Board approves site plan for Effingham Bronze Solar Farm with decommissioning plan and buffer protections

The Board approved the site plan for Effingham Bronze Solar Farm after staff confirmed required setbacks, buffers and a decommissioning plan were in the application.

Kimberly Bartlett, community planner, said the board had approved a conditional use for a solar farm on the parcel earlier in February; the site plan covers approximately 63 acres of solar modules on an 87‑acre parcel located on Little McCall Road. Bartlett said the applicant plans two development phases constructed and operated concurrently, with a planned installation completion date of March 2026 and expected decommissioning in March 2056 (a 30‑year lease). The proposal includes a 75‑foot property setback, and the staff report said 55 feet of the frontage will remain uncleared as a natural buffer along Little McCall Road; a fenced array will surround the solar panels.

Bartlett said the applicant will obtain a Nationwide Permit 51 for land‑based renewable energy facilities and that staff recommends approval with the stipulation that the applicant adhere to current Georgia law for solar facility agreements. Board members clarified buffer widths for adjacent properties in AR‑1 zoning (15 feet undisturbed where applicable) and Bartlett confirmed that required buffers remain undisturbed where tree cover exists.

A motion to approve the site plan carried with no recorded opposition.

Ending: The approval included the decommissioning plan and buffer/standoff conditions; staff will require final compliance with state law and the county’s setback and buffer requirements prior to construction permits being issued.