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Edgecombe County

Edgecombe County

FIPS CODE

37065

STATE

North Carolina

WEBSITE

https://www.edgecombecountync.gov/

ZONING ORDINANCE

Edgecombe County

Ordinance Source URL(s)

Applicable Technologies

Technology Definition

Solar Energy Conversion, Level 3: A system consisting of solar panels, modules, and related equipment that collects solar radiation and converts it into electricity for use on site and in other sites. Level 3 solar energy conversion uses are industrial-scale principal uses devoted to collecting solar energy scale for conversion to electricity, and subsequent use in another location. Level 3 solar energy conversion uses are located on lots or sites of 10 acres or more in area.

Ordinance Source URL(s)

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/edgecombecountync/Departments/Planning,%20Inspections%20&%20E-911/UDO/Edgecombe%20County%20UDO%2011-3-25(v2).pdf?t=202511261651430&t=202511261651430

Setbacks

Must be set back at least 100 feet of residence except security fencing. Front, side, and rear setbacks differentiated by zoning district set for Level 3 solar energy conversion equipment; minimum front setback of 30 feet, side setback of 15 feet, and rear setback of 25 feet.

Screening

N/A

Fencing

Green chain link fence.

Buffer

Type C opaque buffer required regardless of district. Vegetative buffer must be a double row of evergreen shrubs at least 30 inches high at time of planting and minimum height of 8 feet within 3 years. Closest row must be no more than 6 feet from fence and distance between rows must be 4 feet or less.

Height Restrictions

25 feet.

Visual Restrictions

N/A

Noise Restrictions

N/A

Decommissioning Plan

Should include conditions on which decommissioning will be initiated, removal of all non-utility owned equipment, restoration of property to prior condition, timeframe for completion, description of any agreement with landowner, identification of party currently responsible, plans for updating. Prior to final electrical inspection, the applicant or landowner will provide evidence that the decommissioning plan is recorded with the Register of Deeds.

Decommissioning Requirements

Solar is considered abandoned if it ceases to produce energy for 12 months unless the current responsible party provides substantial evidence of intent to maintain and reinstate operation of the facility; must be removed within 120 days of notice.

Decommissioning Financial Assurance

Prior to issuance of a building permit, the landowner will provide a performance guarantee in favor of Edgecombe County in an amount equal to the estimated removal cost of the solar collectors, cabling, electrical components, and any other associated facilities, less the salvage value of the equipment, unless the salvage value can be shown to exceed the estimated removal cost.

Planning and Applications

Aviation notification required with special use permit application for Level 2 or Level 3 uses over half an acre in size; applicant must prepare an a glare analysis. Level 3 solar permitted with a special use permit in zones AR-30, R-30, R-20, R-10, OI, B-1, B-2, M-1, and M-2; allowed if included in a planned development terms and conditions document.

Moratorium

Yes

Moratorium Expiration

August 31, 2026

Community Engagement

N/A

Date of Last Revision

November 3, 2025

Date of Last Verification

February 23, 2026

Summary

Edgecombe County, NC, permits level 3 solar energy development with a special use permit in all districts and if included in a planned development terms and conditions document. Solar facilities must maintain a minimum setback of 100 feet from residences (excluding security fencing), with other setbacks measured from the parcel line determined by zoning district. A green chain link fence is required, along with a vegetative buffer made up of a double row of evergreen shrubs no more than 4 feet apart, with a minimum 30 inches at planting and 8 feet tall within three years, with the closest row no more than 6 feet from the fence. Height is limited to 25 feet. Decommissioning plans must outline conditions for removal, site restoration, responsible parties, and updating protocols. A performance guarantee for an amount equal to the cost to remove the facility less the salvage value is required. Facilities inactive for 12 months are deemed abandoned and must be decommissioned within 120 days of notice. The county currently has a moratorium on solar development from November 2024 through August 2026. As of February 2026, Edgecombe County, NC is in the process of developing a new solar ordinance and has drafted new language.