Zoning commission reviews draft for limited-scale solar (50 acres) and prepares input for supervisors

The Dubuque County Zoning Commission reviewed a draft addendum intended to govern "limited-scale" utility solar projects (roughly 50 acres or less) and discussed whether to send that language back to the Board of Supervisors. Chair introduced the history: the commission completed a detailed renewables recommendation in July 2024 that the supervisors considered but did not adopt; staff said the supervisors asked for additional input on smaller projects and the packet circulated to the commission tonight is intended as a possible insert into the earlier recommended ordinance.

A group of local stakeholders and representatives from Greater Dubuque Development presented a reworked framework and two specific edits. Jeff Pate urged a lower CSR (Corn Suitability Rating) threshold and recommended, "So 50, we would like to set that level closer at 50 because we feel that would be a little more fair." Commissioners debated process: some urged forwarding the draft to supervisors for formal hearings and public comment, while others said any commission feedback should come after open public work sessions or subcommittee review. Staff also warned of a recent state change — Senate File 2465 — that expands 'on-farm' exemptions and could limit local authority over certain agricultural-based uses, advising caution in relying on local restrictions that state law may preempt.

The commission did not take a final binding vote on ordinance language at the meeting but agreed on next steps: staff will prepare a focused packet (comparative spreadsheets of ordinance sections from other counties, supporting literature for setbacks/noise criteria) and schedule a public work session to examine discrete sections (beginning with setbacks) before returning a formal recommendation to the supervisors.