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Area planning commission tables tightened solar ordinance after heated public debate
Summary
The commission considered a County Council-initiated text amendment to increase residential setbacks to 500 feet, require Type 2 landscaping and add drainage protections for large-scale solar projects; after extensive public comment the commission failed to reach a recommendation and tabled the item for a later meeting.
The St. Joseph County Area Plan Commission on Aug. 20 heard lengthy public comment and debate on a County Council-initiated text amendment (APC 3048-24) that would increase minimum setbacks for large-scale solar energy systems to 500 feet from a primary residence, require Type 2 landscaping where solar abuts residential districts or parks, and add drainage protections and requirements for engineer-prepared drainage plans.
Fariel Sharif, Area Plan Commission staff, explained that the amendment responds to County Council Resolution R10-24 and would raise the previously adopted 250-foot residential setback to 500 feet and strengthen landscaping and drainage standards. "The resolution proposes increasing the setback for nonparticipating property owners as measured from the outermost foundation of a…
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