Carroll County supervisors table decision on solar acreage cap after heated public hearing

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors tabled a proposed countywide acreage cap for utility-scale solar siting after a joint public hearing with the County Planning Commission and substantial public comment.

At the meeting, the Planning Commission told the board it had voted to recommend adoption of a solar-siting policy that would cap countywide solar acreage at 1,500 acres. Several residents and presenters urged caution. Landowner Delilah Brady, who reviewed the county comprehensive plans, criticized an acreage cap and said it would unfairly restrict property owners and limit access to renewable-energy projects. "This isn't about solar panels. It's about property rights," she said, urging the board to reject a blanket cap and evaluate projects case-by-case with neighbor input.

Planning commissioners defended their recommendation as a policy tool; the commission's motion to recommend a 1,500-acre cap carried in that body. On hearing the recommendation, board members said they wanted more public discussion. A motion from the board to table the Planning Commission's recommendation passed on a roll call (two members recorded 'no'; the rest voted to table), postponing a final decision by the supervisors.

The action leaves the Planning Commission recommendation intact but without immediate effect; the board directed further consideration and additional citizen engagement before taking a binding vote. The agenda item remains pending before the Board of Supervisors.