(Spirit Lake)– A public hearing into proposed revisions to the county’s zoning ordinance that would tighten requirements for the construction of any new wind turbines consumed a large portion of today’s (Tues.) Dickinson County Board of Supervisors meeting. The revisions were forwarded to the supervisors by the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission after months of deliberations and hearings.
Those in favor of the new restrictions expressed concerns over aesthetics, property values, noise, shadow flicker and setbacks. Those opposed to the new rules say they curtail the rights of landowners. They also site additional property tax revenue the turbines would generate.
After closing the hearing that went for nearly two hours, the supervisors voted to approve the first two readings of the revisions and waived the 2nd and 3rd readings, giving final approval. Supervisor Tim Fairchild abstained from the votes.
