The Knox County Commissioners took the next step Tuesday toward updating the county’s solar ordinance, advancing a proposal that would adopt recommendations from the Area Plan Commission.
During the meeting, commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance that would increase the residential setback for commercial solar projects to 300 feet and add new screening requirements around solar sites.
Those screening standards would require a combination of fencing and vegetation designed to reduce glare and limit visibility from nearby homes and major roadways.
Commissioners also discussed whether to include additional provisions. Commissioner Kellie Streeter asked about incorporating recommendations raised in past meetings, citing several additions she would like to see included. Commissioner Tim Ellerman, saying he agreed with Streeter’s recommendations, raised concerns about timing, saying delays could allow future projects to move forward under the current ordinance.
Commissioners agreed to move ahead with the proposed changes presented Tuesday and address additional concerns through the newly established Energy Land Use Committee process. The vote was 3 to 1 with Streeter opposed.
Following the vote, commissioners heard about 90 minutes of public comment related to solar operations in the county from residents attending Tuesday’s meeting.
