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Fillmore County enacts six-month moratorium on new solar farm applications after resident concerns
Summary
The Fillmore County Board of Supervisors adopted a six-month moratorium on accepting new solar energy farm applications, directing the county planning commission to review zoning and recommend changes within four months; the resolution passed 6–1.
The Fillmore County Board of Supervisors on June 23 adopted a six-month moratorium on accepting new solar energy farm applications and directed the Fillmore County Planning Commission to review the county comprehensive plan and zoning regulations and return recommendations within four months.
The resolution, introduced after public comment and discussion, passed on a 6–1 roll-call vote. Supervisors voting in favor were Larry Cerny, Ralph Graham, Kenny Harre, Mark Lightwine, Jeff Neiman and Merle Noel; Supervisor Wade Sluka voted no.
Residents who spoke during the public-comment period — including Mary Burgess, Ronnie D. Wilson, Greg Scelin, Ken Boswell, Philip Lauber and Brad Lauber — told the board they had concerns about health, safety and property values related to proposed solar energy farms. Zoning Administrator Shaundee Graham attended the discussion and was identified as the county official to assist in the review process.
The adopted Resolution No. 2026-08 directs the planning commission to examine the county comprehensive plan and zoning regulations and to make specific recommendations on issues the board listed for review: setbacks, infrasound, health concerns, property-value impacts, the definition of an "occupied dwelling," and other items pertaining to solar energy farms. The resolution requires the planning commission to complete its review and provide recommendations within four months of the resolution’s signing. The moratorium will remain in effect for six months starting on the date of approval.
Board members said they adopted the moratorium to allow time for a regulatory review and to avoid receiving new applications while that review is underway. The resolution does not prohibit existing operations or pending permits already issued; it temporarily halts acceptance of new applications for conditional-use permits for solar energy farms.
Next steps: the Fillmore County Planning Commission will conduct its review and any needed hearings and return recommendations to the board within the four-month timeline set by the resolution. The moratorium takes effect immediately upon the board’s approval.
