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Agenda Item
19. 25-323 ZTA 2023-01 Commercial Solar. To receive comments on the proposed adoption of an ordinance to regulate solar energy facilities and battery energy storage facilities by amending Albemarle County Code § 18-3.1 (Definitions), § 18-10.2 (Permitted uses), and § 18-26.2 (Permitted primary and accessory uses and structures; prohibited uses and structures) and by adding § 18-4.22 (Accessory solar energy facility and accessory battery energy storage facility) and § 18-5.1.66 (Energy Facility)."
I support the solar ordinance draft proposed here today. I agree with the allowance of 21 fenced acres given to solar facilities in 5.1.65 A6, the requirement to obtain the Gold Certified Pollinator Smart status after 3 years, and the positive impact that adopting this solar ordinance will have on our community. Not only will it give the people of Charlottesville more access to clean energy, but it will bring Charlottesville ever closer to our net-zero goals of 2050. As a county high school student, this solar ordinance will improve my day-to-day, and will make the place that I live in cleaner, more sustainable, and less expensive.
I strongly support the passing of the Solar Ordinance draft in Albemarle County. If adopted, it will not only make renewable energy more achievable with its clarity around restrictions toward solar development, but also allow for the establishment of smaller community projects. As a Monticello High School student, renewable energy advancements in my district will allow for a cleaner future with progression towards the net-zero emission goal, ultimately creating a positive impact on the current and future quality of life for all Albemarle County community members. Even though there are adjustments to be made, this draft is a step in the right direction regarding the incorporation of sustainable standards throughout the County.
I support the adoption of the Solar Ordinance Draft for many reasons. While there is still room to grow, this draft is a good starting point and compromise. First, the adoption of this ordinance will allow for cleaner energy sources in the county allowing the use of renewable energy and therefore less reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The use of clean energy will also help lead to the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Secondly, the adoption of this ordinance allows community members to benefit from using community solar when they are unable to place solar panels on their own property due to many different reasons, possibly also leading to reduced electricity bills to these residents with the tax benefits offered. Third, the adoption of this ordinance will bring more jobs into the county to build and take care of the solar panels leading to an expanding economy.
While this ordinance would be an improvement over the current code, it is still too restrictive on the ability to develop solar power in our county. We should remove the restriction in 5.1.66.A18 on land that has been farmed in the last 10 years. Remove the vague wording on “other relevant and accepted resources”, or specify exactly what that should mean, because if you don’t it will definitely be used as an administrative roadblock by bad faith actors who oppose solar at large. Further, we shouldn’t restrict the height of solar so strictly in 5.1.66.A1, because taller facilities can be necessary based on topography and the angle of the sun.
If the county wants to be serious about reaching the climate goals it set for itself, we must make carbon free options as unhindered as possible. Each restriction we put on solar directly results in more fossil fuels being burned, and puts us further from saving the only world we have.
With regard to ZTA 2023-01 Commercial Solar - I support the adoption of the Draft Solar Ordinance. The ordinance benefits the County in several ways: 1) Allowing by-right solar facilities up to 21 acres of fenced area - streamlines development of small solar projects and the economic benefits accrued thereby. Great for small farmers and rural landowners. 2) Eases the access to time-limited solar tax incentives. 3) Advances the development of low-emissions energy sources for our growing county. 4) Brings clarity to regulations which benefits all parties.
I hope that the Draft Ordinance can be adopted at this July 16 BOS meeting. - Joe Abraham, Crozet
I support the solar ordinance draft proposed here today. I agree with the allowance of 21 fenced acres given to solar facilities in 5.1.65 A6, the requirement to obtain the Gold Certified Pollinator Smart status after 3 years, and the positive impact that adopting this solar ordinance will have on our community. Not only will it give the people of Charlottesville more access to clean energy, but it will bring Charlottesville ever closer to our net-zero goals of 2050. As a county high school student, this solar ordinance will improve my day-to-day, and will make the place that I live in cleaner, more sustainable, and less expensive.
I strongly support the passing of the Solar Ordinance draft in Albemarle County. If adopted, it will not only make renewable energy more achievable with its clarity around restrictions toward solar development, but also allow for the establishment of smaller community projects. As a Monticello High School student, renewable energy advancements in my district will allow for a cleaner future with progression towards the net-zero emission goal, ultimately creating a positive impact on the current and future quality of life for all Albemarle County community members. Even though there are adjustments to be made, this draft is a step in the right direction regarding the incorporation of sustainable standards throughout the County.
I support the adoption of the Solar Ordinance Draft for many reasons. While there is still room to grow, this draft is a good starting point and compromise. First, the adoption of this ordinance will allow for cleaner energy sources in the county allowing the use of renewable energy and therefore less reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The use of clean energy will also help lead to the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Secondly, the adoption of this ordinance allows community members to benefit from using community solar when they are unable to place solar panels on their own property due to many different reasons, possibly also leading to reduced electricity bills to these residents with the tax benefits offered. Third, the adoption of this ordinance will bring more jobs into the county to build and take care of the solar panels leading to an expanding economy.
While this ordinance would be an improvement over the current code, it is still too restrictive on the ability to develop solar power in our county. We should remove the restriction in 5.1.66.A18 on land that has been farmed in the last 10 years. Remove the vague wording on “other relevant and accepted resources”, or specify exactly what that should mean, because if you don’t it will definitely be used as an administrative roadblock by bad faith actors who oppose solar at large. Further, we shouldn’t restrict the height of solar so strictly in 5.1.66.A1, because taller facilities can be necessary based on topography and the angle of the sun.
If the county wants to be serious about reaching the climate goals it set for itself, we must make carbon free options as unhindered as possible. Each restriction we put on solar directly results in more fossil fuels being burned, and puts us further from saving the only world we have.
With regard to ZTA 2023-01 Commercial Solar - I support the adoption of the Draft Solar Ordinance. The ordinance benefits the County in several ways: 1) Allowing by-right solar facilities up to 21 acres of fenced area - streamlines development of small solar projects and the economic benefits accrued thereby. Great for small farmers and rural landowners. 2) Eases the access to time-limited solar tax incentives. 3) Advances the development of low-emissions energy sources for our growing county. 4) Brings clarity to regulations which benefits all parties.
I hope that the Draft Ordinance can be adopted at this July 16 BOS meeting. - Joe Abraham, Crozet