Sherburne County approves 2.475 MW Cedar Creek solar farm with conditions and decommissioning bond

Sherburne County commissioners on June 23 approved a land‑use map amendment and an interim use permit (IUP) for a 2.475 megawatt solar facility proposed by Cedar Creek Energy in Santiago Township.

Staff recommended approval with conditions; commissioners discussed screening and decommissioning financial assurance. "We would request that on the west boundary of the solar farm two rows of trees be planted—one row with Black Hills spruce and one with gray dogwood—planted no more than 16 feet apart," planning staff said, describing conditions the board included. The county also applied its existing decommissioning standard, requiring a bond or financial assurance set at $100,000 per megawatt to cover removal and site restoration.

Supporters on the board noted the property is a family‑owned Christmas‑tree farm and would be screened by plantings; they argued the solar use will generate local revenue without visible impacts to nearby residences. Opponents at the planning commission had cited concerns about ground disturbance and long‑term impacts, but commissioners who toured the site said staff conditions and screening mitigate those risks and that the project can help farm revenue during an otherwise unproductive parcel rotation.

The board adopted a resolution approving the map amendment and a separate resolution granting the IUP subject to the 22 recommended conditions, including screening, setbacks, and a decommissioning bond tied to the county standard.

Next steps: staff and the applicant will finalize the IUP conditions, secure the decommissioning financial assurance, and the project will proceed to permitting according to the approved conditions.