Linn County Seeking Feedback on Wind Ordinance Updates

The Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) will hear proposed ordinance amendments for utility-scale wind projects in Linn County during its meeting on May 20, 2024. There are opportunities for public comment during this meeting. At the meeting, the Planning & Zoning Commission will make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors regarding the proposed ordinance changes for utility-scale wind projects in Linn County.

The Board of Supervisors will discuss the PZC recommendation and review the proposed wind ordinance amendments at a future public meeting. The date for the Board of Supervisors meeting(s) has not been set. The Board of Supervisors will make the final decision on the proposed ordinance amendments for utility-scale wind projects in Linn County. A draft of the proposed ordinance amendments is available on the Linn County website.

The proposed ordinance amendments were developed by Linn County Planning & Development staff using lessons learned from the Renewable Energy Review Committee input and utility-scale solar projects, as well as an analysis of current wind ordinance best practices. Updates to ordinance language regulations include but are not limited to setbacks, noise, decommissioning, wildlife mitigation, agricultural impact mitigation, and shadow flicker.

Linn County values resident and stakeholder engagement. So, before the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on May 20, residents are invited to read a draft of the proposed ordinance amendments on the Linn County website and submit their feedback via the online form. Feedback is requested by 5 p.m. on May 10. This feedback will be summarized and presented alongside the proposed changes.

Sign up to be notified of future Planning & Zoning Commission or Board of Supervisors meetings and agendas once they are scheduled by visiting the Agendas & Minutes page of the Linn County website.