McCracken County, KY Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Zoning code § 150.040 splits solar energy systems into two tiers. Level 1 covers roof-mounted systems and ground-mounted systems under one-half acre that power structures on the same parcel; § 150.040(C)(2) permits Level 1 systems in all zones as accessory structures. Level 2 covers ground-mounted systems of one-half acre or more built to sell power to a utility; § 150.040(C)(1) makes Level 2 a conditional use in the AG zone only, prohibited in RR, UR, C, ML, and MH, and requires the proposal to agree with the county's adopted future land use plan for agricultural areas or the Board of Adjustment must reject it.

Setbacks under § 150.040(D) require Level 1 ground-mounted panels to stay out of front and side yards and at least 50 feet from any principal structure on an adjoining property in rear yards; Level 2 systems must sit 150 feet from all exterior property lines and 500 feet from any residential structure. Level 2 projects need a security fence at least seven feet tall, evergreen screening, a decommissioning plan updated every five years by a licensed engineer, and a performance bond covering 110% of decommissioning cost payable to the Fiscal Court (§ 150.040(F), (J)). Site plan review fees run $10 per acre on top of the conditional use application fee (§ 150.040(K)).