By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
At the Dec. 16 meeting, the Great Bend City Council voted against adopting regulations for potential solar development within the three-mile zoning jurisdiction of Great Bend. As of now, there are no guidelines specific for creating solar energy conservation systems.
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Jolene Biggs was one of four councilmembers that voted no toward adopting the solar regulations.
"The one argument that has stuck with me is a landowner that lives east of town said all of his neighbors have leased ground to Acciona Energy...if that should happen," said Biggs. "Of course we're not looking at Acciona. We're just looking at setting up guidelines. But looking out that window, I certainly would not want to look at that. I will be voting no for those reasons."
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The Great Bend Planning Commission developed the regulations that included a minimum of 1,000-foot setback for any solar development from the property line of a tract with a residence.
Alan Moeder was one of three councilmembers that voted in favor of adopting the regulations.
"I see the pros and cons of both sides, but the person paying property taxes on their land has the right to do with their land what they want," said Moeder. "At this point, you can go on the internet and find pros and cons of both of them. Who knows what is right or wrong? I will be voting yes."
A conditional use permit still needs to be filed for anyone interested in building solar panels within Great Bend’s zoning jurisdiction, and council approval is needed. As of now, if that permit is granted, there are no specific solar guidelines regulating the production of the development.