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Planning commission forwards revised solar ordinance to public hearing, will grandfather existing large projects
Summary
Commission voted to send a rewritten Article 20 to public hearing that removes a "large‑scale" category, defines small and medium scale solar, and requires decommissioning for commercial installations; the motion instructs staff to grandfather the 7 Bridges and Finney Wood projects so they may complete their existing reviews.
Mecklenburg County's Planning Commission voted to send a revised Article 20 (solar ordinance) to public hearing and to grandfather two projects already in process.
Under the revision described by staff, the county would remove "large‑scale" from the ordinance and retain definitions for small‑ and medium‑scale solar. Small‑scale systems (generally under one acre) would be allowed by right to supply a residence, farm building or business; medium‑scale systems would cover installations over one acre up to three acres and would typically supply a business or commercial site. The revision as presented also requires decommissioning plans for commercial and medium‑scale installations.
Commissioners clarified that the changes are intended not to affect projects that already completed earlier steps in the permitting process. Staff and the commission specifically instructed that the 7 Bridges and Finney Wood projects, which previously began review under the earlier ordinance, be grandfathered so they may finish their pending applications.
The motion to send the revised ordinance to public hearing and to grandfather the two projects passed by voice vote. Staff was directed to schedule the public hearing and to follow advertisement requirements for public notices.
