Lexington, Kentucky, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has unanimously voted to prohibit large-scale solar farms on agricultural land, finalizing a lengthy debate between preservationists and environmentalists. A work group will be established to further explore solar energy development options, aiming to balance agricultural needs with sustainable energy goals in Fayette County.
Lexington, Kentucky — Large-Scale Solar Farms Restricted on Farmland
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted unanimously to approve a zone text amendment that regulates solar development across Fayette County. This decision prohibits large-scale solar farms on agricultural land, bringing to a close a year-long debate that divided opinions between agricultural preservationists and environmental advocates.
As part of the amendment, the council plans to form a work group that will include stakeholders from both the agricultural and environmental sectors. This group aims to address the complexities surrounding solar regulations and explore alternative options for solar energy development.
Details of the Amendment
The primary contention during the discussions revolved around whether solar farms should be allowed on farmland. Silicon Ranch, a Nashville-based solar company, had proposed a plan to establish an 800-acre solar farm in eastern Fayette County. However, arguments against this plan focused on the potential permanent damage to productive agricultural land.
Currently, Fayette County’s zoning regulations do not specify the areas where solar can be installed. The Urban County Planning Commission has previously permitted solar installations in various residential and business zones, demonstrating a lack of comprehensive guidelines. A vote to allow a limited amount of solar—specifically 2% on agricultural land—did not receive the necessary support; nonetheless, a separate motion established this cap to express the county’s preference to the Public Service Commission.
Oversight and Future Projects
Large-scale solar projects may be supervised by various state and local authorities. Interestingly, public utilities can bypass zoning changes for solar projects, indicating a separate set of regulatory guidelines. For instance, East Kentucky Power has secured approval to build a nearly 400-acre solar facility along Interstate 64, which is unrelated to the ongoing discussions concerning Silicon Ranch…