Pennington County, South Dakota solar and wind moratorium
Pennington County has a moratorium in force since November 19, 2024, running to November 18, 2026. It covers utility-scale solar and wind.
Updated September 2026
Moratorium
Utility-scale solar and wind
- Adopted
- November 19, 2024
- Runs to
- November 18, 2026
- Checked
- September 30, 2026
This moratorium shall expire on November 18, 2025 unless otherwise extended by law.
South Dakota state law
State law can cap or override county rules. All South Dakota rules and counties.
State siting: South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
Wind and solar projects of 100 MW or more (solar measured AC) need a PUC facility permit, decided within nine months; smaller projects are permitted by the county alone.
SDCL 49-41B-2(13), (16) and 49-41B-4 (definitions amended by SL 2025, ch 193). Source
Wind standards in state law
Applies statewide to every large wind turbine (tower 75 ft or taller), whatever its size or permitting authority; an adjacent owner can agree in writing to a shorter distance.
| Property line | 500 ft or 1.1 × tower height, whichever is greater (neighbor may waive) |
SDCL 43-13-21 to 43-13-24 (SL 2009, ch 221). Source
Wind standards in state law
Applies to wind facilities the PUC permits (100 MW and up) after July 1, 2019: obstruction lights must be radar-activated.
| Aviation lighting | Aircraft detection lighting system required |
SDCL 49-41B-25.2 (SL 2019, ch 201). Source
Every South Dakota figure in one spreadsheet
123 figures from 19 counties, each with its quote, source, date read and any condition. 4 of those places are not on this site. Plus the moratorium or ban on file and South Dakota state law.
How these figures were read
Moratoria and bans are checked against the adopting document. Ordinances change and many figures apply only in some cases, so check the cited section with the county before relying on one.
Common questions
Is there a solar and wind moratorium in Pennington County, SD?
Pennington County has a moratorium in force since November 19, 2024, running to November 18, 2026. It covers utility-scale solar and wind. Checked against the adopting document on September 30, 2026.