Winneshiek County Supervisors approve new zoning ordinance language on renewable energy

For the first time ever, the Winneshiek County zoning ordinance includes language covering renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar panels.  The 4-1 vote Monday morning concludes a lengthy process which started last October.

The Winneshiek County Zoning Commission study included two public meetings 0ver the winter, one about solar energy and one about wind energy.  The proposed regulations were issued in August, with County Planning & Zoning Commission action on the regulations in September and forwarding the proposed ordinance to the County Board for action on the regulations.  The regulations are being created to encourage solar energy and wind energy generation while also protecting the health, safety and welfare of county residents.  The regulations would apply to solar and wind energy installations outside city limits of all cities in the county.