Florence council revises solar energy regulations for zoning districts

The Florence City Council Caucus Meeting held on March 18, 2025, focused on the proposed regulations for solar energy systems within the city. The draft code aims to establish guidelines for the installation of solar panels across various zoning districts, with specific restrictions in the Florence Main Street zone, which is known for its historic architecture.

Key highlights of the proposed regulations include that solar energy systems will be permitted in all zoning districts except for the Florence Main Street zone. The draft outlines that wires and cables must be concealed from public view, and any associated equipment should be placed inside structures or attached to their sides or rear. Ground-mounted solar systems are categorized into tiers based on their size, with tier 1 systems (less than 2,500 square feet) allowed as an accessory use in industrial and airport zones, while requiring conditional use approval in agricultural zones.

The regulations also stipulate that ground-mounted systems must not exceed the footprint of the principal structure and must be located in side or rear yards only. Maximum heights for these systems are set at 10 feet when adjacent to residential or agricultural properties and 20 feet otherwise. Additionally, any solar installations must be decommissioned within six months if no longer in use.

Council members discussed the implications of these regulations, particularly regarding visibility from public roadways and the potential impact on residential areas. It was clarified that while solar panels may be visible in residential zones, they cannot extend above the roofline.

Concerns were raised about misleading sales tactics related to solar energy, with one council member sharing an experience of a door-to-door solicitation that misrepresented its affiliation with Duke Energy.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that existing solar installations that predate the new regulations would be grandfathered in, allowing them to remain despite not meeting the new standards. The council emphasized the importance of these regulations in balancing community aesthetics with the growing interest in renewable energy solutions.