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Planning commission sets Oct. hearings on comprehensive plan and Tall Pines Solar amid debate over solar cap and density rules
Summary
Charlotte County Planning Commission scheduled an Oct. 19 public hearing on the draft comprehensive plan and an Oct. 10 joint hearing on a Tall Pines Solar CUP amendment, after public comment and commissioner debate about whether to cap solar and how density limits affect siting.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY — At its Sept. 21 meeting, the Charlotte County Planning Commission agreed to circulate consultant updates and set two public hearings: a contingent Oct. 19 hearing on the draft comprehensive plan and a joint Oct. 10 hearing on a Tall Pines Solar conditional use permit amendment.
Patrick Andrews moved to set the public hearing on the draft comprehensive plan for Oct. 19 contingent on commissioners’ review of emailed CRC updates; Cornell Goldman seconded. The motion carried with David Watkins voting no and all other members present voting yes. Staff said commissioners must confirm the emailed updates align with recommended changes identified in a prior work session.
Staff reported that Tall Pines Solar has applied to add a 52-acre parcel to improve project design; the commission agreed to participate in a joint public hearing with the board at 6 p.m. Oct. 10. James Benn moved to set the joint hearing; David Watkins seconded and the motion carried with all members present voting yes.
Public commenters and several commissioners debated a proposed cap on solar development and whether existing density regulations — which some residents and applicants said limit siting near existing projects — were appropriate. Resident Crystal Sheppard urged imposing a cap and warned of impacts to wildlife, the environment, and water use. Others, including J.A. Devin and Bill Devin, argued a cap was premature while projects remained unbuilt and said solar could provide needed tax revenue.
The commission also discussed whether to defer action on CPV County Line Solar to await adoption of the new comprehensive plan. Staff and a third-party reviewer, Michael Zehner, outlined the option to request an extension from the Board of Supervisors, but commissioners decided the pending plan revision would not materially change the CPV findings and did not defer consideration.
The commission adjourned after further discussion about the solar cap.
