LEBANON — The Boone County Area Planning Commission has released a draft ordinance that would regulate where and how solar, wind, and battery storage projects can be built in the county’s unincorporated areas, the county announced December 10, with a revised “Draft B” working version posted for public review.
The proposal would create a new Energy Overlay District and set specific standards for Commercial and Accessory Solar Energy Systems, Wind Energy Systems, and Battery Energy Storage Systems. The county said the rules are intended to guide energy development while preserving rural farming communities, protecting property values, and ensuring public safety.
Key provisions
- Commercial solar: would require rezoning into the Energy Overlay District and Special Exception approval. Projects would be barred from placing solar structures on more than 5% of designated Prime Farmland.
- Wind systems: standards for siting, setbacks, and buffers.
- Battery storage: separate standards alongside solar and wind.
The Planning Commission scheduled a special meeting for December 17, 2025 to consider the updated draft. The current draft is published as “Boone Co Energy Overlay Draft B 2025-11-26.pdf” on the county website, with a revised working version posted December 8.
Stakeholders, residents, and property owners are invited to review the documents and submit public comment ahead of the special meeting.
Source: Boone County Area Planning Commission, December 10, 2025.