Dade County Approves New Solar Ordinance Following Public Hearing
TRENTON, GA — The Dade County Board of Commissioners has approved a new ordinance regulating large-scale solar developments after holding a public hearing and special called meeting on April 16.
The ordinance establishes a framework for solar energy projects that require a special use permit, focusing on protecting property owners while allowing for responsible development.
Key Requirements
Under the new rules, solar projects must meet several conditions, including:
- A minimum 30-foot setback
- Installation and maintenance of vegetation buffers
- Replacement of any dead or damaged buffer trees
- Requirements to restore the property to pre-construction conditions
Commissioners said the goal is to ensure that both landowners and neighboring properties are protected as interest in solar development continues to grow.
The ordinance will be enforced through the county’s existing code enforcement and legal system. Violations could be treated as misdemeanors, with additional legal remedies available if necessary.
Future solar proposals will be reviewed by the county’s special use permit board, which will evaluate each project based on criteria outlined in the ordinance.
Officials clarified that the ordinance does not apply to small-scale solar installations, such as residential rooftop systems or farm-use solar setups intended for on-site use.
Following discussion, the board voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance, marking a significant step in how Dade County manages solar energy development moving forward.
County leaders say the new rules are designed to balance economic opportunity with the protection of local land, property owners, and the community.