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Patrick County schedules March 9 joint public hearing on proposed solar energy ordinance after lengthy debate
Summary
After extended review of 28–66 page drafts and a gap analysis, the Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted to set a joint public hearing with the planning commission for March 9 to consider a proposed solar-energy facilities ordinance; board members debated view‑shed protections, plant species, panel heights, decommissioning assurances, and preemption risk.
The board spent a sustained portion of the meeting reviewing a proposed solar energy facilities ordinance and a gap analysis prepared to reflect recent state bills. Supervisors and staff discussed multiple drafts — described in the record as 28, 42, and 66 pages — and debated whether the planning commission should provide a single unified document before the public hearing. A motion to set a joint public hearing for March 9 with the planning commission passed by voice vote.
Debate touched on several substantive points: designated scenic or wildlife roads included in view‑shed protections; the ordinance’s vegetation standard (several supervisors requested that the ordinance require native vegetation rather than 'native or naturalized'); maximum solar panel height (text referenced a 25‑foot maximum at full tilt, with potential exceptions for agrivoltaics); and decommissioning financial assurances (staff described a confirmed irrevocable letter of credit structure instead of five‑year bonds). One supervisor warned of legal preemption if state law is enacted before adoption and urged care in what the county attempts to regulate. The board directed staff and the planning commission to provide a unified draft for public notice to ensure clarity for March 9 attendees.
