A new ordinance that was weeks in the making, requiring multiple rounds of revisions based on many meetings and public hearings, was ultimately, unanimously passed by Noble County Commissioners this week.

The new ordinance, which follows another recently adopted allowing residential and other non-commercial solar power installations, sets the stage for Noble County, Indiana to entertain proposals for commercial solar field projects. Noble County boasts nearly 230,000 acres of property zoned for agricultural use and has more 1,000 acre farms than any other neighboring county in Northeast Indiana.

The ordinance was deemed “necessary” by county officials because, in part, local property owners had already been contacted by a development company offering long-term leases as they explore the possibility of installing a large solar field in Noble County. Ample vacant land and major electrical transmission lines that run through the county make it appealing for solar utility development.

With the passing of Noble County’s ordinance complete, the region will be better positioned to review proposed commercial solar projects while protecting the interests of property owners and taxpayers. Guidelines adopted outline in considerable detail the requirements of any developer to provide plans that include timelines, conservation stewardship, recycling, decommissioning, fire safety, insurance, erosion control, and more.

For more information, contact the Noble County Plan Commission at (260) 636-6957.