The Linn County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold its third and final consideration of the Coggon Solar LLC rezoning application on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the Linn County fairgrounds. Members of the public can attend in person or virtually. During their Jan. 18, 2022 meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to postpone the third consideration and final vote on the rezoning to Jan. 24.
All utility-scale solar projects in Linn County require an application to rezone the area to be used for the solar installation to (RE) Renewable Energy Overlay Zoning District. The rezoning application must undergo a review by the Technical Review Committee, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and three readings by the Board of Supervisors. The review process is designed to review all applications thoroughly against the development standards outlined in Linn County’s utility-scale solar ordinance. The Technical Review Committee met on Nov.15, 2021 and the Planning & Zoning Commission met on Nov. 29, 2021 to review the Coggon Solar LLC application for rezoning. The next and final step in the review process is the Board of Supervisors meetings. Videos from the TRC, PZC, and Board of Supervisors meetings on this application are available on Linn County’s website.
THIRD CONSIDERATION
When: Monday, January 24
Time: 6 p.m.
Where: Linn County Fairgrounds | 201 Central City Rd., Central City
Members of the public can attend in person or virtually. Virtual attendance will require attendees to register.
Register to Attend Virtually:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1787927273548822288
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Rezoning Application Requirements
Linn County requires any solar developer to meet specific requirements and submit documents detailing and minimizing any impacts associated with the project. Specific requirements for solar projects include:
- Glare Minimization: All panels must be constructed to minimize glare or reflection onto adjacent properties.
- Screening: A landscape buffer may be required if deemed necessary by the Board of Supervisors.
- Fencing: A security fence must be installed along all exterior sides of the solar project per federal law.
- Setbacks: All structures (including solar arrays) must meet the minimum principal setback for the zoning district the project is located in.
Linn County also requires solar developers to submit the following documents with their rezoning application:
- Road Condition Survey: The applicant will be required to conduct a preconstruction survey detailing the condition of the roads that will be used during the course of the project. The applicant will be responsible for on-going road maintenance and dust control measures during construction. Additionally, the applicant will be responsible for repair of any damage to public drainage systems.
- Operation and Maintenance Plan: The applicant will be required to submit a plan for the operation and maintenance of the solar installation, which shall include measures for maintaining safe access to the installation, storm water and erosion controls, as well as general procedures for operation and maintenance of the installation.
- Decommissioning and Site Reclamation Plan: The applicant will be required to submit a plan detailing how the solar arrays will be removed and recycled, as well as how they will restore the site to pre-project conditions.
Learn more about the utility-scale solar permitting process in Linn County and view the application documents submitted by Coggon Solar LLC.