2025.05.05 ORD 2025-543 Repealing Solar Moratorium Ordinance

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CITY OF HUGO COUNTY OF WASHINGTON ORDINANCE NO. 2025-543 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON NEW DEVELOPMENT OF SOLAR FARM SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS WHEREAS, the City Council adopted an Ordinance 2016-475 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS on January 4, 2016 and an amendment Ordinance 2023-528 on July 24, 2023; WHEREAS, in view of experience following the adoption of the above-referenced ordinances, including an observation that Solar Farm Solar Energy Systems may not be appropriate in certain land use categories in the City because of issues relating to compatibility and appearance, the City determined that an additional study shall be conducted to ensure the zoning ordinance and official controls regarding Solar Farms adequately addresses the public health, safety and general welfare of the community; WHEREAS, the City Council adopted an interim Ordinance 2024-530 on May 20, 2024 placing a moratorium on new development of solar farms and directing a study to be conducted, and adopted an Ordinance 2024-536 on October 21, 2024 extending said moratorium until May 20, 2025. WHEREAS, the City has completed the study of the ordinance relating to and regulating solar farms, and the City Council adopted Ordinance 2025-541 on April 7, 2025 amending the ordinance as it relates to the definition of solar farms, the zoning districts where they are permitted, and performance standards for solar farms. WHEREAS, the City Council finds that with its newly adopted Ordinance in place, the need for the moratorium is now concluded. NOW,THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Hugo does ordain: The interim Ordinance 2024-530 placing a moratorium on new development of solar farm solar energy systems, and the interim Ordinance 2024-536 extending said moratorium, are hereby lifted and repealed in their entirety, subject to the newly adopted Ordinance and its regulations. This ordinance is effective upon adoption.