Delta County Adopts Solar Ordinance Requiring Wildlife Impact Mitigation

The Delta County Board of Commissioners reviewed the final draft of the 2026 Solar Ordinance Amendment to the Delta County Zoning Ordinance. This ordinance details requirements for Solar Energy Systems, including utility-scale production. The amendment requires that utility-scale systems avoid and minimize negative impacts on wildlife, such as overflight migrating birds and riparian zones, and mandates ongoing monitoring if negative impacts are identified.

The ordinance establishes specific environmental requirements for large-scale solar energy projects. By mandating that developers minimize wildlife impacts and conduct post-construction monitoring, the regulation adds operational complexity and compliance requirements to utility-scale solar energy production.