Huntingburg Denies Appeal in Solar Project Dispute

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A proposed commercial solar project near Huntingburg, Indiana cannot move forward after the city's zoning board unanimously denied an appeal from the developer, Crossvine Solar One, LLC. The board upheld the city's determination that the development plan had expired under local rules requiring permits and construction to begin within two years of approval.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the challenges renewable energy developers can face when navigating local zoning and permitting processes, especially in areas where there may be resistance to large-scale commercial solar projects. It also underscores the importance of developers meeting all regulatory deadlines to maintain project approvals.

The details

The Huntingburg Board of Zoning Appeals voted to deny Crossvine Solar One's appeal after the city's Planning and Zoning Administrator ruled in December 2025 that the company had failed to obtain required permits and begin construction by the August 2025 deadline set in the original 2023 approval. Crossvine argued it had spent over $75 million on off-site manufacturing and procurement of solar equipment, but the board sided with the city's position that the ordinance requires on-site construction activity to meet the deadline.

• The Huntingburg commercial solar project was originally approved in August 2023.
• The city's development rules required the company to obtain permits and begin construction within two years, by August 2025.
• In December 2025, the city's Planning and Zoning Administrator ruled the development plan had expired due to lack of on-site construction activity.
• This week, the Huntingburg Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to deny Crossvine Solar One's appeal of the expired development plan.

What’s next

The decision by the Huntingburg Board of Zoning Appeals can be appealed to circuit court within 30 days.