BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) – The Baldwin County Commission has posted statements on its Facebook page regarding the proposed solar project in the Stockton area.
Here are the statements.
***Update from the Baldwin County Commission 02/06/26***
We understand the concerns being raised by the community. We are listening, and we are committed to being clear and transparent about what the County can and cannot legally do under current law.
Under Alabama state law, the Baldwin County Commission does not have the authority to regulate land use on private property located in unincorporated, un-zoned areas of the County.
However, the County does require a land disturbance permit (as authorized under Alabama law) for all properties, including those in un-zoned areas, when wetlands are present or when there is probable exposure to flooding. This permitting process is used to regulate filling, grading, dredging, and other land-disturbing activities that could increase flood damage or erosion.
At this time, Baldwin County has not received any permit applications related to this project.
If an application is submitted, it will be thoroughly reviewed by County staff to ensure full compliance with:
• The Baldwin County Flood Protection Ordinance
• Traffic impact requirements
• All applicable County building codes
• All required Federal and State permits
No construction on the project may begin unless and until all Federal, State, and County permit requirements have been satisfied.
Baldwin County’s Flood Protection Ordinance applies countywide, including in un-zoned areas. This ordinance requires land disturbance permits and stormwater management plans for projects involving wetlands or flood-prone areas.
If a permit application is submitted for the proposed solar project, the project would be required to:
• Comply fully with the County’s Flood Protection Ordinance
• Provide appropriate wetland protection and buffering
• Install an approved stormwater management system to prevent wetland impacts and off-site stormwater impacts
• Provide perimeter buffering around wetland areas
• Satisfy all Federal and State permitting requirements prior to County approval
These requirements are enforced by County staff to mitigate environmental and drainage impacts, regardless of zoning status.
We will provide any updates as more information becomes available.
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Posted 02/04/26:
We understand the concerns being expressed about the proposed solar project in the Stockton area, and we appreciate residents taking the time to share their perspectives.
This proposed solar project is not a Baldwin County Commission project and is not being developed, approved, or managed by the County Commission. The project is being pursued by the private company, Meta Platforms, on private property.
The property in question is in an unincorporated and un-zoned area of Baldwin County. The Commission has very limited authority over the use of private property in these areas. As a result:
• The County does not have legal authority to approve or deny this type of private development.
• The County does not select the site or dictate land use in un-zoned areas.
While the County has heard and shares some community concerns, those concerns do not translate into regulatory authority under current Alabama law or County structure. Residents seeking detailed project information, timelines, or operational information should contact Meta Platforms or the project developer directly, as they are the appropriate entity to address those questions.
Copyright 2026 WALA. All rights reserved.

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