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Planning Commission asked to review 66‑page solar ordinance; members press for clearer legal review
Summary
The Board returned a revised 66‑page Solar Energy Facilities Ordinance for Planning Commission comment. Commissioners raised concerns that the longer draft contained additions not reviewed by the Commission and that the County Attorney provided a memorandum rather than a formal legal opinion on enforceability.
At the Feb. 17 meeting Andrew Overby told commissioners the Board of Supervisors returned a 66‑page version of the Solar Energy Facilities Ordinance — an expanded draft that included additions not previously reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Janet Rorrer said the Commission had approved a 42‑page ordinance in September 2025 and that the 66‑page version presented to the Board had not been vetted by the Commission. "The 66‑page ordinance had not been reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to being presented to the Board of Supervisors," she said.
Commissioners also questioned the state of legal review. Mr. Pool stated the County Attorney supplied a legal memorandum rather than a formal legal opinion, explaining that the attorney "was not assuming liability and was not placing their insurance 'on the hook' by providing definitive answers." Members asked whether the County Attorney would review the updated draft and whether the Board's edits had been incorporated; staff said a County Attorney review had not yet occurred but could be requested.
