Solar Working Group proposes stronger rules for large-scale solar, new brownfield exception

In Tuesday, March 10th's General Government and Planning Committee, Councilmembers will hear a presentation from the city's Solar Working Group on proposed changes to Lexington's zoning ordinance related to solar energy systems.

In recent years, there has been a flurry of activity related to solar energy in Fayette County, including new solar regulations adopted in 2024 and 2025, advancement of the Haley Pike landfill solar installation, and more.

What does Lexington's current solar zoning ordinance allow?

Lexington's zoning ordinance currently divides solar energy systems into three scales: small, intermediate, and large.

• Small-scale systems (2,500 sqft. or smaller) are allowed in residential zones with a conditional use permit, and are allowed by right in business, industrial, and agricultural zones.
• Intermediate-scale systems (between 2,500 sqft. to 5 acres) are permitted in business and industrial zones and require a conditional use permit in agricultural zones.
• Large-scale systems (over 5 acres) require a conditional use permit in certain business and industrial zones.

In agricultural zones, large-scale solar is currently capped at 1% of Fayette County's total acreage and projects are required to have 85% of their land have vegetative cover.

What changes is the working group recommending?

The working group is recommending several amendments to the ordinance, according to meeting materials. These changes include:

• New requirements for large-scale solar in agricultural zones. Proposed new rules would require that the properties with solar installations maintain continuous agricultural production with annual inspections, comply with the city's stormwater manual, and have a land conservation and water quality plan approved by the Fayette County Conservation District.
• New Community Benefits Plans, with a minimum payment of $750 per megawatt of direct current capacity over 20 years, with priority given to low-income energy cost relief.
• Stronger requirements when decommissioning solar installations, including requirements that all solar structures, equipment, and foundations are removed within six months of a project ending, and requiring developers to provide financial assurance to cover decommissioning costs.

Exceptions for brownfields

The working group is also recommending a new "brownfield exception," which would allow ground-mounted solar systems in any zone without a conditional use permit if the project is located entirely within an identified brownfield property.

• Brownfields are properties where redevelopment is complicated by the presence, or potential presence, of hazardous chemicals or pollutants.

The working group is also recommending that the city form a separate group to examine brownfield sites in the county as potential locations for solar development.

What happens next?

If the General Government and Planning Committee approves moving forward, changes to the city’s zoning ordinances would go to the Planning Commission, which would review and return the changes to Council, and would hold a public hearing. The working group also recommends sending the proposed changes to the Rural Land Management Board, the Environmental Commission, and Engage Lexington for feedback.