Council takes first step on solar zoning after resident raises concerns about utility-scale projects

Bellefontaine City Council voted to remove Ordinance 25-03 from the table and pass it on first reading, advancing a proposed zoning chapter to regulate solar energy systems. The ordinance, as described by the rules committee, would treat large solar installations as conditional uses requiring variance/board approval, set minimum setbacks and require a bond to pay for future cleanup with a bond-review provision every five years.

The proposal drew attention both from council and a member of the public. Resident Diane Heager, of 1105 Milligan Road, used the public-comment period to criticize utility-scale solar proposals in neighboring Logan County, calling reported cost and production figures “high in the sky” and warning that manufacturing and disposal impacts may offset fossil-fuel emissions over a project's life. “Someone is gonna make money off the solar farm should it be approved. But it won't be the city, the taxpayer,” Heager said, urging the council to scrutinize assumptions about local suitability for large solar projects. She also urged the council not to authorize citywide mosquito spraying, saying pesticide applications at her home reduced pollinators and hummingbirds.

Council members debated procedure to bring the solar zoning language back for first reading and voted to waive the 48-hour notice and move the ordinance forward. Missus James moved to remove Ordinance 25-03 from the table; the motion was seconded by Mr. Davis and the council recorded votes on first reading. The ordinance will appear again for further consideration and public testimony at a scheduled special hearing on the zoning issue at 7 p.m. on the 25th.

The rules committee summary of the ordinance says the chapter would allow conditional use with VZA approval, include setback standards and require a cleanup bond that is to be reviewed every five years to ensure adequacy. The council did not adopt final zoning changes tonight; the action advanced the ordinance only to first reading so that the full text and proposed amendments can be considered on the record.

The meeting also included administrative updates relevant to the item: the service/safety director reported the city is continuing a long-range planning process with the Ohio planning contractor and announced a new city website and mobile app intended to improve public access to maps and forms.

Next steps: the council scheduled a special hearing on the zoning issue (Ordinance 25-03) at 7 p.m. on the 25th to allow further public comment and deliberation before additional readings or votes.