Vonier

THOMASVILLE — Thomas County commissioners have called a Tuesday public hearing to gather citizen input on proposed amendments to an ordinance regulating solar energy facilities in unincorporated Thomas County.

To be presented at the hearing are proposed amendments to regulate locations and construction of solar facilities.

The hearing is at 6 p.m. in commission chambers on the third floor at the historic Thomas County Courthouse.

At a 2017 planning session this week, Commissioner Zippy Vonier said residents have expressed to him they are concerned with the appearance of solar facilities.

“I think that’s what we’ve got to look at — protecting the citizens,” Commissioner Mark NeSmith interjected.

Copies of the proposed amendment are available at the county commission office or on the county government website at www.thomascountyboc.org.

“The main intent of the ordinance amendment is to preserve our quality of life by controlling the spread of solar facilities, commonly known as solar farms, in the rural areas of Thomas County,” County Manager Mike Stephenson said.

The amendment sets two categories:

• Solar installations to homes and businesses to provide power for the property owner. Solar installations would be considered an accessory land use subject to the land use standards in place. The amendment also would require inspection of solar installations for safety purposes and to ensure compliance with industry standards.

• Solar facilities, commonly known as solar farms, installed to provide power for sale to utility companies. Solar facilities are a commercial venture and would be permitted in commercial and industrial land use districts. Solar facilities would be classed as a conditional use in agricultural districts and subject to approval on a case-by-case basis by the county commission. Solar facilities would not be permitted in residential land use districts.

Key provisions in controlling solar facilities location and protecting existing land uses are the following buffers:

• Solar facilities would be set back a minimum of 100 feet from the property line of adjacent property owners.

• Solar facilities would be set back a minimum of 500 feet from habitable residential use dwellings

 County government would receive sales tax revenue from the sale of solar energy by commercial enterprises.

 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820