JOHN COFFELTContributor

The Coffee County Commission approved a zoning resolution that will regulate solar energy systems during the March 11 meeting.

The resolution addresses both small accessory-type solar panels and large solar farms. The resolution, according to Coffee County Mayor Dennis Hunt, comes basically verbatim from state-level zoning regulation advisers.

“That resolution was crafted by CTAS (County Technical Assistance Service) attorneys,” Hunt said. “It’s pretty airtight.” 

Solar Farms are designated as Ground Mounted Solar Energy System (GSES) in the resolution and are defined as systems mounted to the ground and are larger than 20 acres.

The regulations require a GSES to be enclosed by a six-foot fence and a buffer area, set back 50 feet from all property lines. If abutting a residential dwelling that setback would be 100 feet.

The regulations also specify that the support structures must use colors and textures, screening and landscaping to blend the facility to the natural setting. It also prohibits the system from creating an increased noise level to nearby residents and glare that would disturb drivers or residents.

A sizable paragraph is dedicated to the decommissioning of a GSES facility. Owners must begin the processes within a year of the facility permanently ceasing to generate electricity and two years to restore or reclaim the site. A proposed decommission plan must also be submitted to the Planning Commission for review and approval.

A site plan of the facility is subject to review by the Planning Commission.

Roof mounted systems likewise cannot produce glare that would be a nuisance. These solar panels must be in-plane on sloped roofs or on flat roofs be installed so to be seen from the public street.

The resolution does not specify any zoning districts where GSES would be allowed or prohibited.

The resolution passed 16-1 with Commissioner Joseph Hodge voting no and Benton Brown abstaining.