On Oct. 28 Caroline County commissioners conducted third readings and took final action on two local legislative bills.

Solar ordinance (Legislative Bill 2025‑012): The board enacted an ordinance that updates Caroline County code to comply with the Maryland Renewable Energy Certainty Act. The measure adds defined terms for small‑scale solar and utility‑scale solar energy generating stations; requires site plans for solar systems in zoning districts; and implements a compensatory preservation contribution in specified cases for solar projects on prime agricultural soils. Commissioners heard multiple speakers during a public comment portion before final action; proponents and opponents debated farmland preservation, property rights and battery‑storage safety. The motion to enact passed by voice vote at third reading; the clerk recorded “the ayes have it.”

Wastewater zoning amendment (Legislative Bill 2025‑013): The board also enacted a zoning amendment that removes two provisions from county code that had required on‑site wastewater treatment facilities to be owned and operated by the same entity that operates the generating facility, and that had disallowed certain shared wastewater arrangements. The change allows non‑accessory wastewater treatment facilities to be permitted in the rural (R) district by special‑use exception without the prior ownership/operation requirement. The bill passed after a second reading and public hearing; the motion carried on a voice vote with one commissioner recording opposition.

Votes at a glance
- 2025‑012 (Renewable Energy Certainty Act compliance / solar ordinance): Enacted (voice vote; motion carried). No roll‑call tally recorded in the minutes.
- 2025‑013 (Wastewater treatment facility special‑use update): Enacted (voice vote; motion carried; one commissioner recorded opposition).

Why this matters: The solar ordinance implements state law changes that preempt some county controls and adds a county‑level compensatory preservation contribution aimed at protecting prime farmland; the wastewater amendment relaxes a prior ownership requirement that had limited where certain treatment facilities could be sited.

Ending: Commissioners closed the legislative session and returned to open session after voting; staff and the public were advised that implementation details and related permits will proceed under the amended code.