Amherst County recently passed a new solar ordinance allowing for the future development of utility-scale solar farms. As County Attorney for Amherst, Mike Lockaby worked with county officials, including Community Development Director Jeremy Bryant, on researching and drafting the ordinance. To date, the county has only allowed small-scale solar projects, such as rooftop solar installations on individual residences and businesses. The new ordinance will provide landowners and the solar industry the opportunity to apply for and build larger solar farms in the area.

Mike notes that environmental consciousness played a prominent role in drafting the ordinance on two fronts: to provide the community the opportunity to receive a large-scale renewable resource, and to thoroughly screen and mitigate the potential negative impacts of such developments on the surrounding natural habitat and agriculture. For instance, in considering an application to build a large solar farm, the County would be mindful that pollinator plants are preserved rather than mowed down or graveled over. This type of solar farm can create a desert-like landscape for bees that can lower the productivity of nearby farmland, as well as create storm water and flooding issues.

As part of the application process, utility-scale solar farm plans will require public hearings before they may be put in place, as well as include a decommission plan which describes what will happen to the solar panel site/facility once it has reached the end of its useful life.

Amherst County’s new solar ordinance was also announced here.