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Abbeville County

Abbeville County

FIPS CODE

45001

STATE

South Carolina

WEBSITE

https://abbevillecountysc.com/

ZONING ORDINANCE

Abbeville County

Ordinance Source URL(s)

Applicable Technologies

Solar

Technology Definition

Solar Farm: at least three ground-mounted solar collectors placed on a parcel for the purpose of generating PV power for resale

Ordinance Source URL(s)

https://library.municode.com/sc/abbeville_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=APXAZO_CH3GEPR_3.23SOFA

Setbacks

50 ft from roadways, side and rear property lines and 100 ft from adjacent residential property

Screening

When adjoining residential property, collectors must be screened as not to be seen from adjacent property line. Method must be approved by Zoning Admin

Fencing

6 ft chain link fence with 3 strands of barbed wire must be provided around the panels and any associated buildings/equipment

Buffer

A vegetative landscape buffer must be provided between the fence and property line.

Height Restrictions

20 ft

Visual Restrictions

Panels must be located and situated to prevent offensive glare that may pose a safety hazard to traffic ore residences.

Noise Restrictions

N/A

Decommissioning Plan

Anticipated life of farm, estimated decommissioning cost, method for ensuring decommissioning funds will be available, and manner in which decommissioning and restoration will happen

Decommissioning Requirements

Occurs after a continuous 6 months of no electricity generation. Permit holder will have six months to decommission, includes removal of panels, buildings, cabling, electrical components, and other associated facilities

Decommissioning Financial Assurance

Performance guarantee (surety or performance bond, certified check, or irrevocable letter of credit) in the amount of 125% of estimated decommissioning cost, minus salvage value of equipment on the site *must be updated yearly

Planning and Applications

May require approval by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator if located in certain zones.

Moratorium

No

Moratorium Expiration

N/A

Community Engagement

N/A

Date of Last Revision

May 13, 2024

Date of Last Verification

August 20, 2025

Summary

Abbeville County, SC regulates solar farms as facilities with at least three ground-mounted solar collectors generating power for resale. Setbacks include 50 feet from roads and property lines, and 100 feet from adjacent residential properties. A 6-foot chain-link fence with barbed wire and a vegetative buffer are required. Screening is mandatory to block visibility from nearby residences. Glare mitigation is required for safety. A decommissioning plan with financial assurance at 125% of estimated costs (minus salvage value) must be submitted and updated annually. Decommissioning must begin after 6 months of inactivity. Approval may be required depending on zoning.