Brookville, IN — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners held a special joint meeting with the Area Planning Commission to discuss solar and wind energy in Franklin County on Wednesday evening. The proposed ordinance, that was reviewed before both groups, was information that came from researching ordinances from other counties in the State including Rush County. David Mannix presented the information about zoning regulations for renewable energy that would pertain to Franklin County. There are no ordinances in place currently for residential or commercial renewable energy.
Concerns such as runoff issues, Fire risk associated, and would the possible 35 ft tall wind towers be an eyesore to the community, were addressed by several during the meeting.
There was also a lot of discussion on what zoning districts this would be allowed on. The Commissioners requested to eliminate A-1 from being allowed to house renewable energy as they feel it hampers prime farm ground.
The next steps would require the code for this new ordinance to be published and a public hearing to be held. The Commissioners suggested the goal for this to be heard in public by their November 4th meeting.
