HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd-2018-013 Solar Moratorium ExtensionBOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Ordinance No. 2018-0 I ~
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. ?0A.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 2018-_Q_J.!}
July 3, 2018
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 was developed and adopted with Ordinance No. 2017-004; 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 proposed work plan; 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.
WHEREAS, A Solar Facilities Citizen Advisory Committee was formed at Resolution No.
2017-133 in accordance with the adopted work plan; and
WHEREAS, The Solar Facilities Citizen Advisory Committee met several times and
conducted one community open house in order to draft standards and criteria for
siting of solar facilities, but the standards were not ready for hearing or adoption
when the moratorium was set to expire on January 10, 2018; and
WHEREAS, After due notice the Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on January 3,
2018 at 6 p.m. where public testimony was received regarding the moratorium;
and
WHEREAS, After consideration of the staff report, public comment, and evidence submitted,
the Board decided that the moratorium for solar projects that qualify as major
alternative energy facilities shall be extended until July 10, 2018; and
WHEREAS, The Solar Facilities Citizen Advisory Committee finished its worked and
recommended draft standards and criteria for siting of solar facilities on March 1,
2018;and
WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners conducted a work session with the Solar
Facilities Citizen Advisory Committee on March 30, 2018 and directed staff to
make certain revisions to the proposed standards and criteria; and
WHEREAS, Staff made the revisions and scheduled the proposed standards and criteria for a
public hearing before the Kittitas County Planning Commission on May 22, 2018;
and
WHEREAS, After due notice the Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 22, 2018
at 6:30 p.m. where public testimony was received; and
Ordinance 2018-J2!.J>
July 3, 2018
WHEREAS, After consideration of the staff report, public comment, and evidence submitted,
the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed
standards and criteria with amendments; and
WHEREAS, A public hearing was scheduled before the Board of County Commissioners to
consider the recommendation from the Planning Commission and to consider
whether or not to extend the moratorium, and
WHEREAS, After due notice the Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on
June 25, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. where public testimony was received; and
WHEREAS, After consideration of the staff report, public comment, and evidence submitted,
the Board of Commissioners determined that further revisions to the proposed
standards and criteria are required, and decided that the moratorium for solar
projects that qualify as major alternative energy facilities shall be extended until
January 10, 2019, or until standards and criteria are adopted, whichever occurs
first.
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. Further revisions to proposed standards and criteria are necessary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDERED, that the moratorium on applications for solar
projects that qualify as major alternative energy facilities shall be extended until January 10,
2019, or until standards and criteria are adopted, whichever occurs first.
ADOPTED this 3rd day of __ J_ul_._y __ , 2018.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
l COUNTY, WASHINGTON
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Obie O'Brien, Vice-Chairman v~
Commissioner
Ordinance 2018-0 Jj
July 3, 2018
ATTEST
CLERK OF THE BOARD
APPROVED AS TO FORM :
Neil Caulkins,
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney