Pulaski County residents will have a chance to weigh in on the county’s solar farm regulations tonight. The advisory plan commission is proposing a number of changes to the Unified Development Ordinance.
The adjustments would beef up setback requirements, noise limits, and screening guidelines. Solar developers could also be required to meet with fire departments, EMS personnel, and township officials to discuss safety concerns. The amendment would also allow solar energy systems to be installed in industrial zones, rather than just agricultural land, but it would still require a public hearing before the board of zoning appeals.
The plan commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes tonight (Thursday) at 6:00 EST in the Pulaski County Highway Garage. Comments will also be taken on Zoom. Those who don’t want to comment but just want to watch may view the meeting on the Pulaski County, Indiana, Government Facebook page.
The county’s current solar regulations drew little comment when they were created in 2019 but drew some intense criticism and a legal battle after a large-scale development reached the public hearing phase last summer. The Indiana General Assembly is considering legislation that would essentially do away with county-level regulations and set statewide standards.
