Dougherty Commission OKs solar zoning amendment

ALBANY — The Dougherty County Commission, after an extended discussion during a public hearing, unanimously approved a text amendment to the county’s zoning ordinances that will allow for the regulation of solar energy systems in the county.

City/county Planning Services Director Paul Forgey discussed highlights of the proposed text amendment and answered questions from the board on an issue that Forgey said “is coming to our community” as the cost of renewable energy equipment decreases.

Asked if there was a demand for solar energy in the community at this time, Forgey said there was not, but he noted, “We have been approached by a developer looking at a significant piece of property in the county. I think as the price of (solar) panels go down — and they are — there will be more interest in our area.”

District 6 Commissioner Anthony Jones, who was recognized for completing the Association County Commissioners of Georgia-recommended Georgia Academy for Economic Development at the meeting, encouraged Forgey to stay in front of the move toward solar technology.

“It’s only fair that if Georgia Power is going to make money off this technology, we should, too,” Jones said. “We really need to look at this issue closely so that we don’t have to play catch-up.”

Forgey noted that on-site approval for solar technology, which will be used primarily by homeowners, would, under the amendment, require administrative approval and would be allowed in all zoning districts, require a site plan, require notification of pertinent electricity utility providers, and would be allowed on both building and ground surfaces.

The Planning director said solar technology used to generate electricity for sale back to the power grid would require special approval from the city or county commission, depending on location, and would require use of a five-acre minimum lot, a statement on the impact on surrounding properties, a site plan, a Federal Aviation Administration review if located within two miles of an airport and notification of pertinent electric utility suppliers. Forgey said this type of solar usage would be confined to manufacturing and ag zones.

Asked by District 5 Commissioner Harry James if the installation of solar power equipment would provide income for the county, Forgey said, “Not specifically, but it would generate tax revenue and increase our tax base. There would also be the cost of building permits.”

Also at Monday’s business meeting, the commission:

— Approved $764,772 in local maintenance and improvement grant and SPLOST VI funding for county road resurfacing;

— OK’d the required site plan for expansion of Albany RV Resort’s property at 1202 SE Liberty Expressway.

Presented a plaque from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development by Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas at the end of the meeting, Jones said he took the course to gain a batter understanding of the economic development process.

“One of the things I learned is that there were around 350 jobs in our region left on the table last year because of a lack of training in our labor force,” Jones said. “I took this course to help alleviate that kind of situation in the future. I want to be able t0 talk intelligently about economic development, to know the challenges that our community faces.”