Franklin County extends wind moratorium and adds temporary solar pause while plan is updated

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 28 to extend an existing moratorium on commercial wind energy projects and to add a temporary moratorium on commercial solar projects in rural areas while the county updates its comprehensive plan.

A county staff member who spoke to the board said the change would give the county time "to go back to our comp plan and create a framework regulation" and to address concerns about "how these projects could impact our rural quality of life, the natural beauty in the county, and the pursuit of agriculture." The board discussed a proposed new resolution, labeled 26‑05, that would extend the wind moratorium and add a temporary ban on commercial solar special use permits (SUPs) in rural areas through Dec. 31, 2028.

Proponents framed the moratorium as a pause to allow considered policymaking. One commissioner said the action is intended to be temporary and legislative in nature: the board can undo or change it later. The staff member also recommended a timeline for completing a new comprehensive plan by the end of 2028, which shaped the moratorium’s proposed end date.

The board moved and adopted Resolution 26‑05 by roll-call vote. The action was presented as a legislative step to preserve options while staff and commissioners develop regulations and siting criteria.

What’s next: staff will draft the formal text of Resolution 26‑05 and the county will proceed with the comprehensive‑plan work and regulatory drafting referenced in the discussion. No specific permit applications were decided at the meeting.