Planning Commission recommends Board approve Tall Pines Solar Conditional Use Permit amendment

The Charlotte County Planning Commission voted Oct. 19 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve an amendment to Tall Pines Solar LLC’s Conditional Use Permit. Commissioner Michael Price moved the recommendation, citing staff findings; the motion was seconded by Kerwin Kunath and carried with Miller Adams voting no and all other members present voting yes.

Staff presented an overview of the requested amendment and answered commissioners’ questions about project density. The commission’s recorded findings supporting the recommendation were: (1) adding the proposed area will not increase the project’s capacity or fenced acreage; (2) adding the proposed area will improve the project’s overall design; and (3) conditions approved with the existing conditional use permit will mitigate potential impacts. The recommendation was made subject to previously approved permit conditions and to a staff‑proposed amendment to Condition No. 1 to incorporate updated project maps.

The Planning Commission’s action is a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; the Board will consider the matter at a future meeting and may hold its own public hearing before taking final action.