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Clarendon County preparing for larger solar farms

Clarendon County is currently home to four solar farms, all of which are 50-acres or less.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Clarendon County is in the process of updating its solar farm ordinance to accommodate potential expansion in the region. 

With the current ordinance facing challenges in addressing larger solar projects, officials are taking proactive steps to revise regulations.

The county is currently home to four solar farms. Two are located in Manning, one is near Alcolu, and another is in Summerton. All four were built within the last five years. 

Clarendon County Planning and Zoning Director Tabitha Hanna highlighted the need for clarity in decommissioning plans and ensuring property owners receive adequate notification before the establishment of solar farms. 

“Our current ordinance requires that you have to have removal and, and identity agreements, it doesn't specifically outline what those requirements are,” she said. 

According to Hanna, the discussion of regulations comes months after a developer showed interest in putting an 800-acre farm in the county.  The updates aim to streamline the process and address concerns over the environmental impact and community involvement.

The County Council recently enacted a 90-day pause on new solar farm applications to facilitate the revision process.  The planning commission has been studying ordinances from neighboring counties like Kershaw and Sumter, in addition to engaging in workshops, Hanna said. 

“So we try to get a feel of what everyone else has done to make the ordinance more compatible with the development that's approaching,” said Hanna. 

Residents like Waymon Samuel expressed cautious optimism about the updates. 

“I think if they're environmentally friendly then it's a good thing,” said Samuel. “This is a rural area and the farmers may have more concerns about that than we do.”

Once finalized, the revised ordinance will undergo three readings by the County Council before implementation.

Residents will have an opportunity to give public comment once it goes before council, according to Hanna. 

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