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Winona County asks staff to study scenic-byways protections after solar project raised viewshed concerns
Summary
Commissioners discussed setbacks and protections for state-designated scenic byways after a solar project application approached a byway corridor; they asked planning staff and the county attorney to map affected areas, review other counties' approaches and report back on whether a short-term moratorium or zoning change is needed.
During general business the Winona County Board discussed whether to pause or revise land-use rules near state-designated scenic byways after Commissioners said a recent solar garden application abutted a byway corridor.
Commissioner Ward introduced the item, saying scenic byways generate tourism and that setbacks or other protections might preserve viewsheds. "Once an application is made, it's too late to do something," Ward said, urging staff to map which areas would be affected.
Commissioners supported additional research and public input from township officers and rural residents. A county attorney (present in the meeting) advised the board a temporary moratorium could be an option while the subject is studied and indicated such a moratorium could last up to a year, pending legal review. Planning Director Duns agreed to assemble a summary of pertinent issues and to incorporate findings into comprehensive plan discussions.
Next steps: planning staff will clarify the process for a moratorium or zoning change, map byway-adjacent parcels in Winona County, collect local input from townships and rural residents, and report options and recommended timelines back to the board.
