Bacon County pauses commercial solar approvals with 90-day moratorium and forms advisory committee

The Bacon County Board of Commissioners voted on Nov. 18 to adopt a temporary 90-day moratorium on commercial commercial solar farms, pausing approvals while the county develops policy. Commissioner Corey Tyre moved for the resolution and Commissioner Lonann Sweat seconded; the motion carried.

The moratorium, adopted by resolution, halts new permitting of commercial solar projects countywide for 90 days while staff and an advisory group review siting, permitting and related policy. The board also approved creating a Solar Project Committee that will include one appointee from each commission district and two appointees from Commissioner Tyre’s district; appointments will be made at the next regular meeting.

Jason Kemp told the board that the memorandum of understanding for the solar project is not binding unless the commissioners subsequently vote to make it so. The county’s action therefore pauses local approvals rather than enforcing an existing binding agreement.

The board did not specify additional ordinance language or a timetable beyond the 90 days. Commissioners said the advisory committee will provide recommendations during the moratorium period. The county set follow-up appointments at the next meeting and scheduled a separate meeting for Dec. 3 at 12 p.m. to set the millage rate.

The resolution takes effect immediately and will expire after 90 days unless the board acts again.