Benton County, OR Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

210 sets out the uses that need a conditional use permit approved by the Planning Commission, rather than the Planning Official, in the Exclusive Farm Use Zone, and subsection (13) places photovoltaic solar power generation facilities on that list when the facility is a commercial utility facility generating power for public use by sale, consistent with OAR 660-033-0130(38). 015 uses elsewhere in Chapter 55, so an applicant needs to know the tract's soil classification before applying. An existing, lawfully established solar facility located wholly within a farm use zone is not frozen in place: it may be maintained, enhanced or expanded on the same tract under the code's general allowance for existing uses, subject to whatever other requirements of law apply to that expansion.

215, which requires findings that the facility will not force a significant change in accepted farm or forest practices on surrounding land or significantly increase the cost of those practices. This provision addresses utility-scale, commercial solar generation sited to sell power, not accessory rooftop panels serving an existing farm dwelling's own electricity use.