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Caroline County planning commission backs forwarding solar, energy-storage zoning changes ahead of July 1 state deadline
Summary
The commission voted unanimously June 18 to forward TXT-03-2026 — a package of zoning changes on solar and energy storage tied to new state law effective July 1, 2026 — and to initiate a Comprehensive Plan amendment to add solar siting guidance.
The Caroline County Planning Commission voted June 18 to forward zoning text amendments (TXT-03-2026) to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval and to initiate a Comprehensive Plan amendment to add policy guidance on solar siting. The motion to forward the amendments passed unanimously after discussion and public comment.
Director B. Leon Hughes told commissioners the amendments "respond to new Virginia General Assembly legislation (Senate and House Bills 340, 443, 347 & 508, and 711) effective July 1, 2026," and said the package reinstates a Solar Energy Overlay, adds definitions and provisions for solar and energy storage, requires special exception review for solar in many districts, and allows energy storage only as an accessory to approved solar projects rather than as a stand-alone use. Hughes also said a Comprehensive Plan amendment will follow to propose countywide acreage/percentage caps for siting.
Commissioners directed staff to include the modifications discussed at the meeting and to forward the draft to the Board. Commissioner Lee Tingler moved the recommendation and Commissioner JD Young seconded; voting yea were Hodge, Horton, Rollins, Tingler, Williams and Young. The Commission also voted to initiate Comprehensive Plan amendments to provide siting guidance. The Board of Supervisors will receive the recommendation for further consideration.
