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Scott County adopts countywide solar ordinance to regulate utility-scale and small projects
Summary
The Scott County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt amendments to the county zoning ordinance adding definitions and rules for small and utility-scale solar generation facilities, creating a countywide permitting path and community engagement requirements for future projects.
The Scott County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt countywide amendments to the zoning ordinance that add definitions and regulations for small and utility-scale solar generation facilities.
The ordinance, drafted to apply across the entire county, establishes permit and setback standards, decommissioning rules and a requirement for community meetings before projects proceed to the planning commission. Ben Wilson of Energy Right, a Roanoke-based nonprofit, told the board the measure strikes a balance between landowner rights and community input: “It sets the groundwork for future conversation,” he said, adding that ordinances should not be so restrictive that they exclude small landowners.
County officials framed the ordinance as a preemptive regulatory framework. The chair emphasized the change was intended to give communities and the planning commission an organized process when a solar developer seeks to build in places such as Nicholsville, Clinchport or Rocco. Board members discussed how regulations would interact with negotiated agreements between landowners and developers and noted the ordinance provides a starting point for community concerns to be heard at public hearings.
After discussion, Supervisor Mayes moved to pass the amendments “as is”; Supervisor Jeter seconded and the board adopted the ordinance by voice vote. The transcript records an affirmative voice vote; the clerk did not provide a roll-call tally in the meeting record.
Why it matters: Scott County currently has limited in‑county electricity generation options. Supporters argued a clear ordinance allows communities to weigh benefits like local revenue and landowner compensation while retaining oversight of setbacks, vegetative screening and decommissioning costs that would be required at the end of a project’s life.
Next steps: The planning commission will apply the new ordinance when reviewing special-use permits or site plans for solar projects, and developers will be required to hold the community meetings the rule now specifies.
