Solar Energy

The county's municipal code allows utility-scale solar energy systems as special exception uses in certain districts and provides supplementary use standards for these systems. It allows utility-scale solar energy systems as a special exception use in rural, agricultural, and industrial zoning districts (155 Attachment 1).

The municipal code defines "solar array" and "solar energy systems, utility scale" (§155-13) and provides supplementary use regulations for utility-scale solar energy systems (§155-50.LL). Standards address glare avoidance, prohibition of advertising or artificial lighting, minimum parcel size, height limitations, screening requirements, setbacks, visual impacts, vegetation disturbance, and undergrounding of power lines. It lists permit application requirements, including a planting plan and 2-year performance security.