Table of Contents

Content-Neutral Sign Regulation

The county’s land development code includes sign regulations that adhere to a literal interpretation of content neutrality (i.e., you do not have to read a sign to know whether it is in compliance with the regulations) (§89.02). The only defined sign types are internal, external, and temporary (§85.08).

Solar Energy

The county’s land development code defines and regulates small and large solar energy systems systems.

It permits small (non-commercial) wind energy systems as accessory uses in most zoning districts by right, subject to use-specific standards (§86.04, §86.05, §86.06, §86.07, §86.08, §86.10, §86.11). These standards address height, setbacks, glare, and code compliance. In the R-C Residential Conservation Design overlay district, subdivisions must include a minimum of 50% solar-oriented lots (§86.15.6.F).

It permits large (commercial) solar energy systems as primary uses in multiple agricultural and nonresidential districts with a discretionary use permit (Table 90-1). Use-specific standards address height, setbacks, glare, ground cover, fencing, signage, approved components, code compliance, utility placement, lighting, utility notification, decommissioning, monitoring and maintenance, avoidance and mitigation of damages to public infrastructure, and submittal requirements (§90-08.8).

It defines “commercial” and “non-commercial wind energy conversion systems” and related terms (§85.08).

Wind Energy

The county’s land development code defines and regulates small and large wind energy conversion systems.

It permits small (non-commercial) wind energy systems as accessory uses in most zoning districts by right, subject to use-specific standards (§86.04, §86.05, §86.06, §86.07, §86.08, §86.10, §86.11). These standards address tower height, setbacks, noise, engineer certification, compliance with FAA regulations, compliance with National Electric Code, utility notification, insurance, screening and safety, signage, and lighting.

It permits large (commercial) wind energy systems as primary uses in multiple agricultural and nonresidential districts with a discretionary use permit (Table 90-1). Use-specific standards address color and finish, tower configuration, lighting, signage, feeder lines, waste disposal, minimum ground clearance, signal interference, FAA standards, electrical code standards, setbacks, noise, safety, decommissioning, avoidance and mitigation of damages to public infrastructure, shadow flicker, and submittal requirements (§90-08.6).

It defines “commercial” and “non-commercial wind energy conversion systems” and related terms (§85.08).