Proposed Code Amendment to SCC 14.16.400(4)(h); Regarding Major Electrical Utility Developments on Ag-NRL Zone Land
Proposed Code Amendment
The proposal would amend SCC 14.16.400(4)(h) to exclude on Ag-NRL zoned land electrical generation and/or storage facilities from the major utility developments permitted with a hearing examiner special use permit. Skagit County has long maintained a strong policy of protecting agricultural land for agricultural uses, and this proposal furthers that policy by not allowing major utility developments for the generation and/or storage of electrical power on agricultural land.
Interim Ordinance RE moratorium on major utilities on Ag-NRL Lands
Skagit County Commissioners Adopt Interim Ordinance Imposing Moratorium for Energy Projects on Skagit Farmland
The interim ordinance, which went into effect September 23, 2024, imposes a moratorium on the acceptance of permits for electrical energy generation or storage facilities on Skagit farmland. The moratorium lasts for six months but may be extended by the Board if necessary. Interim Ordinance (O20240007)
The Board of Skagit County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the moratorium at 1:30 p.m., October 21, 2024, to accept public comment. The public may join the hearing in-person in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room at 1800 Continental Place or via Zoom at the link on the Commissioner’s webpage.
Notice of Availability: Post Adoption Hearing Regarding Interim Ordinance Declaring an Emergency and Adopting a Moratorium on the Acceptance of Permit Applications for Major Utility Development Projects Involving Electrical Energy Generation or Storage on Skagit County Agricultural (Ag-NRL) Lands
How to Comment
Option 1: Email comments are preferred and must be sent to pdscomments@co.skagit.wa.us with the proposal name (“Post Adoption Hearing Regarding Interim Ordinance Declaring an Emergency and Adopting a Moratorium on the Acceptance of Permit Applications for Major Utility Development Projects Involving Electrical Energy Generation or Storage on Skagit County Agricultural (Ag-NRL) Lands”) in the subject line. Include your comments in the body of your email message rather than as attachments.
Option 2: Paper comments must be printed on 8½x11 paper and mailed or delivered to:
Planning and Development Services Comments on “Post Adoption Hearing Regarding Interim Ordinance Declaring an Emergency and Adopting a Moratorium on the Acceptance of
Permit Applications for Major Utility Development Projects Involving Electrical Energy Generation or Storage on Skagit County Agricultural (Ag-NRL) Lands”
1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon WA 98273
All comments must be received by the deadline referenced above and include your full name and mailing address. Comments not meeting these requirements will not be considered.
Written comment deadline: October 23, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Upcoming Board of County Commissioners for Discussion/Comments/Possible Action: Proposed code amendments to 14.16.400(4)(h), regarding Major Electrical Utility Developments on Ag-NRL zone land
Monday, November 4, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.
Attend In-Person at Commissioners’ Hearing Room located 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or Remote via Zoom.
You can also join a Commissioner meeting remotely by dialing 1-253-215-8782
Meeting ID:871 8000 1980 Passcode: 14357
If you experience problems opening the Zoom link above, you will need to copy the entire address into your browser instead: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87180001980?pwd=eEVGUGkxZ3NkQkhYSnhBMEo2RTQrdz09
Planning Commission Dates to Discuss and Consider approval or denial of proposed amendment to the Board of County Commissioners.
- Public Hearing and Deliberations- October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
- Work Session- Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Relevant Documents
Citizens can view the meetings and provide verbal testimony at the public hearing either in-person at Commissioners’ Hearing Room located at 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or via Zoom or by calling: 1 (253) 215-8782 (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 892 4400 5472 Passcode: 0982730
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