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Solar zoning text amendment cannot proceed after commissioner recuses, leaving commission without quorum
Summary
A proposed zoning text change to allow primary solar energy equipment in BNI zones could not be heard after a commissioner recused for a conflict of interest; staff will forward materials to the regional council of governments and the item will be renoticed.
A planned public hearing on a zoning text amendment to permit primary solar energy equipment in the BNI zone (application 26‑1TA, applicant listed as Tri Tech Americas/Christine Hey) did not proceed on Aug. 5 after Commissioner Bob Harrison announced a recusal, citing his role on the Bethany Land Trust and past involvement discussing similar proposals.
Harrison said he could not participate because of the proximity of a land trust property and prior board discussions: "I'm a member of the Bethany Land Trust board of directors, and we have a property less than 500 feet across the road from the parcel in question," he told the commission. With his recusal the panel fell below quorum and the chair said the commission could not hold a valid public hearing; staff advised that the application be forwarded to the regional council of governments for review and that the hearing be re‑noticed once a quorum is available.
The chair apologized to the applicant for the inconvenience and asked the applicant to submit any materials for staff review before the next meeting to streamline consideration. The item will be scheduled again after appropriate notice and any required interjurisdictional review.
