The county says the post concerns what the county can and cannot legally do under current law.
) - The Baldwin County Commission has posted statements on its Facebook page regarding the proposed solar project in the Stockton area.We understand the concerns being raised by the community. We are listening, and we are committed to being clear and transparent about what the County can and cannot legally do under current law.
Under Alabama state law, the Baldwin County Commission does not have the authority to regulate land use on private property located in unincorporated, un-zoned areas of the County. However, the County does require a land disturbance permit for all properties, including those in un-zoned areas, when wetlands are present or when there is probable exposure to flooding. This permitting process is used to regulate filling, grading, dredging, and other land-disturbing activities that could increase flood damage or erosion.If an application is submitted, it will be thoroughly reviewed by County staff to ensure full compliance with:• All applicable County building codesNo construction on the project may begin unless and until all Federal, State, and County permit requirements have been satisfied. Baldwin County’s Flood Protection Ordinance applies countywide, including in un-zoned areas. This ordinance requires land disturbance permits and stormwater management plans for projects involving wetlands or flood-prone areas. If a permit application is submitted for the proposed solar project, the project would be required to:• Provide appropriate wetland protection and buffering • Install an approved stormwater management system to prevent wetland impacts and off-site stormwater impacts• Satisfy all Federal and State permitting requirements prior to County approval These requirements are enforced by County staff to mitigate environmental and drainage impacts, regardless of zoning status.We understand the concerns being expressed about the proposed solar project in the Stockton area, and we appreciate residents taking the time to share their perspectives. This proposed solar project is not a Baldwin County Commission project and is not being developed, approved, or managed by the County Commission. The project is being pursued by the private company, Meta Platforms, on private property. The property in question is in an unincorporated and un-zoned area of Baldwin County. The Commission has very limited authority over the use of private property in these areas. As a result:• The County does not select the site or dictate land use in un-zoned areas. While the County has heard and shares some community concerns, those concerns do not translate into regulatory authority under current Alabama law or County structure. Residents seeking detailed project information, timelines, or operational information should contact Meta Platforms or the project developer directly, as they are the appropriate entity to address those questions.
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