In the last few weeks, Planning has received two inquiries from businesses interested in establishing large scale solar facilities in Spotsylvania County. This is a growing trend in Virginia and nationally. Currently, the Zoning Ordinance does not specifically define solar facilities as a use. They fall under the definition of "Public utility, heavy" as an electrical generating plant/facility. Public utility, heavy uses require Industrial 2 (I-2) zoning and a Special Use permit.

While solar farms are facilities that generate electricity, their appearance and impacts are not typical of traditional electrical generation facilities. Many jurisdictions are developing separate definitions for this use and permitting via special use approval in agricultural areas. The use typically requires a large acreage and they are often sited on former farm properties or timbered land. Enabling the use in agricultural zones eliminates the conflict created by zoning land in a rural area to industrial and also allows the property to revert to agricultural permitted uses when the solar facility ceases operation and is disassembled.