Louisa County working on plans for solar and renewable energy

Comments presented Tuesday to the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, during a public hearing on proposed solar and renewable energy amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan, may lead to fencing and fee changes in the amendments. The supervisors held the public hearing, the first of possibly three, to consider proposed changes that had been recommended by the Louisa County Planning and Zoning Commission (LCPZC). The LCPZC began looking at the changes after investigations were launched into establishing commercial solar facilities in Louisa County and local officials discovered there were no governing regulations. The LCPZC finalized its recommendation to the supervisors following its own Aug. 8 public hearing. However, several people who attended the supervisors’ public hearing on Tuesday said the LCPZC changes had not been enough and more were needed. Michael Vance, Morning Sun, indicated he was opposed to the LCPZC’s recommendations on fencing, setbacks and fee structure. According to the proposed zoning amendment, any solar farm or garden facility would be required to maintain a security fence that would be at least six feet in height, but no greater than eight feet.