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Commissioners take up second reading of alternative-energy zoning ordinance; debate over industrial zoning and decommissioning funds
Summary
The board considered second reading of Ordinance OAA25-16 to amend Section 3.17 (alternative energy) of the Pennington County Zoning Ordinance. Amendments added an infrasound definition and stricter decommissioning-fund requirements; commissioners split on whether industrial zones should be required for wind/solar projects.
Planning Director Britney presented the second reading of Ordinance OAA25-16, an amendment to Section 3.17 of the Pennington County Zoning Ordinance governing alternative energy. The posted changes included a definition of infrasound and a requirement that decommissioning funds come from an escrow or trust to provide stronger financial assurance.
Commissioners debated whether wind and solar should be addressed in separate ordinances and whether locating such projects in industrial zones was practical for rural siting. One commissioner said the draft was "far too restrictive" and preferred separate treatment for wind and solar; another emphasized protections for agriculture and consistent comprehensive-plan alignment. A motion to approve the second reading and final adoption was made and seconded; a roll-call vote was taken on the motion.
Planning staff and several commissioners noted the ordinance grew from a multi-year committee process and a moratorium intended to allow careful review. The transcript records a roll-call vote; details of individual tallies are in the minutes and the staff packet.
