FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐ฐ ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ๐
Boone County Area Planning Commission Releases Draft Renewable Energy Ordinance for Public Review
Boone County Area Planning Commission Releases Draft Renewable Energy Ordinance for Public Review
LEBANON, IN โ The Boone County Area Planning Commission (APC) is considering a new draft ordinance designed to regulate the development of renewable energy sources within the countyโs 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.
๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐: ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ ๐ซ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ฐ.
LINK TO UPDATED DRAFT: https://buff.ly/NfJguvT
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 Countyโs 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
