Commissioners continue second reading of solar zoning changes as residents press for larger setbacks

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 4 held the second reading of an amendment to the county’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) addressing commercial solar energy systems, heard staff and commissioner discussion about possible amendments — including a proposed 650-foot setback for pasture land — and took extensive public comment urging larger setbacks, decommissioning protections and emergency-planning requirements.

County planning staff and the county attorney told the board that the Jefferson County Plan Commission had held the required public hearing and issued a favorable recommendation. The county attorney said a change in state law effective July 1, 2025 (Indiana Code 36-7-4-607.5, as cited in the meeting) means that the commissioners may adopt amendments at the county level without returning the measure to the plan commission.

Commissioners discussed two amendments the transcript identified: one adding pasture land as a protected category and another establishing a 650-foot setback. One commissioner said he preferred a 1,000-foot setback but proposed 650 feet as a compromise after pushback. Planner staff and other commissioners explained how the draft…