Aldermen reject 120-day extension of solar moratorium after split vote

The Clarkson Valley Board of Aldermen voted March 3 to defeat a proposal to extend a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and review of solar-energy-system applications.

Bill No. 0588 would have extended the moratorium for 120 days while the city studied policies, regulations and standards for solar installations. Alderman Courtney Birkel, Lin Midyett and Tracy Nuelle voted in favor; Jeff Schweig and Brock MacDonald voted against the extension; Andrew Low was absent. Mayor Sue McNamara declared the bill defeated.

Supporters said a pause could give the Planning & Zoning Commission time to develop thoughtful regulations. Opponents and at least one public commenter argued that a moratorium risks stalling acceptable projects and that aesthetics should be handled through guidance rather than rigid codification. Resident Frances Babb told the Board she opposed the moratorium extension, saying building-code changes for photovoltaic systems should focus on safety and that aesthetic rules belong in zoning guidance rather than the building code. She said, “Instead of codifying aesthetic regulations about solar panels, the Board of Aldermen should develop a guideline for the Architectural Review Board who should have some discretion and flexibility in making decisions.”

Board members also discussed whether a clear timeline or roadmap existed for regulatory updates and whether continuing a moratorium posed legal risk. No formal extension was adopted; further action on solar regulation is expected to proceed through Planning & Zoning work and the staff/commission process rather than by extending the temporary moratorium at this meeting.