Volusia County Council Approves Rezoning for New Samsula Solar Farm

Posted

Update: 

Volusia County, FL - The Volusia County Council approved a new solar farm for Samsula but wants a second hearing on how many chickens to allow on residential properties.

Without objection, the Council approved rezoning to allow 1,192 acres in Samsula to be used for a new solar farm in the area south of State Rd. 44. This was the second public hearing on the matter.

Representative Joyce Cusack had originally raised concerns about the health risks that could be associated with the facility, the noise level, and the impact on livestock in neighboring areas.

After careful consideration and research following the first hearing, she said the research showed no health risks and very little noise or other impact from the project that might concern neighbors.  She approved the measure Thursday.

"I know that it is good and we want to do what is right, but I want to make sure that we do everything right including answer the questions and concerns of one neighbor," explained Cusack.

Later, The Council proposed another hearing to allow more than one chicken on residential properties with a minimum lot size of 1/3 acre. There is still only one fowl allowed on residential properties, but if passed, the measure would allow residents to keep more than one chicken.

New Smyrna Resident Heather Knuth suggested that 1/3 of an acre was plenty of room to keep chickens and that chickens do not need much room.

Representative Dr. Fred Lowry felt that special permitting was not even necessary to keep more than one chicken. "We don't ask people to get permits for five dogs or specify how big the dog house has to be. I think we are creating a code nightmare for our people," said Lowry.

The Council will take up the measure again during another hearing at a later date.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017

 

Earlier Reporting:

Volusia County, FL - The Volusia County Council meets Thursday to discuss a number of items, including the rezoning of approximately 1,192 acres in Samsula to allow for a new solar farm.

The property, currently owned by FPL, is located in the rural area south of State Road 44 between Pioneer Trail and State Rd. 415. The power company bought this site in 2016 to build a universal solar energy center.

According to FPL, The Pioneer Trail Solar Energy Center would contain about 300,000 photo-voltaic panels and produce enough electricity to power 15,000 homes. It is expected to be completed by 2019.

This would be the second of two public hearings on the project.  The first hearing was held May 18th. So far, the plan for this site meets all the requirements for rezoning. The plan must maximize the efficiency of services, minimize cost, minimize impacts on the environment, and provide the designated level of service.

The property is already cleared, and the recommendation to the Council is to approve the rezoning so that development can move forward.

Another item on the County Council agenda for Thursday is a motion to allow property owners to keep more than one chicken, pigeon, or other fowl on land that is not meant for agricultural use. Current regulations only allow for one fowl on non-agricultural properties.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017

featured