Summary
[An Ordinance amending Article 31 of the Zoning Ordinance to address large-scale Solar Energy Systems (SES) in the agricultural zones, establish provisions relating to brownfield development, and create additional criteria for the review of Solar Energy Systems projects. Approval of the Staff Alternative Text 9-0 [Div. of Planning, Duncan]]
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WHEREAS, at a Public Hearing held on July 9, 2026, a proposed text Amendment to Article 31, relating to Solar Energy Systems, was presented to the Urban County Planning Commission; said Commission recommending approval of the alternative text amendment by a vote of 9-0; and
WHEREAS, the Urban County Council agrees with the recommendation of the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the recommendation form of the Planning Commission is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That Section 31-2(c) of the Zoning Ordinance be and hereby is amended, in pertinent part, and Sections 31-2(e), (f), and (g) be and hereby are created, to read as follows:
Sec. 31-2. Definitions
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(c) Footprint of the SES is calculated by drawing a perimeter around the outermost SES panels and any equipment necessary for the equipment to function, such as transformers, inverters, and co-located battery storage. The footprint does not include perimeter fencing or visual buffers, nor transmission lines or portions thereof that are required to connect the SES to a utility or customer outside the SES perimeter.
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e) Farmland of Statewide Importance means a map unit identified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service as including soils that nearly meet the requirements for prime farmland and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods.
f) Prime Farmland means a map unit identified by the Natur...
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