Draft Solar Ordinance Discussed at Plan Commission Meeting

A special meeting for further discussions has been set for September 9.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The Dearborn County Draft Solar Ordinance was once again a topic at this week's Plan Commission meeting. 

In February, Dearborn County Commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on the processing of applications for commercial solar farms and battery storage facilities in Dearborn County using the requirements spelled out in Article 19 of the Dearborn County Zoning Ordinance.

Since then, a Citizen's Advisory Committee has been established to help make possible amendments to Article 19. 

On Monday, the Plan Commission and community members in attendance went through the Draft Solar Ordinance section by section, allowing for public comment. 

The Draft Solar Ordinance is a proposed legislative document prepared for review, discussion, public comment, and potential revision prior to formal consideration and adoption by the governing body. A draft ordinance does not constitute an adopted or enforceable law and may be amended or substantially revised before final approval.

Community members are asking for a protective ordinance that protects rural farmland and citizens of the community. You can review Dearborn County's Draft Solar Ordinance here. 

A Special Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. in Henry Dearborn Meeting Room. The public meeting will include discussion on the Draft Ordinance. No vote or action will take place. 

September 28 is the earliest a vote could happen regarding the Solar Ordinance. A potential vote advertisement is a legal requirement for this particular meeting. That doesn't mean that a vote will happen. 

You can view Monday's meeting here. Discussion regarding the Draft Solar Ordinance begins around the one hour, 30-minute timestamp.