Special use permits for two utility-scale solar projects have been requested in Page County, one near Luray and one near Stanley. In response to these proposals and the rise of utility-scale solar statewide, the county formed two committees to make sure their planning documents and ordinances are able to address considerations that come with these large-scale projects. These steps to ensure localities are ready to thoroughly evaluate renewable energy projects are exactly what the Alliance recommends.
On March 19, 2019, however, the Page Board of Supervisors reversed the recommendation of its Planning Commission and found that the both projects were consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The Alliance and the Battlefields Foundation encouraged the county to wait until the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance updates were complete, prior to considering any utility-scale proposals.
On April 2, however, a motion to approve the Stanley project was approved on a 4-2 vote.
At the same meeting, a motion to deny the Luray project failed on a 3-3 vote.
We’ll continue to follow the county’s updates to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances as well as any changes in the proposed projects.
Project Documents
- Stanley Project Application
- Stanley Project County Conditions
- Luray Project Application
- Luray Project County Conditions