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Board approves special-use permit for 60.725-acre shared solar project near Landfill Road
Summary
The Board approved a special-use permit for a 60.725-acre solar facility at 16817 Old Valley Pike, with conditions boosting buffer plantings and requiring consultation with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Agency for grazing plans; the project includes a one-time $200,000 payment and would serve up to 1,000 homes.
The Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Feb. 10 to approve a special-use permit (SUP) for a 60.725-acre large-scale solar facility at 16817 Old Valley Pike near Landfill Road.
Project manager Cara Romaine told the board the shared solar installation "will provide power for up to 1,000 homes locally" and said Dominion Energy customers would be able to subscribe with no upfront cost. The applicant also offered a one-time payment of $200,000 toward capital improvements.
The SUP was approved using Planning Commission-recommended conditions dated Jan. 23, 2026, with two local changes: Condition 8 was amended to raise the minimum evergreen planting height from four feet to six feet, and Condition 9 was modified to require the project's grazing and buffer plan be developed "in consultation with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Agency." Supervisor Mark Dotson moved the approval; Supervisor Kyle Gutshall seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all six supervisors voting 'aye.'
Several supervisors discussed viewshed mitigation and livestock-grazing options. Vice Chairman Dennis Morris encouraged identifying an agency to help farmers interested in grazing the site; Supervisor David Ferguson said the potential farmer — not the solar company — should coordinate directly with the Extension Office, but he voted in favor of the SUP. The board record indicates buffers and access arrangements (including a temporary construction easement) are part of the final site plan.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed with final permits and coordination with county staff and property owners on access and landscaping details. The Planning Commission and county staff will continue to work with the applicant on the specific planting and access agreements before construction begins.
