Linn County sets Jan. 5 public hearing to consider rezoning Duane Arnold Energy Center site

The Linn County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 22 to set a public hearing for 10 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2026, to consider rezoning approximately 393 acres at 3277 DAEC Road in Palo from agricultural to an exclusive-use district for a nuclear energy generating facility and nuclear waste storage.

Charlie Nichols, planning and development, said the hearing will serve as the first reading for the rezoning and that the county will also discuss a host community agreement and a memorandum of understanding at the Jan. 5 meeting. Nichols said the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the planning process control the formal decision-making timeline and that the county can add conditions or delay later readings if changes are substantial enough to require restarting the process with the planning and zoning commission.

Supervisor (Speaker 2) asked about the timeline for second and final consideration and whether the board could delay further readings if issues arise; Nichols replied that the board can delay second or third consideration but major changes could require restarting the review process.

Supervisor (Speaker 1) moved to approve a resolution setting the public hearing; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: the board will hold the public hearing on Jan. 5, 2026, and will consider the host community agreement and memorandum of understanding during that session. Any amendments substantial enough to alter the project's nature would require returning to the planning and zoning commission and restarting consideration.