Planning commission rejects recommendation to rezone for 7-MW solar near Lennox after neighbors raise drainage and precedent concerns

The Lincoln County Planning Commission declined to recommend rezoning of a 60-acre parcel near Lennox to permit a 7-megawatt, non-accessory solar energy system, following extensive testimony from developers, staff and local residents about stormwater, road impacts and visual screening.

Toby Brown, Lincoln County planning staff, said the PD (Plan Development) district would add a permissive use for a non-accessory solar system subject to a set of conditions including perimeter screening, decommissioning surety and stormwater provisions. "This would allow all of the existing uses that occur on the property…with an added use…the non-accessory solar energy system with 7 megawatt maximum," Brown said, noting staff recommended approval based on comprehensive-plan policies and local coordination with the City of Lennox.

Tina Munson, senior vice president of project development at US Solar, described mitigation measures the developer proposed: a roughly 44-acre array inside perimeter fencing, pollinator-friendly seed mixes, tree screening and a commitment to maintain an eastern drainage ditch and to repair a failing culvert. "It's about 1,600 homes annually in terms of what it would produce," Munson told the commission; she also said the developer estimated about $850,000 in tax revenue over 25 years and would fund approximately $1.4 million in local electrical infrastructure upgrades.

Neighbors extensive testified to concerns about drainage, dust, road wear and visual impacts. Laurel Schafer, an adjacent homeowner, said, "On a personal level, we're not in favor of the project," citing proximity to her house and worries about drainage changes. Multiple neighbors described past ditch removal, ponding during wet years and a fear that a new driveway and fence could impede sheet flow. Perry Township supervisors and residents asked whether a road-haul agreement would protect the township during construction; they also sought firm commitments for long-term maintenance and decommissioning.

Commissioners debated whether a PDD was the appropriate vehicle for the use or if the county should instead consider broader ordinance changes before allowing non-accessory solar in A-1 agricultural districts. Several commissioners said approving the PD could set precedents for similar rezonings near substations and that more county-level policy work is needed. After discussion, a motion to recommend approval failed on roll call; commissioners recorded a stated tally of four no votes, one yes and one abstention. As staff noted, the planning commission's recommendation is advisory and the Board of Commissioners will take the final vote.

What’s next: The applicant may revise the proposal or pursue the Board of Commissioners hearing; the county will also continue interjurisdictional coordination with Lennox and Perry Township on site standards, stormwater and road agreements.