The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutAlternative Energy Moritorium Ordinance One YearBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY OF KITTITAS STATE OF WASHINGTON Ordinance No. 2017-_______ An Ordinance Extending a Moratorium on Accepting Applications for Solar Projects That Qualify As Major Alternative Energy Facilities within Kittitas County WHEREAS, Strong interest has developed in the creation of solar projects within Kittitas County and its agricultural areas; and WHEREAS, Agricultural industry provides a large portion of the economic base within Kittitas County; and WHEREAS, Major alternative energy facilities include hydroelectric plant, solar farm, or wind farm as indicated within KCC 17.61.010(9); and WHEREAS, Concern has been expressed in public hearings and public comments that solar projects that qualify as major alternative energy facilities are planned for lands used for agriculture; and WHEREAS, RCW 36.70A.390 allows adoption of a moratorium on land use activities for sixty (60) days without holding a public hearing; and WHEREAS, On January 10, 2017, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously called for an immediate moratorium on all applications for solar projects that qualify as major alternative energy facilities; and WHEREAS, A public hearing must be held within sixty (60) days of the moratorium’s enactment and findings of fact must be made to support the action; and WHEREAS, After due notice the Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on March 9, 2017 at 6 p.m. where public testimony was received in regards to the moratorium; and WHEREAS, After consideration of the staff report, public comment, and evidence submitted, the Board ordered that all applications for solar projects that qualify as major alternative energy facilities not be accepted for (6) months from January 10, 2017; and Ordinance 2017-____ July 18, 2017 WHEREAS, According to RCW 36.70A.390, a moratorium may be effective for up to one (1) year when a work plan is developed for related studies; and WHEREAS, A work plan has been developed and is attached as Exhibit “A”; and WHEREAS, After due notice the Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on July 10, 2017 at 6 p.m. where public testimony was received regarding the moratorium; and WHEREAS, After consideration of the staff report and work plan, public comment, and evidence submitted, the Board decided that the moratorium for solar projects that qualify as major alternative energy facilities shall be extended for an additional six months. NOW THE BOARD FINDS: 1. A potentially high number of proponents for solar farms have shown interest in the development of solar energy facilities within the Kittitas County valley. 2. Large numbers of large solar energy facilities may have an impact upon the agricultural activity within the valley, which is a prime industry within the County. 3. The Board desires standards and/or criteria for the placement of such facilities. 4. A work plan has been developed for adoption of such standards and/or criteria within one year of placement of the moratorium. The work plan is attached as Exhibit “A". NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDERED, that the moratorium on applications for solar projects that qualify as major alternative energy facilities shall continue for one (1) year from January 10, 2017. ADOPTED this ______day of __________________, 2017. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON _______________________________ Paul Jewell, Chairman _______________________________ Laura Osiadacz, Vice-Chairman _______________________________ Obie O’Brien, Commissioner Ordinance 2017-____ July 18, 2017 ATTEST APPROVED AS TO FORM: CLERK OF THE BOARD ________________________ __________________________ Julie A. Kjorsvik Neil Caulkins, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ordinance 2017-____ July 18, 2017 Exhibit “A”: Solar Moratorium Work Plan Solar Moratorium Work Plan Task Target Date Notes Staff Review Staff review of existing Comprehensive Plan & development regulations July 18, 2017 In progress Staff review of potential siting criteria and regulations (other jurisdictions) July 18, 2017 In progress Staff meetings w/ industry representatives July 18, 2017 5/5 meeting w/ Puget Sound Engergy 6/27 meeting w/ Origis Energy Citizen Advisory Committee Meetings Form Citizen Advisory Committee August 1, 2017 Issue press release, accept applications, appoint committee Meeting #1 Meet w/ industry representatives and concerned citizen groups August 15, 2017 Agenda:  Present issues  Industry presentation o Industry criteria for siting/areas that aren’t feasible o Potential mitigation  Presentation from concerned citizen groups  Questions/discussion on presented information Meeting Goals:  Orientation  Building common ground for future discussions  Identify areas of needed study Meeting #2 September 5, 2017 Agenda:  Review study information to date  Discussion of siting criteria and development regulations  Consider draft regulations Meeting Goal:  Provide direction for studies, data collection, mapping, draft regulations Task Target Date Notes Meeting #3 September 26, 2017 Agenda:  Review study information  Review Community Open House feedback  Review draft regulations Meeting Goal:  Review and revise draft regulations Inventory, Studies, Analysis Inventory of existing conditions August 2017 Existing transmission lines & substations Existing capacity Existing agricultural lands Other Studies identified by working group and industry representatives August-October 2017 Siting criteria Mitigating impacts to rural environments Permitting Employment Tax implications Other Analysis of study information August-October 2017 Community Open House Receive community input regarding issues and study information to date September 19, 2017 Draft Regulations Finalize draft regulations October 31, 2017 Public Review and Comment on Draft Regulations Publish Draft Regulations for Comment November- December 2017 Planning Commission Hearing November 14, 2017 SEPA November 14, 2017 BOCC Hearing December 19, 2017 Solar Moratorium Work Plan Timeline June July August September October November December Staff Review Citizen Advisory Committe Meetings Inventory, Studies, Analysis Community Open House Draft Regulations Public Review and Comment on Draft Regulations Planning Commission Hearing SEPA BOCC Hearing