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Stephanie Wiechmann
Delaware County officials spent nearly two years drafting rules on solar energy projects on agricultural land before approving a zoning ordinance in December of 2023. But with continuing loud, coordinated opposition for the projects, commissioners passed a new moratorium in September 2024. Now, they voted on a rewrite of portions of the ordinance. Republican Commissioner Stephen Brand spearheaded the latest draft of changes, saying he talked with homeowners and the four proposed solar projects.

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Stephen Brand
Citing an ordinance a one size fits all. It's incredibly difficult when you have such a broad spectrum of, use increases for each of these projects.

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Stephanie Wiechmann
Among the changes are adding rules for battery energy storage, portions of the solar installations, further limiting the amount of farm ground that can be used for solar, adding required setbacks. If a farmer wants to put personal solar panels on their own land and a property value guarantee. During public comment, several county residents weren't impressed with the ongoing process, including Sheryl Swingley.

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Stephanie Wiechmann
I can't believe we're. Still doing this with more than four years to make some kind of decision about solar.

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Stephanie Wiechmann
The amendments will now go to the Delaware Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission, which will hold a public hearing before a vote in Muncie. Stephanie Wiechmann, IPR news.