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Bladen County

Bladen County

FIPS CODE

37017

STATE

North Carolina

ZONING ORDINANCE

Bladen County

Ordinance Source URL(s)

Applicable Technologies

Solar

Technology Definition

Solar collection system: generates electricity from sunlight to a wholesale electricity market through a regional transmission organization and an interconnection with the local utility power grid and/or for direct distribution to a number of properties and consumers. Shall consist of a minimum of 3 individual photovoltaic modules.

Setbacks

Must conform to setbacks of the setbacks of the zoning districts in which they are located.

Screening

N/A

Fencing

Must be fenced in; no height requirement listed

Buffer

Evergreen buffer capable of reaching a height of 10 feet within 3 years of planting.

Height Restrictions

25 feet

Visual Restrictions

N/A

Noise Restrictions

N/A

Decommissioning Plan

Decommissioning plan must be submitted with permit application; must meet state provisions.

Decommissioning Requirements

Must be removed within 12 months of cessation of operation.

Decommissioning Financial Assurance

N/A

Planning and Applications

N/A

Moratorium

No

Moratorium Expiration

N/A

Community Engagement

N/A

Date of Last Revision

June 13, 2025

Date of Last Verification

August 21, 2025

Summary

Bladen County, NC, regulates solar energy facilities as solar collection systems designed to generate electricity for wholesale markets or direct distribution through utility interconnection. Systems must include at least three photovoltaic modules and conform to the zoning district setbacks in which they are located. Facilities must be fenced, although no specific fence height is required. A vegetative buffer of evergreen species capable of reaching 10 feet within three years must be installed. Max 25 ft height. A decommissioning plan is required as part of the permit application and must comply with state regulations. Facilities must be removed within 12 months of ceasing operations.