Greene County is getting steps closer to a resolution on solar farm, windmill, and bitcoin regulations before the moratorium comes to an end.
Permitting solar as accessory use, allowing them in M-2 (High Impact Use) and in brown field zones, protecting farmland, and avoiding spot zoning was the consensus for regulation recommendations, after a work session was held Thursday afternoon.
It was lead by Lyn Ashburn, who works with the Greene County Regional Planning Commission in Research and Special Projects. She was joined by members of the Regional Planning Commission, County Attorney Roger Woolsey, and others. Ashburn will get a draft written including a summary of the recommendations, which should be presented to the Greene County Regional Planning Commission in their February meeting.
Recommendations: After a long open discussion Ashburn will focus on the recommendations that were discussed during the work session.
Allow solar to be permitted as accessory uses like residential homes and apartments. This would be allowed as long as it’s mounted on the roof or on the ground, according to Ashburn.
Allow solar farms in areas zoned M-2 (High Impact Use) and in brown fields, such as landfills. This gives the county the opportunity to utilize vacant land that’s considered intensive use.
Ashburn says the number one criteria was protecting and preserving farmland. Based off feedback given during previous meetings and open discussions with the public, residents are concerned this will take away from the beauty of their neighborhoods.
Windmills and Bitcoin Mining
The concern is windmills are large and if this was to be allowed in the county, Ashburn suggested allowing them in M-2 zones and brown fields, or allowing individuals to have a windmill, such as a property owner. The height would need to be looked at and considered for other residents.
Bitcoin is a concern due to the noise complaints from people and based on the experience Washington County has had, where they were involved in a lawsuit with a Bitcoin Mine Company.
Once the planning commission votes on the recommended regulations, it will be presented to the County Commission for decision to be made in March.
