April 23, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting

The Prince Edward Planning Commission held a meeting on April 23, 2026, primarily to review and discuss a special use permit application for the Prince Edward Solar 2 project, a 3.8 megawatt shared solar facility proposed on a 77.53-acre parcel. The discussion focused on the project's compliance with the 2045 Prince Edward County comprehensive plan, site design, environmental considerations, and community impact. Key procurement-related topics included conditions for soil testing, decommissioning financial assurances, landscaping buffers, and noise mitigation. The applicant detailed the project's benefits, including community energy savings and minimal environmental impact, and addressed concerns about property values, water safety, and traffic. The commission recommended approval of the special use permit with amended conditions, including increasing buffer setbacks from 75 to 150 feet in certain areas and enhancing landscaping requirements. These conditions will be forwarded to the County Board of Supervisors for final approval. Additionally, the commission briefly discussed potential future zoning ordinance amendments related to dispensaries and agricultural products like marijuana, indicating forthcoming policy considerations.