Commission approves UDC text changes to allow business solar in M2 and fiber junction buildings in A1

The Harris County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two separate updates to the county’s Unified Development Code at its March 3 meeting.

The first amendment, requested by JCG Foods LLC and Georgia Power, adds "solar collection systems" as a special use in the M2 (heavy‑manufacturing) zoning district. Klay Gardner, who described himself as working for Georgia Power on the Cook Foods project, told the board the text change would allow industrial businesses to install on‑site photovoltaic systems to offset facility energy use; he said environmental studies for the proposed site found no adverse runoff impacts. Staff and the planning commission recommended approval; the board approved the text amendment, noting that any actual solar installation would require a later special‑use permit and review of site parameters.

The second amendment would add "fiber‑optic junction buildings" to the accessory and temporary‑use table, allowing pre‑manufactured fiber huts in A1 and forestry districts by special‑use permit. Amanda Canada, the applicant, said these small buildings house network equipment that cannot fit within rights‑of‑way and are necessary to extend fiber infrastructure in rural areas. Staff and the planning commission recommended the change, and the board approved it unanimously. As with the solar text change, applicants will need to return with site‑specific special‑use applications and any required environmental or buffering measures.

Both amendments change only the zoning text to permit the use in principle; they do not authorize any specific installation. Commissioners noted that text approval is a policy precedent but emphasized that subsequent special‑use permit processes will allow detailed review of environmental impacts, setbacks and traffic or access conditions.