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APC sends unfavorable recommendation to County Council on proposed large‑scale solar ordinance changes after divided debate
Summary
The commission debated a County Council–initiated text amendment changing development standards for large‑scale solar, including a proposed 500‑foot setback from residences; after public comment and debate the commission voted to forward an unfavorable recommendation to the County Council.
The Area Planning Commission considered APC 3048‑24, a County Council–initiated text amendment to the county zoning code that revises development standards for large‑scale solar energy systems. Key proposed changes discussed included increasing setbacks from non‑participating residences (measured from a primary dwelling’s foundation) to 500 feet, adding a 500‑foot setback for parks and preserves, and expanding drainage plan requirements that the zoning administrator or the county drainage board may require.
Councilman Brian Tanner described the 500‑foot setback rationale as an engineering‑guided attempt to reduce noise and other impacts from fixed and tracking equipment, citing a decibel‑reduction heuristic (rule of 6). Public comment was split:…
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