The Linn County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a series of public meetings to review a proposed ordinance that would establish zoning regulations for gas-fired electric power plants in unincorporated Linn County.
The board will hold a public hearing and three separate readings of the proposed ordinance, beginning March 9. The board has final authority over whether the ordinance is adopted.
The Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission previously reviewed the proposed ordinance at a Feb. 16 meeting.
The proposed changes to the county’s Unified Development Code would set setback requirements, including a minimum distance of 2.25 miles between gas-fired generating facilities and residential areas in population centers. The ordinance would also establish standards for noise, airport safety areas and road impacts, as well as requirements for permit applications. Linn County Planning & Development says the proposed rules are intended to ensure consistency with the Development Guidance portion of the county’s Comprehensive Plan.
All three meetings are scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids. The public hearing and first reading is set for Monday, March 9, followed by a second reading Wednesday, March 11 and a third reading Monday, March 18.
The public may attend in person or watch virtually. Links to each meeting’s livestream are available through the Linn County website. Virtual attendees will not be able to offer live comment during the meetings.
Each meeting will include two public comment periods — one at the start and one at the end — with time limits on individual comments. Written comments may be submitted in advance to [email protected] and will be summarized publicly by county staff at the meetings.
Residents can sign up for notifications about future board meetings and agendas through the Agenda & Minutes page on the Linn County website.
