Linn County commissioners adopt six-month moratorium on certain industrial utility permits

The Linn County Board of County Commissioners on a voice vote adopted a six-month temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing and approval of certain public-utility and public-service uses in the county’s I-1 and I-2 industrial zoning districts.

Chair (speaker 2) moved the measure after commissioners discussed easement requests and a planned high-voltage transmission route tied to a Clearway solar project in neighboring Bates County. "I move that the Linn County Board of County Commissioners adopt an immediate temporary moratorium on the acceptance, processing, approval, permitting, construction, expansion, or administrative authority authorization of public utility and public service uses identified in table 12 1 in the industrial zone district section 23 of the Linn County Planning and Zoning Regulations," the chair read during the meeting.

The resolution states the moratorium is intended to give the county time to review impacts of interstate electric transmission infrastructure on agricultural land, private-property rights, environmental resources, public safety, infrastructure and community character; consider amendments to planning and zoning regulations (including table 12-1); obtain additional public input, legal review and technical analysis; and protect residents' health, safety and welfare. The motion, seconded by Committee member (speaker 3), carried after commissioners voiced their support.

Commissioners said staff and the county attorney will review regulatory options and seek additional information, including whether the Kansas Utilities Commission or other state approvals already vest the project in a way that would limit local controls. Chair (speaker 2) asked that the proposal be routed to planning and zoning staff for review and indicated the board would revisit the item during the moratorium period if more information becomes available.

The moratorium is set to remain in effect for six months unless repealed or extended by the board. The county did not announce a date for any potential public hearings tied to proposed land-use changes during the moratorium period.