Planning & Environmental Services seeks an interim ordinance under Minn. Stat. §394.34 to pause approvals for certain commercial facilities (solar systems ≥100 kW, wind >35 ft, towers >35 ft) within viewsheds of designated scenic byways while staff studies visual impacts and potential zoning amendments. The Planning Commission recommended the interim ordinance; the board will hold a public hearing Nov. 10, 2026.

At a remand hearing, the applicant urged the board to reaffirm a 2024 approval to rezone roughly 20.36 acres at Deschutes Junction to rural industrial, while Central Oregon Land Watch argued the change would conflict with the county’s scenic-highway protections under Goal 5; the board agreed to a 7/15–7/29 open record period and tentative deliberations in August.