Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 2/19/2026
Item Status: Addendum
From: Frank Lundy, P.E., County Engineer
Jay Dickson, Planning Director
Submitted by: Brenda Brock, Planning Technician
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Consultant Services - Engineering Services for Utility-scale Solar Energy Facility Permitting Review & Support Services
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
As it relates to the Planning & Zoning Department consultant services, take the following actions:
Approve the Scope of Service for engineering services with Jacobs Engineering to review a utility-scale photovoltaic solar energy facility (Facility) planned to be located near Stockton, in north Baldwin County. The 260-megawatt (MW) Facility is slated to be constructed on a 4,500-acre site north of Interstate 65 and east of Highway 59.
The purpose of this project is to review permitting documentation and confirm that the proposed Facility meets the County’s current Land Disturbance Ordinance for Flood Areas or Territories with Probable Exposure to Flooding in Unincorporated Baldwin County, and Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) requirements for road access. Jacobs Engineering will support County staff in the permitting review process, augmenting the County Planning & Zoning and Engineering staff as needed and providing guidance to consider the impact of potential hydrology and environmental impacts on the surrounding watershed.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Alabama Public Service Commission recently approved the proposed Silicon Ranch Utility Scale Solar Farm Facility to be located on approximately 4,500 acres near Interstate 65 and State Highway 59 in the Stockton community. The proposed Facility site is located within unzoned Planning Districts 2 and 3. To date, there are no applications submitted to the Baldwin County Planning & Zoning or Building Departments for this Facility.
In 2021, the Baldwin County Commission adopted the Land Disturbance Ordinance for Flood Prone Areas or Territories. This ordinance applies to all unincorporated areas of Baldwin County. The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate land disturbance and development with probable exposure to flooding, pursuant to Alabama Code 11-19-4 by land use provisions designed to control the filling, grading, dredging, and similar land disturbance activities which may increase flood damage or erosion. The proposed Facility will be required to comply with the Land Disturbance Ordinance and obtain a Flood Area Land Disturbance Permit to provide stormwater management and erosion control measures that meet or exceed County standards.
For large and complex projects, such as the proposed Facility, it is common for the Baldwin County Planning & Zoning Department to contract with an outside engineering firm to provide a third party review for permit compliance and quality assurance. Staff recommends Jacob’s Engineering provide the third party review for the proposed Facility.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $54,340.00
Budget line item(s) to be used: 10052730 - 51500
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents? N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: N/A
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Planning and Zoning staff to bring the original Scope of Service to meeting. Send correspondence to:
Jacobs Engineering
25 West Cedar Street, Suite 350
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Additional instructions/notes: N/A