Planning board highlights new solar‑ordinance language, urges caution on mega solar sites

Members of the Scotland County Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the county’s recently updated solar ordinance preamble and discussed its implications for large‑scale solar (utility‑scale) projects.

Board members said the new preamble explicitly directs consideration of character of zoning districts, suitability of particular uses and conservation of land value. They said that language, together with the county’s comprehensive land use plan, gives the planning board a stronger legislative basis to recommend against rezoning for major solar sites when they determine such projects are not appropriate for particular locations.

Speakers cited data on farmland loss since 2000 (roughly 19–20% figures were discussed) and said agricultural land is a limited resource. Members discussed economic pressures on landowners—payments from solar developers can make conversion financially attractive—and noted the board should expect developers such as Cypress Creek to seek major site rezoning in the future. Board members emphasized that the planning board’s recommendation is advisory and that county commissioners retain final authority.

One board member urged that the board use the new ordinance language to evaluate “mega‑site” proposals and, where appropriate, provide written reasons for recommending denial so the county record reflects the board’s planning rationale. Another member suggested commissioners consider an overall cap on farmland converted to solar and discussed the practical and political challenges of restricting private land use.

No formal vote was taken; the discussion concluded with encouragement to use the new tools in the zoning ordinance and comprehensive land use plan when reviewing future large‑scale solar applications.