By Tabitha Evans Moore | EDITOR & PUBLISHER

LYNCHBURG — In a heavily attended Metro Planning Commission Meeting on Tuesday members spent most of Monday night walking a tightrope between resident concerns and state regulations as it discussed the Silicon Ranch Solar Farm Project currently being built along Highway 55.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents brought up topic ranging from debris burning, muddy roadways, and construction-entrance safety.

Members also fielded a Main Street food-truck dispute tied to Historic District guidelines before wrapping up with a slate of rezonings and routine business.

“Lot’s of eye on it.”

In response to the public input, county-retained environmental consultant Tony Grow of Grow Environmental Solutions told commissioners he and his team inspect the solar site about three days a week and log their findings in a real-time monitoring system. He also stated that he’s in constant contact with the Silicon Ranch team sand that they are very responsive to inquiries.

The 1,800-acre project currently includes roughly 480 to 490 acres of clearing and 74 stormwater outfalls. TDEC’s Columbia field office is scheduled to conduct a full inspection next week, and because Hurricane Creek qualifies as an Exceptional Tennessee Water, EPA Region 4 is also monitoring potential impacts, he explained.

After residents complained about heavy smoke, Grow said contractors have shifted to smaller, controlled burns. Commission Chair Dexter Golden explained that no state burn permit is currently required because the seasonal permit period does not begin until October 15. Once that window opens, any burn will require a permit and enforcement will follow if necessary.

“We can’t create a new rule mid-game,” Golden said, emphasizing that the county must stay within the law.

Grow also reported that silt fencing was initially behind schedule but has been corrected. The project has now moved into installing stormwater basins, seeding disturbed areas, and preparing for panel installation.

Residents also raised repeated concerns about mud and rocks being tracked onto Cumberland Springs Road and about limited sight distances at construction entrances. Grow said the contractor has a street sweeper on site and pledged to press for regular use and slower truck speeds during his weekly safety briefings.

When asked what direct benefit the project brought to Moore County, Golden added that the direct benefits to Moore County will mostly come later, in the form of property tax revenue once the site is operational, since all generated power feeds into the TVA grid. When asked, he also confirmed that a detailed decommissioning plan is already in place should the project cease operations, requiring site assessments and remediation to return the land to its original condition.

Golden also reiterated that contracts with Silicon Ranch require the developer to repair any county road damage caused by construction traffic.

“We take every call seriously — while staying inside the law,” Golden explained to the crowd.

Commissioners reaffirmed that Grow will continue monitoring the solar farm through completion and that TDEC inspectors will be on site next week.

“There are lots of eyes on it,” Grow told the crowd.

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Recommendations are advisory only

The evening’s second major topic centered on a Main Street hot-dog trailer that sparked complaints after its tongue was cut off, leading some to argue it had become a permanent structure sitting too close to a fence line.

Golden noted that Moore County has no ordinance specifically regulating food trucks on private property; such operations are monitored by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Leanne Durm, a family member of the food-truck owner told the commission the tongue had been removed only because it crossed a zero-lot-line after a property split and could be reattached at any time.

The trailer still has wheels and remains movable, she said. Members of the Historic Zoning Commission were in attendance and explained that the trailer’s placement and an accompanying privacy fence do not comply with their district guidelines but stressed that their recommendations are advisory only.

Golden encouraged everyone involved to work together on a solution that respects both property rights and the district’s historic character, noting that county setbacks apply only to permanent structures, and a wheeled trailer without skirting does not clearly meet that definition.

Other Business

• The Commission recommended a rezoning request along Preston Ridge Road to the Metro Council for Ryan and Leah Dickert.

• They also referred a minor division for Tim Holt for Dalton Holt along Bull Run Road to the Metro Council.

• The Retreat at Whiskey Creek, formerly Spencer RV Campground, developer Rance Frye sought to return the front portion of the property to commercial zoning for laundry and event use while maintaining R-3 residential zoning behind it. Commissioners informed Frye that the property was formerly Agricultural and not Commercial prior to the tiny home community’s R-3 rezoning. They also raised concerns about commercial access over a residential covered bridge, required parking counts, and paved access standards. Staff will provide Frye with a written list of corrections before resubmittal.

• The Commission approved the combination of lots along Hiles Street for Tri-Star GP Tennessee Partnership, the parent company of Company Distilling.

• They also referred a request from Jeremy Shireman to place a mobile home on a 0.93-acre parcel to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance due to the lot’s sub-one-acre size.

• Members discussed the idea of lowering or waiving building-permit fees for churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The matter will move to the Metro Council with input from the County Attorney to ensure compliance with state law.

• Golden also reminded the Commission and applicants that agenda items must be submitted at least 10 working days before each meeting, with late items deferred to the following month.

The November meeting will take place on Monday, November 3 instead of the regular Tuesday because election day will take place on their regular meeting day of Tuesday, November 4. That final decision is pending. The Times will release the date of the next meeting as soon as it’s confirmed. •