Kentucky County Opens Farmland to Solar in Landmark Zoning Vote

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council has approved a zoning amendment that allows large-scale solar installations on up to one percent of Fayette County’s land, including agricultural zones, according to CleanTechnica. The decision, made on Thursday, paves the way for agrivoltaic projects that combine farming with solar energy production.

The measure is expected to help lower energy bills for residents and support the region’s climate goals. By limiting solar development to a small fraction of the county, officials aim to balance renewable energy growth with the preservation of agricultural heritage.

Agrivoltaic systems allow land to be used for both solar generation and farming, offering a dual-purpose solution that can benefit local farmers and the environment. The amendment reflects a growing trend in rural areas to integrate clean energy while maintaining working landscapes.