Improved Applicability Statement

Approximately forty local landowners, along with other interested citizens who appreciate the potential of well-regulated solar have formed a group we call Limestone Solar.


We have identified 38 changes to improve the JPC’s Sept 2021 draft solar ordinance. These changes are modeled on the KY Model Solar ordinance and the Dec 2020 draft solar ordinance circulated by Judge Pfeffer.

This page discussed only the fourth improvement – adding to the applicability statement.

The Sept 2020 draft version included this language which balances regulation with the regulatory burden incurred for the normal operation of any business.

The following are not subject to this ordinance:

  1. Modification to an existing SES that alone or in combination increases the total SES Footprint by no more than 5% of the original Footprint.
  2. Routine maintenance and repair, including replacement of solar panels, not increasing the SES Footprint.

The first point allows for minor changes but assures the footprint can not grow by more than five(5) percent over the life of the SES.

The second point allows routine maintenance, repair, and replacement of SES equipment over the life of the project.

Current draft version

414.03             APPLICABILITY

The provisions of this Section are applicable to those districts which permit industrial scale SES within Mason County, Kentucky, and governs the siting of industrial scale SES and related substations, maintenance facilities and other accessory facilities, as defined, that are ancillary to industrial scale SES. Any reference to applicant, owner, operator or successor is intended to refer to an entity that is a responsible party in terms of being continually required to abide by the provisions of this Chapter and similarly is bound by any agreement entered into with the City of Maysville and/or Mason County.

We propose this:

Improved version

414.03             APPLICABILITY

The provisions of this Section are applicable to those districts which permit SES within Mason County, Kentucky, and governs the siting of SES and related substations, maintenance facilities, and other accessory facilities, as defined, that are ancillary to SES. Any reference to the applicant, owner, operator, or successor is intended to refer to an entity that is a responsible party in terms of being continually required to abide by the provisions of this Chapter and similarly is bound by any agreement entered into with the City of Maysville and/or Mason County.

The following are not subject to this ordinance:

  1. Modification to an existing SES that alone or in combination increases the total SES Footprint by no more than 5% of the original Footprint.
  2. Routine maintenance and repair, including replacement of solar panels, not increasing the SES Footprint.

Types of Solar Energy Systems

  • Integrated Solar – part of buildinng is a solar colector
  • Rooftop Solar– Solar colletor is mounted on existing roof
  • Ground Mounted
    • Small Scale
    • Intermediate Scale
    • Large Scale