Lexington, Kentucky, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has voted to pursue a text amendment banning large-scale solar farms on agricultural land, limiting installations to 1% of the zone’s area. This decision, following a heated public debate, will affect future projects, including a significant proposal from Silicon Ranch. A work group will review solar regulations, with a final vote on the amendment expected in 2025.
Lexington, Kentucky – The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted unanimously on September 11, 2023, during a lengthy work session to pursue a zone text amendment that would ban large-scale solar farms on agricultural farmland. This decision followed a heated debate with over 25 citizens voicing their opinions on the matter, both for and against allowing solar installations in agricultural zones.
Alongside the ban on large-scale solar projects, the council proposed restrictions limiting solar installations to only 1% of the land within the agricultural zone, equating to nearly 1,800 acres. This vote and the recommended amendments will be forwarded to the Public Service Commission, which oversees public utilities that are not subject to local approvals.
One of the council members, David Sevigny, had previously suggested a compromise to increase the allowable solar installations to 2% of Fayette County’s agricultural land. However, he indicated that he did not receive the necessary support from other council members to pass this compromise.
To address the complex issues surrounding solar installations, a work group is being established that will review regulations and guidelines related to solar power in the area. A final vote on the zoning ordinance text amendment is set for September 11, 2025.
The Public Service Commission has assured the council that they will comply with any established county caps on ground-mounted solar. The newly proposed regulations will necessitate a land management plan every five years, featuring periodic assessments of soil conditions and stipulating the use of ground cover on solar installations.
Silicon Ranch, a Nashville-based solar company, had submitted a proposal for a solar farm covering 800 acres in Eastern Fayette County, which would not be able to proceed if the ban is implemented. The current zoning regulations lack specific provisions regarding solar installations, creating a gap in governance for this emerging energy sector.
Previously, the Urban County Planning Commission had advocated for solar installations in residential and commercial zones but chose not to allow large-scale developments in agricultural areas. Earlier this year, the General Government and Planning Committee voted narrowly in favor of banning ground-mounted solar in these zones.
If passed, the proposed solar text amendment will hinder the plans of Silicon Ranch to establish a solar farm in the county. Proponents of solar in agricultural zones argue that diversifying energy sources is necessary to meet Lexington’s renewable energy requirements and that urgent action is needed to combat climate change.
Conversely, opponents of solar farms on agricultural land are worried about potential harm to topsoil and the preservation of Fayette County’s fertile farming grounds. Proposed solar developments include a nearly 400-acre solar installation by East Kentucky Power along Interstate 64, as well as another project slated for the closed Haley Pike landfill.
Silicon Ranch, supported by the Shell Corporation, has emphasized their commitment to sustainable land management practices within their projects. Meanwhile, critics contend that solar farms, particularly those of an industrial scale, should be kept off prime agricultural land, which many view as a vital part of the community’s heritage.
The council members maintain that there is a pressing need to diversify energy sources to fulfill the city’s comprehensive plan aimed at reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
FAQ
What was the outcome of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council’s recent vote on solar farms?
The council voted unanimously to propose a ban on large-scale solar farms on agricultural farmland and to limit solar installations to 1% of the land in the agriculture zone.
When is the final vote on the proposed zoning ordinance text amendment scheduled?
A final vote on the proposed zoning ordinance text amendment is expected to take place on September 11, 2025.
What is Silicon Ranch’s proposal regarding solar farms?
Silicon Ranch proposed to develop a solar farm covering 800 acres in Eastern Fayette County, which could be halted if the ban is enacted.
What are some concerns raised about solar farms on agricultural land?
Critics expressed worries over potential damage to topsoil and the preservation of Fayette County’s fertile agricultural land.
What is the rationale behind supporting solar energy in agricultural areas?
Supporters claim that additional energy sources are vital for meeting the city’s renewable energy needs and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Key Features of the Proposed Amendment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ban on Large-scale Solar Farms | A ban on large solar installations on agricultural land. |
| Land Limitation | Limit solar installations to 1% of agricultural zone land (approx. 1,800 acres). |
| Forwards to Public Service Commission | Proposed amendments to be sent to the Public Service Commission. |
| Final Vote Date | Expected final vote on September 11, 2025. |
| Land Management Plan | Requires a land management plan every five years for solar projects. |
| Silicon Ranch Proposal | Pending 800-acre solar farm proposal by Silicon Ranch. |
| Concerns Raised | Potential damage to soil and preservation of farmland. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington-Fayette County Moves to Update Solar Zoning Policies
Lexington Advocates for Solar Energy Development and Policy Changes
Lexington Planning Commission Recommends Ban on Solar Farms on Farmland
Lexington Explores Solar Energy at Capped Landfill
Lexington Mayor Raises Concerns Over Solar Farm Project
Lexington Mayor Gorton Presents Future Goals in State of the City
Solar Power Projects Get Approval in Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Solar Farm Ban
- Wikipedia: Solar Energy
- LEX18: Lexington Solar Facility Proposal
- Google Search: Lexington solar farms
- Spectrum News: Solar Farm Project Opposition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Renewable Energy
- WKYT: Fayette Co. Solar Farm Approved
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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