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Dauphin County planning commissioners oppose Washington Township change that would restrict solar to industrial zones
Summary
The Dauphin County Planning Commission voted to oppose a Washington Township zoning amendment that would remove the ability to place solar in agricultural districts and instead allow it only in an industrial zone; commissioners asked staff to send a letter explaining their concern about limiting farmer income options.
The Dauphin County Planning Commission voted to oppose a Washington Township zoning amendment that would remove allowance for ground‑mounted solar in agricultural districts and limit solar development to an industrial zoning district.
Commissioner John Kirschner moved that the commission not support the township change; Mary Geiske seconded and the motion carried by voice vote. Staff said it would draft and send the commission’s comment letter to the township.
Why it matters: Commission members said restricting solar to an industrial district could block a low‑impact income option for agricultural landowners. Kirschner said he had “a little heartburn” with the proposed change, arguing it would take “away a viable income opportunity for them without having to sell the ground.” The commission’s comment, as approved, asks Washington Township to reconsider whether excluding agricultural zones from siting solar is appropriate.
What the commission said and did: Planning staff framed the issue under the Municipalities Planning Code review process that requires counties to review proposed ordinance changes. Commissioners discussed the policy tradeoffs: reining in solar in agricultural zones versus allowing farmers flexibility to host solar arrays. The staff explained the commission’s role is advisory; the township retains final authority.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the wording of the commission’s letter to Washington Township and send it as the county’s official comment on the proposed zoning change. The township will consider the change through its local public‑hearing and adoption process under the Municipalities Planning Code.
Ending: The commission did not take further action beyond instructing staff to transmit the opposition letter and related comments to Washington Township.
