County commissioners plan moratorium on solar farms to update land use code

A proposed moratorium on solar farms is set to take center stage in Montezuma County as officials prepare for a critical workshop on March 17. The county commissioners are responding to the rapid growth of large-scale solar installations, which have outpaced the existing land use code established in 1998. This outdated framework did not anticipate the development of expansive solar farms, some spanning over 1,200 acres.

The upcoming workshop aims to establish a new section of code that will regulate these utility-sized solar projects. A template from Mesa County will guide the discussions, with the goal of creating clear parameters for future developments. The commissioners are expected to provide direction on what aspects of the Mesa County code to adopt, ensuring that the county can effectively manage the influx of alternative energy projects.

This moratorium is not intended as a delay tactic but rather as a necessary step to review and update regulations to better fit current energy trends. The commissioners plan to hold a public hearing in April to discuss the moratorium, allowing community input before any final decisions are made.

As the county navigates this significant shift towards renewable energy, the outcome of the workshop could shape the future of solar development in Montezuma County, balancing growth with responsible land use.