Lincoln City Council considers stricter regulations on ground-mounted solar farms amid community concerns

The Lincoln City Council is considering significant changes to its solar ordinance following growing concerns from residents about the visual impact of ground-mounted solar farms. During a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, council members discussed the need for more oversight and community input regarding the installation of solar arrays, particularly in residential areas.

Alderman Kevin Bateman initiated the conversation, highlighting the recent approval of a large solar farm near Walmart that caught many residents off guard. He expressed a desire for the council to have a more active role in approving such projects, suggesting that any ground-mounted solar installations should require council approval rather than just meeting existing ordinance criteria. "We represent the people," Bateman stated, emphasizing the importance of considering community sentiment before allowing solar farms to proliferate.

The discussion revealed a divide among council members. Some, like Alderman Barrett, advocated for an outright ban on new ground-mounted solar installations within city limits, citing aesthetic concerns and a preference for business development over solar farms. Others, including Alderman Downs, expressed a more nuanced view, suggesting that while they are not opposed to solar energy, they believe stricter regulations are necessary to ensure that new projects align with community interests.

Council members also discussed the existing ordinance, which requires special use permits for solar farms larger than half an acre. Some suggested lowering this threshold to a quarter acre to increase council oversight. Alderman McClellan noted that many residents have voiced their concerns about solar farms, indicating a strong community interest in the matter.

The council is now tasked with balancing the benefits of renewable energy with the aesthetic and practical concerns of residents. As discussions continue, the council aims to refine the solar ordinance to better reflect the community's needs and preferences, ensuring that any future solar projects enhance rather than detract from the city’s landscape.