Florence planning committee advances zoning language changes for solar systems; committee limits raised roof panels

Florence planning staff reviewed changes to proposed Boone County zoning text amendments concerning solar energy systems and battery storage facilities following a public hearing and Planning & Zoning committee discussion.

Todd Morgan summarized public feedback received at an April hearing and described two committee-driven edits: clarify that integrated solar energy systems may be permitted as accessory uses (the new definition allows solar materials to be incorporated into principal or accessory building materials so the solar and building are “reasonably indistinguishable”), and require that roof-mounted solar panels on pitched roofs be flush-mounted and not extend above the edge of any ridge, hip, gable or eave.

Morgan said the committee also discussed concealment and enclosure requirements in residential zones, elevated panels in agricultural zones (to allow livestock grazing underneath), roof-mounted raised panel allowances, conduit painting, visibility of equipment from public roadways and emergency shut-off needs for fire and emergency responders. He said some clarifications were made in the draft—specifically permitting integrated systems on accessory uses and requiring flush-mounted panels on pitched roofs.

Morgan also reported a specific clarification about Tier 1 battery energy storage: a single house may have two separate storage systems under 600 kilowatt-hours each, provided they are not tied together as a single system.

Council did not take a final vote during the caucus meeting; the committee reported changes and sought council direction to proceed.