The Starke County Commissioners went through the second reading of the amended solar ordinance this week.
The landscape buffer and screening amendment was discussed further.
It explained participating solar energy landowners adjoining another participating landowner may opt out of the landscape buffer screening requirement along all property lines upon written and recorded legal agreement between landowners. The recorded legal agreement would need to be submitted to the Plan Commission for approval.
Vegetated ground cover was amended and discussed further as well.
The amendment adds an equivalent pollinator-friendly standard designed for Midwest ecosystems and conditions that will meet water quality and habitat goals by the local USDA and Natural Resources Conservation Service of Starke County or other qualified seed specialist.
The second reading of the amendments to the solar energy ordinance was tabled to go over again at a future meeting.
