Tippecanoe County drainage board reviews unprecedented solar farm proposal process

The Tippecanoe County Drainage Board convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss the unprecedented proposal of a large-scale solar farm, marking a significant first for the county. The meeting highlighted the procedural steps that must be followed before any development can proceed, particularly regarding zoning and drainage requirements.

During the meeting, officials noted that the solar farm's developers have yet to submit detailed design plans, having only provided preliminary boundaries. The county surveyor emphasized that historically, developers typically wait for zoning approvals before investing in design work due to the associated costs. Currently, the solar farm's application is still in the early stages, with the developer seeking bids for design services.

The discussion also delved into the historical context of the drainage board, which was established in 1967 following a comprehensive rewrite of Indiana's drainage code. This context is crucial as the board has never encountered a project of this scale before, making the current proposal particularly noteworthy.

In 2023, the Tippecanoe County drainage ordinance was revised to include specific guidelines for solar farms. These guidelines require developers to manage stormwater runoff effectively, either through detention systems or by demonstrating reduced runoff post-construction. The ordinance mandates that solar installations adhere to water quality standards and proper spacing to prevent erosion.

The board acknowledged that some requirements may be lacking in the current solar farm petition, which could affect its approval. As the project moves forward, clarity on the stormwater management plan will be essential for compliance with the ordinance.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of following established procedures and regulations as Tippecanoe County navigates this new territory in renewable energy development. The next steps will involve further review of the solar farm's plans to ensure they meet the necessary standards before any approvals can be granted.