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Commission adds archaeological-survey requirement to proposed solar ordinance
Summary
Mercer County approved a first reading of a Solar Energy zoning provision that adds an archaeological resource survey referencing the State Historic Preservation Office and North Dakota law; the change requires applicants to consult SHPO early in planning.
The Mercer County Commission on July 1 approved the first reading of proposed Solar Energy provisions in Chapter 4, including a new requirement that applicants consult the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) about archaeological surveys.
Tax Director Jennifer Neumiller presented the solar section and the commission added text requiring applicants to "work with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) at the State Historical Society of North Dakota at the beginning of the planning process for the solar farm to determine whether an archaeological survey is recommended." The added language references North Dakota Century Code Section 55-02-07.1 and requires applicants to submit survey results to the county and SHPO and to follow SHPO recommendations which the county will resolve in consultation with SHPO.
Commissioners voted to approve the first reading as presented. The first reading advances the provision for subsequent review; there was no final adoption recorded in the minutes.
