FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boone County Area Planning Commission Releases Draft Renewable Energy Ordinance for Public Review
LEBANON, IN – The Boone County Area Planning Commission (APC) is considering a new draft ordinance designed to regulate the development of renewable energy sources within the county’s unincorporated areas. The APC has released the text of the proposed amendment, “Draft B,” which is currently considered a working draft.
Stakeholders, residents, and property owners are invited to review the current document and provide public comment. An updated draft of this proposed ordinance will be available after December 8, 2025, for consideration at the December 17, 2025 APC special meeting.
LINK TO CURRENT DRAFT: Boone Co Energy Overlay Draft B 2025-11-26.pdf
The proposed ordinance creates a new “Energy Overlay District” and establishes specific standards for Commercial and Accessory Solar Energy Systems (SES), Wind Energy Systems (WES), and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The intent of the regulations is to guide energy development while preserving Boone County’s rural farming communities, protecting property values, and ensuring public safety.
Key Provisions of the Draft Ordinance Include:
Commercial Solar Regulations: Commercial solar projects would require rezoning to the Energy Overlay District and Special Exception approval. The draft outlines strict siting requirements, including a prohibition on placing solar structures on more than 5% of designated Prime Farmland.
Setbacks and Buffers: To minimize visual and physical impact, the draft proposes significant setbacks for commercial solar arrays, including 1,000 feet from non-participating property lines, 500 feet from participating property lines, and a two-mile buffer from municipal corporate boundaries.
Commercial Wind Prohibition: The draft ordinance explicitly prohibits the construction of Commercial Wind Energy Systems (WES) within the unincorporated areas under the jurisdiction of the Boone County APC.
Environmental & Property Protections: The proposal includes rigorous requirements for pre- and post-construction water and soil testing, wildlife impact mitigation, and property value guarantees for residents within two miles of a project.
Decommissioning: Developers would be required to submit a comprehensive decommissioning plan and provide a financial surety bond equal to 150% of the estimated removal cost to ensure proper site restoration at the end of a project’s life.
Public Comment
The Boone County APC values community input and encourages all interested parties to examine the working draft.
Questions, comments, or feedback regarding the proposal should be directed to:
Deborah Luzier
Executive Director, Area Plan Office
Email: areaplandirector@co.boone.in.us
MEDIA CONTACT
Brent T. Wheat
Communications Director
media@co.boone.in.us
