Agenda - 10-07-2014-13 (6) - Laserfiche WebLink

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' c. While most of the identified counties treat solar facilities as a utility, some restrict the general use zoning districts where such projects can be located. As previously indicated Orange County allows for solar facilities in most all general use zoning districts consistent with existing allowances for utility operations. The notable exception is that solar facilities over 20 kilowatts are prohibited within the Existing Commercial (EC -5) and Existing Industrial (E1) general use zoning districts. There did not seem any compelling rationale to limit their location to a specific land use, whether non - residential or residential /agricultural area since solar facilities follow high power transmission lines and substations, which are located to serve the overall regional electric grid serving both urban and rural areas. d. Required setbacks for solar facilities range from 50 ft. from property lines /rights -of -way to 150 feet. The Orange County does not have a specific setback standard. Current regulations require a 50 land use buffer along the perimeter of the property line. This required land use buffer, in turn, creates a `setback' requirement in order for the erected panels to avoid shadows created by the required vegetation. e. Required land use buffers are comparable with existing County standards. Durham and Brunswick counties establish specific regulations governing the actual `opacity' (i.e. how visible the development will be once a land use buffer is established) of a required land use buffer. Orange County's UDO does not have specific opacity requirements. f. In reviewing this matter with several county planning departments, there appears to be a trend towards local governments initiating amendments to their land use regulations establishing development standards for solar facilities. Staff looks forward to providing additional detail as necessary.