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Sherwood trustees authorize Planning Commission to review solar, wind and short-term rental rules
Summary
On Oct. 1 the Sherwood Township Board voted to send solar and wind ordinances and possible short-term rental rules to the Planning Commission for review, permitting the PC to seek up to $500 in legal advice and requiring a public hearing before any board approvals.
Sherwood Township supervisors voted Oct. 1 to refer a review of the township's solar and wind ordinances and possible short-term rental regulations to the Planning Commission.
Supervisor Aaron Robbins moved that the board "grant the Planning Commission permission to look at the present solar / wind ordinances to be sure they comply with state regulations and to make modifications so they are in the best interest of Sherwood Township and to look into short term rental (less than 30 days) ordinances that need to be addressed for the township." Haack seconded the motion and the board voted to pass it.
Don Esch, chairperson of the Planning Commission, told the board the PC intends to address solar energy with an emphasis on keeping authority local and to consider changes to penalties for zoning violations. Esch also noted that a public hearing will be required after the PC drafts any ordinance changes and before the board may approve them.
The board’s approved motion permits the Planning Commission to obtain advice from the township legal firm for this review, with legal charges capped at $500. The motion does not specify a timeline for the PC’s report back to the board.
Bill Courliss, an attendee, urged the board to consider a new short-term rental ordinance; his comment was included in public comment that preceded the motion. The board did not take any immediate action to adopt ordinances at the Oct. 1 meeting and directed the Planning Commission to analyze compliance with state regulations and local policy preferences.
Next steps: the Planning Commission will meet Nov. 12, 2024, to advance its review; the board will schedule a public hearing if and when the PC forwards proposed ordinance language.
