Commissioners reopen solar moratorium discussion after developer seeks major ordinance changes

Delaware County Commissioners removed the solar moratorium from the table June 2 to continue deliberations after recent discussions with National Grid Renewables indicated the company seeks substantial changes to the county solar ordinance and related economic development agreements.

A county commissioner reported National Grid Renewables told county negotiators and local officials that it "needs significant changes to the ordinance, the setbacks, the property value guarantees, and some other stuff, or they may not even submit an application." The company’s attorney participated in the recent call, staff said, and county staff plan a follow-up meeting.

County staff said the current ordinance language (which county counsel sent to one commissioner on May 15) remains under review by commissioners before being forwarded to the planning commission for public hearing. Staff explained that private solar applications have been limited locally: since 2020 there have been 36 roof-mounted and 26 ground-mounted applications overall, and in the last two years combined the county saw only one total application for those categories. The existing planning-commission draft allows ground-mounted solar to be within 3 feet of the property line if it sits behind the residence; one commissioner proposed a 50-foot setback, while another suggested planning commission consideration of screening requirements for small lots in incorporated towns.

Discussion also noted broader industry headwinds: a contractor referenced a court decision harming a nearby project (Lone Oak Solar in Madison County) and said billions in federal funding have been cut. The board returned the item to the table later in the meeting to continue review and finalize ordinance language for the planning commission.