Executive committee finds Rainbow Trout Solar proposal consistent with comprehensive plan; forwards to BZA after 5-1 vote

Executive committee members of the Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission voted 5–1 on June 4, 2025, to recommend that the special-exception application from Rainbow Trout Solar, LLC be considered by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) on June 25, 2025. The committee’s vote affirmed staff’s determination that the project “will not substantially adversely affect the adopted comprehensive plan for Tippecanoe County.”

The staff presentation, led by Amanda Esposito, assistant director for APC staff, said the proposed large-scale solar facility is designed with on-site utilities, native plantings under arrays, minimal grading with topsoil preservation for future restoration, and buffering to reduce visual and noise impacts. Esposito said staff’s analysis of the comprehensive plan guided the recommendation. “Based on those goals from the comprehensive plan and the proposed use of the property, staff has determined that this request will not substantially adversely affect the adopted comprehensive plan for Tippecanoe County,” she told the committee.

The petitioner’s attorney, Ryan Munnon of RTS…