The Story County Board of Supervisors has made a change in county regulations that could make Story County a leader in solar energy production over the coming years.

The adopted regulations, which officially became effective Thursday, create a path to allow the construction of commercial solar farms in unincorporated Story County.

For several years, Story County has adopted regulations to address “non-commercial” solar projects for residential and commercial properties, outlining standards for building or roof-mounted and freestanding solar panels that serve a particular property.

The newly altered regulations allow for solar panel systems to be designed solely for direct distribution to the electrical grid, according to a press release. That makes it possible for the county to evaluate and act on commercial solar farms, just as the county has been on the forefront of other forms of green energy in the state, according to Rick Sanders, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.

“We are ahead of the game now with solar, just as we were with wind farms,” Sanders said in the press release.

Sanders said he believes the county will likely be held up as a model for other counties hoping to move in the same direction with solar farms.

“I fully expect that other jurisdictions in Iowa, and well as throughout the Midwest, will review our regulations and use them as they develop their own strategies,” Sanders said.

Sanders also noted that wind farms in Story County have had a similar effect in the region.

The C2C Plan is Story County’s comprehensive long-range plan, looking forward to 2036. The plan includes economic prosperity goals, such as adopting strategies that support and encourage a strong, vibrant economy, while also creating a balanced approach to environmental sustainability. The implementation of solar farm regulations is the first product to come forth towards achieving those goals, according to the press release.

To apply for the permits necessary to create commercial solar farms, follow the conditional use permit application process through the Story County Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment.