Residents press commissioners on solar setbacks and county permitting; committee letters to be opened publicly

Public commentators urged the Bourbon County Commission on June 17 to clarify how the county will address solar and wind development and to protect private-property rights.

Joe Ledlam said development agreements for a solar project have already been signed and described a 25-foot setback spelled out in those agreements. He said county payments from energy projects should be distributed the same way as property taxes and urged the commission to disband any committee specifically charged only with reviewing setback distances because, he said, the agreements already set setbacks.

Mary Pemberton questioned why the county regulates fireworks stands under Resolution 21-91 and asked whether the county could likewise require permits or a home-rule resolution to allow permitting and early issue identification for solar or wind developers.

Commissioners discussed forming a committee to review setbacks and potential zoning changes, with several members emphasizing that a plan and clear rules should precede any regulation. Clerk Jennifer Hawkins reported nine committee letters had been submitted for the solar panel committee; commissioners agreed to reserve time at the next commission meeting to read them publicly and authorized Chairman Harris to open the letters and invite applicants to a public work session.

No ordinance or formal zoning change was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners said they wanted a deliberate process — including a public work session and a checklist for evaluating applicants — before moving to draft regulations or permits.