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Baldwin County Commission approves referendum on zoning after community opposition to proposed 2,000-acre solar project
Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:06pm
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Residents of the unincorporated community of Stockton, Alabama have gathered enough signatures to force a referendum on zoning, driven by opposition to a proposed $350 million, 2,000-acre solar farm project by Nashville-based Silicon Ranch. The Baldwin County Commission has approved the zoning referendum, which will likely take place on June 30, as the Alabama Legislature also considers a moratorium on new solar developments in the region.
The Stockton zoning vote represents a rare instance of an unincorporated Alabama community seeking to exert more local control over land use decisions, in response to concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale solar projects. The outcome could set a precedent for how counties in Alabama balance property rights with community interests when it comes to renewable energy development.
After learning of Silicon Ranch’s plans for a massive solar farm near Stockton, residents quickly gathered over 170 signatures – far exceeding the 124 required – to petition for a zoning referendum. The Baldwin County Commission has now certified the referendum, which will likely take place on June 30. Meanwhile, the Alabama Legislature is considering a bill that could impose a one-year moratorium on new solar farm developments, primarily targeting Baldwin and Mobile counties. The county has also rescinded a previous contract with an engineering firm over concerns about ties to the solar industry.
The owner of the Stagecoach Café in Stockton, who has overheard community discussions about the proposed solar farm.
A Baldwin County Commissioner who represents the rural northern areas of the county, including Stockton.
A representative of the citizens group opposed to the solar farm project, citing concerns about runoff and damage to nearby wildlife habitats.
The Baldwin County Engineer, who says the county will rely on standard protocols and oversight from state and federal environmental agencies for any solar farm applications.
A Nashville-based company proposing to build a $350 million, 2,000-acre solar farm near Stockton.
“It will be mixed. There are those who say, ‘no zoning. Someone will be telling us what to do with our land.’”
— Joyce Overstreet, Owner, Stagecoach Café
“It’s a citizen driven process. The citizens of that community came together and did what they had to do to get the zoning in the referendum.”
— Jeb Ball, Baldwin County Commissioner
“That is a huge relief.”
— Meagan Fowler, Citizens group representative
“There were rumors that there may be ties to solar industry. However, with a firm that large, they do have knowledge of large-scale solar projects which is why we wanted to bring someone on with that experience. But we don’t need them right now. We have not received an application.”
— Frank Lundy, Baldwin County Engineer
“I want the people who are listening to be careful what you ask for. Once it gets zoned, it’s a double edge sword.”
— Matt McKenzie, Baldwin County Commissioner
The Alabama Senate has approved a bill that could impose a one-year moratorium on new solar farm developments, primarily targeting Baldwin and Mobile counties. The bill now moves to the Alabama House for further consideration before the end of the legislative session.
The Stockton zoning referendum highlights the growing tension between renewable energy development and local community concerns in Alabama, where property rights are strongly protected. The outcome could set an important precedent for how counties balance these competing interests going forward.
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