Prince George County updates solar energy siting policy to restrict acreage outside M3 zone

The Prince George County Planning Commission convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to the county's comprehensive plan, particularly focusing on solar energy facility siting policies. The meeting aimed to clarify and adjust regulations surrounding the development of solar facilities, especially outside the designated M3 zoning district.

The primary agenda item was a proposed amendment to the comprehensive plan that seeks to lower the maximum acreage limit for large-scale solar energy facilities outside the M3 zoning district. This change aims to align the county's policies with the acreage of previously approved solar projects. Currently, there are 4,123 acres of solar facilities in the county, leaving only 480 acres available before reaching the established cap.

The discussion highlighted that the county's siting policy, adopted in 2020 and incorporated into the comprehensive plan in 2022, was intended to guide solar developers in planning and operating new facilities. However, the board expressed a desire to restrict new solar facilities to the M3 zoning district, effectively closing the door on additional projects in other areas unless they meet specific criteria.

Staff presented a detailed overview of the proposed changes, emphasizing that the revised policy would clearly state that new solar facilities are only acceptable in the M3 zone, which is designated as the preferred location for such developments. The current policy allowed for the possibility of accepting facilities outside this zone, leading to confusion and proposals in less suitable areas.

The commission reviewed the differences between the existing and proposed policies, noting that the new guidelines would also address special agreements between the county and solar developers, which were not previously covered. Additionally, the revised policy aims to introduce new design standards tailored for the M3 zoning district.

Following the presentation, the public hearing was opened, but no comments were received. The commission then moved to recommend approval of the comprehensive plan amendment, which was unanimously supported by the members present.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to refining its solar energy policies to ensure that future developments align with community standards and zoning preferences. The next steps include holding a public hearing for further community input and continuing the process of updating the zoning ordinance to reflect these changes.