Property owner urges commissioners to reconsider Duke Energy solar zoning

At the May 12 meeting a nearby landowner raised concerns about how the county planning department reviewed recent solar farm zoning requests and asked commissioners to reconsider a zoning approval tied to a Duke Energy project.

David Couch said he was confused by apparent inconsistencies in the planning department’s review of two prior solar farm applications—one north and one south of his property—and argued those inconsistent findings affected the planning board and, ultimately, commissioners. He asked the board to consider defining a specific district for utility‑scale solar to avoid ad hoc, piecemeal decisions.

Couch acknowledged past buffer issues with another site and said his proposal included deeper buffers and additional agricultural uses. A supporter who spoke after Couch emphasized tax revenue benefits and asked the county to consider whether tax‑exemption changes at the legislature could affect long‑term county revenue from large solar projects.

The commissioners thanked speakers and said they would review planning materials and consider the concerns as future zoning or districting options are evaluated; no immediate zoning action was taken at the meeting.