Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Solar Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Charlotte County defers Tall Pine Solar zoning confirmation; Dominion to clarify dam‑buffer and payment language
Summary
Dominion Energy asked the board to clarify construction‑timeline and extension language for Tall Pine Solar and to allow limited activity in a 200‑foot dam buffer for roads and lines; after public and supervisor concern over dam disturbance and payment timing, the board voted to defer the confirmation letter to February for revised language.
Dominion Energy representatives asked the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors to approve a zoning confirmation letter that would (1) define the 36‑month construction timeline to be calculated using active construction days and allow two separate 12‑month extensions for delays beyond Dominion or the county’s control, and (2) permit limited disturbance within a 200‑foot dam buffer where necessary for roads or medium‑voltage lines.
Alex Rendon, Dominion’s external affairs manager in Charlotte County, told the board the change would not alter the project’s projected commercial operation date (currently projected as 2031) or previously negotiated revenue commitments. "As drafted right now, there would be no impact to that revenue timeline," Rendon said.
Supervisors and members of the public expressed concern that measuring the timeline by active construction days — and allowing extensions — could create a funding gap in the county’s agreed upfront annual payments (a previously discussed $60,000 per year payment for five years) and possibly delay the larger payment tied to commercial operation. Public commenter James C. Thorpe Jr. and several supervisors also pressed Dominion for concrete, written plans showing any proposed work inside the 200‑foot dam exclusion zone and stronger language on what disturbance would be allowed.
Dominion committed to return with revised language addressing soil/dam buffer work and payment timing. The board moved to defer consideration of the zoning confirmation letter to the February meeting to allow Dominion time to provide the requested clarifications; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps: Dominion will work with county staff to draft and deliver the requested language within the requested timeframe for board review in February.
