by Jackie Nunnery
LANCASTER—The Lancaster planning commission on February 20 held a special workshop to review and revise a proposed ordinance for solar power installations in the county. The commission will review a second draft on March 19.
Director of planning and land use Brian Barnes reviewed ordinances from other localities, including Northumberland and Gloucester counties, as well as the Commonwealth’s model ordinance and special exception conditions regarding the Rappahannock solar project approved by the board of supervisors in December 2018.
The Rappahannock project was on private property zoned limited industrial (M1). The project was approved with requirements of vegetative screening, non-reflective panels, limited construction hours, an emergency services plan and a surety bond prior to construction. A bond was implemented to cover…