County Zoning Administrator discusses details, objectives regarding solar arrays prior to February 18 public hearing for zoning ordinance amendment

by Joe Moses

Allamakee County Zoning Administrator Stephanie Runkle recently met with The Standard relating to the Allamakee County Planning and Zoning Commission’s Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 18 regarding an amendment to the County’s Zoning Ordinance L. The proposed amendment will add specifics to the County’s zoning regulations relating to Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems, Community Solar Energy Systems and an update to requirements for Personal Solar Energy Systems, among other updates.

Relating to the background and development of this amendment, Runkle noted the importance of public input, communication and the dissemination of information from her office during this process in addition to the scheduled public hearing to take place Tuesday, February 18 at 5 p.m. during the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting in the Supervisors’ Boardroom at the Allamakee County Courthouse. The public notice relating to this public hearing is printed on Page 18 of this week’s edition of The Standard.

Runkle discussed energy trends relating to solar in addition to battery storage, a matter of local relevance following preliminary discussions last summer by Alliant Energy relating to a possible battery storage site at the former Lansing Power Plant location which prompted review and an update of the County’s zoning ordinance last fall. Runkle explained that the review and planning of this or any other potential battery storage site, allowing for storage and release of energy to the grid as needed, may take several years before construction will begin.

To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, February 12, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.