HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-07-res-027-moratoriumBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-0 r9..7
A Resolution Enacting a Moratorium on Accepting Proposals for Solar Projects That
Qualify As Large Scale Alternative Energy Systems within the Kittitas County
WHEREAS, Strong interest has developed in the creation of solar projects within the 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)
WHEREAS, Concern has been expressed in public hearing and public comment that solar
projects that would qualify as major alternative energy facilities are planned for
siting within lands used for agriculture; and
WHEREAS, Kittitas County is in the process of updating its current Comprehensive Plan and
development regulations; and
WHEREAS, Advisory groups meeting on issues in the update of the Plan have expressed
interest and concern over the rising number of major alternative energy facilities
siting; and
WHEREAS, The update of the Comprehensive Plan and implementing regulations is
expected to occur in 2017 .
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, Public hearing must be held with in sixty (60) days of the moratorium's enactment
and findings of fact must be made to support the action. lA moratorium may last ,
six (6) months and be ex ten de d fo r up to one (1) year' wlien .accompanied by a
work plan for moratorium research ; and
WHEREAS, The Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners finds the need for such
moratorium on solar projects that qualify as alternative energy system
development during its comprehensive plan development cycle.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that all application
for solar projects that would qualify as major alternative energy systems not be accepted for at
least six months from January 10th , 2017 or until the Comprehensive Plan and the implementing
regulations for the County are adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
ADO PTED this j rf17 day of fCbna411{} 20 17.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KI UNTY, WASHINGTON
l ~~
Obie O'Brien, Commissioner
APPROVED AS TO FORM :
7JryL l!<.JtjP Y 8
J ulie A. Kjorsvi l< Neil Caulkins,
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney