Being a Resolution of Approval to Amend the Text of the Delaware County Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Regarding Solar Energy.

WHEREAS, the State enabling act for planning and zoning empowers the Board of Commissioners of Delaware County, Indiana to adopt a zoning ordinance and also provides for amendments to said ordinance as deemed necessary from time to time; and

WHEREAS, a zoning ordinance may establish one or more districts which may be for agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, special, or unrestricted uses and any subdivision or combination of these uses; and may, in each district, regulate how real property is developed, maintained, and used; and

WHEREAS, solar energy systems are an alternative energy source that produces electrical energy in an environmentally beneficial manner without the production of greenhouse gases and can offer economic development benefits to local government and residents such as increases to the tax base, revenue generation for landowners and the creation of temporary and permanent employment; and

WHEREAS, amending the zoning ordinance to regulate the location, construction and operation of solar energy systems is necessary and appropriate to achieve and secure the benefits and to avoid and/or minimize the impacts; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission has given legal notice of a public hearing for consideration or the proposed amendments in order to forward a recommendation regarding said amendments to the County as required by law; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission has given reasonable regard to the comprehensive plan; current conditions and the character of current structures and uses in each district; the most desirable use for which the land in each district is adapted; the conservation of property values throughout the jurisdiction; and responsible growth and development.