Rushford Village council sets March public hearing for 13 kW rooftop solar, applies $250 late-permit fee

The Rushford Village City Council voted Feb. 18 to set a public hearing on March 18, 2025 at 6:45 p.m. on a rooftop photovoltaic permit for Debra Kitchens and to apply a $250 late-permit fee after staff said installation began before the permit was filed.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit brought the 13.056-kilowatt roof-mounted system application to the council with a favorable recommendation, saying the proposal complies with the city’s solar ordinance except that work began without a permit. Mayor Dennis Overland and Pettit told the council the late start was a compliance issue, and the council determined the public hearing would address any community concerns while imposing the late fee. The minutes record the late fee will be added to the public-hearing/permit fee for a total noted as $450.

Councilor Travis Link asked whether the council should postpone imposing the $250 fee until after the public hearing; the minutes show the council voted to apply the fee immediately. The motion to set the March 18 hearing was moved by Robert Hart and seconded by Rick Ruberg; the motion to apply the $250 late fee was moved by Travis Link and seconded by Rick Ruberg (the minutes record opposition from Hart on the late-fee motion and say both motions carried). The minutes do not provide a roll-call tally.

The hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2025 at 6:45 p.m. at the Rushford Village Hall Office; the council will consider public comments and the permit at that time.