Public Meetings Scheduled for Review of Linn County’s Zoning Code Updates Related to Nuclear Energy

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has set meeting dates and times to discuss proposed zoning regulations for nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage facilities in Linn County.

The first reading of the proposed ordinance is scheduled for August 25, 2025. The second reading is scheduled for August 27, 2025. The third and final reading is scheduled for September 3, 2025. All meetings will take place at 10 a.m. at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2^nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids. Each meeting will have an opportunity for public comment at the beginning and end of the meeting. The August 25 meeting will also include a public hearing, which allows the public to provide comments during the agenda item. Comments will be time-limited, which is standard for all public comment periods. During these meetings, the Board of Supervisors will consider the updated draft utility-scale ordinance.

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. The Board of Supervisors has the final decision on zoning regulations for nuclear energy generation and nuclear waste storage facilities in unincorporated Linn County.

Linn County values resident and stakeholder engagement. Residents are encouraged to review the draft zoning code on the Linn County website before the Board of Supervisors meeting on August 25 and send their feedback, questions, or concerns to Linn County Planning & Development Director Charlie Nichols by email at [email protected]. The feedback received will be presented to the Board of Supervisors at their meeting on August 25. Residents can also share their feedback during public comment at the meeting.

Sign up to be notified of future Board of Supervisor meetings and agendas once they are scheduled by visiting the Agenda & Minutes page on the Linn County website.