Changes could be coming for development of Brunswick Co. solar farms

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Planning Board is looking into revising its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The changes would affect solar farms in the county.

The board held a public hearing during their meeting Monday night for people to discuss the proposed changes.

They are considering four changes, including elimination of size limitations and requiring a special use permit to develop solar farms.

Brunswick County commissioners had gotten a lot of public feedback recently about solar farms, so they tasked the Planning Board with updating the UDO to reflect the needs of the people.

“I think the utility companies are required to do some form of renewable energy and I think this would be one avenue for them to be able to do it. We see Brunswick Electric be able to utilize it so it’s good for them from that aspect,” said Kirstie Dixon, Brunswick County’s planning director.

If the changes are passed by the Planning Board, they would go on to be considered by county commissioners in the next couple months.