Warren County Planning Board denies proposed solar ordinance changes after resident objections

The Warren County Planning Board voted on March 10 to deny proposed text amendments to the county’s Solar Farm Ordinance following public comment and presentations by county staff and an applicant representative. Vice Chair Dan Swango moved to deny the recommendation; Jessica Harvey seconded the motion and the board voted to deny the proposal, with Robert May abstaining because of a disclosed conflict of interest.

Mark Bloomer, Warren County Zoning Director, introduced the item and told the board he did not recommend approval, saying the proposed changes are not consistent with goals cited from the Warren County Comprehensive Plan. Bloomer also noted that solar projects can be permitted under the current ordinance through the Special Use Permit process and that spacing requirements are legally enforceable.

Dylan Stickney, representing TED Renewables, presented slides outlining why the applicants sought text changes for Level 3 Solar Energy Systems. Stickney said the amendments would establish what he characterized as fair and practical rules, expand opportunities to use Special Use Permits, and ‘‘substantially increase tax revenue for Warren County.’’ In his concluding remarks, Stickney listed specific benefits he said could accompany projects, including an estimated $10,500 in new annual tax revenue, predictable land-lease income for landowners, preservation of approximately 900 acres from industrial agriculture, workforce training and job creation, a proposed 6-acre land grant to the Volunteer Fire Department, and a Hawtree Creek walking trail.

A significant number of residents attended and a majority who spoke urged the board not to change the existing ordinance. Speakers raised environmental concerns about impacts to wildlife habitat, runoff and watershed health, soil disturbance and long-term ecosystem effects; they also expressed worries about forestry-industry impacts. Other commenters cited health and safety questions about panel materials and disposal, and asked for clearer information about project lifecycles. Several residents pressed for more detail on county revenues and long-term fiscal impacts, including decommissioning costs; a minority of speakers noted potential benefits such as pollinator habitat and school revenue.

After hearing from the public and the applicant, the board voted to deny the proposed text amendments. The board’s action leaves the current Solar Farm Ordinance in place; Mark Bloomer emphasized the county’s existing Special Use Permit pathway as the appropriate permitting mechanism. The board set its next meeting for April 7, 2026 and then took up other agenda items.