Shawnee County planners debate draft solar regulations; decommissioning, battery safety and acreage caps draw scrutiny

Planning staff presented a draft set of regulations for solar energy conversion systems and engaged the Planning Commission in a multi-hour work session that focused on project size, decommissioning and financial assurance, interconnection, and battery-storage safety.

The draft would allow utility-scale solar through a conditional use permit in RA, RR, I‑1 and I‑2 zones (with exceptions for special flood hazard areas). Key proposed limits and requirements included a maximum project area of 240 acres, a minimum distance of 2 miles between project area boundaries, and setbacks of 500 feet from existing residences, 150 feet from other buildings or accessory structures, 50 feet from property lines, and 150 feet from roads or unimproved road rights-of-way. Staff also proposed a one-year operational review and subsequent reviews every five years. The draft includes a clause allowing the governing body (the Board of County Commissioners) to vary or waive…