Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) has a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the community's Comprehensive Plan, Imagine Lexington 2045. In part, the plan calls for Lexington to "Expand and Promote Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, and Electrification Initiatives."

In support of this goal, the LFUCG is working to be recognized as a SolSmart community - a designation of cities, towns, counties, and regional organizations that are solar energy leaders. One requirement of this designation is for communities to have clear policies related to solar energy technologies. Currently, Lexington has no such policies.

The Urban County Council is reviewing a proposed update to the local zoning ordinance (the rules for how land can be used) that would decide what types, how, and where these technologies are allowed in Lexington.

Helpful Terms & Definitions:

• Accessory Use - A smaller building or use that goes along with the main building on a property. It’s not the main purpose of the lot, but it supports it—like a garage, shed, or backyard pool. An accessory building can’t be built unless there’s already a main building on the property.
• Comprehensive Plan - Kentucky state law requires local governments to adopt comprehensive plans for their communities to help guide, "public and private actions and decisions to assure the development of public and private property in the most appropriate relationships." (KRS 100.183)
• Conditional Use Permit - A special permission to use a property in a way that isn’t normally allowed, but can be approved if certain rules are followed. These uses are listed in the zoning rules and are only allowed in certain places to make sure they fit the area. These requests are reviewed by the Board of Adjustment.
• Empower Lexington - Local sustainability plan that encourages us to be more energy efficient, which should lower our energy demand, provide cost savings to our residents, and allow our businesses to be more competitive
• Planning Commission - Reviews and adopts the community's comprehensive plan, approves subdivision plats and development plans, and makes recommendations to the council for zone change requests
• Rural Service Area (RSA) - All land in Fayette County outside of the Urban Service Area
• Urban County Council - Legislative Branch of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
• Urban Service Area (USA) - An Urban Service Area defines how far and where important services go (sewers, electrical power grid, waste collection, etc.)
• Zoning Ordinance - The LFUCG Zoning Ordinance regulates how land in Fayette County is developed
• ZOTA (Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment) - Amendment to Lexington's Zoning Ordinance -- which can be proposed by the Planning Commission, the Urban County Council, or community members

Update: Council Amends Proposal at 08/19/2025 Work Session:

The Urban County Council approved a number of amendments to the proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment on solar technologies in Fayette County.

During the August 19, 2025 Work Session, the Council voted to allow rooftop and integrated solar energy systems in all zones.

Small scale ground mounted (up to 2,500 sq. ft): Allowed in residential zones with a conditional use permit and allowed in business/industrial and agricultural zones as an accessory use.

Intermediate-scale ground mounted (up to 5 acres): Allowed in business zones, but would require a conditional use permit in agricultural zones.

Large-scale solar (over 5 acres): Allowed in business/industrial zones. Not permitted in agricultural zones at this time.

While they did not vote to allow large-scale solar arrays in agricultural zones, Council did include guidance in the ordinance so the Kentucky Public Service Commission can reference local priorities if a utility company proposes such a project at the state level (utility companies are not required to follow local land use rules). The ordinance specifies that large-scale solar in agricultural zones should be limited to no more than 1% of the county’s total acreage, installations should maintain at least 85% vegetative ground cover, and a land management plan must be submitted to the local government.

A new work group will continue studying solar technologies in agricultural zones and report back with recommendations.

The Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment is scheduled to receive its first reading at the August 28, 2025 Council Meeting and its second reading during the September 11, 2025, Council Meeting.

View the meeting and Council discussion on LexTV!

Please share your thoughts about solar technologies in Fayette County by commenting in the forum below, contacting Council offices directly, and/or joining us for public comment during an in-person Council meeting.