Summary
The council rewrote the rules for solar projects countywide, expanding where ground-mounted solar is allowed but adding farmland protections, decommissioning plans, and stricter requirements for large projects in agricultural zones.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct city spending, but it shapes which land can host commercial solar development going forward.
Solar developers and landowners gain more siting options, especially on brownfields.
Critics worried about prime farmland — the 7 dissenters evidently shared concerns about large solar on agricultural ground.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Urban County Council Work Copy — September 10, 2026
The council's 8-7 vote allows large-scale solar on a strictly limited share of agricultural land, with agrivoltaic farming, soil monitoring and decommissioning requirements. Supporters say it's the county's best tool to fight climate change without sacrificing farmland; opponents fear it opens the rural zone to industrial solar and erodes the agricultural edge.
Urban County Council — September 10, 2026
The council rewrote the rules for solar projects countywide, expanding where ground-mounted solar is allowed but adding farmland protections, decommissioning plans, and stricter requirements for large projects in agricultural zones.
Urban County Council Ad Valorem 2nd Reading — August 27, 2026
A zoning amendment would allow large-scale solar on a limited share of Fayette County agricultural land, with agrivoltaic requirements, soil protections, and a brownfield exception. Speakers split sharply: opponents fear a slippery slope for prime farmland, while supporters call it a careful, conservation-minded path to clean energy.
Urban County Council Work Session Packet — August 18, 2026
After two years and heavy public comment, the council reinstated language allowing limited large-scale solar on ag land — 1% cap, sheep-grazing co-location required — and sent it to first reading Aug. 27. Opponents fear losing irreplaceable Bluegrass farmland; supporters say it's needed for climate goals and grid resilience.
Urban County Council Work Copy Docket — May 14, 2026
Council voted 10-4 to initiate zoning text amendments for solar energy systems, with strong farmland protections including a 1% cap on solar in agricultural zones. Supporters called it a responsible path for clean energy; opponents voted no on this item.
Energy Initiatives | City of Lexington, Kentucky
Energy Initiatives | City of Lexington, Kentucky City of Lexington, Kentucky (.gov)
Related development
Article 31 Zoning Ordinance Amendment — Solar Energy Systems
Sets the ground rules for future large-scale solar farms on agricultural land and brownfield redevelopment in Fayette County.
Large-scale Solar ZOTA (Article 31 amendment) / proposed Silicon Ranch solar project
This sets the rules under which big solar farms could be built on Fayette County farmland — the final votes come Aug. 27 and beyond.
Solar Energy Systems ZOTA
Could open roughly 2,000 acres of Fayette County farmland to solar farms, with community benefits plans and strict conditions.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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