County Commissioners take a vote on solar zoning ordinance revisions
The Huntington County Plan Commission met last Wednesday, May 14 to vote on sending the revised Solar Energy Systems (SESs) zoning ordinance provisions with recommendation. The new ordinance would replace the current moratorium on industrial SES developments that was placed on the county after the Paddlefish Solar farm project was proposed in Huntington and Wells counties last year.
The proposed solar ordinance – which outlines rules and restrictions for potential SES projects to follow to receive a permit – has been revised following, at times, discussions around concerns felt by both sides of the solar energy systems debate.
The revisions to the ordinance include requirements designed to protect farmland and water supply. Some of these stipulations include: a 1,000-foot setback from highways, wells, and neighboring property lines; and soil testing the land area proposed for use in a SES project for farming viability – which would prevent solar farms from being constructed on prime farmland.
Concerns were raised by commissioners around the ordinance not having enough setback requirement specifications, lack of provisions preventing non-participating property owners from being surrounded by a solar farm, lack of stipulations preventing deforestation, and more.
However, the new ordinance leaves room for the plan commission to add extra protections or stipulations in the future when concerns arise over a proposed SES project. The revised ordinance states that the Plan Commission will review each potential SES development to ensure it meets the following requirements:
– Compatible with surrounding land uses.
– Does not create a public nuisance or threat.
– Will bring economic value to the community.
– Creates conditions favorable to health, safety, convenience, and the harmonious development of the community.
– Will not interfere with the use and value of surrounding real estate.
Other commissioners pointed out that the ordinance is essentially a long-winded ban on solar energy farm development.
Jim Sprout highlighted the contrast between the proposed ordinance for solar farms, and existing rules for both agricultural farmers and residents; specifically that the latter is the permitted to spray chemicals, spread fertilizer or manure, and more without having the required 1,000 foot setbacks from land owners who do not wish to participate in these activities that pose potential health risks.
Board member Brandon Kitt, who works in the utility industry, stated before the vote, “I can guarantee that solar is not the answer to any power needs in the future. There’s two data centers being built in Indiana, two locations. Those two locations – when they’re done and online – will use more power than one utility. I mean, a couple thousands of acres of solar is not gonna help, if you’re for it.”
“Side note, that means nuclear or something like that is gonna have to take up the slack. So something like that might be coming down the pipeline in the future,” he added.
Jim Sprout, Terry Miller, Ed Farris, Steve Park, Bob Bolan, Don Freiburger, all voted no to sending the ordinance b with a favorable recommendation.
Jerry Meehan, Terry Stoffel voted in favor of passing the motion with a “do pass” recommendation.
The ordinance was sent to the commissioners with no recommendation.