Area Plan Commission to Hear Public Feedback on Solar Ordinance

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - -The Knox County Area Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday evening to review the county’s solar ordinance and gather feedback from residents.

According to Knox County Area Plan Commission Executive Director Colt Michaels, there are no specific changes being proposed at this time.

“The existing solar ordinance (part of our larger zoning ordinance) was adopted in 2020, and it is typical to review ordinances every five years or so,” Michaels told WAKC News Now.

Michaels says the Knox County Board of Commissioners has asked the Area Plan Commission to review the current regulations and provide recommendations on any potential updates.

He says commissioners specifically want the APC to take a closer look at screening requirements when a solar field is located next to a residence or other principal-use structure, as well as the rules surrounding Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS.

The third topic involves the minimum setback buffer between solar structures and nearby homes or businesses.

Setbacks determine how much space must exist between solar equipment and surrounding properties or buildings.

Under the current ordinance, solar equipment must be at least 50 feet from a non-participating property line or the edge of a public right-of-way, and at least 200 feet from the foundation of any home, business, or other principal-use building.

Michaels told WAKC News Now that the primary purpose of Tuesday’s hearing is to gather public input.

“Although the plan commission will discuss these topics, they may decide to take additional time to study the topics before any formal recommendations may be made."

"It is very possible that no official vote for formal recommendations will be taken at this December meeting,” Michaels added.

The hearing begins at 6:00 PM at the Vincennes Water Treatment Plant meeting building, located at 1134 River Road in Vincennes.