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Todd County denies conditional-use permit for proposed 10 MW US Solar farm
Summary
The Todd County Board on June 2 denied a conditional-use permit for a proposed 10 MW solar farm, finding the project inconsistent with the county’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and county zoning goals; the motion to adopt the Planning Commission findings passed 4-1 with Commissioner Neumann opposed.
The Todd County Board of Commissioners on June 2 adopted the Planning Commission findings and voted to deny a conditional-use permit (CUP) for a proposed 10 MW solar farm on parcel 28-0001100.
Commissioner Denny moved to adopt the Planning Commission findings and deny the CUP; Commissioner Noska seconded. The motion passed by roll-call majority with Commissioner Neumann recorded against the motion.
The board’s written findings cited multiple reasons for denial: the project was judged inconsistent with the county’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan language about supporting economic development that sustains agricultural uses; the conversion of productive farmland to a commercial solar use was viewed as contrary to the plan’s goals. The board also found that surrounding property is farmland and that the proposed use could impede nearby farm operations. In addition, minutes record the board concluding the applicant had not met its burden of showing a local need for the energy to be produced, and that the record contained “insufficient and inconsistent evidence” including perceived negative economic impacts to the area. The board cited County Planning and Zoning Ordinance Section 1.02(B) and the AF-1 district purpose statement in explaining that protecting economically viable agricultural land is a local objective.
Members of the public and the applicant spoke during the public-comment portion before the decision. Tina Monson of US Solar provided the board with a summary of reasons supporting the CUP application. Dave Harren told the board he was concerned about potential damage to ground and field quality if a solar farm were installed. Kevin Winkler spoke separately about due process in recent legal matters; the minutes do not link that comment to the technical merits of the CUP.
The denial closes the current application for parcel 28-0001100 as a CUP for a 10 MW solar installation; the minutes do not record any alternative approval, conditions, or an appeal filed at the meeting. The board approved a separate Sauk River Fiscal Agent Agreement at the same session.
