Council updates on solar farm litigation; administration introduces ordinance to regulate solar energy plants

At the June 3 meeting, the Bastrop City Council received an update on active litigation related to two solar energy projects. Council members said the court issued preliminary injunctions that bar the developers from performing work at the two contested sites until proper permits and zoning approvals are obtained.

Officials described a core problem in court testimony: developers had described initial activity to the building inspector as installing solar panels, but the projects’ scope and testimony showed proposals intended to operate as utility-scale solar energy plants — a use requiring different review, engineered plans and zoning permits. The building inspector testified that the applicants had not secured the necessary permits for either residential-style rooftop installations or an energy-plant operation.

Councilmembers said the injunctions prevent further site work. The administration also told the council it had asked the property owners to keep sites maintained under the city’s beautification code while the litigation proceeds.

Separately, the administration introduced ordinance 26-4287, titled "establishing solar farm administration requirements and standards," as a first reading. The ordinance was read by title and will be scheduled for further review and public discussion at a future meeting before any adoption vote.

Council members emphasized that any entity wanting to proceed will need to submit engineered plans, obtain the correct building permits and comply with zoning and environmental codes before on-site work can resume.