Lexington city councilmembers tabled a zoning amendment that would have paved the way for industrial solar in Fayette County’s rural areas.
A zoning ordinance passed by Lexington’s planning commission last year banned solar farms from being built on agricultural land. A proposal would have revised that to allow for some conditional use. It’s backed by Silicon Ranch, a solar company based out of Nashville.
Councilmember Dave Sevigny co-sponsored the amendment, saying it would bring Lexington closer to its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“The entirety of Fayette County is responsible to make our goal happen. Not 30% of Fayette County is responsible for our goal. The entirety is responsible,” Sevigny said. “So to leave a group out is a disservice to the rest of the people who have to bear the brunt of it.”
The council passed a version of the ordinance that mostly resembles the original, with some additions that would regulate rooftop solar. Councilmembers who voted against the amendment say they want more time to discuss industrial solar’s role in Fayette County.
“I want to see us have an in-depth discussion involving all stakeholders about agricultural solar, and I want to see us get to the point where we have more solid environmental protections in place,” councilmember Emma Curtis said.
Councilmember Hil Boone proposed establishing a work group that would explore Fayette County’s role with industrial solar further, though nothing was formalized. Others expressed interest in continuing the conversation around solar farms later on.
