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Barnwell County

Barnwell County

FIPS CODE

45011

STATE

South Carolina

ZONING ORDINANCE

Barnwell County

Ordinance Source URL(s)

Applicable Technologies

Solar

Technology Definition

Solar projects: > 1 MW, ground mounted solar collectors (minimum of 3) placed in an area for the purpose of generating PV power for resale

Setbacks

50 ft from roadways and 100 ft from abbutting residential properties

Screening

N/A

Fencing

Access to the site must be controlled by a fence of at least 6 ft in height

Buffer

The vegetative buffer must be 36" - 48" in eight at planing and must reach a height of 10' within 3 years of planting, vegetation must be planted at a spacing interval between 8' - 10' on center

Height Restrictions

20 ft

Visual Restrictions

Panels are to be located and situated so glare is not offensive to traffic or residences

Noise Restrictions

N/A

Decommissioning Plan

Include anticipated life of farm, estimated decommissioning costs, methods for ensuring funds, and manner of decommissioning and restoration

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

N/A

Moratorium

No

Moratorium Expiration

N/A

Community Engagement

N/A

Date of Last Revision

N/A

Date of Last Verification

August 20, 2025

Summary

Barnwell County, SC, regulates solar projects over 1 MW that involve at least three ground-mounted solar collectors for photovoltaic power resale. These projects must maintain a minimum setback of 50 feet from roadways and 100 feet from adjacent residential properties. Access to the site must be secured by a fence at least 6 feet high. A vegetative buffer is required, with plants 36 to 48 inches tall at planting, spaced 8 to 10 feet apart, and reaching 10 feet in height within three years. Panels must be positioned to prevent offensive glare affecting traffic or residences. The county requires an anticipated lifespan and decommissioning plan that includes estimated costs, funding methods, and restoration procedures. Decommissioning must occur after six continuous months of no electricity generation, with a six-month timeframe to remove all infrastructure. A performance guarantee equal to 125% of the estimated decommissioning cost (minus salvage value) is required and must be updated annually. No additional special use permits or public hearings are specified.