By Anita Goodan
CULVER — The Culver Town Council members took action last week to table a certified proposal from the Culver Plan Commission that would amend the Culver Zoning Ordinance regarding solar energy systems and energy storage systems.
The Plan Commission has been working on this document since a moratorium was put in place on large industrial solar in June 2023. The moratorium was for two years, but at the time the council was hoping for a timely solution.
The council was asked to look into making sure that ground mounted solar panels be restricted to areas outside the town limits and that the setback from the town limits be extended to 250 feet rather than the 75 feet setback stated in the Commission’s proposal. There was also a concern for the safety of children and property values.
Culver Town Council Attorney Kevin Tankersley reminded those in attendance at last week’s meeting that any such systems would only be permitted in agriculture zones with a special use permit that would need to be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
With these concerns, Tankersley said that the council could table the proposal consideration, approve it, reject it, or amend it. The council members unanimously agreed to table the consideration. Tankersley said the notice will be published again and the certified proposal will be back before the council at the next meeting.
