Planning commission approves Sycamore Cross CUP after debate over decommissioning surety and screening

The Surry County Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit number 2024‑01 for the Sycamore Cross solar project after extended discussion of decommissioning and screening requirements. Greg Cresswell, senior development manager with AES, described two proposed amendments: use of a 50‑foot existing vegetative buffer where available and a minimum decommissioning surety of $500,000, with increases tied to periodic third‑party engineering reviews.

Cresswell told the commission that "Sycamore Cross is proposing the use of a 50 foot existing vegetation for screening" and that the $500,000 surety would "make certain that the county can engage and contract with a vendor who can complete the decommissioning." Commissioners pressed the applicant on salvage value and whether the county could be left holding removal costs; one commissioner argued the company should "bring it in, you take it out." County staff and the applicant said the surety is intended to cover administrative mobilization costs if the owner fails to perform and that a third‑party engineer will reassess decommissioning costs every five years.

A motion to deny the CUP failed in a roll‑call vote (the chair reported "5 no's, 4 yeses"). A subsequent motion to approve the permit passed with a roll call tally of 5 yeses and 4 noes. The commission also discussed site access, with the applicant stating legal access exists from an extension of Mullet Drive but acknowledging no document was produced at the hearing.

Next steps: the approval advances the project under the county’s conditional use permit process and the applicant must satisfy the ordinance and site‑plan conditions, including decommissioning and screening commitments outlined during the hearing.