Knox County Commissioners Propose Updates to Solar Ordinance

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Knox County Commissioners outlined proposed updates to the solar ordinance Tuesday, after hearing feedback from residents at a public comment meeting over the weekend.

LINK: Knox County Commissioners Hear Public Feedback on Solar Ordinance

WAKC News Now spoke with each commissioner by phone Tuesday evening about the changes they would like to see.

Commissioner President TJ Brink said he believes the ordinance needs stronger language and clearer standards.

Brink told WAKC News Now he would like to see additional landscaping requirements added around the perimeter of solar developments to reduce the visual impact for neighboring property owners.

During the meeting, Brink said he would support requiring two staggered rows of trees to help minimize visual disturbances.

“I based my recommendations on Indiana state laws, other county ordinances, and a recent Purdue University study on solar,” Brink told WAKC News Now, adding that he also considered input from the Area Plan Commission.

Brink said he supports the Area Plan Commission’s recommendation of a 300-foot setback from homes.

Commissioner Vice President Tim Ellerman said his priority is protecting residents who rely on well water.

During the meeting, Ellerman referenced an ordinance from another county that requires periodic well water testing before and during construction.

Ellerman told WAKC News Now water should be tested one month prior to construction, monthly throughout the construction phase, and every six months after the project is completed.

Additional recommendations include requiring developers to coordinate with local firefighters and first responders to prepare for potential emergencies, as well as placing a cap on the total acreage allowed for solar development in Knox County.

After speaking with the county attorney, Ellerman said the decommissioning portion of the ordinance is well written and protects taxpayers from being responsible for cleanup costs.

As for setbacks, Ellerman says he recommends a 500-foot setback.

“I grew up in the county and don’t feel 300 feet is far enough for a setback,” Ellerman said.

Commissioner Kellie Streeter told WAKC News Now that she would like to conduct additional research before making final recommendations, including reviewing information related to water sources and property values.

When asked about setbacks, Streeter said “300 feet is the same setback required for coal mines near homes, so I feel that is within reason."

During Tuesday’s meeting, County Attorney Andrew Porter clarified that any changes to the solar ordinance would apply only to new applications filed after the revisions are adopted.

Projects with applications already on file would remain under the current ordinance.

The first reading of the revised ordinance is scheduled for the April 7 meeting at 10 a.m. at Vincennes City Hall.

Brink said the first reading of the revised ordinance will not appear on the March 17 agenda in order to give the county attorney time to draft the changes.

Following the first reading, the proposed revisions will be sent to the Area Plan Commission for review.