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County adopts new siting standards under state law; reviews Woodside Solar concept near Snow Hill
Summary
Following passage of Senate Bill 931 at the state level, Worcester County on May 20 adopted siting standards for utility‑scale solar and reviewed a 5‑megawatt Woodside Lane solar concept. Planning staff said the state law is more restrictive than current county rules; local officials pressed developers on decommissioning bonds and fire‑safety for
Worcester County Commissioners on May 20 approved new siting standards for utility‑scale solar projects under the changes in Senate Bill 931, and reviewed a concept plan for a 5‑megawatt “Woodside” solar project planned near Snow Hill.
Planning staff told the board the state bill — expected to be signed by the governor — adds setbacks, landscaping and bonding requirements that “are much more restrictive than what Worcester County has on the books right now,” and gives the county clear standards to apply during site review, Planning staff member Jen said. She said projects over 2 megawatts will still be subject to Public Service Commission review but that siting standards will frame the county's comments and modification requests.
The…
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