Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission 2026-10-28

The Morton County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, listed as October 28, 2026 (metadata records October 29), included updates and land-use decisions but no public procurement awards or spending approvals. A NextEra Energy representative described the proposed 426-megawatt New Salem Wind project, including 151 planned turbines and executed land leases; commissioners also raised concerns about unresolved landowner damage claims from a previous project. The commission recommended approval of Knife River’s special use permit for gravel mining and crushing, conditioned on compliance with county code section 5-110 and a road-use agreement with the county engineer and, if necessary, the Road Board. The code limits hauling to daylight hours, no later than 10 p.m.; processing may occur outside those hours. The commission also approved subdivision requests for Meyer Flat Second and Harmon Village 25th.

Commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance for utility-scale battery energy storage systems, discussing fire and vapor safety, spacing, noise, setbacks, and emergency planning. No ordinance decision was made; the matter will return for another public hearing next month, with written industry comments and possible expert input anticipated. The commission also discussed enforcement of vehicle storage and other alleged zoning violations, including inviting a property owner to the November 18 meeting and discussing enforcement procedures with the County Commission. No contract awards or procurement votes were identified.