Knox Commissioners to Review Solar Feedback

Public comment reflects balance between landowner rights and neighbor protections.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Knox County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday to review public feedback received during a special Sunday session on proposed changes to the county's solar ordinance. The weekend meeting allowed residents to voice their perspectives on issues like setbacks, property values, and financial safeguards for solar projects.

Why it matters

The commissioners are tasked with finding a balance between supporting solar development, which can provide economic benefits, and addressing concerns from nearby homeowners about potential impacts on their properties. Their decision on the solar ordinance revisions will shape the future of renewable energy projects in the county.

The details

At the public meeting, supporters of solar development argued the projects would bring long-term tax revenue, construction jobs, and stable income for farmers. They said a 300-foot residential setback recommended by the Area Plan Commission was a reasonable compromise. However, other speakers called for greater separation between solar facilities and homes, as well as stronger written protections in the ordinance to address issues like property values and road maintenance. The commissioners will now review the public input and determine if further revisions to the ordinance are needed before potentially taking final action.

  • The Knox County Commissioners will meet on Tuesday, March 4, 2026 to review the public feedback.
  • A special public session was held on Sunday, March 2, 2026 to gather input on the proposed solar ordinance changes.

The players

T.J. Brink

President of the Knox County Commissioners.

Brian Myers

A Harrison Township landowner who has a contract with a solar company and spoke in favor of the 300-foot residential setback recommendation.

Keith Doades

A Harrison Township resident who believes the current protections in the ordinance are inadequate and called for stronger standards.

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What they’re saying

“Despite strong evidence that a 250-foot setback is safe and reasonable, and that nothing has materially changed to require an ordinance adjustment, we are willing to concede that 300 feet is something we can live with to move the process forward. We support the Area Plan Commission's recommendation to change the residential setback to 300 feet.”

— Brian Myers, Harrison Township Landowner (vincennespbs.org)

“There is a reason the vast majority of counties in Indiana have much greater protections for their citizens than Knox County does. The current protections are inadequate. A 200-foot setback is an embarrassment, and the 300-foot setback recommended by the Area Plan Commission is almost embarrassing.”

— Keith Doades, Harrison Township Resident (vincennespbs.org)

What’s next

If the commissioners decide to make changes to the Area Plan Commission's recommendations, the county attorney will draft updated ordinance language. Any revisions would then return to the plan commission for review before coming back to the commissioners for possible final action.

The takeaway

The Knox County Commissioners are navigating a complex issue, balancing the potential economic benefits of solar development with the concerns of nearby homeowners. Their final decision on the solar ordinance revisions will have significant implications for the future of renewable energy projects in the county.