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Daviess County holds first reading of one-year moratorium on battery storage and wind projects after resident zoning concerns
Summary
At a June 11 Daviess County Fiscal Court meeting, members held first reading of an ordinance placing a moratorium through June 30, 2027, on accepting applications for battery energy storage and wind energy conversion systems while staff pursues studies and zoning updates; public commenters raised questions about rezoning rules and perceived targeting by planning staff.
Daviess County Fiscal Court on June 11 held first reading of an ordinance that would temporarily suspend the acceptance and processing of zoning, conditional-use, site-plan and building-permit applications for battery energy storage systems and wind energy conversion systems until June 30, 2027.
County legal counsel told the court the moratorium is intended to give the county time to “secure appropriate studies and recommendations necessary to establish adequate and appropriate zoning” and to amend the Owensboro Metropolitan zoning ordinance or other county ordinances if needed. The ordinance language presented says the moratorium would remain in effect from passage until June 30, 2027.
Commissioner Mark asked whether a property rezoning application must state a specific intended use—such as a data center or battery facility—before approval. The County Counselor replied, “Generally, when a property is rezoned, it is rezoned at the request of the applicant and sometimes the applicant states what their intention is and sometimes they do not,” and explained that rezoning and later permit applications are separate processes.
During public comment, residents raised process and fairness concerns. Andy Gamblin asked a question about local relationships between officials that the chair and a commissioner addressed as not germane to the moratorium item; Commissioner Condor provided a family clarification in response. Jimmy Sap told the court he has been asked by planning staff to specify exact future uses when applying for conditional-use permits and said he felt targeted, urging the court to examine whether planning and zoning processes are being applied consistently.
No vote was taken; the item was at first reading. The ordinance sponsor said the moratorium is a temporary pause to allow the county to gather studies and craft regulations "to provide for public health and safety," after which the court would decide whether to adopt implementing zoning language or lift the moratorium.
