County starts formal process to add large-scale solar and wind rules to SALDO

Indiana County commissioners voted May 13 to begin the procedural steps required under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to amend the county Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to include provisions for large-scale solar and wind developments.

The motion, introduced by Josh Krug of the Office of Planning & Development and carried unanimously, authorizes the county to advertise the draft amendment, make a detailed summary available in the local newspaper and online, and provide printed copies to municipal offices and public libraries. The formal initiation starts a 45-day public comment period and leads to a public hearing before final action.

Why it matters: The amendment aims to create clear, local rules for siting and permitting large renewable-energy projects within Indiana County. According to Krug, Planning staff and the SALDO committee have worked with stakeholders and the county Planning Commission over the past year to refine the draft language.

What happens next: County staff will publish the amendment draft and the advertised summary, accept written comments during the 45-day window and hold a public hearing as required by the MPC. No final decision on adoption was made at the May 13 meeting.

The initiation motion was unanimous. The county identified the Municipalities Planning Code as the statutory process that governs the amendment timeline and procedures.