Large-scale solar developments face rising hostility from neighboring property owners who cite concerns about environmental degradation, reduced property values, and loss of farmland.
In response to complaints from nearby landowners, Pennsylvania's Delaware County has temporarily halted applications for solar farms in the county. As reported by Stephanie Wiechmann, "Landowners say they are worried about declining property values, panels they call 'toxic' polluting well water, and taking active farm ground out of commission." Some landowners complain about solar panels blocking the view from their property.
To resolve the issue, any proposed changes to the county's solar ordinance—such as larger setbacks between solar farms and adjacent properties or fencing and safety requirements—will have to pass through the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission at a February meeting.
Solar farms around the country face increasingly strong opposition from neighboring property owners as energy companies plan to build industrial-scale solar developments in more diverse regions to meet a growing demand for renewable energy.
FULL STORY: Delaware County approves temporary solar energy moratorium to address landowner concerns
Solar Farm Moratorium to End, Despite Local Concerns
Delaware County plans to amend its solar zoning ordinance and lift a moratorium on the construction of new solar farms that was implemented after local opposition stalled the project.
Editorial: California’s Solar Potential Lies in Roadways, Parking Lots
Environmentalists are raising the alarm about massive solar farms in the unspoiled desert. Why not install more solar panels along state-owned highways and in parking lots instead?
New Tax Credit Could Boost Solar Energy Production on Landfills
Incentives aimed at brownfield development of renewable energy projects could give momentum to building solar farms on an underutilized property: closed municipal landfills.
The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.
Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.
The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.
How San Diego Camping Ban Could Impact Neighborhoods
An ordinance supported by the city’s mayor would bar people from sleeping on the street near shelters or services, but critics say it will simply push people to other neighborhoods and put them farther away from the supportive services they need.
Expanding Access to Golf in South Los Angeles
L.A. County’s Maggie Hathaway Golf Course getting up to $15 Million from U.S. Open Community Legacy Project to expand access to the sport in South L.A.
Opinion: Failed Housing Bills Could Signal California-Style Housing Crisis in Texas
Legislators in a state that so often touts its policies as the opposite of California’s defeated several bills that would have made housing construction easier, leading to concerns that a constricted housing market may exacerbate the housing crisis.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Bangor
Park City Municipal Corporation
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
