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The Botetourt County Planning Commission spent much of its Sept. 14 work session reviewing the county’s recently adopted solar ordinance, with commissioners and staff examining provisions related to environmental protections, development standards and emergency response.
The commission did not take action on the ordinance during the work session. Instead, staff was directed to research several provisions and return with additional information as commissioners continue working through the language.
Planning Commission Director Dr. Beth Leffel said the current review is intended to clarify the ordinance adopted recently by the Board of Supervisors. Once the Planning Commission completes an addendum to the county’s Comprehensive Plan, the ordinance may need to be revisited to ensure it remains aligned with the plan.
Commissioners reviewed the ordinance section by section, including provisions concerning native plants, wildlife corridors, migratory routes, prime farmland and erodible soils.
The commission also discussed setbacks, fencing, vegetation, mowing and other development standards, including how solar facilities can maintain security while allowing wildlife to move through properties.
Staff will examine guidance from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) as the ordinance language is refined. Commissioners also questioned portions of the mowing standards and language that could inadvertently encourage the use of invasive species.
Commissioners expressed support for protections involving prime farmland and erodible soils and requested additional information about how those areas are identified at the parcel level.
The commission also asked staff to examine whether a one-mile separation requirement should be incorporated directly into the solar ordinance. The county was still working to clarify details of the provision following the meeting.
Other environmental issues discussed included wildlife corridors, migratory routes, glare and potential impacts on pollinators and wildlife.
Commissioners also discussed minor ground-mounted solar facilities and whether they should be permitted in the R3, R4 and Traditional Neighborhood Districts. Several commissioners expressed support for removing those districts from eligibility for minor ground-mounted facilities, favoring roof-mounted installations in those areas.
Staff will review applicable state requirements and return with additional information.
Emergency response and battery energy storage also received attention during the work session.
Leffel asked the commission to consider adding requirements that solar applicants collaborate with county fire and EMS personnel on written emergency response plans and help cover the cost of specialized training for county emergency providers.
The discussion comes amid concerns about the challenges associated with responding to fires involving battery energy storage systems.
The commission also discussed lighting requirements, including whether lighting plans should be part of the special exception process and whether measures such as motion-activated lighting could address safety concerns while limiting unnecessary nighttime impacts.
Decommissioning requirements were another topic of discussion. Commissioners requested clarification about when financial bonds or other assurances must be provided for the eventual removal of solar facilities, emphasizing the importance of ensuring required funds are in place before construction begins.
The Planning Commission also reaffirmed plans for a countywide survey as part of the broader review of solar development.
The commission requested a survey similar to one conducted as part of the county’s Comprehensive Plan updates. Commissioners are expected to reach consensus on a draft Comprehensive Plan addendum in October, with the county targeting early November for the survey to be made available electronically.
Paper copies will also be available at each county library branch.
Leffel said the survey will allow residents to comment on the actual draft addendum rather than simply provide general opinions about solar development.
The Planning Commission has scheduled a special meeting for Oct. 5 to continue its work, including discussion of the solar ordinance and the survey.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
