Clinton County’s never ending quest for a renewable energy took another step forward when the Area Plan Commission unanimously passed a solar ordinance on Tuesday night.
“We set the foundation tonight,” said APC President Dan Sheets. “Our ordinance committee has been working on this for probably three months trying to figure out what is best for Clinton County. I think we’ve got a good ordinance in place.”
Solar was one of three ordinances passed by the APC with the other two dealing with wetlands and elevations on the first floor of new builds.
Many questions were asked about solar during the public hearing portion of the meeting mainly to get an idea of what a solar farm would look like, what it would be comprised of in addition to the concerns of setbacks and how far the farms need to be from houses and properties in the county.
Sheets was asked how much interest has been shown in a solar farm in the county.
“Two that I am aware of,” he said. “That’s not a huge demand, but people are interested in that.”
Sheets said the ordinance now goes before the Clinton County Commissioners and the small towns in the county. The next Commissioners meeting is Monday, January 13, at 9 a.m. at the Clinton County Courthouse.
When might we see a solar farm in the county?
“It’s hard to tell,” said Sheets. “Once the Commissioners pass this, someone will have to bring forth a development plan. We could see one in the next 12 months.”