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County Council approves zoning overlay for 50 MW Silicon Ranch solar expansion
Summary
Georgetown County Council on Nov. 12 approved ordinance 24-40, creating a solar facility overlay on a ~1,003.79-acre tract to allow a 50 MW phase of a larger Silicon Ranch project; vote was 5–2 following staff presentation about wetlands protections, a decommissioning plan and an MOU committing local investment and reporting.
Georgetown County Council voted 5–2 on Nov. 12 to approve ordinance 24-40, establishing a solar-energy overlay district on roughly 1,003.79 acres on Wildhorse Road to permit a 50-megawatt expansion proposed by Nashville-based Silicon Ranch.
Staff described the project as an overlay zoning request for a Santee Timberlands tract, saying the applicant plans to develop about 423 acres (approximately 42% of the site) with freestanding photovoltaic panels while leaving wetlands, flood-zone areas and protected corridors undeveloped. Staff also said a decommissioning plan and stormwater compliance documents are included in the record and that federal and state permits remain required before construction.
In public comment before the vote, Matt Kisber, cofounder and chairman of Silicon Ranch, said the company will invest more than $60 million in the facility, serve Central Electric Cooperative members and provide local hiring and monthly project reporting under a draft memorandum of understanding provided to the county. Kisber said the expansion would allow construction to continue seamlessly from neighboring Lambert phases and create local training and long-term jobs in solar construction.
During the council roll call, two members voted no and five voted yes; the motion carried 5–2. The recorded roll call in the meeting transcript lists Counselor Elliot and Counselor Newton as voting no, and Councilor Carolina, Chairman Murriant, Vice Chair Johnson, Councilor Mercado and Councilor Anderson as voting yes. Council discussion referenced prior public meetings, permitting steps and monitoring commitments.
Next steps noted by staff include permitting (county land disturbance permit for stormwater and required state/federal approvals) and final construction approvals after permit issuance. The ordinance is a zoning overlay only; project construction remains contingent on obtaining outstanding permits and fulfilling MOU and permit conditions.
