Title
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A MORATORIUM FOR WIND AND SOLAR ENERGY ZONING APPLICATIONS.
Presented by: Justin M. Waggoner, Assistant County Counselor.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Take action as deemed appropriate by the BOCC.
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The Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code (“Zoning Code”) does not presently have any specific standards or regulations for commercial wind or solar energy uses. Instead, these uses would currently be classified as “Utility, Major” and would require an applicant to apply for a conditional use. The proposed resolution would apply a moratorium of approximately 180 days for issuance of any conditional use permit for commercial wind and solar energy uses. During this time, Metropolitan Area Planning Department staff could develop proposed standards and regulations for commercial wind and solar energy uses, which could then be considered by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (“MAPC”), any sub-committee(s) of the MAPC, and, ultimately, the Board of County Commissioners.
Financial Considerations: N/A
Legal Considerations: This action is permissible pursuant to K.S.A. 12-741, et seq., K.S.A. 19-101, et seq., and the County’s police powers. Approval is by simple majority vote.
Policy Considerations: N/A