SOUTHERN INDIANA — Clark County has recently updated its renewable energy regulations after public outcry over a proposed solar project, while Floyd County hasn’t dealt with a similar development.

Here’s a look at the regulations in Clark and Floyd counties.

CLARK COUNTY

Standards for solar energy systems have progressed in their stringency over the past few years. The county’s Unified Development Ordinance has instituted more strict regulations to these systems after local residents were outspoken about a particular solar energy project requesting to rezone a few thousand acres of land. These specific regulations include but are not limited to:

1. Setbacks have to be at a minimum of 150 feet from any non-participating property line. They also must be 650 feet from the closest edge of any nonparticipating residential dwelling.


2. Fencing is also required, and must be at least five feet high. Sites must also have a wildlife corridor if more than 1000 acres of contiguous land is enclosed in a single fence.

3. Systems have to be screened yearround unless it is 625 feet away from affected property owners.

4. Solar energy systems are required to install ground cover, like grass and plants, around and in the site.

5. Sites must have adequate access for first responders, including an emergency key box and response training.

6. Construction for these systems must be completed in a timely manner. Certain insurance is also required, along with a decommissioning plan.

Clark County does not have any specific standards regarding wind energy systems.

FLOYD COUNTY

Floyd County’s ordinances do not include specific regulations related to renewable energy projects. A 2022 snapshot of land use regulations for solar and wind energy developed by Purdue Extension’s Land Use Team shows that Floyd “does not have commercial solar or wind specific regulations in their zoning ordinance.”

A resolution passed by the Floyd County Commissioners in 2021 also expresses “support for local control of land use decisions.” The resolution was related to a bill calling for statewide standards for commercial wind and solar energy standards, which did not pass through the statehouse. It would have removed home rule authority from counties.

The resolution stated that such legislation would “disenfranchise the citizens of the ability to determine the conditions under which wind and solar energy projects would be allowed in their County.”

The resolution stated that counties across Indiana “have created and implemented plans for development that provide the type of new investment and additional employment that is desired by the citizens of the County, and in many instances the desired development has included wind or solar projects.”
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