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Council tables proposed ban on ground-mounted solar panels until state rule changes are clear
Summary
Planning & Zoning recommended prohibiting ground-mounted solar within Spring Grove; local electrician Scott Prahl urged flexibility and noted impending June rule changes, and the council agreed to table the ordinance for reconsideration after state rules are issued.
The Spring Grove City Council on May 20 discussed proposed changes to Chapter 1109 that would restrict ground-mounted solar installations inside the city while allowing side- and roof-mounted systems. Planning & Zoning had recommended the prohibition to address neighbor concerns about visibility.
Local electrician and business owner Scott Prahl told the council that lower-profile mounts exist that can be screened behind fences and argued the council should be cautious about a broad ban. He also said new state regulations expected in June could change project economics. Council Member Morgan Buckland said she did not favor prohibiting a homeowner from placing a system in a private yard.
Given the impending state rule changes, the council agreed to table the ordinance and revisit it after the new rules are released rather than adopt an immediate prohibition.
