HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd-2017-004 Extend MoratoriumBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ordinance No. 2017-001:
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-OO~
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 . g-th I I · day OfU I-l"!<''''-Jt/L.'''+j ____ ' 2017.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
ABSENT
Paul Jewell, Chairman
L~n
Obie O'Brien, Commissioner
Ordinance 2017-00 4
July 18, 2017
ATTEST
CLERK OF THE BOARD
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Neil Caulkins,
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Ordinance 2017--12/2. 4
July 18, 2017
Exhibit "A":
Solar Moratorium Work Plan
Staff Review
Citizen Advisory
Committee Meetings
Staff review of existing
Comprehensive Plan &
develooment regulations
Staff review of potential siting
criteria and regulations (other
urisdictions)
Staff meetings wi industry
resentatives
Form Citizen Advisory
Committee
Meeting #1
Meet w/ industry
representatives and
concerned citizen groups
Meeting #2
Solar Moratorium Work Plan
July 18, 2017 In progress
July 18, 2017 In progress
July 18, 2017
August 1, 2017 Issue press release, accept applications, appoint committee
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
• Identifv areas of needed
September 5,2017 I 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
Inventory, Studies,
Analysis
Meeting #3
Inventory of existing
conditions
Studies identified by working
group and industry
representatives
Analysis of study information
Community Open House I Receive community input
regarding issues and study
information to date
Comment
September 26,2017 I Agenda:
August 2017
August -October
2017
August-October
2017
September 19, 2017
November 14,2017
• Review study information
• Review Community Open House feedback
• Review draft rEgulations
Meeting Goal:
• Review and revise draft regulations
Existing transmission lines & substations
Existing capacity
Existing agricultural lands
Other
Siting criteria
Mitigating impacts to rural environments
Permitting
Employment
Tax implications
Other
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