zoning administrator Nathan) will be the county’s point of contact, the planning commission will be engaged early, and the firm will deliver draft documents and public outreach events before any final ordinance changes.
Board action and next steps: The motion to enter the contract passed on a roll-call vote with all members recorded as voting yes. Once signed, staff and the consultant expect to begin outreach in late June or early July and to conduct multiple public meetings and surveys over the following months. Any proposed zoning code changes would return to the planning commission and the board for review and formal adoption.
The contract includes a scope to recommend adjustments to solar setbacks and other renewable-energy provisions; commissioners noted those recommendations will not automatically change county law until formally adopted after public hearings.
Votes at a glance: The board approved the Marvin Planning Consultants contract (professional services) by roll-call vote; the board also approved related administrative motions earlier in the meeting (see separate board actions).
