Buckfield Select Board sends solar farm ordinance to Nov. 4 ballot, limiting commercial installations

The Buckfield Select Board voted Sept. 2 to send a draft solar farm ordinance to the Nov. 4 special town meeting, asking voters whether the town should adopt rules that would bar future commercial solar farm development while still permitting property-scale systems. The draft ordinance, described by staff as short and aligned with the town's comprehensive plan, would allow rooftop or property-serving solar installations but not large commercial arrays "that we're seeing pop up everywhere," a staff member said.

Why it matters: The decision will let voters determine whether the town adopts an ordinance restricting commercial solar development. Supporters on the board said they drafted the language to preserve natural resources and agricultural land, consistent with the comprehensive plan, and to avoid repeatedly extending moratoria.

Key points from the meeting: Staff said the town's earlier moratorium on solar farms had expired and that the planning-board draft from a prior effort had proposed size-based allowances that some residents opposed. The proposed ordinance instead generally prohibits new commercial solar farms while preserving the right of property owners to install systems needed to serve their own homes or businesses. Staff cited Moscow, a neighboring town, as an example that passed a similar ordinance and later amended it to allow some development.

Board action and next steps: After discussion, a board member moved and the board approved placing the ordinance on the Nov. 4 ballot. If voters approve the ordinance, any future changes would generally require voter approval unless the ordinance includes an explicit delegation to the board or planning board. Staff said the draft ordinance and the warrant will be posted publicly ahead of the vote.