The solar ordinance the Page County Board of Supervisors is currently considering is COMPLETELY different from the version that protected the natural resources, agriculture, and tourism sectors of our economy and was passed by the Planning Commission and supported by the public back in December. Most troubling is the obvious catering to the solar industry rather than Page County citizens.
The Board meets on Tuesday, May 18 at 6pm, and if they don’t hear from you, they will likely adopt a solar ordinance that removes all the protective requirements and makes them mere suggestions, recommendations and considerations that are up to the applicant to take seriously. Or not…
Good vs. Current
Project Size
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to limiting the maximum acreage coverage of a utility-scale solar facility.
Farmland Protection
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to limiting the percent of acreage coverage. The layout of equipment, improvements, structures, substation, and battery storage, along with the maximum calculated percent of acreage coverage shall be shown on the approved site plan.
Forestland Protection
Good
Current
To preserve forest resources, consideration shall be given to forested areas as identified and defined in the Comprehensive Plan and by a Virginia State certified forester
Viewshed Protection
Good
Current
In order to protect scenic corridors and view sheds, consideration shall be given to federal highways US 340 and 211, US 340 Business and US 211 Business.
Historic and Cultural Resource Protection
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to proximity to historic and cultural resources as defined and listed in the Comprehensive Plan.
Proximity to Residences
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to proximity to residential districts or subdivisions.
Proximity to Town Boundary
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to proximity from a town boundary.
Proximity to Other Solar Developments
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to proximity of another existing or permitted utility-scale solar facility
Proximity to Transmission Lines
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to proximity of electric transmission lines.
Proximity Service Areas
Good
Current
Consideration shall be given to proximity of the primary or secondary service areas around a town.
Setback Requirements
Good
The minimum setback of all panels, equipment, substations, switchyards, and other ancillary structures, of the project to the edge of Shenandoah River, Hawksbill Creek, Pass Run Stream, and property lines of parcels with existing dwellings shall be 200 feet. The minimum setback to all other property lines shall be 150 feet. All substations and utility switchyards and any other associated equipment must also comply with these minimum setbacks. These setbacks do not apply to internal lot lines that are included in the project.
Current
The Board shall determine minimum setbacks required of all panels, equipment, substations, switchyards, and other ancillary structures, any rivers, creeks, and streams, property lines of parcels with existing dwellings, and property lines of all other property without existing dwellings. These setbacks established by the Board do not apply to internal lot lines that are included in the project.