Led by county plan administrator Karla Redweik, the APC conducted a lengthy review of the proposed revisions in order to make a recommendation to the commissioners about adopting the changes to the current code. Following the review and lengthy public comment, the commission decided to table its recommendation so commission members may complete some further study on a few points raised, primarily during their review session.

The new ordinance eliminates the “special exception” provision in the code, but still leaves plenty of rules in the ordinance for solar to follow. If adopted, the new ordinance would be more like Starke County’s and other counties’ plans, leaving a lot less room for controversy, according to an explanation on Pulaski County government's website. Once the APC makes its recommendation, the commissioners will have a final vote on the matter.

If approved, the revision will become a part of the county’s (Unified Development Ordinance “UDO”), also known as its zoning or land-use plan.

In February, the commissioners referred the proposed amendments regarding solar to the APC for its consideration and recommendation. The proposed revisions are related to chapters 2, 4, 7 and 8 of the UDO. Links to the proposed restated chapters may be found here.

The APC is expected to take the matter up again at its March 28 meeting.

The Pulaski County Advisory Plan Commission (APC) is charged with implementing Pulaski County land-use planning (per the Unified Development Ordinance); hiring staff, as necessary, for the purposes of implementing and enforcing land-use codes; and revising the comprehensive plan and codes as necessary. The APC typically meets at 7 p.m., on the fourth Monday of each odd-numbered month.

For more information on Pulaski County solar, visit:

NextEra Moss Creek Project, visit: NextEra Energy Resources | Moss Creek Solar | Project

Mammoth Solar Project, visit https://gegrenewables.com/mammoth-solar

Solar Development and Tax Abatements, by Pulaski County CDC executive director, visit here: 

Pulaski County Against Solar, visit: https://www.pulaskicountyagainstsolar.org