Council adopts updated solar rules, approves amendment limiting ground arrays

The Galesburg City Council unanimously adopted ordinance 25-1012 on final reading, updating Chapter 152 of the Galesburg development ordinance to categorize and regulate solar energy systems across zoning districts.

Planning and zoning staff summarized the amendment package and recommended approval. The ordinance classifies private rooftop and solar carport systems as accessory uses in most zones while requiring special-use approval and added standards—site plan review, landscaping, decommissioning plans and liability insurance—for commercial and community solar. Staff said the changes aim to promote solar development while protecting public safety and neighborhood compatibility.

Councilmember White moved to amend the ordinance to change two private-system standards: increase the maximum ground-mounted area threshold from 100 square feet to 200 square feet and reduce the maximum ground-mounted height from 15 feet to 12 feet. The council voted 7–0 to adopt the amendment and then voted 7–0 to adopt the ordinance on final reading. Planning staff noted the ordinance would also allow variances for larger systems through a review process, providing a pathway for larger-lot properties to exceed the thresholds.

Mr. Hansen, planning staff, told the council the ordinance includes permitting, design, glare control, concealed wiring and maintenance requirements and that staff recommended approval. Council discussion focused on balancing neighborhood compatibility with enabling small-scale private solar projects.

The council also clarified that an earlier moratorium tied to solar/wind permitting would lapse upon passage of the ordinance.