Lancaster County planning commission tables proposed small‑scale solar code changes after public concern

The Lancaster County Planning Commission opened a public hearing in August 2025 on proposed revisions to the Lancaster County, Va., Land Development Code that would change the definition and regulation of small‑scale solar installations, then voted to table action until the county attorney can advise whether ground‑mounted systems can be required to seek a special exception.

The revisions in the packet remove the word “residential” from the code’s small‑scale solar language, clarify roof‑mounted rules and add specific limits for ground‑mounted systems. Planning staff said the proposed limits would cap ground‑mounted installations at 2,500 square feet of total land‑disturbance and restrict the maximum equipment height to 15 feet above finished grade, measured at the tallest point of fixed equipment. The draft also references applicable zoning‑district height limits and a 25‑foot…