88 to regulate large-scale commercial solar energy facilities and accessory battery energy storage systems, dated June 5, 2026 for Planning Commission review. The ordinance defines application requirements, SEPA-driven study expectations, development standards, wildlife and habitat mitigation, decommissioning financial assurance, and public safety obligations for any future utility-scale solar/BESS projects in the county’s agricultural zoning and other allowed districts. This framework does not approve a specific project or vendor, but it creates a clear conditional use permit pathway and mandates extensive technical studies, public engagement, traffic plans, environmental review, and decommissioning security that future solar developers must satisfy.For vendors, this is a forward-looking signal that Columbia County is preparing for multiple commercial solar and battery storage proposals and will likely need legal, engineering, environmental, traffic, public outreach, and specialized consulting support to help applicants and the county comply with the new standards and review processes.

Ordinance requires preapplication conferences, cost reimbursement agreements, SEPA checklist and studies, traffic management plan, decommissioning bonds, and encourages local preference for services and contractors.