Solar Zoning Amendment in Lexington-Fayette County Could Unlock Clean Energy and Cut Costs

This Thursday, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is set to discuss a zoning ordinance text amendment (ZOTA) that could significantly expand solar development across Fayette County. If approved, the measure would allow large-scale solar projects on up to one percent of the county’s land, including currently agricultural areas. Importantly, any such development would need to be agrivoltaic, meaning solar panels would coexist with farming activities, preserving agricultural productivity while generating clean power.

Proponents argue that this zoning change is a critical step toward meeting local climate goals and reducing energy costs for residents. By enabling more solar capacity, the county could lower reliance on fossil fuels and stabilize electricity prices over time. The agrivoltaic requirement also addresses concerns about land use, allowing farmers to maintain crop or livestock operations beneath and around solar arrays.

As the council prepares to vote, the outcome will be closely watched by clean energy advocates and agricultural stakeholders alike. If passed, the amendment could serve as a model for other regions balancing renewable energy expansion with rural land preservation.