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Council refers zoning amendment to planning boards to bar solar on prime and statewide significant farmland
Summary
Council voted to refer an amendment (Order 160120206) to the Planning Board and Sustainability & Natural Resources Board to clarify that solar installations are not permitted on prime or statewide significant farmland and to request mapped percentages and methodology back by Feb. 25.
The Auburn City Council unanimously referred a proposed amendment (Order 160120206) to chapter 60 (zoning) to the Planning Board and the Sustainability and Natural Resources Management Board for review. The proposed amendment would clarify that solar installations are not permitted on farmland designated as "prime" or of "statewide significance," and would outline a methodology aligned with state standards for determining those land categories.
Councilor Adam Platt moved the referral and said he supported sending the proposal to the Planning Board, but asked staff to include data showing what percentage of the A (agriculture) zone is classified as prime farmland and farmland of statewide significance so the council can understand the practical effect on solar siting. Council members asked that GIS map layers and the recency of soil data be supplied when the planning recommendations return to council. Staff committed to request that information and to ask the Planning Board and the Sustainability Board to report back by Feb. 25.
The council’s referral frames the next step as a technical review to balance renewable‑energy siting with protection of high‑quality farmland.
