The city of Galesburg will pause new solar project applications for the next few months to review current ordinances and consider new regulations.
The 120-day moratorium will not affect solar projects that have already been submitted to the city or those that have already been approved.
City Manager Eric Hanson said the goal is not to prohibit solar developments.
But he said the rapid growth of solar projects is raising concerns about land use development and long-term maintenance obligations.
“Dating back to 2017, 2018, when this first started, the city at that time elected not to place regulations. So therefore, solar fields can essentially go anywhere in the city," Hanson said. "This (moratorium) will allow us some time to put together a more cohesive approach with not only solar but also wind potential projects that are in city limits or within our mile and a half area.”
The moratorium will include new solar fields as well as solar projects at residents’ homes.
Ward Four Council Member Dwight White asked if the moratorium could be 90 days instead.
“We're looking at making them wait four months just for us to be able to decide whether we're going to let them come in and put up solar,” White said.
Hanson called the 120 days “a hedge just to make sure that all the stars align.”
He said the planning and zoning process takes time, so the 120 days will allow staff to fully consider new regulations. Any new ordinances would go before the development review Committee, and then require a public hearing before the planning and zoning commission, prior to being reviewed by the city council.
The city council approved the moratorium with Ward Two’s Wendel Hunigan abstaining.
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