On-Site WECS’ All Districts Utility-Scale Solar Ordinance
Key claim: Huron County now requires special-use permits for utility-scale solar farms and associated battery storage, with abandonment, decommissioning, and related standards that took effect July 22, 2025 and were amended August 14, 2026.
Abstract
County document “On-Site WECS’ All Districts Utility-Scale Solar Ordinance” (18 pp), published on https://www.co.huron.mi.us/building-and-zoning-ordinances. ZA 2024-01 Solar Energy Facility Ordinance Effective: July 22, 2025 ZA 2026-01 Amendment to Section 15.02.11.22 Effective: August 14, 2026 1 Utility Scale Solar Energy Facilities Ordinance ZA 2024-01 Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Huron County Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 6, 2024, and has recommended the Huron County Board of Commissioners consider adopting the following zoning ordinance text amendment. The Huron County Planning Commission deems this draft Solar Energy ordinance a “workable” Renewable Energy Ordinance consistent with Public Act 233 of 2023. The Utility Scale Solar Energy Facilities Ordinance is intended to be included under Article XV. Special Approval Use Permits, Starting with Section 15.02.11 of the Huron County Zoning Ordinance. A six-month Solar Energy Moratorium implemented under ZA 2019-02, adopted May 29, 2019 by the Huron County Board of Commissioners, which became effective June 13, 2019, which expired on December 13, 2019, and is no longer in effect due to the sunset provisions. SECTION 15.02.11 15.02.11. Utility Scale Solar Energy Facilities 15.02.11.1. Definitions Abandoned/Abandonment: To give up, discontinue, withdraw from. Any solar energy facility that ceases to produce energy on a continuous basis for one hundred eighty (180) days will be considered abandoned. Applicant: This term applies to a person, company, or other legal entity that makes an application under this ordinance. Collection System: The system of electrical lines within the Utility Scale Solar Energy Facility between the solar panels and any public utility substations. Component: Any equipment in the Utility Scale Solar Energy Facility prior to the point of interconnection at the transmission line. ZA 2024-01 Solar Energy Facility Ordinance Effective: July 22, 2025 ZA 2026-01 Amendment to Section 15.02.11.22 Effective: August 14, 2026 2 Decommission Plan: A document that details the planned shut down or removal of a solar energy facility from operation or usage. Dwelling: A building that is occupied as a home, residence or sleeping place by one or more persons. Energy Storage System: Rechargeable system that allows storage of energy from solar arrays or the electric grid for the purpose of commercial distribution. This may be located on parcels with a Utility Scale Solar Energy Facility, or on parcels that do not have a Utility Scale Solar Energy Facility. Fence: A continuous barrier extending from the surface of the ground to a un
Why this matters
Huron County now requires special-use permits for utility-scale solar farms and associated battery storage, with abandonment, decommissioning, and related standards that took effect July 22, 2025 and were amended August 14, 2026.