Linn County Meeting to Discuss Proposed Nuclear Zoning Code Updates

The Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission is meeting tonight to discuss proposed zoning regulations for nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage facilities in Linn County. 

There will be opportunities for public comment during this meeting, which will start at 6 pm at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center in Cedar Rapids. 

This is the second public discussion of a draft zoning code that would establish local standards for reviewing land use proposals involving nuclear power or waste storage in Linn County. The Planning & Zoning Commission will make a recommendation to the Linn County Board of Supervisors at a future meeting.

The proposed zoning code outlines application requirements, review procedures, and host community agreement requirements. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) sets and enforces nationwide standards for designing, constructing, and operating nuclear facilities safely. Local governments, however, retain authority over land-use issues–such as where a facility may be sited, how it fits into surrounding neighborhoods, and what community benefits or impact-mitigation measures are required. The proposed Linn County zoning code focuses on these local considerations while leaving radiological safety to the NRC.

Linn County residents are encouraged to review the draft zoning code on the Linn County website before the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting tonight and send their feedback, questions, or concerns to Linn County Planning & Development Director Charlie Nichols by email. The feedback received will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission at their meeting tonight. Residents can also share their feedback during public comment at the meeting.